San Clemente committee backs proposal for surf/skate/music Walk of Fame, forms subcommittee

A proposal to create a San Clemente Surf, Skate, Art and Music Hall of Fame — described by the applicant as a combined walk- or plaques-style recognition across surfing, skating, art and music venues — won support from members of a San Clemente arts advisory committee, which voted to form a subcommittee to help shepherd the project.

The committee heard an oral report from Samantha Wiley, Director of Beaches, Parks and Recreation, who summarized the applicant’s request and said staff can provide guidance on use of city-owned public rights of way but does not have resources to run the project. Wiley told the committee: "This is not a priority at the staff level. The city doesn't have the time to commit to this kind of project. I think it's a great project, but it would need a very much stand alone, committee or board of directors that's really managing it." She added staff can advise on necessary approvals for use of sidewalks, the pier, Del Mar Street, the skate park and other city-owned spaces.

Why it matters: proponents said the recognition could draw visitors, highlight San Clemente’s cultural history and be timed with major upcoming events. Multiple speakers referenced the 2028 Olympics and the city’s centennial in the same year as opportunities to showcase local heritage. Committee members and public speakers discussed potential tourism, fundraising, and logistical issues that would affect implementation.

Discussion details and locations considered: supporters and the applicant discussed two primary approaches: plaques attached to the pier railing and a sidewalk- or paver-based “walk” along Del Mar Street or El Camino Real similar to a Hollywood walk-of-fame. Speakers also proposed other city-owned sites including North Beach, the beach trail linking Pico to T Street, the skate park, and the community center art gallery; private venues mentioned included the Miramar Theater and privately owned commercial properties that would require negotiation with owners. Participants noted both benefits and constraints:

- Visibility: multiple speakers said the pier and Del Mar Street offer high pedestrian traffic and synergy with existing attractions on the pier and Del Mar.

- Materials and durability: committee members raised concerns about exposure and corrosion for metal plaques on the pier and about maintaining plaques in high-weather locations.

- Duplication and overlap: several people noted existing displays — for example, the Shapers Walk of Fame (a locally known shapers/board-builders recognition) and exhibits at Vista Hermosa Aquatic Center — and urged coordination to avoid redundant honors.

- Alternative formats: participants suggested adding more contextual information than a name-only plaque — for example, short text, photos or QR links to apps that can carry videos and richer histories.

Staff guidance and limits: Wiley emphasized that private properties (Miramar Theater, commercial storefronts, food halls, etc.) would require the applicant to negotiate directly with owners. She said city-owned sidewalks, the pier, Del Mar Street, the skate park and the community center are within the city’s permitting purview and can be considered through public-right-of-way approvals.

Funding and timeline: no project budget was presented. Speakers suggested fundraising through sponsors, grants and contributions from local surf companies; the applicant said budget planning had not yet been done. Multiple participants expressed an interest in advancing the project before the 2028 Olympics; exact deadlines or council dates were not specified.

Committee action: a motion to form a subcommittee "to help manage the San Clemente Surfskate and Music Walk of Fame" was moved by a committee member and seconded by Shane (committee member). The committee approved the motion by voice vote. The committee discussed initial membership for the subcommittee and identified Josh, Shane and Nicholas as the first members to begin work, subject to later replacement if membership changes.

Next steps noted in the meeting: Wiley said staff can provide permitting guidance and approvals for use of city-owned public right-of-way, and that the project would ultimately require city council review if it proceeds. The committee agreed the new subcommittee can coordinate next steps such as outreach to private property owners, identifying funding sources, and preparing an application or permit package for any work in public spaces.

Ending: committee members and public commenters encouraged the applicant to assemble historians and community experts to vet nominations and to explore digital enhancements such as QR-code-linked content or museum-app integrations to enrich simple plaques. No formal budget, schedule, or council action was adopted at the meeting.