This issue marks our 30th year of publication. Which takes us back to the ‘90s, a fascinating time of change and growth for our community. It was an era when the ranches were expanding, doubling our population, and the landscape of San Clemente was evolving in ways we could only begin to imagine.

The internet was just emerging, rapidly transforming how we received our news. The writing on the wall said information was about to travel a lot faster than any printing press could keep up with. Our local paper was sold to the Register, and while we love the SC Times, it didn’t exist then.

At that time, I had been immersed in typesetting and graphics for 15 years. I had published the city’s Recreation Guides and the like. But I had an idea for something a little different. Like many great ideas, ours began with a small group, a ballpoint pen and a few cocktail napkins. Then we  gathered a group of previous clients, potential advertisers, and community leaders to share a vision, a larger periodical that would celebrate the essence of our town.

I had an image of the Life Magazine that used to sit on our own coffee table growing up.

What we created back then was not far from what we have today. We didn’t want reporters; we wanted writers. I believed that what would be lost in the rush of news was the heart of our community: the people, the businesses, the history, and the little stories that live behind every door in San Clemente.

I don’t take for granted, the fact that I make a living doing what I love, and loving where I’m doing it. And I don’t take the help that I’ve had along the way for granted either.

Especially in those early days. There were so many special people who gave their time and inspiration to what was a rapidly evolving product. Tina Wolfe, who brought invaluable experience to our team. Having just edited her college newspaper and a recent bride and mother who often worked with baby Bryson in tow. That baby clocked more mileage than an Uber driver as she went on interviews and edited stories. She lives in North Carolina now with her husband, Dale, but made it back to our recent celebration. Andy Fulton was a major influence. He was a creative trifecta. A talented writer, photographer, and idea man, he penned our guiding mantra: “Celebrating Life in San Clemente,” a phrase that still defines our purpose. Andy has retired to Oceanside surrounded by grandkids. Greg Niemann, known mostly from his Baja Beat stories, was there from the beginning. Greg had already published a couple of books, and has authored a story in all 126 issues. Greg has just published his 6th book.

By our second issue, we welcomed our current editor Anne Batty, who walked in our doors at her son’s urging in 1995 to write a story for us and never left. She has become the heart and soul of our publication for most of the last three decades. She has been a mentor, a coach, taskmaster and a guiding light.

I won’t forget Wendy Gatsios, our faithful typesetter who had to learn and re-learn how to do her job every six months because the graphic and publishing technologies were changing so rapidly.

I must thank my wife and partner, Shelly. She has shared this adventure with me, pushing, pulling, and often carrying me through some difficult times.

And to all the writers, photographers, advertisers, and readers; thank you for being part of this. Your support has made it possible for us to celebrate life in San Clemente for 30 wonderful years.

Here’s to celebrating you...