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Applicant appeals denied jet‑ski permit; council asks staff and applicant to explore limited Ocean Fest pilot
Summary
A proposed three‑day jet‑ski competition north of the pier was denied by staff because of marine‑safety and site‑suitability concerns. The applicant asked the council for a path forward; council asked the applicant to work with staff to explore a smaller pilot (preferably as part of Ocean Fest), and suspended the appeal while staff and the applicant negotiate safety conditions.
City staff denied a special‑event permit for a proposed three‑day stand‑up jet‑ski competition north of the San Clemente Pier, citing marine‑safety risks, the beach’s heavy public use and the diversion of city public‑safety resources. Parks & Recreation Director Samantha Wy summarized staff’s concerns, saying the proposed operation “presents inherent risks that could not be adequately mitigated” because of changing beach topography, swells and currents and the proximity of swimmers and surfers.
The applicant, event promoter Dante Baruso, asked the council to allow a path forward rather than an outright bar. Baruso told the council he can reduce the footprint, shorten duration, shift dates off peak weekends and fund private safety and medical staffing if needed. He also proposed a staged approach: a reduced pilot or exhibition as part of the city’s Ocean Fest to let staff review operations and controls before any larger event is considered.
Council response: Members asked staff and the applicant to meet and explore a focused pilot rather than immediate approval for a broad Labor Day weekend event. Council suspended the appeal and directed staff to work with the applicant to design a limited, safety‑first exhibition (suggested venue: Ocean Fest or an off‑peak weekend) with detailed marine‑safety, participant and spectator controls. Staff recommendations stressed that any special event must preserve public beach access and rely on an approved marine safety plan.
