San Clemente Historical Society asks arts committee to help finish Del Mar murals, expand historic-plaques program

Katie Potts, president of the San Clemente Historical Society, told the Arts & Culture Committee that two society initiatives need committee collaboration: finishing the Landmarks on Del Mar tile-mural project and rolling out a historic-plaques designation program.

"My name is Katie Potts and I'm the president of the San Clemente Historical Society," Potts said, explaining the Landmarks on Del Mar program has produced 14 tile murals since 2009 and that the artist is completing the final work while the city will handle installation. She asked the committee to help coordinate a celebration and installation schedule and to advise on plaque placement and sponsorships.

Potts said the society has worked with the planning commission and the cultural heritage design-review group to approve the plaque program, and that about "12 to 15" plaques are already in place or sponsored. She said the society hopes to have plaques for 22 city landmarks by the time of the city's centennial and the upcoming Olympics and asked committee members to provide input or meet with a small group to refine logistics, including owner permissions when a property owner declines a plaque.

The committee discussed possible collaboration channels and directed Potts to coordinate through committee member Amanda Quintanilla. Chair and members noted the Historical Society and city archives (a donor of photographs mentioned during the meeting) could provide imagery and context for plaques and installations.

Potts requested the committee permit a short return presentation or a small-group meeting in a future session to finalize timing and installation responsibilities. The committee welcomed the collaboration and encouraged follow-up via Amanda Quintanilla.