At the Tuesday May 7 meeting, the Mayor and City Council are scheduled to recognize Public Service Recognition Week.

The Council is also expected to review the planning commission’s decision to approve a conditional use permit to operate a retail cannabis storefront business with delivery at 2490 Newport Boulevard and get an update on the City's Tenant Protection Ordinance.

Council meeting starts at 6 p.m. in City Council Chambers.

Members of the public can view the City Council meetings in person, or live on Costa Mesa TV (Spectrum Channel 3 and AT&T U-Verse Channel 99), on the City’s YouTube Channel, via Zoom or on the City website www.costamesaca.gov. On the website, click the yellow Watch CMTV live button at the top of the page to view the meeting.

The National Day of Prayer took place this week and brought people of all faiths and religions together to pray, give thanks, and build stronger community relationships.

In Orange County, the Newport Mesa Irvine Interfaith Council started the day with their Annual Prayer Breakfast.

This year it was hosted at Our Lady Queen of Angels Church in Newport Beach, bringing together an expansive group of religious leaders from throughout Orange County, as well as elected officials and city leaders from Costa Mesa, Irvine and Newport Beach.

Costa Mesa Fire Chief Dan Stefano joined Costa Mesa Mayor John Stephens and attended on behalf of the City of Costa Mesa and the Costa Mesa Fire & Rescue Department.  

The morning kicked off with an inspirational choral presentation by Duane Williams, Christian Science Soloist, and the Second Baptist Church Choir, followed by the Rev. Steve Sallot from Our Lady Queen of Angels, who led the host welcome, followed with a very thoughtful invocation message from Rabbi Gersh Zylberman of Temple Bat Yahm.

The clergy set the stage for passionate messages of bringing people, communities and our great nation together.

Present was a range of faith leaders who shared messages of unity, strength, and hope, all ultimately highlighted by a very powerful keynote speech by Rev. Dr. Ivan Pitts of the Second Baptist Church of Santa Ana. 

Later in the day, a local Costa Mesa National Day of Prayer event was held on the Costa Mesa City Hall lawn. This event was led by Trellis and Love Costa Mesa, with faith leaders and community members from throughout the city, all sharing messages of hope, unity and prayers for Costa Mesa and the community.

The conclusion of the event focused on prayers for current community challenges, church leaders, pastors, elected officials, city leaders and public safety teams among others.  

Costa Mesa City Council Member Manuel Chavez was joined by Fire Chief Dan Stefano, Assistant Fire Chiefs Jason Pyle and Jon Neal, CMPD Captains Jason Chamness and Bryan Wadkins, and CMPD Chaplain Mike Decker.

“We recognize the importance and value of this day for community, friends, family and faith as we gather and share prayers not only one another and our community, but for our great nation and across the globe,” shared Fire Chief Dan Stefano. “Time focused on prayer for respect, kindness and understanding, as well as grace and space for all faiths and each other has never been more important. On the National Day of Prayer, we are especially grateful for our faith leaders and the incredibly valued work they carry out each day.”

CMFR acknowledges our strong community partnerships, including the Newport Mesa Irvine Interfaith Council and Trellis among many others. 

The National Day of Prayer was first created in 1952 through a joint resolution of the United States Congress. It was first signed into law by President Harry Truman and it was later amended, and signed by President Ronald Reagan, for the day to formally be recognized on the first Thursday of May.

Costa Mesa is upgrading several parks in our community, and we want YOUR input! 

Come see all the exciting ideas and give feedback on the proposed expansions to Ketchum-Libolt Park, the Costa Mesa Skate Park and Shalimar Park.

Money from the Skate Park expansion comes for the office of Supervisor Katrina Foley, who dedicated $2 million to the project.

Public meetings will begin at Ketchum-Libolt Park on Wednesday, May 8 from 6 to 8 p.m. On Saturday, May 11 from 10 a.m. to 12 p.m. a planning meeting will be held at the Costa Mesa Skate Park, and finally a public meeting will be held at Shalimar Park from 6 p.m. to 8 p.m. 

For more information call 714-754-5105 or visit our website costamesaca.gov

Check out this special Costa Mesa Minute announcing the park planning meetings featuring Parks & Community Services Director Brian Gruner here.

This weekend is the 20th Annual OC Marathon. The Costa Mesa Police Department (CMPD) will be monitoring traffic and road closures for the event and Mayor John Stephens will be there to kick off the event.

For the safety of the community and the event participants, CMPD reminds everyone to follow traffic sign directions and obey the rules of the road.

There will be various closures and detours from the fairgrounds to the Fashion Island area in Newport Beach, including:

Fairview Road from Fair Drive to Arlington Drive

Merrimac Way from Harbor Blvd. to Fairview Road

Expect delays and closures on these roads on Saturday, May 4, between 4:30pm and 6:30pm (for the 5K) and Sunday, May 5, between 5am and 12:30pm (for the half and full marathons).

The OC Marathon has partnered with Waze to give you the best experience possible to navigate around road closures with real-time traffic, optimal routes, and event-related road closures.

A complete list of road closures and times can be found at ocmarathon.com.

Schedule of Events:

• OC Lifestyle & Fitness Expo – Friday, 4pm-8pm & Saturday, 10am-5pm
• Kids Run the OC – Saturday, 8am-noon
• OC Lifestyle & Fitness Expo – 10am-5pm
• Celebrate OC – Saturday, 2pm-7pm
• Celebrate OC 5K – Saturday, 5:30pm-6:30pm
• OC Marathon start – Sunday, 5:30am
• OC Half Marathon start – Sunday, 6:30am
• Finish Line Party – Sunday, 7am-noon

To the runners, have a fun and safe run!

Costa Mesa Public Works and Maintenance crews helped ensure the City had a successful Arbor Day planting event at Marina View Park last Friday, April 26.

Public Works Director Raja Sethuraman was joined by Parks and Community Services Commissioner Cristian García-Arcos and several members of the public who came by to plant trees. For 18 years now, Costa Mesa has been designated as a Tree City USA by the Arbor Day Foundation.

Tree planting events like this help us maintain that status. The Tree City USA program provides direction, assistance and national recognition to participating cities while increasing awareness about the value of trees and the importance of sustainable tree management.

It also provided the framework for a healthy, sustainable urban forestry program in cities. Costa Mesa residents join almost 50% of Californian that live in Tree City USA community. 

On Saturday, April 27, the Costa Mesa Police Department participated in DEA’s National Drug Take Back Day so community members could get rid of expired, unused, unwanted medications.

Thanks to the community members who cleaned out their medicine cabinets and passed by the police department on Saturday, our helpful Explorers collected 52 pounds in 11 boxes of drugs for the DEA to safely dispose.

On Saturday, April 27, Costa Mesa Police Officers participated in the annual Superhero 5K Run Walk in support of Crime Survivors, an organization with a mission to provide hope and healing to victims and survivors of crime.

Members of our SWAT team chose to run in their full uniform, which adds 40 pounds, alongside members of the PD’s Baker to Vegas Relay Team.

The Costa Mesa Police Department continues to receive complaints, observe people riding, and respond to traffic collisions involving electric off-road motorcycles on our roadways and in our parks.

These types of electric motorcycles are illegal on city sidewalks, bike lanes, and in public parks. They may only be driven on city streets if they are registered with the DMV, have license plates attached and the operator has a valid Class M driver’s license.

For anyone and especially parents considering getting their child an e-bike, please ensure it is a street legal Class 1,2, or 3 e-bike before you buy:

• Class 1: Provides assistance only when the rider is pedaling and ceases to provide assistance when the bicycle reaches a speed of 20 mph
• Class 2: Operates via pedal-assist or throttle and ceases to provide assistance when the bicycle reaches a speed of 20 mph
• Class 3: Provides assistance only when the rider is pedaling and ceases to provide assistance when the bicycle reaches a speed of 28 mph. Must be 16 years or older to operate.

As depicted in the photo above, if we observe these motorcycles operating illegally we are making stops, issuing citations, and impounding them.

On Wednesday, May 1, Park Rangers were at Fairview Park to make sure the off-road motorcycles, also referred to as dirt bikes, were not being illegally operated in the park.

Those caught doing so were cited. Three motorcycles were impounded.

On Thursday, May 2, at the 34th annual Orange County Auto Theft Advisory Committee (ATAC) Banquet, Officer Santos was recognized as an Officer of the Year and third place winner for exceptional efforts during 2023 leading to the recovery of stolen vehicles and the arrest of vehicle theft suspects.

Congratulations to Officer Santos, who continues to do outstanding work daily.

His focus and dedication to serving the community helps keep Costa Mesa safe.

On Wednesday, May 1, Costa Mesa Fire Captain Chuck Torres was invited to speak in front of two Fire Technology classes, being taught at Santa Ana College.

The first class was an introductory course for students beginning their journey to becoming Firefighters.

Captain Torres' presentation focused on approaching, developing, planning, and navigating the recruitment process and what the pathway would include.  

The second class was a Fire Prevention course filled with students in their second semester of the Fire Technology program.

Captain Torres curtailed his presentation to focus on how Community Risk Reduction supports Fire Service operations by developing codes that protect the community and fire personnel. 

Captain Torres also explained about the opportunities of being a Fire Intern with CMFR and opportunities within the Community Risk Reduction division, as well as the range of Intern opportunities across every city department.

On Friday, April 26, Costa Mesa Fire & Rescue participated in the Rea Elementary Career Fair. 

Costa Mesa Fire Protection Specialist Ryan Meadors, Code Enforcement Officer Luke Senger, Fire Captain Travis Johnson, Fire Engineer Anthony Mancillas, Firefighter/Paramedics Kevin Humphreys and Mitch Diamond were all in attendance to represent CMFR and support the event. 

The students were tasked by their teachers to go to each organization and ask a series of questions which ultimately were designed to give the students an insight into the various careers that were being showcased.

In addition to the Q&A at our CMFR Booth, Engine 83 led a show and tell of the engine for the entire student population of Rea Elementary.

The event, in which 320 students actively participated in, also featured multiple organizations throughout the community.

Costa Mesa Fire & Rescue and Costa Mesa PD were recently invited to speak in front of numerous classes, filled with fourth, fifth, and sixth-grade students at Adams Elementary School for their Career Day event. 

Fire Captain Chuck Torres took the lead for CMFR and was joined by CMPD representatives, as well as other community members in different career fields.

Captain Torres provided insight into a typical day on duty and the responsibilities of a Firefighter outside of responding to emergencies.

Captain Torres took advantage of speaking to the students about remaining focused, working diligently, and the importance of never letting discouragement or doubt of others affect their own abilities.

It was a great time visiting with such lively and inspiring kids, and CMFR is grateful for these special moments shared with the community and our schools. 

The Orange County Inflation Reduction Act (IRA) Funding Accelerator Conference was held on April 30 and hosted by 5th District Supervisor Katrina Foley and the California Environmental Voters.

The event focused on evolving trends in mobility and sustainability with an eye on accessing federal funds available as part of the Inflation Reduction Act, which was signed into law in late 2022, marking large investments in the nation’s economy, transportation, energy security, and climate. 

Active Transportation Coordinator, Brett Atencio Thomas, participated on a panel at the event to discuss the importance of biking and walking in the sustainable mobility sector, and how Active Transportation is evolving as the electrification of bicycles rapidly proliferates. Jay Barkman, Government Affairs Manager, participated in the conference from the City Manager’s office.

As Costa Mesa continues to improve transportation and other infrastructure throughout the City, Public Works and other staff strive to stay in the know on best practices to implement sustainable and innovative solutions to make Costa Mesa a greener and more enjoyable community for all residents and visitors. 

The Street Maintenance team has recently repainted the crosswalk on 19th Street and Pomona Avenue.

Additionally, reflective beads were added to enhance visibility during low-light conditions, reducing the risk of accidents and increasing overall safety for both pedestrians and drivers.

Building Safety Month is an international campaign that takes place in May to raise awareness about building safety.

This campaign reinforces the need for the adoption of modern, regularly updated building codes, and helps individuals, families and businesses understand what it takes to create safe and sustainable structures.

The International Code Council, its members, and a diverse partnership of professionals from the building construction, design and safety communities come together with corporations, government agencies, professional associations, and nonprofits to promote building safety through informational events, legislative briefings and more. Staff comes together to support Building Safety Month because we understand the need for safe and sustainable structures where we live, work and play.

All communities need building codes to protect their citizens from disasters like fires, weather-related events, and structural collapse. Building codes are society's best way of protecting homes, offices, schools, manufacturing facilities, stores, and entertainment venues. Code officials work day in and day out to keep the public safe. ~ International Code Council

Pictured above is our Building Safety team that includes Building Inspectors, Building Official, Building Technicians, and Plan Check Engineers.

Major roadway construction continues along Adams Avenue and Royal Palm Drive.

This work will involve minor median island modifications on the easterly side of Mesa Verde Drive East. and Adams Avenue intersection; grinding of existing pavement, replacing damaged localized pavement sections and new asphalt.

Other work includes utilities adjustment, street striping, traffic signal loop installation, etc. During the project, access to portions of the road might be temporarily restricted. However, two-way traffic and access to the businesses will be maintained. Work will be Monday through Friday between 7 a.m. and 5 p.m.

“NO PARKING” signs will be posted 72 hours in advance of the actual start of construction, indicating the dates and times in which vehicles may not park in the work areas. Parking restrictions will be posted only when required.

The construction schedule is tentative and subject to change due to weather conditions and other factors but it could take up to eight weeks. 

The Public Works Department is committed to serve its residents and community stakeholders in repairing, maintaining, and enhancing the City’s infrastructure and appreciates the cooperation from the residents in following all traffic control, parking restrictions and posted signage throughout the duration of this project.

This street improvement project will be the City’s first project under the Community Workforce Agreement (CWA). The CWA promotes efforts to increase employment opportunities for residents of Costa Mesa, and to facilitate training and employment for the City’s students and veterans in the construction trades through apprenticeships and to encourage efficiency in construction operations. 

Should you have questions, please contact the City of Costa Mesa at (714) 754-5029 or visit our website here.

In the bustling heart of Costa Mesa, a new chapter of community support has dawned with the partnered efforts of Anomaly Squared.

Together, they have forged a partnership aimed at transforming lives and offering a lifeline to those in need through a 24/7 operational call center. In the first week of operations they have received over 100 calls and spent on average of 5-10 minutes per call time speaking with clients. 

Rooted in dedication, innovation, and a profound commitment to service, this partnership embodies a beacon of hope and assistance for Costa Mesa's residents.

At its core, the mission is simple yet profound: to provide round-the-clock support through a compassionate and efficient call center staffed by trained agents equipped with empathy and expertise.

The hotline number (714-754-5346) serves as more than just a contact point; it's a vital link connecting community members with essential services.

From vulnerable families struggling to secure permanent housing to senior citizens seeking companionship and support, every call received represents an opportunity for transformation.

Imagine the relief of a single parent finding solace in a late-night call, knowing that help is just a dial away. Envision the sense of connection and reassurance felt by a senior citizen as they share their concerns with a compassionate voice on the other end of the line.

Through this collaborative effort, Costa Mesa's service delivery landscape is undergoing a profound shift. The impact of this partnership extends far beyond mere logistics; it's about changing lives and offering hope to those who need it most.

As the community embraces this new resource, may it serve as a catalyst for change and a beacon of support for all who seek it. Together, with Anomaly Squared leading the way, we can create a brighter future for Costa Mesa—one call at a time.

Costa Mesa's efforts to address homelessness continues to be a success as 347 people have now been housed as of April of 2024.

The City of Costa Mesa’s Network for Homeless Solutions is a collaborative effort among City staff, volunteers, and nonprofit and faith-based organizations to address homelessness in our Community.

Through the efforts of the City’s Network for Homeless Solutions, individuals experiencing homelessness in Costa Mesa are connected to resources such as case management, employment assistance, housing navigation, and health care services.

For more information on the City's efforts to address homelessness click here.

Council Member Arlis Reynolds is hosting a community Bike Ride this Sunday May 5.

Meet the Council Member at 10:30 AM at Fairview Park (near the picnic shelter) and the cyclists will be rolling out 10:45.

Let's kick off Bike Month with a fun-filled, kid and family-friendly bike ride through our beautiful parks! 

Summer Camp Costa Mesa is back and jammed packed with tons of fun for youth entering grades 1st through 6th for the 2024/2025 school year.

Join us this summer at Estancia Park (1900 Adams Avenue) from June 10 to August 9, 2024 as we venture on excursions, themed activities, games, art, and more.

Program hours are 7:30 a.m. to 5:30 p.m., Monday through Friday. Weekly fees are $220 per child, with Weeks 2 and 4 prorated to $180 due to Camp being closed on June 19 and July 4. There is a $5 additional fee for non-Costa Mesa residents.

Registration begins on Tuesday, May 7 for Costa Mesa residents and open registration begins on Tuesday, May 14. Registration is available online at www.cmclassesonline.com (Activity # 19115) or in-person at the Downtown Recreation Center or City Hall. For additional information and weekly excursions, please visit bit.ly/CampCostaMesa or call (714) 754-5161.

We can’t wait to see you there!

If you are looking for a summer program that gets your child moving, our Happy Feet Running Club Program is the perfect program for you.

Happy Feet Running Club is a FREE program designed to teach children both short- and long-distance running techniques in a fun, non-competitive environment.

The season begins on June 11 and ends on August 3 with a Fun Run at Fairview Park. The program is open to youth entering 1st through 8th grade for the 2024/2025 school year. 

For the very first time, we will have three Happy Feet Running Club divisions.

• A-Division | 6th – 8th Grade (Activity #19134)
• B-Division | 4th – 5th Grade (Activity #19135)
• C-Division | 1st – 3rd Grade (Activity #19136)

 There will be no practices on June 19 and July 4. Have questions? Visit bit.ly/CMHappyFeetRC for practice days, times, and locations or call (714) 754-5084.

Registration is available online at www.cmclassesonline.com beginning Tuesday, May 7! We’ll race you there!

Camp Mini Explorers invites children ages 3 to 5 years old to embark on a six-week adventure from June 10 to July 19, 2024. Held at the Balearic Community (1975 Balearic Drive), campers will participate in many activities, such as science experiments, arts and crafts, music and dance, outdoor play, and more! Program hours are 9:00 a.m. to 1:00 p.m., Monday through Friday.

Six-week session price is $500 per child with a $5 additional fee for non-Costa Mesa residents.  

Registration begins on Tuesday, May 7 for Costa Mesa residents and open registration begins on Tuesday, May 14. Registration is available online at www.cmclassesonline.com (Activity # 19137) or in-person at the Balearic Community Center.

Campers must be potty-trained and proof age is required. For Camp Mini Explorer information, please visit bit.ly/CostaMesaLEAP or call (714) 754-5175.

Calling all youth entering 1st through 6th grade for the 2024/2025 school year.

Summer R.O.C.K.S is ready to kick off your summer with themed activities, games, arts & crafts, water days, and much more! Program operates Monday through Friday at 11:00 a.m. to 4:00 p.m. from June 10 to Aug. 9, 2024 at two locations at the Balearic Community Center (1975 Balearic Drive) and Downtown Recreation Center (1860 Anaheim Avenue). An additional week from August 12 to August 16 is available at Balearic only.

Session 1 : June 10 - July 12 (Program closed on June 19 and July 4)

CM Resident: Free

Non-CM Resident: $63

Session 2 : July 15 - August 9 

CM Resident: Free

Non-CM Resident: $52

Session 3 : August 12 - 16 

CM Resident: Free

Non-CM Resident: Free

Registration begins on Tuesday, May 7 for Costa Mesa residents and open registration begins on Tuesday, May 14. Registration is available online at www.cmclassesonline.com (BCC: Activity # 19127, DRC: Activity # 19131) or in-person at the Balearic Community Center. For Summer R.O.C.K.S information, please visit bit.ly/CostaMesaROCKS or call (714) 754-5013.

Mark your calendars because Access Costa Mesa is hosting our first Accessible, All abilities friendly FREE resource fair!

Join us for amazing resources from Friends of the Costa Mesa Libraries, Creative Identity, Segerstrom Center for the Arts: Studio D, Eyeconic Medical, Learning Rights Law Center, 9 Rounds boxing, and many more.

Details:

Date: May 19, 2024

Location: Costa Mesa Senior Center 695 West 19th St. 92627.

Time: 10:00am - 1:00pm

Ages: All

What is included? Resources, Raffles, refreshments and fun!

No registration required! Call 714-754-5300 for more information.

*Don’t forget to follow us and visit our Instagram @Cm_Recreation and Facebook @CostaMesa.Recreation pages to share information with your friends & for information about Access Costa Mesa events.  

The Costa Mesa Senior Center provides educational seminars to empower our community seniors with knowledge to enhance their physical, mental, and emotional wellbeing.

Recently the center hosted a two-day AARP Smart Driver course. The class promotes driving techniques to help keep older adults safe on the road.

The center also held a Memory and Decision-Making lecture. During this lecture, the UCI Computational Cognitive Neuroscience team discussed cognitive studies that look at how behaviors adapt to experience and context and how various conditions improve long-term learning and decision-making across the lifespan.

As Cinco de Mayo approaches, a spirited group of seniors eagerly dove into the colorful world of Mexican culture.

Together, they explored the art of crafting traditional papier mache piñatas led by Community Service Leader Cristina Sanchez.

Seniors shared laughter and camaraderie as they uncovered the history woven into each fold and layer.

To learn more about classes, programs, and resources at the Costa Mesa Senior Center please visit www.costamesaca.gov/seniorcenter.

Ringo is a 1-year-old, male, domestic short haired cat.

Ringo is known for his love of people. He enjoys cuddling as he is super affectionate. Ringo gets along well with other cats.

Ringo is neutered and up to date on his vaccines, if you are interested in meeting Ringo, he is located at The Orphanage Costa Mesa (1536 Newport Blvd. 92627) For other adoptable pets, you can visit https://pricelesspetrescue.org/

Mark your calendars for free compost!

OC Waste & Recycling is excited to host compost giveaways on Saturday, May 4 from 7:30 a.m. – noon while supplies last.

Giveaways will take place at:

• Bee Canyon Greenery at Frank R. Bowerman Landfill 11002 Bee Canyon Access Rd., Irvine
• Valencia Greenery at Olinda Alpha Landfill 1942 N. Valencia Ave., Brea
• Capistrano Greenery at Prima Deshecha Landfill 32250 Avenida La Pata, San Juan Capistrano

Only prefilled bags are available at the Brea location, while supplies last. Residents should bring a shovel and container or bag to fill at the Irvine and San Juan locations. Quantities are limited, staff will be onsite to assist.

Rain will cancel the event.

Keep an eye on @OCWaste day of the event for updates, and for more information visit www.oclandfills.com/events/free-compost-giveaway-3.

Now in our third year, Gospel Voices Orange County showcases the richness of African American culture through the arts.

A Signature Production by Costa Mesa Arts Commission Chair Debora Wondercheck and presented by the Arts & Learning Conservatory, honoring the brilliance of Black artistic excellence, GVOC shares a message of unity, hope, and joy through Spirituals, Gospel, classical, jazz music, dance, spoken word and theatre.

Transcending social divides through harmonies and history, the production brings all people of all ages together in celebration and inspiration.

This year's theme is: Sacred Sounds, Soulful Queens. We will honor women who impacted the trajectory of music and the arts from different genres and created a blueprint in American arts from enslavement to today.

Women being honored on the program:

-Katherine Dunham- Dance

-Mary Lou Williams- Jazz Piano

-Mahalia Jackson- Spirituals/Gospel 

-Shirley Scott- Jazz Organ 

-Rosetta Tharpe- Gospel/Rock-n- Roll

Gospel Voices of OC

June 8th, 7pm

Musco Center of the Arts

Chapman University