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The volunteers of the Association For The Amphitheater have been asked many
questions as they work with citizens and agencies to create a
state-of-the-art outdoor performing arts venue. Here are some of the most
commonly asked questions and the answers as we know them today:
Why an amphitheater?
For the families, of course, and for the skies. As the summer beach concerts
hosted by the Parks & Recreation Department have shown, a family, a blanket,
a few beach chairs and a picnic basket elevate an evening of live music to a
higher plane. The beautiful skies over the foothills and the purple glow of
the distant mountains provide a beautiful setting for family entertainment.
Many experiences are best enjoyed outdoors. Symphony orchestras, Broadway
shows,
Shakespearian plays, popular music, church services, community events and
pageants such as San Clemente’s long-running Las Christianitas Pageant are
wonderful experiences in an outdoor amphitheater setting.
Where will the amphitheater be?
We are discussing with the City of San Clemente a site they own in the
foothills between the Forster Ranch Ridgeline Trail and the extension of
Avenida La Pata. The grant deed specifically mentions the amphitheater and
the supporting facilities in the list of permitted public open spaceuses.
A foot trail connects the Forster Ranch Ridgeline Trail to the northern end
of Avenida La Pata.
From that trail you can look down over the amphitheater site to the
Cleveland National Forest.
Supporting facilities, including ecologically sensitive parking areas, would
be near the seating area. All of the amphitheater audience and stage would
be below the elevation of the extension of Avenida La Pata.
Why is the site in the foothills rather than at the
ocean?
There are many reasons. Most important, this vacant land is not pristine, is
available and is reserved for open space uses including an amphitheater and
the appropriate supporting structures. In addition, the weather is more
stable, with less “June gloom” and less dew.
The daily evening breeze that is so welcome at the beach would be a
challenge for a beachfront amphitheater.
There are, of course, difficulties with the site in the foothills. The
temperature is warmer.
Although this extends the useful season into the early spring and the late
fall, the late summer mornings and evenings will be hot and the sun will be
bright. This must be considered in the design.
Some regional theaters use parachutes to shade the audience and performers.
Also, the streets are not yet designed. This means that the amphitheater
cannot be completed quickly.
When will the amphitheater open its doors?
Although this site will be affected by the build-out of Avenida La Pata, we
do expect to have
an active amphitheater in two to three years. We have begun the applications
for the necessary environmental approvals. Even before that, we hope to
lease the land, restore some of the chaparral and drainage, and secure
special permits to hold one-time events at the site.
The state-of-the-art performing arts venue can’t be completed until La Pata
is extended north
because it is important to consider the look of that extension during the
final design of the multi-million dollar complex. In one design option, La
Pata will have a graceful bridge over the canyon north of Calle Saluda. In
another option, La Pata will be built on landfill. Such dramatic design
elements will have a major effect on the design of the amphitheater. The
County projects that La Pata will be completed in 2014. We are working with
the City and County to fit our schedule around the road-building schedule.
What about light and sound coming from the
amphitheater?
AFTA takes seriously the potential for light and sound from the amphitheater
to affect both
residential areas and those who are enjoying the Ridgeline Trail. In
addition to the activity of
the performances, vehicles going between Avenida La Pata, Camino Del Rio and
the amphitheater will affect traffic and nearby communities. These
concerns are valid and must be dealt with in the design of the amphitheater
as well as the designs of the intersection of Avenida La Pata with Camino
Del Rio. AFTA’s leadership includes people who live in Talega and Forster
Ranch and people who treasure the Ridgeline Trail. We are seeking more input
from all affected communities and interest groups.
What about the native chaparral?
An informal physical survey indicated that there is no chaparral in the
affected area, although
healthy chaparral is nearby. We are recruiting volunteers and raising money
to help with the
removal of non-native species such as artichoke thistle and mustard from not
only the site but from adjacent areas. In addition, we plan to create a
learning experience about the native species of the chaparral adjacent to
and integrated with the seating area. (Ever wondered what to do with a bored
eight-year-old at a summer concert?)
Although grasses which propagate by seed are the basis of the lawn seating
for many
amphitheaters, they may not be appropriate for this site. There are other
possible ground covers as well as non-reproducing materials on which
families could enjoy the amphitheater in comfort and safety. The choice of
materials for both seating and parking merits careful attention.
How much will it cost initially and in the long
run?
Although the cost will depend on the design, estimates now range from $4 to
$8 million,
assuming that the City charges a nominal rent for the land. All of the
initial costs are expected to be donated.
Once built, the amphitheater is expected to be self-supporting. The plan is
that fees for using
the amphitheater will be at market rates for commercial uses and at
discounted rates for non- profit organizations. The amphitheater is expected
to be booked year-round. The amphitheater might lead to the creation of new
non-profit performing groups such as a Civic Light Opera, but that would be
up to the people who enjoy a particular type of entertainment.
How do I learn more?
Call any of the following people or visit us at
Prescott Cogswell
949-361-2345
Dick Dickey 949-
492-1498
Lee Van Slyke
949-361-3619
Warren Willard
949-369-7384
We are looking forward to making presentations to civic groups and to the
homeowners in
Talega and Forster Ranch. To schedule a presentation, please call one of the
directors.
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