North Beach Residents Launch Community Group

San Clemente is full of organizations representing different neighborhoods and interests such as the Downtown Business Association or the Las Palmas neighborhood council -- even the Los Molinos Business District merchants powwow together from time to time.

Now a few residents in North Beach are starting an organization to plan neighborhood events and give the area a voice at the city level.

Don Slater, who has recently spent time lobbying for a dog beach and more dog access to parks in San Clemente, is one of the four aiming to build the group.

"We want to lift up the vibe... so businesses can start doing better and everyone can have some community pride," Slater said.

The nascent group is planning to kick off their work with some complimentary activities at the North Beach Metrolink platform at 7:45 p.m. Dec. 8 when the annual OCTA Toy Express train stops in San Clemente. Slater said plans are still up in the air, but kids selling baked goods to support Courtney's SandCastle will be there, as will some food, hot cocoa, carolers and some other booths.

Other ideas that have been kicked around include some kind of weekday farmers market.

"We try to bounce ideas off each other and find out things to do to improve the neighborhood," he said.

Slater also said the association could be a good agent for lobbying San Clemente City Council for grant money or other resources for the neighborhood.

Others involved in the group include Rey Harju, Gene Gilbert and Dave Gutierrez.

For more information or to join, email info@northbeachcommunityassociation.org

(See the attached PDF for more information about the Holiday Toy Express.)