Mayor Chris Hamm presents bright outlook for city’s projects, programs
Story and photos by Allison Jarrell
Community leaders, business owners and government officials gathered to celebrate San Clemente’s annual State of the City luncheon on April 10, hosted by the San Clemente Chamber of Commerce at Bella Collina Towne & Golf Club.
The afternoon’s opening remarks were made by Senator Patricia Bates and San Diego Gas & Electric spokesman Duane Cave, who introduced the keynote speaker, Mayor Chris Hamm. Hamm’s State of the City address, complete with a PowerPoint and video presentation, covered updates on construction projects that are underway, as well as projects and community members who are positively influencing the city’s future.
Hamm’s speech, titled “Under Construction, Please Pardon Our Dust,” began with presentations on projects such as the recently-opened West Vista Hermosa Connection, Marblehead public trails, bicycle lanes, the San Clemente Coastal Trail Expansion, Courtney’s SandCastle Sensory Garden, the recycled water expansion project and the city’s non-functional turf removal and irrigation retrofit.
“Fortunately for us, we’re at a time where we’re seeing a lot of these projects come to fruition,” Hamm said.
The mayor also spoke about the city’s efforts to minimize the impacts of construction by developing a transportation management plan, partnering with the Orange County Transportation Authority and Caltrans, and encouraging alternative modes of transportation like biking and walking. San Clemente will also be looking to neighboring cities like San Juan Capistrano for advice regarding maintaining thriving businesses during construction.
After presenting San Clemente’s Green Campaign and an overview of the city’s financial report, Hamm ended his presentation with an update on Saddleback Memorial Hospital, including the city’s initial analysis of opening a new hospital if Saddleback were to close. Hamm said the city is contemplating options including rezoning city-owned land on Avenida La Pata from open space to commercial use. The mayor ended with a call to action, asking the community to join in collaboration and civic involvement and pride.
“If you’re not already, please get involved,” Hamm said. “This hospital is a truly important issue. Please, if you haven’t yet, reach out to the city, reach out to SOS (Save San Clemente Hospital Foundation), reach out to MemorialCare, and let’s work together to do everything we can to protect our citizens.”
To view the mayor’s PowerPoint and video presentations, visit www.san-clemente.org.
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