By Kelly LeClair
“It was the best time I’ve had in our downtown,” a San Clemente mom who brought her kids to the San Clemente annual Classic Car Show said on June 10.
She spent the afternoon strolling down Avenida Del Mar, stopping for a bite at H.H. Cotton’s, shopping at Mikii’s On Del Mar and running into friends while trying on clothes in Em & Tess.
This comment reminded me of why we volunteer with the San Clemente Downtown Business Association. It’s not just about the cars; it’s about our community coming together to enjoy our town and support local businesses.
When I first joined the Downtown Business Association, I had no idea that this organization created so much joy for the entire area—downtown and beyond. The San Clemente Classic Car Show attracted more than 15,000 people downtown, and 275 gorgeous cars lined the streets.
Restaurants bustled with customers all day. Kids wore OC Fire hats while chatting with our local deputies and staring in awe at massive military vehicles. And the music? Singers from Community Outreach Alliance (COA) Music, Aubrie Reichert & Molly Bergman, and a local rock band, The Chancers, entertained the crowd at the main stage in Ola Vista Square.
Thank you to the CERT emergency volunteers, RSVP Sheriff’s volunteers, and the City of San Clemente for your partnership in making this annual event shine. A huge thank you to the outgoing director of the SCDBA, Julie Heinze, for working endless hours to make the car show come together. We can’t thank you enough.
We are excited to create events all year long for you, our neighbors. If you would like to continue this event and others (the Shamrock Run, Puttin’ on the Glitz, Halloween Treat Street, etc.), we always welcome new volunteers and businesses as partners.
Did you know that every DBA event requires sponsorships and day-of helpers? We can always use your help—just reach out to get involved. As our board members rotate every few years, we are also actively looking for additional San Clemente residents to join our leadership team. You can email us at info@scdba.org.
SC Village Art Faire:
The DBA also coordinates the monthly SC Village Art Faire. Come check out some new artists and vendors the first Saturday of the month. The next one is July 1 on the lawn of the SC library.
Remembering Sheila Geist Martin (1946–2023)
We are sad to learn of the passing of Sheila Martin, owner of Designs by Nature and valued longtime San Clemente Downtown Business Association member. Friends are invited to Sheila’s Celebration of Life gathering that her family is hosting on July 15 at 1:30 p.m. in the Fireside Room at the San Clemente Community Center.
Kelly LeClair sits on San Clemente Downtown Business Association’s governing board and is the owner of LeClair Real Estate at Pacific Sotheby’s.
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