It's no secret, most of us would like to stay in our own home as we age. Yet, sometimes our loved ones just need a little extra help to remain comfortable at home. That's where Always Best Care can help....we are dedicated to exceeding expectations....always.
They say that your golden years are the best years of your life. For most older Americans, that's how it should be - a time to relax, reflect, and live life in a familiar place. After all, senior citizens in the U.S. have worked tirelessly to build a better economy, serve their communities, and raise families.
However, as seniors grow older, completing daily tasks like showering and enjoying activities such as visiting the historic Landmarks on Del Mar gets harder without someone by their side. Unfortunately, many older Americans aren't able to rely on their adult children for help. The reality in today's world is that family members do not have the skills or time to dedicate to caring for their parents. That's where Always Best Care Senior Services comes in.
Our in-home care services are for people who prefer to stay at home as they grow older but need ongoing care that family or friends cannot provide. More and more older adults prefer to live far away from long-term, institutionalized facilities and closer to the place where they feel most comfortable - their home. Home care in San Clemente, CA is a safe, effective way to give your loved ones the care they need when they need it the most.
Home Care Services
Service AreasSince 1996, Always Best Care has provided non-medical in-home care for seniors to help them maintain a healthy lifestyle as they get older. We are proud to have helped more than 25,000 seniors maintain higher levels of dignity and respect. We focus on providing seniors with the highest level of in-home care available so that they may live happily and independently.
Unlike some senior care companies, we genuinely want to be included in our clients' lives. We believe that personalized care is always the better option over a "one size fits all" approach. To make sure our senior clients receive the best care possible, we pair them with compassionate caregivers who understand their unique needs. That way, they may provide care accordingly without compromising their wellbeing.
The Always Best Care difference lies in life's little moments - where compassionate care and trustworthy experience come together to help seniors live a fruitful, healthy life. Whether you are an aging adult that can't quite keep up with life's daily tasks or the child of a senior who needs regular in-home services, Always Best Care is here to help.
Home is where the heart is. While that saying can sound a tad cliche, it is especially true for many seniors living in America. When given a choice, older adults most often prefer to grow older at home. An AARP study found that three out of four adults over the age of 50 want to stay in their homes and communities as they age.
When you begin to think about why, it makes sense. Home offers a sense of security, comfort, and familiarity.
The truth is, as we age, we begin to rely on others for help. When a family is too busy or lives too far away to fulfill this role, in-home senior care is often the best solution. Home care services allow seniors to enjoy personal independence while also receiving trustworthy assistance from a trained caregiver.
At Always Best Care, we offer a comprehensive range of home care services to help seniors stay healthy while they get the help they need to remain independent. As your senior loved one gets older, giving them the gift of senior care is one of the best ways to show your love, even if you live far away.
To give our senior clients the best care possible, we offer a full spectrum of in-home care services:
If your senior loved one has specific care needs, our personal care services are a great choice to consider. Personal care includes the standard caregiving duties associated with companion care and includes help with tasks such as dressing and grooming. Personal care can also help individuals with chronic conditions like diabetes.
Common personal care services include assistance with:
Sometimes, seniors need helpful reminders to maintain a high quality of life at home. If you or your senior has trouble with everyday tasks like cooking, our home helper services will be very beneficial.
Common home helper care services include assistance with:
Using this kind of care is a fantastic way to make life easier for you or your senior loved one. At Always Best Care, our talented caregivers often fill the role of a companion for seniors. That way, older adults can enjoy their favorite local activities, such as visiting Linda Lane Park with friends while also receiving the care they need daily or weekly.
Common companionship services include:
According to AARP, more than 53 million adults living in the U.S. provide care to someone over 50 years old. Unfortunately, these caregivers experience stress, exhaustion, and even depression. Our respite care services help family caregivers address urgent obligations, spend time with their children, and enjoy nearby activities. Perhaps more importantly, respite care gives family members time to recharge and regroup. Taking personal time to de-stress reduces the risk of caregiver burnout. So, if you've always wanted to eat at the local Nick's San Clemente or visit San Clemente Rock Monument, don't feel bad. Doing so is great for both you and your loved one.
At the end of the day, our goal is to become a valuable part of your senior's daily routine. That way, we may help give them the highest quality of life possible. We know that staying at home is important for your loved one, and we are here to help make sure that is possible.
If you have been on the fence about non-medical home care, there has never been a better time than now to give your senior the care, assistance, and companionship they deserve.
Always Best Care in-home services are for older adults who prefer to stay at home but need ongoing care that friends and family cannot provide. In-home care is a safe, effective way for seniors to age gracefully in a familiar place and live independent, non-institutionalized lives. The benefits of non-medical home care are numerous. Here are just a few reasons to consider senior care services from Always Best Care:
According to AARP, 9 out of 10 seniors prefer to age in place within the comfort of their own home. With in-home care, seniors have a way to stay at home, receive the care they need, and maintain a sense of independence, improving overall wellness.
If you or a member of your family have assumed the role of caregiver for your senior loved one, you know how stressful the job can be. Between caregiver burnout and constant worry, being a family caregiver is hard. In-home care relieves your burden and gives you peace of mind knowing that your older family member is in expert hands.
Unlike nursing homes, where the staff and residents rotate frequently, seniors can foster new friendships and build bonds with their caregiver. Seniors who socialize on a regular basis are often happier, which fosters positivity and leads to increased wellbeing.
No two seniors need the same kind of in-home care assistance. That is why each of our Care Plans is tailored to meet our client's individual needs. We offer plans that cover everything from light housekeeping to more involved duties like transportation to doctor's appointments. Our Care Coordinators will work closely with you to develop a personalized plan to ensure your senior's needs are exceeded.
Always Best Care offers a full array of care options for patients at all levels of health. With our trusted elderly care services, your loved one will receive the level of care necessary for them to enjoy the highest possible quality of life.
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While it's true that some seniors have complicated medical needs that prevent them from staying at home, aging in place is often the best arrangement for seniors and their families. With a trusted caregiver, seniors have the opportunity to live with a sense of dignity and do so as they see fit - something that is unavailable to many older people today.
In-home care makes it possible for millions of seniors to age in place every year. Rather than moving to a strange nursing home, seniors have the chance to stay at home where they feel the happiest and most comfortable.
How much does a senior's home truly mean to them?
A study published by the American Society on Aging found that more than half of seniors say their home's emotional value means more than how much their home is worth in monetary value. It stands to reason, then, that a senior's home is where they want to grow old.
With the help of elderly care in San Clemente, CA, seniors don't have to age in a sterilized care facility. Instead, they can age gracefully in the place they want to be most: their home. In contrast, seniors who move to a long-term care facility must adapt to new environments, new people, and new systems that the facility implements. At this stage in life, this kind of drastic change can be more harmful than helpful.
Institutional care facilities like nursing homes often put large groups of people together to live in one location. On any given day, dozens of staff members and caregivers run in and out of these facilities. Being around so many new people in a relatively small living environment can be dangerous for a seniors' health and wellbeing. When you consider that thousands of seniors passed away in nursing homes during the COVID-19 pandemic, opting for in-home care is often a safer, healthier choice for seniors.
Aging in place has been shown to improve seniors' quality of life, which helps boost physical health and also helps insulate them from viral and bacterial risks found in elderly living facilities.
For many seniors, the ability to live independently with assistance from a caregiver is a priceless option. With in-home care, seniors experience a higher level of independence and freedom - much more so than in other settings like a nursing home. When a senior has the chance to age in place, they get to live life on their own terms, inside the house that they helped make into a home. More independence means more control over their personal lives, too, which leads to increased levels of fulfillment, happiness, and personal gratification. Over time, these positive feelings can manifest into a healthier, longer life.
More independence, a healthier life, and increased comfort are only a few benefits of aging in place. You have to take into consideration the role of cost and convenience. Simply put, it's usually easier and more affordable to help seniors age in place than it is to move them into an institutional care facility. According to the US Department of Housing and Urban Development, seniors who age in the comfort of their homes can save thousands of dollars per month.
In-home care services from Always Best Care, for instance, are often less expensive than long-term solutions, which can cost upwards of six figures per year. To make matters worse, many residential care facilities are reluctant to accept long-term care insurance and other types of payment assistance.
With Always Best Care's home care services, seniors and their families have a greater level of control over their care plans. In-home care gives seniors the chance to form a bond with a trusted caregiver and also receive unmatched care that is catered to their needs. In long-term care facilities, seniors and their loved ones have much less control over their care plan and have less of a say in who provides their care.
In-home care is a valuable resource that empowers seniors to age in place on their own terms. However, a big concern for many families and their loved ones is how much in-home care costs. If you're worried that in-home care is too expensive, you may be pleasantly surprised to learn that it is one of the most affordable senior care arrangements available.
Typically, hiring an Always Best Care in-home caregiver for a few hours a week is more affordable than sending your loved one to a long-term care facility. This is true even for seniors with more complex care needs.
At Always Best Care, we will work closely with you and your family to develop a Care Plan that not only meets your care needs, but your budget requirements, too. Once we discover the level of care that you or your senior need, we develop an in-home care plan that you can afford.
In addition to our flexible care options, families should also consider the following resources to help offset potential home care costs:
When you or your senior loved one needs assistance managing daily tasks at home, finding a qualified caregiver can be challenging. It takes a special kind of person to provide reliable care for your senior loved one. However, a caregiver's role involves more than meal preparation and medication reminders. Many seniors rely on their caregivers for companionship, too.
Our companion care services give seniors the chance to socialize in a safe environment and engage in activities at home. These important efforts boost morale and provide much-needed relief from repetitive daily routines. A one-on-one, engaging conversation can sharpen seniors' minds and give them something in which to be excited.
At Always Best Care, we only hire care providers that we would trust to care for our own loved ones. Our senior caregivers in San Clemente, CA understand how important it is to listen and communicate with their seniors. A seemingly small interaction, like a short hug goodbye, can make a major difference in a senior's day. Instead of battling against feelings of isolation, seniors begin to look forward to seeing their caregiver each week.
Understanding the nuances of senior care is just one of the reasons why our care providers are so great at their job.
Unlike some senior care companies, our caregivers must undergo extensive training before they work for Always Best Care. In addition, our caregivers receive ongoing training throughout the year. This training ensures that their standard of care matches up to the high standards we've come to expect. During this training, they will brush up on their communication skills, safety awareness, and symptom spotting. That way, your loved one receives the highest level of non-medical home care from day one.
While it's true that many seniors prefer to age at home, sometimes in-home care isn't the best fit. For those seniors and their families, choosing an assisted living facility makes more sense. Unfortunately, finding the optimal care facility is easier said than done in today's day and age. That's when Always Best Care's assisted living referral services begin to make a lot of sense.
Assisted living is a form of housing intended for seniors who require varying degrees of medical and personal attention. Accommodations may include single rooms, apartments, or shared living arrangements. Assisted living communities are typically designed to resemble a home-like environment and are physically constructed to encourage the independence of residents.
At assisted living communities, seniors receive help with daily activities such as bathing, dressing, and eating. They may also benefit from coordination of services with outside healthcare providers, and monitoring of resident activities to ensure their health, safety, and well-being. Caregivers who work at assisted living communities can also provide medication administration and personal care services for older adults.
Other services offered within assisted living communities can include some or all of the following:
At Always Best Care, our representatives can match your senior's emotional, physical, and financial needs with viable assisted living communities nearby. Results are based on comparative data, so you can select the best choice for you or your loved one.
Always Best Care works closely with local senior living communities to gain valuable knowledge that we then use to help seniors and their loved ones make informed decisions. This information can include basic care and rent, resident availability, and services provided. Because Always Best Care is compensated by these communities, we provide senior living referral services at no extra cost to you.
Some of the most popular assisted living communities to consider in our area include the following:
For many seniors, moving into a senior living community revolves around how and when they want to make a transition to more involved care. Some seniors are more proactive about transitioning to independent living. Others choose to remain home until their care needs or other requirements are satisfied. Remember - our staff is here to help. Contact our office today to learn more about assisted living communities and how we can find a facility that exceeds your expectations.
The first step in getting quality in-home care starts with a personal consultation with an experienced Always Best Care Care Coordinator. This initial consultation is crucial for our team to learn more about you or your elderly loved one to discover the level of care required. Topics of this consultation typically include:
A discussion of your needs and how our trained caregivers can offer assistance in the most effective way
A draft of your care plan, which includes highly detailed notes and a framework for the care that you or your senior will receive
Discuss payment options and help coordinate billing with your insurance provider
Our caregivers are trained to spot changes that clients exhibit, like mental and physical decline. As your trusted senior care company, we will constantly assess and update your Care Plan to meet any new emotional, intellectual, physical, and emotional needs.
If you have never considered in-home care before, we understand that you and your family may have concerns about your Care Plan and its Care Coordinator. To help give you peace of mind, know that every team member and caregiver must undergo comprehensive training before being assigned to a Care Plan.
At the end of the day, we only hire the best of the best at Always Best Care. Whether you need home care in San Clemente, CA 24-hours a day or only need a respite for a couple of hours, we are here to serve you.
When you're ready, we encourage you to contact your local Always Best Care representative to set up a Care Consultation. Our Care Coordinators would be happy to meet with you in person to get to know you better, discuss your needs, and help put together a personalized Care Plan specific to your needs.
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....
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 addi...
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 ke...
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.
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 .
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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 ...
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 ...
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.
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