Aaron Washington, USN Commander (Retired)

As a 35-year veteran I have dedicated my life to serving our country and community, and proud to be a 20-year resident of San Clemente, I am committed to protecting the values that make our city one of the best places to live, work, and raise a family. I am supported by my wife of 26 years (Ayako), son Elijah (22), son Kisara (29), daughter Nishiki (31) and son Asuka (38).

I was born in Bremerton, Washington (Naval Hospital), and raised in San Diego, California. Graduated from high school in Denver, Colorado, June of 1982. Enlisted in the United States Navy, two days later, and was off to Basic Training in San Diego. During my 35 years of Honorable Naval Service, I earned my Electrical Journeymen’s certification with the US Department of Labor, in 1992; and completed my bachelor’s degree of science in 2007. I hold an active Real Estate license, and most recently earned my Project Manager Professional (PMP) Certification. I have the drive, energy, and internal desire to serve our community.

I currently serve as the Deputy Program Manager for MANTECH, a government contractor, in their Defense Navy Sector in Chula Vista, CA.  I maintain an active security clearance, with the Department of Defense.

Throughout my years of service, I have participated in several campaigns, including Operations Iraqi Freedom (OIF) and Operations Enduring Freedom (OEF). I have received several awards during my service and of them all, the two highest awarded were, the Legion of Merit (1) and Meritorious Service Medal (2).

Why am I running? Since 2020, I have had the privilege of serving on several local committees and commissions, Beach, Parks and Recreation and Coastal Advisory Committee (BPRCA), Human Affairs Committee, San Clemente Coastal Advisory Committee, and Planning Commission. I also enjoy serving on the Board of Directors for San Clemente Men’s Golf Club, since 2014. These roles have provided me with firsthand experience addressing the issues that matter most to our residents.

My platform priorities are:

1) Most importantly work to save our beaches and preserve our coastline. I feel it is critical we act now because grants we request now will take several years to provide funding. I want to clarify that I am opposed any increases in taxes but not saving our beaches. My concerns are those on fixed incomes (retirees) in our community. We must push hard to get money from others that have a vested interest in keeping our corridor open as we do in saving our beaches (i.e. the State/County/OCTA and Department of Defense). This will provide a WIN-WIN for the rail and our beaches.

2) Public Safety. Keep our community safe, protect our quality of life, and ensure responsible stewardship of taxpayer dollars. I will advocate for fully funding our police, fire, emergency response, and environmental services. I will support our local businesses and encourage responsible economic growth that strengthens our community without sacrificing our character.

3) Costal Rail Resiliency. Our corridor is a huge issue, and we need to stay connected/work closely with the County/State and OCTA to develop resolutions that work.

4) Address the toxic pesticides issues that our neighboring city (Ladera Ranch) is experiencing and ensure we put measures in place to prevent these health hazards from reaching our community. We must suspend all toxic pesticides use in our city.

5) We need to push back on the increased tonnage of waste being brought to our city (Prima Deschecha), this is a really big concern for Talega and Forester Ranch residents.

6) I will work to preserve San Clemente's unique heritage as the "Spanish Village by the Sea" by supporting thoughtful planning and opposing over development that threatens the character of our community.

I would be honored to earn your trust and respectfully ask for your vote.