Casa Romantica Turns to Community for Support Following Landslide

BY SHAWN RAYMUNDO

With programs and events on hold at the Casa Romantica Cultural Center and Gardens following last month’s landslide that damaged the local landmark’s Ocean Terrace, the nonprofit is looking for the community’s support through fundraising efforts.

“As a consequence of the landslide and dynamics of the situation, Casa Romantica Cultural Center and Gardens is faced with unprecedented financial uncertainty as to continuing planned programs, private events, and activities, placing the nonprofit in the position of asking for assistance,” Casa Romantica said in a media release.

Hoping to raise $250,000 by the end of June, Casa Romantica is inviting people to attend its Benefit Dinner and Concert: An Evening with Alicia Olatuja at the Franciscan Gardens in San Juan Capistrano on Thursday night, May 11.

Those who can’t attend Thursday evening’s dinner can also donate to the

Casa directly or through its Spring Renewal Campaign. And those who have a venue or space that could be available for off-site activities and events are asked to contact the Casa at info@ casaromantica.org.

The Casa’s back patio and adjacent landscaping fell roughly 20 feet down the hillside above the Beach Trail and railroad tracks during the landslide that struck the historic property on April 27. Since then, it’s had to suspend certain programs and postpone events as the property remains closed.

According to the nonprofit, it’s working to partially reopen the estate—the former home of town founder Ole Hanson—for public access at the end of May.

“The City of San Clemente has identified the parts of the estate that are safe from the damage caused by the landslide and present no danger to the staff or public,” Amy Behrens, Casa Romantica’s executive director, said in the media release.

“The safety and well-being of our guests, patrons, volunteers, and staff remain our top priority, and our team is working diligently to secure all approved areas. We will keep the community informed as progress is made toward our reopening date, and we