Community Corner

🌱 Patch AM: Which San Clemente favorites disappeared from Orange County’s dining scene in 2025?

Be sure to catch Trabuco Hills High School Marching Unit Performing in the 2026 London News Years Day Parade on the San Clemente Patch…

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Good morning San Clemente! We're back again in your inbox, keeping you updated with what's happening in and around town. ☕️️

In today's newsletter:

  • Which San Clemente favorites disappeared from Orange County’s dining scene in 2025?
  • How did San Clemente’s Tritons turn their season momentum around?
  • Which powerful 2025 photos put San Clemente in the spotlight?

Also on today's calendar: Trabuco Hills High School Marching Unit Performing in the 2026 London News Years Day Parade.

Find out what's happening in San Clementefor free with the latest updates from Patch.

Today's riddle: Playing golf is bad for your brain. 🤔 (Answer below!)

Weather forecast:

Find out what's happening in San Clementefor free with the latest updates from Patch.

  • Thursday: Heavy rain and a thunderstorm, with a high of 66 and low of 57 degrees.
  • Friday: Cloudy with a shower in spots, temps: high: 68, low: 57.
  • Saturday: Cloudy, a shower in the p.m., with a high of 64 and low of 58 degrees.

📰 News we're reading

• The Orange County restaurant closures of 2025 that hit the hardest (ocregister.com) — Two notable San Clemente restaurants, Slapfish and acclaimed Mexican spot Gema, were among the Orange County eateries that closed in 2025, reflecting rising costs and tough leases. The story surveys beloved closures across the county, but highlights how even well-reviewed, locally loved spots in San Clemente couldn’t escape economic pressures and changing development plans.
   

• Basketball Recap: Warren Falls Despite Big Games from King Johnson and Kenneth Martinez (maxpreps.com) — San Clemente High’s Tritons notched a 54-43 win over Warren, improving their record to 8-9 behind a strong defensive effort. The team quickly stayed hot with a 74-47 victory over Compton on Dec. 29, while Warren dropped consecutive games despite standout scoring from King Johnson and Kenneth Martinez.
   

• Voice of OC Photos that Defined 2025 (voiceofoc.org) — San Clemente shows up in 2025’s defining Orange County photos, from young surfers chasing Olympic dreams at Trestles to residents debating proposed Border Patrol cameras along the local coast. The broader gallery highlights immigration crackdowns, protests, animal adoptions, and everyday civic life across the county, giving San Clemente readers context for regional tensions shaping their neighbors and coastline.
   

📸 Around San Clemente

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💬 Chatter

What your neighbors are talking about on social media

  • ❤️ Tucker❤️ this special boy is looking for his forever family!
    He’s friendly with everyone and every dog he meets! He has such a love for life! Being a tripod doesn’t slow him down one bit! To learn more visit… (Nextdoor Talega)
  • New year, new wish for Ginny!
    If your New Year’s resolution is to give back more, this is your chance! Ginny needs a foster, foster to adopt, or adopter ASAP! Saving the life of a… (Nextdoor S El Camino)
  • Target posted a job opening for 4am Inbound (Stocking) (T2730) in San Clemente. Apply here.
  • Adidas America, Inc. posted a job opening for P/T Retail Store Associate - San Clemente, 6179, San Clemente, CA in San Clemente. Apply here. You can search for other jobs near San Clemente here.

🗞 Nearby News

San Juan Capistrano

  • Irvine council changes mind, keeps lease for Household Hazardous Waste Collection Center (ocregister.com)

Dana Point

  • Cookie Cup Chaos: Disney Guests Debate the Value of a $250 Louis XIII Cookie Shot (parade.com)

Laguna Beach

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: I just heard a golfer say he had four strokes on the first hole!
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