Meet Rick

Born and raised in Los Angeles, Rick attended USC, resided in Hermosa Beach from 1974 to 2000 and moved to San Clemente in 2000 where he presently resides.

Rick and his wife Karen each have two children. Their blended family includes eight grandchildren residing in North Carolina, Texas, and California.

Rick was an LAPD officer from 1974 to 2002. He was assigned to numerous geographic patrol and special enforcement units including Air Support. He was a training officer and court-qualified Drug Recognition Expert. Rick retired from the LAPD in 2002 and joined the Carlsbad Police Department where he was assigned as a training officer, patrol, and SRO. He retired from law enforcement in 2010.

Rick is currently the President of the Friends of San Clemente Beaches and Parks Foundation which was voted the “Non-Profit of the Year” by the San Clemente Chamber of Commerce. He served as the Chairman of the City of San Clemente Public Safety Committee until being appointed to the San Clemente City Council on May 23, 2023.

Rick Loeffler being honored by the City of San Clemente in recognition of the 50-year anniversary of swearing in to the Los Angeles Police Department and for his lifetime of commendable service to the public.

His Record

Public Safety is His Priority

  • Championed acquiring Private Security to bridge gap until four new OCSD Deputies could be deployed.

  • Supported funding for four new OCSD Deputy positions.

  • Supported the creation of a Public Safety Director Position.

  • Supported changing the beach hours from midnight to 10 p.m. to enhance the safety of beach users.

  • Initiated and supported the enhancement of the Park Ranger program to include professional uniforms upgrades and certification for the power to issue citations.

  • Supported prohibiting tents on beaches.

  • Supported strengthening restrictions on R.V. parking.

As a member of the San Clemente Public Safety Committee, Rick Loeffler initiated City ordinances passed by city council

✔ Prohibit the storing of personal property on public property.

✔ Prohibit the removal of shopping carts from private and business property.

✔ Prohibit the dismantling of bicycles (bike chop shops) on public property.

✔ Prohibit the possession of a catalytic converter without proof of ownership.

Rick Supports our Community and Businesses

As a current member of our city council, Rick has cast a “Yes” vote on:

  • Supported a Grant Application for Sand Replenishment Program.

  • Emergency funding for the mitigation of the Casa Romantica landslide

  • The creation of the Coastal Administrator (Sand Czar).

  • Supporting Harbor View residents in their fight to remove an unsafe cell tower.

  • Continuing outdoor dining on Del Mar.

  • Directing the City Manager to evaluate the impact of Sober Living Homes on the community.

  • Operating the San Clemente Trolley year-round.

Mr. & Mrs. Loeffler welcoming their eighth grandchild.