History of San Clemente, California in Timeline

By Popular Timelines Editorial Team · Updated: May 7, 2025

San Clemente is a coastal city in southern Orange County, California, with a population of approximately 64,000. Situated between Los Angeles and San Diego, it's a popular tourist destination renowned for its beaches and Spanish Colonial Revival architecture. Its slogan is 'Spanish Village by the Sea', reflecting its aesthetic and coastal charm.

1920: San Juan Township Population in 1920

In 1920, before San Clemente's incorporation, the area was part of unincorporated San Juan Township, which had a population of 1,064.

1925: Ole Hanson Purchases Land in 1925

In 1925, Ole Hanson, a former Seattle Mayor and land developer, purchased 2,000 acres of land with financial backing to design a new community, envisioning a Mediterranean-style coastal resort town he named "San Clemente by the Sea."

February 27, 1928: San Clemente Officially Incorporated

On February 27, 1928, San Clemente was officially incorporated as a city with a council-manager government, marking a significant step in its development.

June 1928: Fire Department Construction

In June 1928, San Clemente's first newspaper, El Heraldo de San Clemente, announced that a building to house the local fire department would be constructed with funds from public subscriptions.

1928: San Clemente Pier First Constructed

In 1928, the San Clemente Pier was initially constructed, marking the beginning of one of the city's most iconic landmarks.

1930: San Clemente Appears as a City in the U.S. Census

Following its incorporation in 1928, San Clemente appeared as a city in the 1930 U.S. Census.

1939: San Clemente Pier Rebuilt

In 1939, the San Clemente Pier was rebuilt.

1946: Clarence H. Lobo becomes chief

In 1946, Clarence H. Lobo becomes chief of the Acjachemen people.

1969: Nixon Buys "La Casa Pacifica"

In 1969, President Richard Nixon purchased part of the H. H. Cotton estate and named it "La Casa Pacifica", also known as the "Western White House."

1980: Nixon Sells "La Casa Pacifica"

In 1980, after his resignation, Richard Nixon sold "La Casa Pacifica" and moved to New York City.

1983: San Clemente Pier Rebuilt Again

In 1983, the San Clemente Pier was rebuilt again.

1985: End of Clarence H. Lobo's term as chief

In 1985, Clarence H. Lobo's term as chief of the Acjachemen people ended.

1994: Clarence Lobo Elementary School Opens

In 1994, Clarence Lobo Elementary School opened in San Clemente and became the first school in California to be named after an Indigenous leader, Clarence H. Lobo.

2000: Population of San Clemente in 2000

In 2000, the Federal census statistics reported San Clemente had a population of 49,936 with a population density of 2,833.4 inhabitants per square mile.

2005: Setting of the Film Brick

In 2005, San Clemente was the setting for the film Brick, chosen because of its closeness to director Rian Johnson's personal history.

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March 2010: Median Home Value

As of March 2010, the median home value in San Clemente was $605,500.

2010: Median Household Income in 2010

According to the 2010 United States census, San Clemente had a median household income of $87,184, with 7.9% of the population living below the federal poverty line.

2010: Population and Housing Units in 2010

As of the city's 2010 census, there were 68,763 people and 25,514 housing units in the city, with a high percentage of adults being high school graduates or higher.

2010: Annual Rainfall in 2010

In 2010, San Clemente had an annual rainfall of 10.5 inches (270 mm) and 310 days of sunshine, reflecting its Mediterranean climate.

2010: Miramar Theatre, Casino Building, and Ole Hanson Beach Club Renovations

In 2010, the Miramar Theatre, the Casino Building, and Ole Hanson Beach Club underwent renovations in the "North Beach" area.

2010: 2010 Census Data

In 2010, the United States census reported San Clemente had a population of 63,522 and a population density of 3,262.9 inhabitants per square mile.

2010: Orange County Became Majority-Minority

The city is one of six coastal cities in Orange County (San Clemente, Dana Point, Laguna Beach, Newport Beach, Huntington Beach, Seal Beach) all of which have non-Hispanic white majority populations despite belonging to a county that has been majority-minority since the 2010 census.

2016: Avenida La Pata Extension

After the extension of Avenida La Pata opened in 2016, some students have attended the neighboring San Juan Hills High School.

2016: Ole Hanson Beach Club Renovations

In 2016, Ole Hanson Beach Club underwent renovations in the "North Beach" area.

2016: Free Trolley Service Launched

In 2016, San Clemente introduced free trolley service for residents, funded by a grant from the Orange County Transportation Authority (OCTA).

2017: Median Household Income and Per Capita Income in 2017

As of 2017, the median household income in San Clemente was $101,843, and the per capita income for the city was $54,133.

February 10, 2019: Registered Voters in San Clemente

As of February 10, 2019, San Clemente had 40,105 registered voters, with a plurality registered as Republicans.

2019: Gene James Elected to City Council

In 2019, Gene James was elected to the City Council.

2020: 2020 Census Data

In 2020, the United States census reported San Clemente had a population of 64,293 with a racial makeup of 71.4% non-Hispanic white, 0.6% non-Hispanic African American, 3.9% non-Hispanic Asian, 5.0% non-Hispanic Multiracial and 18.2% Hispanic or Latino.

2020: San Clemente Population in 2020

In 2020, the census recorded San Clemente's population at 64,293, solidifying its status as a popular tourist destination in Southern California.

June 2021: Resolution for Second Amendment Freedom City

In June 2021, Gene James introduced a resolution to declare San Clemente a Second Amendment Freedom City.

2022: Largest Employers in San Clemente

According to the city's 2022 Comprehensive Annual Financial Report, the largest employers in the city were identified.

2022: "Sanctuary for Life" Resolution

In 2022, following the U.S. Supreme Court's decision in Dobbs v. Jackson Women's Health Organization, councilmember Steve Knoblock introduced a resolution to declare San Clemente a "sanctuary for life,", but the City Council voted to table the measure.