Chris Duncan for State Assembly

In the Assembly, I’ll fight to put middle-class priorities first. For our families. For our future. For a change.

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"I served under Democrats and Republicans. Being a prosecutor is about public safety. Never politics"

In the Assembly, Chris Duncan will do what he's always done – focus on independent, common sense solutions that get real results on the issues that impact local families most.

<h3>Fighting for Our Community</h3>These are some of the top issues our campaign is focused on. Learn more about our issues <a href="/issues" target="" rel="noopener noreferrer nofollow">here</a>.

As a father of three, Chris knows that there is nothing more important than the safety of our communities and our families. He’ll fight to make sure our kids grow up in safe neighborhoods with real opportunity. As a mayor and retired federal prosecutor, Chris brought drug smugglers and human traffickers to justice and lowered crime in San Clemente. In the Assembly, Chris Duncan will deliver for us – tougher gun safety laws, fully fund the police, and close loopholes that let criminals walk free. Chris will make sure our law enforcement officers can get out of the business of mental health care and drug abuse management so they can direct their efforts towards enforcing the law.

As a father of three, Chris knows that there is nothing more important than the safety of our communities and our families. He’ll fight to make sure our kids grow up in safe neighborhoods with real opportunity. As a mayor and retired federal prosecutor, Chris brought drug smugglers and human traffickers to justice and lowered crime in San Clemente.

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Public Safety

Chris is a vocal champion for reproductive rights and will stand up for access to safe, legal abortions. After the end of Roe v Wade, state legislatures have become the frontlines for the battle for women's health. Chris knows that everyone must have the freedom to access reproductive health care services, and he stood up to the right-wing extremists in his city when they proposed a draconian abortion ban. That's why he's endorsed by Planned Parenthood and reproductive justice advocates across the district.

Chris is a vocal champion for reproductive rights and will stand up for access to safe, legal abortions. After the end of&nbsp;Roe v Wade, state legislatures have become the frontlines for the battle for women's health. Chris knows that everyone must have the freedom to access reproductive health care services, and he'll stand up to extremist efforts to restrict health choices. That's why he's endorsed by Planned Parenthood and reproductive justice advocates.

Women’s Right to Choose

Chris will make addressing our housing crisis and reducing homelessness a top priority. As mayor, he reduced homelessness by 23% and led efforts to expand the homeless outreach program. Chris also protected local control by passing a comprehensive Housing Plan that provides working and middle class families an opportunity to own a home. He'll work to pass legislation that provides access to more affordable housing and helps get homeless people off the streets and on the path to permanent housing.

Chris will make addressing our housing crisis and reducing homelessness a top priority. As mayor, he reduced homelessness by 23% and led efforts to expand the homeless outreach program. Chris also protected local control by passing a comprehensive Housing Plan that provides working and middle class families an opportunity to own a home.

Housing & Homelessness

Chris has led the way on bipartisan environmental initiatives as mayor, such as championing Community Choice Energy, reducing emissions, and fully funding wildfire prevention efforts on the County Fire Authority. He’ll fight for all Californians to have clean air to breathe, clean water to drink, and open spaces to enjoy. He’ll also secure funding to put sand on our beaches and work with the federal government to move the nuclear waste at San Onofre off our coastline and away from our neighborhoods. Chris supports reasonable and effective legislation to reduce greenhouse gasses, protect our precious coastline, and transition to 100% clean renewable energy by 2045.

Chris believes that climate change is real, and he’ll support reasonable and effective legislation to reduce greenhouse gases, ensure cleaner air and water and protect our coastline and oceans. On the City Council, he's been a leader on environmental issues - championing Community Clean Energy to increase the use of green energy choices and he's working with Congressman Mike Levin to protect our coasts and issues.

Environment and Climate

As a business owner, Chris will fight to give working people a voice in Sacramento and give middle-class families a real shot at the American Dream. He’ll work across party lines to improve our local and state economy, fighting to cut unnecessary red tape that prevent small businesses from succeeding and regulations that are driving too many businesses out of California. Chris will also invest in the 21st-century workforce by cutting tuition fees at public universities, fully funding K-12 education, and supporting local-hire job training programs – which will make sure no one is left behind.

Chris will work across party lines to improve our local and state economy, fighting to cut unnecessary red tape that prevent businesses from succeeding and regulations that are driving too many businesses out of state. He’ll also fight for tax relief for middle class families and small businesses, and will invest in the 21st-century workforce to ensure no one is left behind.

Jobs & The Economy

As a proud parent of three children who attend local public schools, he understands firsthand the importance of a strong educational foundation. In the Assembly, Chris will advocate for increased funding for K-12 education to ensure schools have the resources they need to succeed. He is dedicated to reducing class sizes, increasing teacher salaries, and integrating technology in classrooms to prepare students for the future. Additionally, Chris will push for expanded vocational and technical training programs to provide alternative paths to success and support increased investment in our public universities so students don’t have to go into debt for a four-year degree.

As a proud parent of three children who attend local public schools, he understands firsthand the importance of a strong educational foundation. In the Assembly, Chris will advocate for increased funding for K-12 education to ensure schools have the resources they need to succeed.

Education

Chris understands that local families are already stretched too thin, which is why he’s never raised taxes in San Clemente. He’ll lower costs and work to reduce the tax burden on middle class families. This includes opposing unnecessary and harmful fees and projects, such as the toll road. He’ll also fight for a middle class tax cut and close loopholes that the super rich frequently exploit.

Taxes

As a proud member of Mayors Against Illegal Guns, Chris has been a vocal advocate for gun violence prevention. In the Assembly, he will work to pass common-sense gun safety and gun violence prevention legislation like stronger background checks, protecting victims of domestic violence, prohibiting “ghost guns,” and stronger safe storage policies. He will also work to keep guns out of our schools and hold gun manufacturers accountable. That's why he’s endorsed by Safer California and how he earned the distinction as a 2024 Moms Demand Action Gun Sense Candidate.

As a proud member of Mayors Against Illegal Guns, Chris has been a vocal advocate for gun violence prevention. In the Assembly, he will work to pass common-sense gun safety and gun violence prevention legislation like stronger background checks, protecting victims of domestic violence, prohibiting “ghost guns,” and stronger safe storage policies.

Gun Safety

As a Homeland Security attorney, Chris has taken on corruption and rooted out wasteful government spending. In the Assembly, he’ll take that experience and ensure our tax dollars are used as intended – even if it means challenging his own party. He’ll spearhead the creation of a bipartisan Special Committee focused on investigating and reducing waste in the State Government and improving the efficiency and effectiveness of state agencies.

Government Waste and Corruption

Help us call voters in State Assembly District 74 for Chris Duncan on Tuesdays from 3-7pm at the OCLF at <a href="https://maps.app.goo.gl/mpVrtfC7EVgp4bZn8" target="_blank" rel="noopener noreferrer nofollow">309 N Rampart St a, Orange, CA 92868</a>!Please bring a laptop, cell phone, headphones/earbuds (if you have them), and any necessary chargers with you.We will provide food and refreshments for you while making your calls as well as trainings at 3 and 5 pm each day.Fill out the form to the right and select the Tuesday you are available to RSVP.If you have any questions or concerns, please leave a comment or email Chris Duncan's Campaign Manager, Bradley Zieminski at bradley@votechrisduncan.com.

Chris Duncan!

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Join your friends and neighbors at a housing and public safety town hall with Chris Duncan for Assembly District 74!Chris would like to hear your housing and public safety needs and concerns as seniors, veterans and community members, so he knows how to best represent you from Sacramento.The event will take place on Friday August 30th from 5:30 - 7:00 pm at the El Corazon Senior Center.Light refreshments will be provided.If you require ADA assistance or have any questions or concerns, please contact Bradley Zieminski at bradley@votechrisduncan.com

Chris Duncan

Help us call voters in State Assembly District 74 for Chris Duncan on Thursdays from 3-7pm at our Oceanside campaign office (<a href="https://maps.app.goo.gl/Eufp6n1pxUcnRwvHA" target="_blank" rel="noopener noreferrer nofollow">2605 Oceanside Blvd a2, Oceanside, CA 92054</a>)!Please bring a laptop, cell phone, headphones/earbuds (if you have them), and any necessary chargers with you.We will provide food and refreshments for you while making your calls as well as trainings at 3 and 5 pm each day.Fill out the form to the right and select the Thursday you are available to RSVP.If you have any questions or concerns, please leave a comment or email Chris Duncan's Campaign Manager, Bradley Zieminski at bradley@votechrisduncan.com.

Join your friends and neighbors at a house party meet and greet with Chris Duncan for State Assembly District 74 and Amber Kae for Oceanside City Council District 4!Meet the candidates and learn more about them and how they plan to best represent you in office.The event will take place on Saturday August 17th from 4:30 - 6:00 pm and the address will be provided by 8/15 to all who RSVP.The event will be out side so dress for warm weather. Light refreshments will be provided.If you require ADA assistance or have any questions or concerns, please contact Bradley Zieminski at bradley@votechrisduncan.com

Chris Duncan and Amber Kae

<h2>Message for Assembly District 74 Voters</h2>Voters who have voted in any of the last three general or recall elections need to see in mailboxes images of Chris Duncan with his family and his key endorsers – firefighters, prosecutors, teachers, and nurses.&nbsp; All likely voters need to read the following about Chris Duncan:<ul><li>Chris has dedicated his life to keeping us safe, <a href="https://thecoastnews.com/74th-ca-assembly-district-interview-with-mayor-pro-tem-chris-duncan/" target="_blank" rel="noopener noreferrer nofollow">first as a prosecutor in the Department of Homeland Security</a> and then as a Mayor.</li><li>Now, with three kids of his own, Chris is working to make things better for his own children and future generations.&nbsp;</li><li>Chris worked on the City Council to keep our kids safe from gun violence and <a href="https://www.latimes.com/california/story/2022-08-07/san-clemente-council-votes-on-abortion-ban" target="_blank" rel="noopener noreferrer nofollow">protect women’s reproductive freedom</a>.&nbsp;</li><li>In the Assembly, he’ll stand up to MAGA extremists like Laurie Davies to defend democracy and get things done for middle-class families.</li></ul> While Independents, voters under 50, AAPI and Latino voters, young Democratic men and non-college men, especially those who did not vote in the 2022 General Election or 2024 Primary, need to read the information above, they ALSO need to know:<ul><li>Chris has real accomplishments to point to, like reducing homelessness by 23%, hiring more police officers to bring down crime, leading the economic recovery during COVID, and securing resources for infrastructure projects like protecting homes from coastal erosion.&nbsp;</li><li>Additionally, when swing voters learn <a href="https://thecoastnews.com/74th-ca-assembly-district-interview-with-mayor-pro-tem-chris-duncan/" target="_blank" rel="noopener noreferrer nofollow">Chris spent much of his career at the Department of Homeland Security</a> enforcing our immigration laws and protecting our border from drug smugglers and terrorists, they do not believe the negative hits the attacks on him for being soft on crime/border issues.</li></ul> Independents, voters under 50, AAPI and Latino voters, young Democratic men and non-college men are also persuaded after hearing the following messages about Laurie Davies:<ul><li>Laurie Davies is one of the least effective members in the entire Legislature, only passing <a href="https://leginfo.legislature.ca.gov/faces/billSearchClient.xhtml?session_year=20232024&amp;house=Both&amp;author=Davies&amp;lawCode=All" target="_blank" rel="noopener noreferrer nofollow">two bills last year</a> and missing more 907 votes in just two terms.</li><li>Meanwhile, Davies uses taxpayer-funded mailers to benefit her campaign and has accepted more than $30,000 worth of vacations and gifts from special interests.&nbsp;</li><li>When Davies does show up to work, Davies supports the extreme MAGA national agenda, including banning abortion with <a href="https://web.archive.org/web/20210418045225/https:/freedomvoterguide.com/state/california/" target="_blank" rel="noopener noreferrer nofollow">no exceptions for rape or incest</a>.</li></ul>Davies joined a political rally with convicted Jan. 6 terrorist Alan Hostetter. She refuses to condemn Hostetter and <a href="https://calmatters.org/politics/2021/01/california-assembly-impeachment-vote-resolution/" target="_blank" rel="noopener noreferrer nofollow">refuses to condemn Donald Trump</a>. We need an Assemblymember who will show up to work for us and represent our values.

Meet Chris Duncan or help out his campaign by signing up for one of our events!

Campaign Events

Please Join Chris Duncan for Assembly 2024, Katie Melendez for Vista City Council District 3, and Cipriano Vargas for Vista Schoolboard&nbsp;for a Canvass Launch on Saturday July 27th from 9 am - 12 pm at Bub Williamson Park.You will receive materials from all three campaigns and a canvassing training before you knock on your first door. If this is your first time knocking on doors, you can be paired up with a more experienced partner as well.Be sure to bring a fully charged cell phone, some water, and a snack. Also wear comfortable clothes, walking shoes, sunscreen and/or a hat depending on your outfit ;)To RSVP, Please fill out the form to the right and select 7/27 Vista Canvass from the drop down.If you have any questions about the event, please type them in the comments or contact Chris Duncan's Campaign Manager, Bradley Zieminski, at 949-742-1428 or <a href="mailto:bradley@votechrisduncan.com" target="_blank" rel="noopener noreferrer nofollow">bradley@votechrisduncan.com</a>

Vista Canvass Launch Saturday 7/27

Join Chris Duncan for Assembly 2024, Katie Melendez for Vista City Council District 3, and Cipriano Vargas for Vista Schoolboard&nbsp;for a Canvass Launch on Saturday July 27th from 9 am - 12 pm at Bub Williamson Park in Vista. Please click RSVP below to sign up!

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Saturday Phonebanks

Join Team Duncan for a volunteer phone bank to voters in AD 74 from our Oceanside office or from the comfort of your home. There will be three shifts through out the day: 12-2, 2-4, and 4-6 with trainings at the beginning of each shift. Please click RSVP below to sign up!

Oceanside Meet and Greet with Amber Kae

Join your friends and neighbors at a house party meet and greet with Chris Duncan for State Assembly District 74 and Amber Kae for Oceanside City Council District 4!The event will take place on Saturday August 17th from 4:30 - 6:00 pm and the address will be provided by 8/15 to all who RSVP.

Oceanside Housing and Safety Town Hall

Join your friends and neighbors at a housing and public safety town hall with Chris Duncan for Assembly District 74!Chris would like to hear your housing and public safety needs and concerns as seniors, veterans and community members, so he knows how to best represent you from Sacramento.

Tuesday OC Phone Banks

Join Team Duncan for a volunteer phone bank to voters in AD 74 from the Orange County Labor Federation Office. There will be two shifts from 3-5 and 5-7 with trainings at the beginning of each shift. Please click RSVP below to sign up for the Tuesday you would like to Join us!

Wednesday SD Phone Banks

Join Team Duncan for a volunteer phone bank to voters in AD 74 from our Oceanside office. There will be two shifts from 3-5 and 5-7 with trainings at the beginning of each shift. Please click RSVP below to sign up for the Wednesday you would like to Join us!

Thursday SD Phonebanks

Join Team Duncan for a volunteer phone bank to voters in AD 74 from our Oceanside office. There will be two shifts from 3-5 and 5-7 with trainings at the beginning of each shift. Please click RSVP below to sign up for the Thursday you would like to Join us!

Help Chris Duncan write postcards to your neighbors in North County San Diego on Fridays from 3:00-5:30 pm in our Oceanside Campaign Office. Feel free to bring a friend, snack, and your favorite beverage for a fun afternoon of community outreach!Please RSVP using the form to the right and let us know how many postcards you would like to claim in the comment section.If you have any questions about the event, please contact our Campaign Manager, Bradley Zieminski, at 949-742-1428 or <a href="mailto:bradley@votechrisduncan.com" target="_blank" rel="noopener noreferrer nofollow">bradley@votechrisduncan.com</a>

Friday Postcard Party

Help Chris Duncan write postcards to your neighbors in North County San Diego this Friday September 6th from 3:00-5:30 pm in our Oceanside Campaign Office. Feel free to bring a friend, snack, and your favorite beverage for a fun afternoon of community outreach!

Vista Meet and Greet 09-21

Join your friends and neighbors at a house party meet and greet with Chris Duncan for State Assembly District 74 and Anthony White for Vista City Council District 2 .You will have the opportunity to learn more about each candidate and ask them questions about their background, motivations, and policies in a casual house party setting.

Help Chris Duncan write postcards to your neighbors in North County San Diego on Tuesdays from 11:00-1:30 pm in our Oceanside Campaign Office. Feel free to bring a friend, snack, and your favorite beverage for a fun afternoon of community outreach!Please RSVP using the form to the right and let us know how many postcards you would like to claim in the comment section.If you have any questions about the event, please contact our Campaign Manager, Bradley Zieminski, at 949-742-1428 or <a href="mailto:bradley@votechrisduncan.com" target="_blank" rel="noopener noreferrer nofollow">bradley@votechrisduncan.com</a>

Tuesday Postcard Party

Help Chris Duncan write postcards to your neighbors in North County San Diego on Tuesdays from 11:00-1:30 pm in our Oceanside Campaign Office. Feel free to bring a friend, snack, and your favorite beverage for a fun afternoon of community outreach!

Join your friends and neighbors at a house party meet and greet with Chris Duncan for State Assembly District 74 and Anthony White for Vista City Council District 2!Meet the candidates and learn more about them and how they plan to best represent you in office.The event will take place on Saturday September 21st from 11:00 - 1:00 pm and the address will be provided by 9/19 to all who RSVP.The event will be out side so dress for warm weather.Light refreshments will be provided.If you require ADA assistance or have any questions or concerns, please contact Bradley Zieminski at bradley@votechrisduncan.com

Chris Duncan and Anthony White

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Our Campaign’s Top Issues

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As a father of three, Chris knows that there is nothing more important than the safety of our communities and our families. He’ll fight to make sure our kids grow up in safe neighborhoods with real opportunity. As a mayor and retired federal prosecutor, Chris brought drug smugglers and human traffickers to justice and lowered crime in San Clemente. In the Assembly, Chris Duncan will deliver for us

Public Safety

We have more fights ahead, but if we dare to be bold, we can make Manhattan a place of opportunity for all making New York City the first place in America to guarantee the right to an attorney for those facing eviction. We have more fights ahead, but if we dare to be bold, we can make Manhattan a place of opportunity for all.
Mark has twice been elected to represent the 7th Council district – one of the most diverse in New York City – covering West Harlem/Hamilton Heights, Morningside Heights, and parts of the Upper West Side and Washington Heights.
In a historic first for the nation, Mark passed legislation guaranteeing a right to counsel for tenants facing eviction in New York City’s housing courts. This landmark policy has leveled the playing field for tenants and has already resulted in a significant decline in the number of families in New York City losing their homes because of evictions.a to guarantee the right to an attorney for those facing eviction. We have more fights ahead, but if we dare to be bold, we can make Manhattan a place of opportunity for all.

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Help us call voters in State Assembly District 74 for Chris Duncan on Wednesdays from 3-7pm at our Oceanside campaign office (<a href="https://maps.app.goo.gl/Eufp6n1pxUcnRwvHA" target="_blank" rel="noopener noreferrer nofollow">2605 Oceanside Blvd a2, Oceanside, CA 92054</a>)!!Please bring a laptop, cell phone, headphones/earbuds (if you have them), and any necessary chargers with you.We will provide food and refreshments for you while making your calls as well as trainings at 3 and 5 pm each day.Fill out the form to the right and select the Wednesday you are available to RSVP.If you have any questions or concerns, please leave a comment or email Chris Duncan's Campaign Manager, Bradley Zieminski at bradley@votechrisduncan.com.

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Chris Duncan for Assembly

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Chris Duncan for Assembly

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Planned Parenthood Action Fund of Orange and San Bernardino Counties

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SEIU California

AFSCME California People

Association of California State Supervisors

California Nurses Association

Consumer Attorneys of California

California Teachers Association

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California Association of Professional Scientists

California Association of Psychiatric Technicians

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Equality California

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State Council of Laborers

United Domestic Workers

United Association Local 250

Aliso Niguel Democratic Club

Sierra Club

Women for American Values and Ethics (WAVE)

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Fiona Ma, California State Treasurer

Robert Rivas, California Assembly Speaker

Dave Min, State Senator

Josh Newman, State Senator

Josh Becker, State Senator

Cottie Petrie-Norris, State Assemblymember

Sharon Quirk-Silva, State Assemblymember

Avelino Valencia, State Assemblymember

Rebecca Bauer Kahan, State Assemblymember

Eloise Gomez-Reyes, State Assemblymember

Kevin McCarty, State Assemblymember

Mike Gipson, State Assemblymember

Todd Gloria, San Diego Mayor

Terra Lawson-Remer, San Diego County Supervisor

Richard Hurt, Aliso Viejo Mayor

Bob Whalen, Laguna Beach Mayor

Ross Chun, Aliso Viejo City Councilmember

Tiffany Ackley, Aliso Viejo City Councilmember

Priya Bhat-Patel, Carlsbad Mayor Pro Tem

Teresa Acosta, Carlsbad City Councilmember

Manny Chavez, Costa Mesa City Councilmember

Michael Villar, Dana Point City Councilmember

Tammy Kim, Irvine Vice Mayor

Kathleen Treseder, Irvine City Councilmember

George Weiss, Laguna Beach City Councilmember

Alex Rounaghi, Laguna Beach City Councilmember

Stephanie Oddo, Laguna Niguel City Councilmember

Cynthia Vasquez, Mission Viejo City councilmember

Eric Joyce, Oceanside City Councilmember

Mark Enmeier, San Clemente City Councilmember

Sergio Farias, San Juan Capistrano City Councilmember

Dan O’Donnell, Vista City Councilmember

Amy Hanacek, Capistrano Valley Unified School District Trustee

Cipriano Vargas, Vista Unified School District Trustee

Fran Sdao, Democratic Party of Orange County Chair Emeritus

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The 74th Assembly District

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Our Gallery

<h2>Meet Chris Duncan </h2>Chris Duncan is a San Clemente City Councilmember and former federal prosecutor in the Department of Homeland Security. A father of three, Chris is committed to putting the middle class first, lowering costs for working families, and ensuring every child has the opportunity to grow up in a safe and thriving community.<h3>Proven Leadership in San Clemente </h3><ul><li>As City Councilmember and former Mayor, Chris has:</li><li>Enhanced public safety by adding two fire helicopters, deploying police officers in high-risk areas, and establishing social worker outreach teams, leading to a 23% reduction in homelessness.</li><li>Protected women’s rights by safeguarding the right to choose.</li><li>Advocated for smart growth and affordable housing.</li><li>Supported job creation and invested in clean energy.</li><li>Preserved local beaches, securing $14 million in state funds.</li><li>Helped small businesses survive the pandemic.</li></ul><h3>A Career Dedicated to Justice </h3>After the 9/11 attacks, Chris answered the call to public service, spending over 16 years as a federal prosecutor. His accomplishments include:<ul><li>Tackling political corruption and corporate wrongdoing.</li><li>Prosecuting child predators, drug smugglers, and human traffickers with a 97% conviction rate.</li><li>As Assistant Chief Counsel at U.S. Customs and Border Protection, Chris penalized foreign companies for trade violations and rooted out government corruption, earning several awards.</li></ul><h3>Fighting for the California Dream </h3>Chris is committed to preserving the California Dream for future generations. In the Assembly, he will:<ul><li>Enforce tougher gun safety laws.</li><li>Fully fund police and support effective homeless solutions.</li><li>Lower taxes for the middle class.</li><li>Stand firm on supporting women’s reproductive rights.</li></ul><h3>Understands the California Dream</h3>Chris holds law degrees from Georgetown University Law Center and the University of Hawaii School of Law. He graduated with honors from Boston College. Chris lives in San Clemente with his wife, Haley, who runs a small business, and their three children, who attend local public schools.Chris Duncan is running in the new 74th Assembly District, representing South Orange County and North County San Diego, including Laguna Niguel, Dana Point, San Juan Capistrano, San Clemente, Oceanside, Vista, and Camp Pendleton Marine Corps Base.

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"I'm running for the Assembly because the middle class deserves a champion who understands their struggles and fights for real change. As a former border prosecutor, I took on political corruption to protect our communities. As a local Mayor, I’ve worked hard to keep costs down and make our neighborhoods safer. In the Assembly, I’ll push for common-sense gun safety laws, support local police, and lower costs for families—so all our kids can grow up safe with real opportunity."

So so much is happening right now. Write a couple lines to get your readers excited for it.

Latest Campaign Developments

By Gabriel San RománA vanishing coastline in San Clemente has prompted city officials to declare another emergency along its battered beaches.Much of the amenities that make North Beach an idyllic summertime retreat — fire rings, swing sets, concrete picnic tables — are now threatened by creeping erosion that provides little to no sand buffer against relentless wave attacks.Steep staircases leading to the beach at Diji Court and El Portal have been deemed unsafe due to lack of sand. Some fire rings have been swept into the ocean.Retreating sands have also made it impossible for emergency response vehicles to access North Beach during high tide. A devastating landslide in January thwarted an alternate emergency route through the city’s coastal trail with bridge segments having been removed in repairs.The lack of reliable entry points has raised concerns among city officials about serious safety risks posed by inaction.“North Beach has been ignored for far too long by the city,” San Clemente Councilman Chris Duncan told TimesOC. “It’s a shame because North Beach has traditionally been the entrance point for San Clemente.”On Tuesday, San Clemente City Council considered an emergency declaration for sand-starved North Beach and the $2-million sand dumping project it would fast-track.“If you’ve been to North Beach lately, you will see that the beach is in pretty dire straits,” Leslea Meyerhoff, San Clemente’s coastal administrator, told council members. “There’s very little sand except for at the very back of the beach. The concession stand and restrooms are being undermined by a direct wave energy. All the facilities are at risk.”The beach town issued a report on erosion “hot spots” last year and deemed North Beach “threatened” but with a high risk of infrastructure damage.Meyerhoff, whose position was created, in part, to lead beach restoration efforts, called on the City Council to declare the emergency and approve the sand project, which, she claimed would also help protect the train tracks nearby.San Clemente solicited bids earlier this month and recommended GCI Construction for the job.During Tuesday’s meeting, council members voted unanimously to award the local company with the $1.7-million contract.Expected to take 90 days to complete, the project entails trucks hauling 30,000 cubic yards of sand from a Santa Ana River stockpile site and dumping it along a 1,500-foot stretch of North Beach.Sand dumping will start no sooner than July 8 and be carried out through peak summer tourist season but with only a Monday through Thursday workweek, leaving weekends free for recreation.The city has already obtained two of four permits needed to carry out the work, with permits from the county and the Southern California Regional Rail Authority in process.San Clemente will allocate roughly $500,000 from unassigned general fund revenue to help cover costs. In addition, $750,000 will be transferred from a sand replenishment project overseen by the U.S. Army Corps of Engineers as the North Beach effort overlaps in one stretch of the beach.Other funds are set to be diverted from North Beach improvements as well as an Avenida Victoria street widening project.Now approved, North Beach will be the second sand replenishment effort in San Clemente so far this year.Kicking off Memorial Day weekend, the city celebrated the partial completion of a much larger federally supported beach nourishment project near its pier.The effort initially suffered a months-long setback after the original dredge site near Oceanside pumped cobble-strewn sediment onto the beach. A new dredge site in north Orange County allowed the project to continue with beach-quality sand.Similar concerns arose during discussion of the North Beach project.“We’ve had this issue in the past,” Councilman Mark Enmeier told Meyerhoff during the meeting. “What are we doing to make sure that we’re getting actual sand and not rocks?”Meyerhoff brought bags of the type of sand that will be dumped on North Beach for council members to inspect.“What you see in that bag is pretty representative of what we will be expecting to receive on the beach,” she said. “[It’s] mostly very perfect beach sand with a few little gravels … because it’s coming from eroded mountains through the river channel.”Lois McNiccol, a San Clemente resident, got an earlier glimpse of the sand during a meeting with North Beach residents before attending Tuesday’s council meeting.She remained unconvinced.“It simply does not feel like beach sand,” McNiccol told council members. “We need to be thinking about retaining the sand on the beach and growing sand on the beach. That’s the way we have to start thinking, instead of spending millions of dollars to just put sand out there.”After the meeting, Councilman Duncan noted key differences between North Beach sand dumping and the federally supported pier area dredging project, including real-time monitoring of sand quality.That gave him the confidence to vote for the emergency declaration and the contract.“Our goal is nothing short of bringing North Beach back to its deserved prior glory as a beautiful beachfront area to recreate,” he said. “We won’t stop until we accomplish that. This is the first step.”

A vanishing coastline in San Clemente has prompted city officials to declare another emergency along its battered beaches.

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San Clemente approves $2M North Beach emergency project to replace sand lost to erosion

Five juvenile suspects were arrested in connection with the assault on three U.S. Marines carried out by a mob of teenagers on a beach in <a target="_blank" rel="noopener noreferrer nofollow" href="https://www.foxnews.com/category/us/us-regions/west/california">San Clemente, California</a>, over Memorial Day weekend, San Clemente Mayor Chris Duncan confirmed to Fox News Digital on Tuesday.The suspects were charged with felony assault with a deadly weapon and remain in custody, Duncan said. San Clemente’s mayor said investigators have identified at least four more juveniles involved who may be charged with misdemeanor assault and battery.Duncan described the investigation into Friday night's incident as "very efficient and effective." He said investigators do not anticipate any additional arrests, but said that could change.Orange County Sheriff's Department Sgt. Mike Woodroof said on Fox News' "The Story" that anyone, regardless of age, who "kicks another human being in the head to cause damage, internal injury to that magnitude will be arrested for a felony assault deadly weapon."A video posted on the social media platform Nextdoor shows one person throwing a punch at one of the alleged victims from behind before a large fight breaks out. The injured victim lunges at his attacker. The group of teenagers and young adults was then seen kicking the victims.Two victims were filmed lying on the ground in the fetal position and covering their heads as the mob kicked and punched them. A couple of bystanders intervened in the beating, with one woman standing between the victims and the attackers as she outstretched her arms and yelled, "Stop!"The confrontation allegedly began when the Marines told the teenagers to stop lighting fireworks on the beach, according to KCAL.In a press release, the <a target="_blank" rel="noopener noreferrer nofollow" href="https://www.foxnews.com/category/us/crime/police-and-law-enforcement">sheriff's department</a> said deputies responded to the San Clemente Pier at around 10 p.m. Friday after being notified that a large group of juveniles had assaulted Marines.Deputies arrived to find two injured Marines and rendered medical aid. The Marines declined transportation to the hospital.During the investigation, the sheriff's office discovered a third Marine was also a victim of the attack.According to the press release, the five juveniles in custody, four boys and one girl, were booked into the <a target="_blank" rel="noopener noreferrer nofollow" href="https://www.foxnews.com/category/us/crime">Orange County Juvenile Hall</a>.The incident remains under investigation.Fox News' Chris Pandolfo and Haley Chi-Sing contributed to this report.

Five juvenile suspects were arrested in connection with the assault on three U.S. Marines carried out by a mob of teenagers on a beach in <a target="_blank" rel="noopener noreferrer nofollow" href="https://www.foxnews.com/category/us/us-regions/west/california">San Clemente, California</a>, over Memorial Day weekend, San Clemente Mayor Chris Duncan confirmed to Fox News Digital on Tuesday.

Mayor: Five juveniles in custody in California beating of US Marines

The County in partnership with the Orange County Continuum of Care (CoC) conducted the unsheltered count, with a record turnout of 1,251 volunteers over three days.

Latest Point-in-Time Count Has San Clemente Homelessness Down 23%

Four apartment buildings in San Clemente were evacuated Wednesday on the 1500 block of Buena Vista due to a landslide. The hillside behind the buildings gave way, leaving parts of the structures teetering on the edge, affecting 20 rental units. The area remained off-limits to the public Thursday.Authorities set up a perimeter around four evacuated apartment buildings and beach trails below the landslide between landslide between North Beach and El Portal remain closed Thursday. City inspectors were assessing the condition of the slope.&nbsp;The first three buildings were evacuated at about 8:20 a.m. Wednesday. &nbsp;Around 12:30 p.m., a fourth apartment building on Buena Vista was evacuated and yellow-tagged as bluff movement continued.&nbsp; Building&nbsp;<a target="_blank" rel="noopener noreferrer nofollow" href="https://twitter.com/michelegiletv/status/1636124537011208193">inspectors later red-tagged the apartment buildings</a>, restricting anyone from inhabiting the buildings until further notice."it's still moving, even last night," San Clemente Mayor Chris Duncan said on Thursday. "There's a cavity that has opened up under the patios of these four residences that is continuing to have more flow and get larger. That creates a great risk of instability. This is gonna be a longer project than we had hoped.""We do have a geologist on the ground, our consultant geologist from the city whose been studying the movement and we did have continual movement, even after the initial movement," Duncan said at Thursday's press conference. He noted that it could take several weeks before a conclusive answer can be reached.The incident comes on the heels of&nbsp;<a target="_blank" rel="noopener noreferrer nofollow" href="https://www.cbsnews.com/losangeles/news/gov-newsom-extends-state-of-emergency-to-include-orange-county-in-light-of-winter-storms/">Governor Gavin Newsom's proclamation of a state of emergency on Tuesday</a>, calling for storm response and relief efforts for Orange County as well as in Alpine and Trinity Counties, which join 40 counties the Governor has previously proclaimed a state of emergency for since the start of severe winter storms in late February.United States Congressman Mike Levin was also at the spot of the landslide on Wednesday, calling or President Biden to add the county to those needing federal assistance.&nbsp;"We just have to cognizant that ultimately we're gonna have more weather, particularly next week or so, and there could be additional landslides," Levin said.Less than 24 hours later, during a press conference on Thursday, Levin said that his requests, along with Newsom's declaration for federal assistance in Orange County were successful."I reached out to the White House and FEMA to push for Orange County to be included in the federal emergency declaration that we have all across California," Levin said. "I'm proud to report that about an hour ago the White House approved our request and Orange County is now included."The declaration allows the federal government to provide emergency resources to help residents impacted by the damage dealt by the powerful winter storms.&nbsp;Related:&nbsp;<a target="_blank" rel="noopener noreferrer nofollow" href="https://www.cbsnews.com/losangeles/news/gov-newsom-extends-state-of-emergency-to-include-orange-county-in-light-of-winter-storms/">Gov. Newsom extends state of emergency to include Orange County due to winter storms</a>Clayton Robinson, who owns one of the multi-family buildings that has been tagged by inspectors, said that despite having between 15 and 20 guests staying Tuesday evening, everybody was safe."Nobody lost anything. At this moment it's just the backyard, my gorgeous backyard," Robinson said. "It's sad, but life is far more precious than things.""Priority is our resident's safety, so we are going to err on the side of keeping them safe and taking care of them during this very difficult time," Mayor Duncan said Wednesday evening. "The truth is, the land over there is still moving and we have structures that are right on the edge of the bluff, and they are tied in to other structures, which have failed."Orange County Fire Authority and Sheriff's personnel were on the scene where streets closed from Buena Vista to Avenida Florencio to Calle Colina. No injuries were reported."With the weather and what it's done to the landscape, there's the potential for this to grow. We're hoping that it stays static and that we can assess and figure out what's the next step for this," said OCFA Captain Thanh Nguyen."The potential for this here is that you're up on high on a bluff and normally with conditions the way they are -- it's a gorgeous area to be in -- however with the rain we've had this season that it's saturating the ground," said Nguyen. "There's absolutely zero guarantees that it [the slope] is static, and so when our firefighters first arrived, their main goal was to make sure everybody got out, so they hastily checked all three structures to make sure everybody was out. And so that's where we're at right now. We just don't want anyone to come in there, just in case additional land gives away."Firefighters sent a camera down to the bottom of the slope to try to ascertain the magnitude of the danger.Other neighbors on the block were concerned about their own structures.There were concerns about houses on cliffs in Newport Beach on Galaxy Drive above the Back Bay Nature Preserve as the soil was saturated from the rain. Multiple houses were red-tagged or yellow-tagged meaning they were at risk if a mudslide occurs.&nbsp;Experts drilled about 20 feet into hillsides to extract water and try to save homes preemptively. The machines pulled out approximately 3 gallons of water per minute from the ground.&nbsp;Pipes and pumps were <a target="_blank" rel="noopener noreferrer nofollow" href="https://www.cbsnews.com/losangeles/news/work-to-stabilize-land-at-the-newport-beach-residential-landslide-site-continues/">still vacuuming water out of the hillside on Galaxy Drive</a> in Newport Beach above the Back Bay Nature Preserve Wednesday morning, where one home remained red-tagged before owners opted to demolish the building on Thursday. Neighboring houses remain yellow-tagged due to the unstable hillside. Officials said the land continues to move as of Thursday after the first landslide occurred <a target="_blank" rel="noopener noreferrer nofollow" href="https://www.cbsnews.com/losangeles/news/landslide-leaves-several-homes-in-danger-in-newport-beach/">back on March 3</a>.A mudslide prompted the full closure of Pacific Coast Highway from Beach Road south to Camino Capistrano in Dana Point early Wednesday morning.About 5:15 a.m. Wednesday, a chunk of hillside came sliding down onto the roadway at Capistrano Beach in Dana Point. No homes were reported in danger.Storm drains were blocked and the roadway was flooded, in addition to the mud and debris blockage from the slide.Southbound lanes of Pacific Coast Highway from Seapoint Street to Warner Avenue in Huntington Beach were closed Tuesday due to flooding and remained closed Wednesday morning.Although the storm will be particularly wet, forecasters said the snow level will remain above 8,000 feet, with little to no accumulations anticipated.Dry weather is expected to return Wednesday night through Thursday night, with another smaller system sliding into the area by Friday and lasting into the weekend, although the bulk of that storm will likely remain to the north, resulting in a mostly dry but cool weekend.

"it's still moving, even last night," San Clemente Mayor Chris Duncan said on Thursday. "There's a cavity that has opened up under the patios of these four residences that is continuing to have more flow and get larger. That creates a great risk of instability. This is gonna be a longer project than we had hoped."

Biden sends federal assistance to Orange County after landslides, storm damage

Just days after announcing, Duncan continues to build powerful coalition with addition of region’s top elected leader US Congressman Mike Levin
San Clemente Mayor Chris Duncan, Democratic candidate for Assembly District 74, today&nbsp;announced the endorsement of U.S. Rep. Mike Levin. Levin represents the 49th Congressional District, which spans the entire 74th Assembly District, including Oceanside, Vista, Camp Pendleton, San Clemente, San Juan Capistrano, Dana Point, and Laguna Niguel.
Rep. Levin joins more than 30 local elected officials who have endorsed Duncan for State Assembly, including California State Senator Catherine Blakespear, Orange County Supervisor Katrina Foley, San Diego County Supervisor Terra Lawson-Remer, along with more than two dozen state legislators, mayors, city councilmembers, and school board members. Duncan has quickly consolidated support from across the 74th Assembly District.
The Duncan campaign released the following statement from U.S. Rep. Mike Levin:
"Chris Duncan is the bipartisan leader Assembly District 74 needs. As Mayor of San Clemente and a former federal prosecutor, Chris has a successful track record of supporting small businesses and keeping our community safe.
With Chris in the Assembly, I know I'll have a strong ally to work with on strengthening the middle class, supporting our veterans, and finally fixing our critical coastal rail line at risk of collapse. I strongly support his campaign and urge everyone to vote for Chris Duncan."
Levin flipped the 49th Congressional District in the 2018 Midterms, which had been represented by Republican Darrell Issa. His victory in 2018 and subsequent re-election campaigns in 2020 and 2022 have helped pave the way for more Democrats to be successful in North San Diego County and South Orange County.
Duncan said of the endorsement,&nbsp;“I’m honored to have Mike Levin’s support in my campaign for the Assembly. Mike has been tireless in fighting for our district’s fair share from Washington, DC, just recently delivering nearly $10 million for sand replenishment right here in San Clemente to protect our beaches and their critical economic impact. As a representative, Mike Levin leads by example and puts his constituents first—which is exactly what I’ll do in the Assembly.”
Duncan is a graduate of California public schools and holds law degrees from Georgetown University Law Center and the University of Hawaii School of Law, along with a B.A. in Political Science from Boston College. A native Californian, he lives in the Talega neighborhood of San Clemente with his wife, Haley, a small business owner, and their three kids, Brooklyn, Olivia, and Rico, who attend local public schools.
To learn more about Chris Duncan and his campaign, visit his website,&nbsp;<a target="_blank" href="http://votechrisduncan.com/">VoteChrisDuncan.com</a>.&nbsp; Follow Chris Duncan on&nbsp;<a target="_blank" href="http://twitter.com/ChrisDuncanCA">Twitter</a>,&nbsp;<a target="_blank" href="http://facebook.com/ChrisDuncanCA">Facebook</a>, and&nbsp;<a target="_blank" href="http://instagram.com/chrisduncanca">Instagram</a>.
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San Clemente Mayor Chris Duncan, Democratic candidate for Assembly District 74, today announced the endorsement of U.S. Rep. Mike Levin. Levin represents the 49th Congressional District, which spans the entire 74th Assembly District, including Oceanside, Vista, Camp Pendleton, San Clemente, San Juan Capistrano, Dana Point, and Laguna Niguel.

U.S. Rep. Mike Levin Endorses San Clemente Mayor Chris Duncan for Assembly in AD-74

“I want to give people hope in this difficult time that you can excel and live out your dreams as a middle class family,” Duncan added. “We need to get back to that by lowering costs and making California more affordable. That’s not getting done right now.”

San Clemente Mayor Chris Duncan is running for State Assembly in AD-74

SAN CLEMENTE, CA – Today, San Clemente Mayor Chris Duncan announced his campaign for Assembly District 74, which includes North San Diego County and South Orange County, pledging to bring a change agenda to the State Capitol focused foremost on making California more affordable for middle-class families.
San Clemente Mayor Chris Duncan said: “California families are facing unprecedented challenges, but the Republican who represents us is unresponsive to our community and unwilling to act. I’m running to put the middle class first, lower costs for working families, and ensure all our children grow up safe with real opportunity. From keeping costs and crime down as Mayor of San Clemente to rooting out political corruption as a prosecutor, my life’s work has been fighting to keep the promise of the California Dream alive, and that’s exactly what I’ll fight for in the State Assembly.”
As San Clemente Mayor and on the City Council, Duncan has made his city safer, protected a woman’s right to choose, prioritized smart growth and affordable housing, and worked to create jobs, invest clean energy, and help small businesses survive the pandemic. Called to public service after 9/11, Chris Duncan worked as a federal prosecutor under both Republican and Democratic administrations, going after political corruption, corporate wrongdoing, and domestic terrorism.
Duncan begins the campaign with a powerful endorsement coalition that spans both San Diego and Orange Counties. Duncan’s full endorsement list includes:

<ul>
<li>Catherine Blakespear, State Senator</li>
<li>Dave Min, State Senator</li>
<li>Josh Newman, State Senator</li>
<li>Josh Becker, State Senator</li>
<li>Cottie Petrie-Norris, State Assemblymember</li>
<li>Sharon Quirk-Silva, State Assemblymember</li>
<li>Avelino Valencia, State Assemblymember</li>
<li>Rebecca Bauer-Kahan, State Assemblymember</li>
<li>Eloise Gomez Reyes, State Assemblymember</li>
<li>Mike Gipson, State Assemblymember</li>
<li>Kevin McCarty, State Assemblymember</li>
<li>Terra Lawson-Remer, San Diego County Board of Supervisors Vice Chair</li>
<li>Katrina Foley, Orange County Supervisor</li>
<li>Doug Chaffee, Orange County Supervisor</li>
<li>Richard Hurt, Aliso Viejo Mayor</li>
<li>Ross Chun, Aliso Viejo City Councilmember</li>
<li>Tiffany Ackley, Aliso Viejo City Councilmember</li>
<li>Priya Bhat-Patel, Carlsbad Mayor Pro Tem</li>
<li>Teresa Acosta, Carlsbad City Councilmember</li>
<li>Manny Chavez, Costa Mesa City Councilmember</li>
<li>Michael Villar, Dana Point City Councilmember</li>
<li>Tammy Kim, Irvine Vice Mayor</li>
<li>George Weiss, Laguna Beach City Councilmember</li>
<li>Alex Rounaghi, Laguna Beach City Councilmember</li>
<li>Stephanie Oddo, Laguna Niguel City Councilmember</li>
<li>Cynthia Vazquez, Mission Viejo City Councilmember</li>
<li>Mark Enmeier, San Clemente City Councilmember</li>
<li>Sergio Farias, San Juan Capistrano City Councilmember</li>
<li>Dan O’Donnell, Vista City Councilmember</li>
<li>Amy Hanacek, Capistrano Valley Unified School District Trustee</li>
<li>Cipriano Vargas, Vista Unified School District Trustee</li>
<li>Fran Sdao, Orange County Democratic Party Chair Emeritus</li>
</ul>
Duncan surprised political insiders last cycle by making the race for Assembly District 74 competitive for the first time in history and among the most hard-fought legislative battles in California. The Republican incumbent, the GOP, and their special interest backers were forced to spend well over $1 million to defend the seat in 2022, and a rematch amid the higher turnout Presidential election is expected to make the race even more competitive this time around.
Dan Rottenstreich, strategist for the Duncan for Assembly campaign said: “Chris Duncan is building powerful support because his accomplishments as a prosecutor and local Mayor alongside his focus on the middle class resonate strongly in this swing district.&nbsp; And the Republican incumbent is deeply vulnerable – Laurie Davies has less than $3,000 in campaign funds to start the year, the Presidential election will give Democrats a voter turnout advantage in 2024, and she has no record to run on aside from her unyielding MAGA extremism and unwavering support for the special interests making life more expensive for everyday Californians. It’s clear AD 74 will be a top pick-up opportunity for Assembly Democrats in 2024 and Chris Duncan has the profile and path to win.”
Duncan is a graduate of California public schools and holds law degrees from Georgetown University Law Center and the University of Hawaii School of Law, along with a B.A. in Political Science from Boston College. He lives in the Talega neighborhood of San Clemente with his wife, Haley, a small business owner, and their three kids, who attend local public schools.
To learn more about Chris Duncan and his campaign, visit his website, <a target="_blank" href="http://votechrisduncan.com/">votechrisduncan.com</a>.&nbsp; Follow Chris Duncan on <a target="_blank" href="http://twitter.com/ChrisDuncanCA">Twitter</a>, <a target="_blank" href="http://facebook.com/ChrisDuncanCA">Facebook</a>, and <a target="_blank" href="http://instagram.com/chrisduncanca">Instagram</a>.
-END-

SAN CLEMENTE, CA – Today, San Clemente Mayor Chris Duncan announced his campaign for Assembly District 74, which includes North San Diego County and South Orange County, pledging to bring a change agenda to the State Capitol focused foremost on making California more affordable for middle-class families.

Chris Duncan Announces Campaign for Assembly District 74

The San Clemente City Council unanimously voted on Tuesday, Feb. 21, to instruct city staff to apply for grant funding aimed at supporting zero-emission transportation projects, improve public health and strengthen the economy.
Mayor Pro Tem Steve Knoblock was the main force for wanting to pursue a grant from the Clean Mobility Options Voucher Pilot Program, a first-come, first-served public initiative that has&nbsp;<a target="_blank" href="https://cleanmobilityoptions.org/mp-awardees/">awarded nearly $1 million each to community shuttle programs</a>&nbsp;in Chula Vista and National City.
“I’d rather be at the front of the line than the back,” said Knoblock.
<a target="_blank" href="https://cleanmobilityoptions.org/">Clean Mobility Options (CMO)</a>&nbsp;is funded by California Climate Investments and the California Energy Commission’s Clean Transportation Program, both of which have pledged billions of dollars to activities involving the reduction of greenhouse gas emissions and the establishment of clean transportation infrastructure and workforce development.
The first of two application phases for the Clean Mobility Options Mobility Project Voucher, of which $33 million will be available, begins on March 1. Voucher recipients could see up to $1.5 million in their direction.
The vote comes after the council heard from a representative of public affairs and government relations firm Curt Pringle &amp; Associates at its previous Feb. 7 meeting about the rideshare service Circuit.
A client of the Curt Pringle firm, Circuit proposed bolstering San Clemente’s existing trolley system by providing last-mile transportation with an on-demand app and fleet of electric vehicles.
Circuit administers services across the United States, including in numerous California cities such as Huntington Beach and Oceanside.
At the Feb. 7 meeting, Knoblock noted that the rideshare company “could be a great supplement” to San Clemente’s trolleys.
Paul Simonds, vice president of the Curt Pringle firm, came to Tuesday’s meeting after incorrectly noticing that the application deadline was on March 1 while working with city staff on an application. He also noted that if the city did receive funding, it would not be required to match the money.
“We were moving right along through this process, but it came to our attention today that there is a hiccup and that (with) any grant application, there needs to be direction from the City Council to proceed,” said Simonds.
Later in the council meeting, acting Public Works Department Director Zach Ponson confirmed the March 1 opening date and that the city had until March 24 to submit.
Even so, City Clerk Laura Campagnolo found from the minutes of the Feb. 7 meeting that the council had assigned to staff a project regarding an electric vehicle on-demand app and available grants, and Simonds was strictly asking for direction in relation to the grant application deadline.
Councilmember Mark Enmeier motioned for the council to agendize discussion of the grant even though it was not previously listed on the agenda. The approval of at least four councilmembers, according to City Attorney Scott Smith, would legally allow for discussion.
Councilmembers Victor Cabral and Gene James initially voted against it. Cabral would later change his vote to set the debate in motion, but James said it was “highly inappropriate” for the matter to arise how it did.
“My issue, Mr. Mayor, is (that) I don’t have a report,” said James. “We’d be discussing this blindly.”
Now assured that the city technically had more time before it needed to send in an application, Enmeier said that the council could provide direction at the March 7 meeting with more information in front of them.
However, Mayor Chris Duncan pointed out that San Clemente would likely fall behind other cities if it waited too long.
Knoblock interjected to say the grant would give the city funding for it to use at its own discretion and that would “tie in beautifully” to the existing trolley system. He added that the money could be allocated with the guidance of City Manager Andy Hall.&nbsp;
“I thought at our last meeting, we instructed the city to pursue the grant request,” Knoblock said, adding: “I think it’s a no-brainer. It’s something that helps our citizens, it’s free state money, and it could be continued or it could be terminated.”

The San Clemente City Council unanimously voted on Tuesday, Feb. 21, to instruct city staff to apply for grant funding aimed at supporting zero-emission transportation projects, improve public health and strengthen the economy.