Specific Issues
Not only will San Clemente’s next mayor be decided in this upcoming election, but voters will also weigh in on Measure M, the San Clemente Natural Hazards Sales Tax Citizens Initiative. The measure would provide additional funding for beach sand replenishment, while also setting aside a portion of the revenue for fire prevention efforts.
I support the recommendations of both Save Our Beaches and Bring Back Our Beaches in advocating for greater investment in restoring San Clemente’s shoreline, which is why I support a “Yes” vote on Measure M. While I recognize that asking residents to approve any sales tax increase (even a relatively small one) is not an easy proposition, I believe this measure represents an important investment in protecting our beaches. Preserving our coastline not only safeguards one of San Clemente’s greatest natural assets, but also supports the recreation, tourism, and local economic activity that depend on healthy, accessible beaches.
Sand Replenishment
Local Economics and Commerce
While the city can’t dictate how private businesses operate, local government can help create an environment where businesses are more likely to open, invest, and succeed. As Mayor, I would work with city staff and the Planning Department to make permitting and business licensing as clear, efficient, and accessible as possible.
I would also support efforts to address commercial vacancies and attract new businesses that are a good fit for San Clemente. Thoughtful redevelopment, adaptive reuse, and appropriate rezoning of key properties can help strengthen our business districts, activate underused spaces, and create more opportunities for dining, retail, arts, and cultural events that serve both residents and visitors.
A.i. / Super intelligence
Speaking from lens as a content creator, multimedia designer and artist, I see the threats and uncertainty looming over our society, stemming from the rapid advances of A.I. While I have obviously used A.I. in significant aspects of my mayoral campaign, I’d like to emphasize that context and fluency are essential in harnessing this technology for creative applications. A.I. is a tool that is still in its infancy, so we have to be cognizant and cautious in disclosing its usage. Data-centers also pose an energy and water demand that we have to be ready to tackle.
We need safeguards for the technology to ensure job security and public safety. On a positive note though, if we are effectively able to manage A.I. on the local level, we can even find ways to create tech jobs in our community. A.I. is promising, we just need to know when and how to utilize its vast power.
San onofre nuclear generation station
The ongoing decommissioning of the San Onofre Nuclear Generating Station must continue with the highest standards of safety, transparency, and environmental stewardship, particularly given its location along our coastline and near sensitive marine ecosystems. As Mayor, I would advocate for strong coordination between Southern California Edison, the Nuclear Regulatory Commission, the Department of Energy, the U.S. Navy and Camp Pendleton, while ensuring San Clemente remains an active voice in decisions that affect our community. I would also support federal efforts to safely remove the spent nuclear fuel currently stored at San Onofre as soon as a responsible, permanent or consolidated storage solution becomes available.
Looking further ahead, as decommissioning is completed and portions of the property are returned to the U.S. Navy, I believe San Clemente should remain engaged in conversations about the site's future, prioritizing coastal protection, environmental restoration, public safety, and opportunities that could benefit the surrounding region.
SurveillAnce
San Clemente’s expansion of surveillance technology along our coastline deserves greater scrutiny. I have concerns about the City Council’s decision to allow a federally operated maritime surveillance system overlooking our coast, particularly when the city has limited control over how that technology may be used.
Public safety is important, but it should not come at the expense of transparency, accountability, and civil liberties. As Mayor, I would support greater oversight of this program and work with the appropriate agencies to ensure coastal safety without unnecessarily expanding surveillance of our community.
Parking
Parking limits, e-bike racks, and expanded trolley service are useful tools, but I do not think they will fully address Downtown's long-term parking needs. Avenida Del Mar needs additional parking capacity to accommodate both residents and the success of its businesses.
I believe the City should study construction of a parking structure, potentially by replacing an existing surface lot with a hybrid subterranean and two-story structure that could substantially increase parking on the same footprint. Extensive analysis would be needed to determine geological feasibility, cost, traffic impacts, and financing.
If such a project proved successful and financially viable, a second City lot on Cabrillo could potentially be considered in a later phase.
Wedding Bells and Bottom Lines
San Clemente is a popular wedding and special-event destination, drawing thousands of visitors each year and generating meaningful business for our hotels, restaurants, and local economy. At the same time, large events can place additional demands on city infrastructure, traffic management, and public safety services.
While hotel stays are currently subject to the city’s 10% Transient Occupancy Tax, standalone event venues are not part of that same revenue structure. I believe it is worth exploring a modest event or venue tax that captures more visitor spending and directs those revenues toward priorities such as local arts programs, public safety, or other city services—without broadly increasing taxes on San Clemente residents.
Any proposal should also be structured with residents in mind. If legally permissible, I would support an exemption or similar provision for San Clemente residents hosting events locally, so the policy remains focused primarily on capturing revenue generated by destination events and outside visitors.
Prima Desheca Landfill
With population growth and increased resource consumption, I understand the need to rethink how we manage waste. However, our local landfill, Prima Deshecha, is surrounded by valuable open space, and I’d hate to see more of that land lost to expansion, not to mention the potential impacts on nearby homes if waste-processing operations increase.
As a community, we’ll need to find environmentally responsible ways to handle growing waste demands while protecting the natural and recreational open spaces that make this area such a precious amenity.
Live Music and Venues
I want to continue pursuing the idea of a dedicated live-music venue or outdoor amphitheater in San Clemente. I previously served on the Arts & Culture Committee’s Amphitheater & Performing Arts Facility subcommittee, where we explored potential locations, funding options, and different venue concepts. Because the Committee is advisory, our role was largely limited to making recommendations to the City Council.
As Mayor, I would be in a stronger position to bring the idea before the Council, build support for a feasibility study, explore public-private funding opportunities, and work toward identifying a realistic site and path forward. A dedicated venue could give San Clemente a more permanent home for concerts, performing arts, and larger community events.