Community Corner
🌱 Patch AM: Why a $26,000 HOA bill is shaking one San Clemente community
You won't want to miss Del Mar/San Diego MEGA Reptile Expo - Sept. 12-13, 2026 on the San Clemente Patch calendar

Coffee in hand, San Clemente? We've got the latest town updates for you. Keep reading to stay in the loop. ☕️️
In today's newsletter:
- Why a $26,000 HOA bill is shaking one San Clemente community
- How new erosion shut San Clemente's vital coastal rail line again
Also on today's calendar: Del Mar/San Diego MEGA Reptile Expo - Sept. 12-13, 2026 and 9 more events.
Today's riddle: Why did the burglar wear blue gloves? 🤔 (Answer below!)
- Wednesday: Mostly sunny and hot, with a high of 92 and low of 71 degrees. 🌶 Hot!
- Thursday: Sunshine and humid, temps: high: 84, low: 70.
- Friday: Periods of clouds and sun, with a high of 80 and low of 68 degrees.
📰 News we're reading
• California condo owners challenge $26,000 HOA assessment; 81-year-old says 'I will have to move' (thecooldown.com) — San Clemente's Vilamoura condo owners are facing a surprise emergency HOA roof assessment of more than $26,000 per unit, leaving some—like an 81‑year‑old resident—fearing they'll have to move. Neighbors are exploring a board recall, legal claims, and fundraising while experts warn owners often must pay first and challenge charges later under California law.
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• Coastal erosion once again suspends trains between San Diego and rest of the nation (kansascity.com) — Rail service through San Clemente is shut down again as high tides and erosion damage the coastal tracks, cutting San Diego's only rail link to the rest of the country. Crews are adding rock and monitoring tides while officials study long-term options, including potentially moving up to seven miles of track inland along I‑5.
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📸 Around San Clemente
Show off your photography skills and the sights around town! Click here to submit your Photo of the Day to Patch AM!
🗓 Upcoming Events in San Clemente
Add your event to our calendar and newsletter!
★ Featured events ★
- Del Mar/San Diego MEGA Reptile Expo - Sept. 12-13, 2026 →
Del Mar Fairgrounds, 2260 Jimmy Durante Blvd, Del Mar
10:00 am - The Coast Vintage Market →
Laguna Hills Mall, Laguna Hills
9:00 am
Saturday September 12
Sunday September 13
Want to see your event featured? Click here!
Other local events
- September Sale! All Kids Clothes, Accessories, and Toys 1/2 Price! →
Coral Thrift Shop, 534 N. El Camino Real, San Clemente
12:00 pm - Coral Thrift Shop Children's Books Giveaway →
Coral Thrift Shop, 534 N El Camino Real, San Clemente
11:00 am - Q3 Membership Orientation + Networking
San Clemente Chamber of Commerce Outlets at San Clemente- VIP Lounge (above Customer Service) 101 W. Avenida Vista Hermosa San Clemente, CA 92672
12:00 pm - South OC Cars and Coffee – the biggest weekly car show in the US! →
The Outlets, 101 W Avenida Vista Hermosa, San Clemente
11:00 am - Handbell Ringing →
5:00 pm - Coral Thrift Shop's "Shop N Sip" Event →
Coral Thrift Shop, 534 N El Camino Real, San Clemente
4:30 pm - Saddle Up For Good →
27125 Calle Arroyo, 27125 Calle Arroyo, San Juan Capistrano
5:30 pm - San Clemente 30th Annual Car Show - 2026 →
San Clemente Downtown Business Association, c/o, 439 N El Camino Real, San Clemente
10:00 am - Barnoa Wine Company →
831 Via Suerte, San Clemente
8:00 pm - BeachFire Restaurant →
204 Avenida Del Mar, San Clemente
10:00 pm
Wednesday September 9
Thursday September 10
Friday September 11
Saturday September 12
Tuesday September 15
Wednesday September 16
Friday September 18
Sunday September 20
Monday September 28
Thursday October 1
📣 San Clemente Shout Outs!
Want to say something great about someone in town? Click here to submit your Shout Out to Patch AM! It's free!
Have we missed something on our calendar? Add an event yourself! As always, before attending confirm event details to ensure accuracy.
Thank you 👏👏👏 to these businesses for making San Clemente PatchAM possible:
- Adam Nelson, Realtor | First Team — (949) 866-0245
- Magic Pro Cleaning Solutions — (949) 842-0020
- Business Design Innovations — (949) 795-4721
Click here to show your appreciation! 💚
Want to see your business here? Click here to connect with local customers.
💬 Chatter
What your neighbors are talking about on social media
- This is going to be such a silly and niche ask… I rescued a 4 pound chihuahua who needs sweaters because she gets cold.
But even the smallest size doesn't fit her because she is so tiny. Does anyone know where I could bring a couple of these dog sweaters to be taken in… (Nextdoor Harbor View Estates) - Hello All,
Can anyone recommend a reliable & capable gardener for a home in The Coast subdivision? We would want weekly service Thank You (Nextdoor N El Camino)
- Sunrun posted a job opening for Retail Specialist in San Clemente. Apply here.
- Boys & Girls Clubs of America posted a job opening for Social Recreation Director in San Juan Capistrano. Apply here. You can search for other jobs near San Clemente here.
🗞 Nearby News
San Juan Capistrano
- Rail line closes due to big wave, high tide damage in south O.C. (ocregister.com)
- Residential vs. Outpatient Treatment for Teen Girls: California Experts Weigh In (middletownlifemagazine.com)
Dana Point
- Beachfront Homes Red-Tagged In Dana Point As Powerful Waves Pummel Coast (patch.com)
- Dana Point Library Read To A Dog Tuesday September 8 2026 (southocbeaches.com)
- Saturday Ohana Fest Tickets with Heather! (audacy.com)
Laguna Beach
- Photo Gallery: 'The Greatest Of All Time' Pageant Of The Masters Showcases Living Art (patch.com)
- Extreme Heat Warning Hits Laguna Beach After Rainy Labor Day Weekend (patch.com)
Ok San Clemente! So now you're in the loop about what's happening today. Thanks for reading, and see you in your inbox next time! Oh -- and if you like what you're reading, invite a friend to Patch AM!
-- The Patch AM Team
P.S. The answer to today's riddle: So he wouldn't get caught red handed. (Thank you Vicki B. for sending it in!)
Got a good riddle for PatchAM? Submit it here!
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