Remote Surveillance Trailer in San Clemente, CA

Sand is being shipped from a quarry in Palm Springs to San Clemente’s North Beach, a test case to see how the desert grains hold up at the shore.

The Orange County Transportation Authority’s initial deposit will be 3,400 cubic yards of sand hauled to North Beach as part of efforts to protect the coastal rail line that has been damaged in recent years by landslides and ocean erosion — a small amount compared to the 250,000 cubic yards it hopes to place down on the north stretch of the beach town in the long run.

For now, because of U.S. Army Corps of Engineers restrictions on placing sand below the mean high tide line, that’s all that can be brought in, said Fifth District Supervisor and OCTA board member Katrina Foley.

“It’s making it difficult for us to solve the problem of expanding the beaches, because of that rule,” she said.

The estimated $900,000 replenishment project kicked off Friday, Sept. 5, and will continue over the next week with about 300 trucks unloading the sand onto the beach.

OCTA gained approval earlier this year to use a mix of sand and rock boulders to protect its rail line on the north end of town, which has suffered several shutdowns of service in recent years.

The plan is to deposit about 540,000 cubic yards of sand on the north and south ends of town, along with rock boulders, between the tracks and the ocean, and build catchment walls on the inland side near Mariposa Beach.

About 250,000 cubic yards of sand and 7,400 tons of boulders for the north end of the beach town have earned approval, while plans for 2,100 tons of boulders, an “engineered revetment” with 33,000 tons of material, and about 300,000 cubic yards of sand are still pending environmental review.

Finding the easiest and most cost-efficient way to bring in sand is no easy task. An Army Corps of Engineers project that delivered sand from Surfside in Huntington Beach cost millions of dollars more than expected due to the distance.

Also, waiting for available dredgers to pull sand from ocean sources could delay placement for years.

The city is exploring closer offshore sand sources, and also recently tested gray sand from British Columbia to see how the grains meshed near the lifeguard headquarters.

Foley said the most feasible solution may be making use of sand built up in the Prado Dam, which needs to be dredged by the Army Corps of Engineers. About a year ago, North Beach was seeded with about 37,000 cubic yards of sand from the Santa Ana River, with truckloads hauling the material in and spreading it out.

The idea is to dredge out 100,000 cubic yards of sand and place it on county land nearby, where it can be cleaned, sorted and picked up by trucks to haul to San Clemente.

If the initial project is successful, another 150,000 cubic yards can be scooped out, fulfilling a chunk of OCTA’s obligations for sand nourishment.

That project, however, is still in the permitting process. Dredging of the site is only allowed in October and November and the county has yet to receive approvals from the Army Corps of Engineers to use an easement road to remove the sand.

“If we don’t get it approved, literally within weeks, we miss the window,” Foley said.

The idea is to have it set up to be done annually, she added.

“We need to approach the coastline like we do road repair,” she said. “We have to maintain the beaches, replenish the sand. And we have to develop an ongoing maintenance plan.”

Since 2021, emergency response to landslides and erosion damage to this coastal section of the 351-mile Los Angeles-San Diego-San Luis Obispo, or LOSSAN, Corridor has cost taxpayers more than $40 million to restore service.

The OCTA’s full project price tag is about $310 million, the funding already secured from state and federal sources.

Study is also underway by the OCTA on a longer-term look at addressing rail needs in the next 30 years, while the state is leading exploration of future solutions that could include relocating the rail line.

Work will also begin later this month by OCTA to build a new 1,400-foot-long reinforcement wall on the inland side of the Mariposa Bridge, allowing for a beach path to be built to reconnect the city’s popular coastal bike and pedestrian path that was damaged along with the train tracks.

There will be no beach closures, OCTA officials said, though workers may direct beachgoers via flags around some areas.

Big news for food hall fans: The upcoming Miramar Food Hall in San Clemente, slated to open this fall, has revealed 13 of 17 food and drink vendors that will be part of its launch.

Set inside the historic Miramar Theatre, a building that dates back to 1938 and once served as a movie theater and bowling alley, the food hall’s inaugural tenants will feature eateries with roots in Southern California. Some of its culinary names include San Diego County’s Cosmos Burger, Ricebunn and Immersion Coffee Co.

Other notable additions include Hen Haus, a new concept from Thyda Sieng, the founder of Long Beach’s now-shuttered Fire Bird Nashville Hot Chicken. Making its first venture outside of its home state will be Seattle native Moto Pizza, which specializes in Detroit-style pizza with characteristically lacy, cheesy crust. (Not to be confused with San Diego-based Mr. Moto Pizza, which, coincidentally, is poised to open in Costa Mesa later this year.)

“For us, having local vendors was really important to us,” said Jim Krieger, Tiger Hospitality’s Chief Operating Officer, in a phone interview. “People that are part of the community and part of Southern California. It’s great for both the guests and the businesses.” He added that being in a historic building presented some challenges, as the goal was to “live up to the remodel while representing the historic value” of the property.

The current roster is listed below:

● Cosmos Burger: Burger joint known for its Spicy Jam Burger and Monkey Fries, with established locations in Oceanside and Carlsbad.

● El Puerto Street Tacos: Mexican street tacos, burritos and quesadillas, with two locations in Carlsbad.

● Graciously Thai: Billed as a home-style Thai food eatery, with a location in Temecula.

● Hen Haus: A brand new female- and family-owned concept from Thyda Sieng of Long Beach’s Fire Bird Nashville Hot Chicken, which closed in 2021.

● Immersion Coffee Co.: A coffee pitstop, formerly Manivela Coffee Truck, with locations in San Diego’s Little Italy and La Jolla neighborhoods.

● It’s Allll Rice: The first brick-and-mortar location for this fried rice concept.

● La Vida: Featuring such healthy fare as salads, sandwiches, wraps, toasts and smoothies, with a location in Carlsbad.

● Lobster Lab: Carlsbad lobster roll spot that includes a lobster grilled cheese dish. Let’s hope they bring their lobster bisque and tuna melt to San Clemente.

● Moto Pizza: The first out-of-state outpost for the acclaimed Seattle-based pizza chain known for its unique pizza that reportedly combines Detroit, New York and Roman pie styles with Filipino influences. In 2023, Eater Seattle (RIP) reported how “impossible” the prized pizza was to order due to its popularity.

● Ricebunn: This Irvine spot is billed as a fresh take on Japanese onigiri, the handmade rice balls.

● RolledUp Sushi: Sushi rolls, burritos and bowls, with a location in Carlsbad,

● Sidelines Sandwiches: Sandwich spot that started out as a pop-up at Del Mar’s Surf Sports Park.

● The Pita: From the husband-wife duo behind San Clemente’s Rocket Fizz, this Middle Eastern concept will offer shawarmas, gyros, pitas, hummus and more.

In addition to food vendors, the Miramar Food Hall will feature two bars. Two final two food tenants are expected to be announced at a later date.

The Miramar Theater and former bowling alley were purchased in 2020 by developers Tiger Hospitality, the team behind the Windmill Food Hall in San Diego. In a 2021 report by Laylan Connelly in the Orange County Register, “since the early ’90s, it’s been empty, sitting stagnant and falling apart, its insides charred from a fire in 2005.”

Tiger Hospitality, Krieger pointed out, will also open a food hall in San Diego’s Little Italy later this or early next year.

The Pints & Pistons Classic Car Meet is rolling into San Clemente for 2025!

Happening in Orange County’s coastal city of San Clemente at Judge Brewery, this recurring meet blends beach-town energy with SoCal car culture. Expect a lineup of classic cars, muscle cars, lowriders, hot rods, and custom builds, each parked up against palm trees and the brewery’s laid-back setting. It’s the kind of event where polished chrome and patina rides share space, creating a showcase of automotive variety that keeps enthusiasts coming back.

Hosted by Judge Brewery, the gathering takes place every 2nd and 4th Saturday each month. Alongside the vehicles, the brewery’s craft beer selection anchors the day, with food available to keep the meet relaxed and social. While there are no high-pressure contests or raffles, the format is simple and authentic, cars, beer, and community in one place.

Attendees can expect a family-friendly atmosphere with plenty of photo opportunities, casual conversation among owners, and a rotating mix of vehicles that make each Saturday feel unique. Whether you’re into resto-mods, vintage daily drivers, or show-ready muscle, there’s always something new to check out. The patio and taproom add a comfortable backdrop, making it just as easy to hang with friends as it is to walk the rows and talk shop with fellow enthusiasts.

So grab your crew, roll in, and make a Saturday out of it, classic cars, good food, and cold beer in San Clemente, happening twice a month.

Pints And Pistons Classic Car Meet – San Clemente, California

Dates: Every 2nd and 4th Saturday Location: Judge Brewery, 924 Calle Negocio, Suite C, San Clemente, CA 92673 Starts: 11:00 AM Ends: 3:00 PM Admission: Free Vehicle Registration: Free

*Please note: iDriveSoCal does not host this event. So if you’d like to learn more about the event please contact Pints And Pistons Classic Car Meet organizers HERE . And that includes more specific details about attending, displaying your vehicle, and becoming a vendor or sponsor.

For more of the best Southern California automotive events click HERE .

Ever wonder how cars and coffee events got started? Check out this podcast on !

Have an event that you think we should post? Contact us .

Never miss another cool SoCal Car Show! Sign-up for our newsletter .

Upcoming Dates

Residents filled San Clemente’s City Hall last week, many dressed in white shirts and carrying signs reading “Show us the photos” and “Safety first,” responding to a call from San Clemente Green to press city leaders on the dangers of nuclear waste stored at San Onofre Nuclear Generating Station (SONGS).

The effort was spearheaded by Gary Headrick, founder and community leader of San Clemente Green, who has long organized residents around nuclear safety. Ahead of the Aug. 19 City Council meeting, Headrick issued a public call-to-action urging supporters to show up in force, framing the issue as an urgent matter of public safety.

“Amid all the talk about expanding nuclear energy, the unresolved problem of nuclear waste is being ignored,” he wrote. “Whether you support nuclear power or not, this lethal and deteriorating waste demands action.”

His message instructed residents to arrive early, sit in the front rows and demonstrate unity through their presence and attire.

“A big turnout will set the stage for more public clout at major events and meetings leading up to a big announcement on September 30th,” Headrick told supporters. He also encouraged small recurring donations to sustain the group’s efforts, describing San Clemente Green as “stretched thin” but determined to “be a force to be reckoned with.”

During the council meeting, speakers raised concerns about visible corrosion and gouging on canister No. 72, a steel container holding nuclear waste at the decommissioned San Onofre Nuclear Generating Station. They argued that Edison’s presentation of the canister downplayed the damage and that the utility has blocked public access to inspection photos by labeling them confidential.

Residents also pointed to recent coverage in the Orange County Register, Surfer Magazine, and the San Clemente Times as evidence that the issue is gaining broader attention.

Speakers emphasized the risks of storing nuclear waste in thin-walled, temporary canisters — half an inch thick compared with the 10-to-20-inch casks used internationally — and warned that once the canisters begin to crack, they may become immovable. “This is not a distant threat. It’s here now,” one resident said.

Others described how canisters were originally designed for short-term use and transport only, with a seven-year lifespan, making them unfit for long-term storage along the coast. They warned that once compromised, the containers could become immovable, trapping nuclear waste in place next to the ocean.

Additional comments stressed that ionizing radiation poses risks far beyond San Clemente, with no insurance coverage for homes or businesses in the event of a release. Residents argued that thin-walled canisters used in the U.S. are less safe than the thick casks adopted internationally, which feature stronger walls, replaceable seals and full inspection capability.

Councilmember Victor Cabral acknowledged the concerns during his report, calling San Onofre “probably one of the largest risks we face.” Cabral, who serves as vice chair of the SONGS Community Engagement Panel, announced that a dedicated forum will be held on Oct. 16 at 5:30 p.m. in San Clemente to address the canisters directly. He noted that while debate exists over whether the containers are degrading, “Our main objective is to get the canisters moved out of San Clemente.”

The public comments highlighted what residents described as a “race against time” to prevent potential disaster. While the City Council did not take formal action at the meeting, the turnout demonstrated a growing grassroots push for accountability and long-term solutions.

As Headrick emphasized in his organizing message: “Together, we can demand accountability and protect our community — and perhaps even change the course of history.”

The Sixty-Ninth Annual San Clemente Fiesta took place on August 11th, 2024. The event was an end of summer street festival with Avenida Del Mar blocked off for food, vendors, and a stage with a pretty decent line up.

First up was 3LH, a four piece garage and surf rock band from Long Beach and Garden Grove. This band had a pretty lively set. Melding the riffs of the Ventures with the steady driving beat of Link Wray, kind of reminded me of early Dead Kennedys’ songs in the vein of “Too Drunk To Fuck” and “Police Truck.” Yet, their set went other directions with their song “Shadow” that has kind of a Strokes vibe to it and a Beatles like song with very un-Beatles lyrics called, “Don’t Wanna Hold Your Hand.” 3LH was an unexpected surprise I will be seeking out to see again soon.

The next band keeping with the surf sound, albeit less riffy than 3LH, was the Tijuana Panthers from Long Beach, Ca. This three piece band was a little poppier. The three members, Daniel Michicoff (bass), Chad Pachtel (guitar), and Phil Shaheen (drums) shared vocal duties, belting out songs like “Summer Fun” and “Creature,” which uses 1950s and 1960s horror tropes as an analogy for the angst and awkwardness of being young. They saved their more aggressive songs like “Torpedo” and “Slacker” for the end of their set. The Tijuana Panthers remind of a surfy, but serious version of the Dead Milkmen with almost Buzzcocks-like lyrics.The band powered through a solid set, despite some technical difficulties at the beginning.

More people started to gather at the stage before 1990’s ska band, Buck-O-Nine, had started. They had the set of the day, playing songs that spanned most of their career including, “Calling in Sick,” “Records Store,” and “Pain Inside.” They also played their 1990s radio hit, “My Town,” and some pretty fun covers of Musical Youth’s “Pass the Dutchie,” Joe Jackson’s “I’m the Man,” and Operation Ivy’s “Sounds System.” The crowd went crazy for these and the band did each of the songs justice. I didn’t expect them to be nearly as fun as they were or to have that much energy. The only disappointment was they didn’t play, “Irish Drinking Song,” but given that this was billed as a family event, it was expected.

Headlining the event was the Long Beach Dub Allstars. This was my third time seeing them and they just didn’t click with me. While a good portion of the band were architects of what Sublime and Skunk records built, their songs sound bland to me. Lead singer Opie Ortiz is a great artist whose contributions of album covers and murals throughout Long Beach is unmatched. Miguel Happoldt did a fantastic job collaborating and producing Sublime’s 40 oz. to Freedom and Robbin’ the Hood. Throwing in the keys of Roger Rivas makes this a murderer’s row of talent. It just doesn’t work for me. That being said, I will always stop and give them some of my time because of the caliber of talent. More power to them for still being able to draw a crowd.

Breakdown and set up was pretty fast and each band played about forty minutes, starting promptly on the hour. It’s been a minute since I came home from a show with a sunburn. Nevertheless, this was a fun and good sized street fair taking up about a couple city blocks and three other smaller stages I didn’t even have a chance to get to. This is a free event put on by the city that I look forward to attending again in the future.