With the 2028 Los Angeles Olympic Games three years away, San Clemente officials are beginning to prepare for the city’s role as a host site for the surfing competitions at the world-renowned Lower Trestles.
During a City Council meeting on Tuesday, leaders discussed the potential formation of an Olympic committee to coordinate logistics, promote local economic opportunities, and manage host city responsibilities tied to the international event.
San Clemente and Anaheim are the two designated host cities in Orange County. Anaheim will host indoor volleyball at the Honda Center, while San Clemente’s coastline will serve as the venue for Olympic surfing.
An April 15 statement from LA28, the organizing committee for the Games, praised Lower Trestles as an iconic location, citing its reputation in the global surfing community and its cultural recognition in the Beach Boys’ 1963 hit, “Surfin’ U.S.A.”
According to a city staff report, the responsibilities of the proposed Olympic committee would include coordinating with agencies such as the Orange County Transportation Authority, Metrolink, LA28, and local law enforcement. The committee would also partner with the San Clemente Chamber of Commerce, area businesses, and media outlets to capitalize on economic opportunities. Additional duties may involve organizing Olympic-themed watch parties and medal ceremonies.
While council members expressed unanimous enthusiasm for the city’s Olympic role, they were divided over the structure of the committee. Councilmember Victor Cabral advocated for a single ad hoc committee composed of two councilmembers, citing efficiency and compliance with California’s open meeting laws.
“All of us will be involved in some way or another,” Cabral said. “Just having one committee is the right approach. The question for me is, who’s on that committee?”
Councilmember Mark Enmeier, however, proposed the creation of three subcommittees to broaden participation among councilmembers.
“This is a once-in-a-lifetime opportunity,” Enmeier said. “I would hate for any one of us to be sidelined with this process.”
Mayor Steve Knoblock supported appointing Cabral and a sitting mayor—who is elected for a two-year term—to serve on the committee through the duration of the Games. Despite Knoblock’s proposal, Cabral appeared reluctant to accept the appointment, given the interest expressed by other councilmembers.
“There’s just too many things for two council members to handle,” said Councilmember Zhen Wu, who noted that some members will be campaigning for reelection next year. Enmeier added that having two members on each subcommittee ensures consistent representation.
Councilmember Rick Loeffler, who served in a security role during the 1984 Los Angeles Olympics and received a medal for his efforts, was nominated by Cabral for the committee based on his prior experience. However, Loeffler recommended postponing any formal decisions until councilmembers have had time to consult with city staff. The council unanimously agreed to revisit the matter at a future meeting.
“This city is going to have an opportunity to shine,” Knoblock said. “We’re all going to have an opportunity to shine.”