From: Vol. 1, Issue 31, October 19-25, 2006



By Shelley Murphy

San Clemente Times



Ever wondered how our town’s landmarks got their names? So did we…



For most San Clementeans the name of their city has come to symbolize breezy summer days down by the pier and casual strolls through downtown restaurants and galleries, but for Ole Hanson San Clemente was the name that would describe his perfect vision of a “Spanish Village by the Sea.” Sure, this vision included all of those signature SC traits that residents have come to know and love, but it was also intended to encompass something more. For Hanson, the former Mayor of Seattle, San Clemente was a destination… a getaway…  a lifestyle even. It was a city filled with family-friendly atmosphere, plus a dash of glamour. And for the movie stars of the 1920s and 30s, who frequently fled the hustle-and-bustle of Los Angeles for leisurely weekend jaunts in South County, the city became just that. Now, some 80 years later, the city’s dramatic growth has paved the way for 10 schools, over 20 parks and more than 125 miles of streets. The “story” behind the name hasn’t changed, but a few new chapters have been added:



In 1928 Ole Hanson’s vision extended to the recreational facilities of his beloved city, inspiring the design of area parks. One such park was built in close proximity to San Clemente Grammar School, where it came to be known as Plaza Park for nearly 60 years. It was in 1985 that Plaza Park was renamed Max Berg Plaza Park in honor of the former City Clerk, Max Berg, who served the city for 30 years. Barry Berg says, “My dad was often credited with keeping the city on course.” Still going strong at the age of 81, Max Berg is by all accounts one of San Clemente’s most well-known and well-liked public figures. Named San Clemente’s first “Citizen of the Year” in 1964, he was also one of the first inductees to the City’s “Wall of Recognition” in 1995. “I always tell my dad that he’s an oxymoron—he’s an honest politician,” jokes Barry.



While several San Clemente parks are named for the streets they share, most are tributes to local heroes. Richard T. Steed Memorial Park was named for San Clemente’s only police officer to be killed in the line of duty. On November 29, 1978, Officer Steed was shot and killed as he responded to a call for medical aid; shot by the person he believed needed his assistance. In 1987, Police Chief Al Ehlow launched a crusade to name the softball complex in honor of Officer Steed, an appropriate tribute to a devoted softball player.



Baron Von Willard Memorial Day Playground & Dog Park was also named for a member of the police force—San Clemente’s first K9 police officer. Baron was a large black Alsatian German Shepherd, weighing in at 130 pounds. In 1982, Police Officer Jim Gularte teamed with Baron, training him to be a crimefighter. The two remained partners until Baron was forced to retire due to hip dysplasia in January 1988. Officer Gularte then bought the dog for one dollar and Baron became the Gularte family pet, living with them until he passed away the following year.



Some of the city’s first recreation programs were the result of forward-thinking residents like Arlie Waterman, who lived in San Clemente for 46 years and served as superintendent of the Parks and Recreation Department for 22 years. Waterman retired in 1979, having developed some of San Clemente’s first parks and created the blueprint for the Parks Commission that exists today. He is also credited as being one of the founders of the San Clemente Little League. One year after his passing, in 1994, it was voted unanimously by the City Council that the baseball field at Vista Bahia Park be named Waterman Field to honor both Waterman’s memory and important contributions.



San Clemente’s park names are inspired by the people that over the years have helped shape the city. Check back next week to learn stories behind some of the city’s most well-known schools and streets…