April 30, 2023
The Honorable Gavin Newsom
1021 O Street, Suite 9000
Sacramento, CA 95814
Dear Governor Newsom:
Thank you for proclaiming a state of emergency to support storm response and relief efforts in Orange County. We represent the residents in of San Clemente in South Orange County where historical landmark, 100-year-old Casa Romantica Cultural Center, is now facing a devastating landslide. We believe the slide is directly linked to the atmospheric river events the region experienced a few weeks ago. In the City of San Clemente, Casa Romantic’s building and approximately 24 condominium units have now been deemed uninhabitable by the Orange County Fire Authority.
In addition to the loss of residences, rail transit on the LOSSAN 351-mile corridor that travels through a six- county region in Southern California has now been halted indefinitely; it is the second busiest intercity passenger rail corridor in the United States and the busiest state supported Amtrak route. Metrolink, Coaster, and Burlington Northern Santa Fe also use portions of the corridor with both commuter and freight rail services. The rail corridor is also designated as part of the federal Strategic Rail Corridor Network, which consists of key railroad lines vital to national defense. This corridor is a critical alternative to car and truck travel on adjacent freeways.
The City of San Clemente has been hit hard by winter storms and coastal erosion; it is critical that this latest slide be considered part of the earlier declaration of the state of emergency. We want to ensure the City is eligible and authorized to work with officials in Orange County to request emergency funds to help with the devastating situation at Casa Romantica. Any additional assistance from the State is much needed.
We stand ready to continue to serve as advocates for the City of San Clemente with the State and local leaders, and we will work to ensure needed funds are directed as soon as possible.