SAN CLEMENTE

In an effort to compete with malls that have longer hours, downtown merchants recently started a program called “Thursday Night Live.” Tonight, and every Thursday, area businesses will stay open until 8:30 p.m. and provide live street music and entertainment for shoppers. The businesses are in the “t-zone”: on El Camino Real and Avenida del Mar between East Avenida Palizada and Avenida Presidio. Also tonight, the Chamber of Commerce holds its 1998 Winter Wonderland Light Decorating Contest.