San Clemente Homeless Town Hall Discussion Draws Crowd

SAN CLEMENTE, CA — Though San Clemente's regular session of city council was delayed May 7, two council members took it upon themselves to host a meeting about how the homeless crisis is affecting the city.

Due to "lack of quorum," Laura Ferguson and Mayor Pro Tem Dan Bane opened the council chambers to hundreds of area residents who voiced their concerns out of a "love for our town," Ferguson said over social media.

"We welcomed them into council chambers, and allowed over two-dozen people to speak without the customary 3-minute limitation," she said over social media. "The residents want more than just talk about the homeless shelter topic, they want to see action."

Several who spoke called for accountability and a timeline with a deadline and follow up by the City Manager and Assistant City Manager, she said.

Mayor Pro Tem Bane told all present that the City of San Clemente "will schedule a special City Council meeting for Monday, May 13 at 6 p.m. to discuss the temporary emergency homeless shelter," Ferguson said.

The special session will bring up the homeless shelter topic for discussion.

"We’ve asked for this to be placed on the public portion of the council agenda for weeks now," she said. "Combined, the city manager and assistant city manager make nearly $600,000 a year. They can get this task done."