At the Tuesday, July 16 meeting, the City Council will be asked to to conduct a feasibility study to determine whether joining the Orange County Power Authority (OCPA) is mutually beneficial to the City and residents.

In addition, the Council will consider approval of a conceptual park design plans for Shalimar and Ketchum Libolt Parks and provide staff direction on the Parks and Community Services Commission recommendation to include restroom facilities. 

The Council will also review a lease agreement for a mixed-use development at the city’s Senior Center parking lot to construct and operate a 70-unit affordable senior and supportive housing project.

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.

Costa Mesa's Independence Day Community Celebration was a huge hit once again as approximately 9,000 people attended the July event at the OC Fair & Event Center.

As usual, Mayor John Stephens kicked off the event with a traditional reading of the Declaration of Independence 🇺🇸 with Mayor Pro-Tem Jeff Harlan, Council Member Loren Gameros, Assistant City Manager Cecllia Gallardo-Daly, County Supervisor Katrina Foley and OC Fair General Manager and CEO Michele Richards.

Also in attendance were Deputy City Manager Alma Reyes, Police Chief Ron Lawrence, Fire Chief Dan Stefano, Deputy Police Chief Joyce LaPointe, Public Works Director Raja Sethuraman, Parks & Community Services Director Brian Gruner, Finance Director Carol Molina and IT Director Steve Ely and several City staff.

The event included music, family fun, food, a rib-eating contest sponsored by Newport Rib Co. and of course fireworks.

Click here for photos.

Click here to watch a recap video of the event.

On July 2, Mayor John Stephens and Deputy City Manager Alma Reyes attended a 100th birthday party celebration for Dr. Elvera Cravagan at the Costa Mesa Senior Center with her many family and friends.

Dr. Cravagan, a regular member of the Senior Center, received a Certificate of Recognition from the mayor.

The Fairview Developmental Center (FDC) property is a once-in-a-generation opportunity to create much-needed housing and open space. Join the City of Costa Mesa and fellow community members as we review:

🏠 Three different housing and open space conceptual plans.

🏠 Results of analyses on traffic impacts, required infrastructure and financial feasibility of the conceptual plans. 

🏠 Ask one-on-one questions and share your input on the City’s future plans at three upcoming meetings on July 24, July 25 and July 31.

Visit FDCHousingPlan.com for details.

Visit our 2024 City Elections page here for more information.

Costa Mesa's efforts to address homelessness continues to be a success as 369 people have now been housed as of June 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.

The Costa Mesa Police Department saw two retirements last week: Sergeant Monique Beckner and Sergeant Michael Manson.

Monique Beckner

Sergeant Beckner joined the City of Costa Mesa as a Police Officer in December 1998 and have served in numerous capacities for 26 years.

Prior to coming to Costa Mesa, she was a police and fire dispatcher at the San Jacinto Police Department.

As a police officer, Beckner worked assignments in Patrol, School Resources, South Coast Plaza Detail, and Detective Bureau Property Crimes and Arson Investigator. She held collateral assignments as a SWAT Negotiator and as a Field Training Officer.

 In 2013, Beckner was selected as a winner of TIP – Heroes with Heart Award after responding to the death of a 47-year-old man, comforting his family, and providing information on where they could seek trauma intervention. Few officers receive this very prominent award. It recognizes officers who display “extraordinary compassion” during traumatic events. 

Beckner has volunteered with the Training Bureau recruitment, SIU sting operations, and Neighborhood Watch, as well as outside of the department with Tip-A-Cop, and mentored students in the Caring Connections program. 

In April 2020, Beckner was promoted to Sergeant and assigned to Patrol Services and Detective Sergeant for Property Crimes. During that time, you took an active role in arranging remedial training and provided officers with a report-writing guide.

Having prior investigative experience, Beckner collaborated with the Crimes Against Persons Sergeant to handle a number of major incidents that required detective callouts. A number of these incidents involved different officer-involved shootings (OIS), and you took the lead supervisor role when the Crimes Against Persons Sergeant was off duty.

Michael Manson

Sergeant Manson dedicated the majority of his adult life to the service of your community and nation. He honorably served with the United States Marine Corps Active Duty from 1990 – 1994 and Active Reserve Duty from 1994 – 1998 and received an honorable discharge with the rank of Sergeant

Manson joined the City of Costa Mesa as a Police Officer in August of 1994 and have served in numerous capacities for 30 years. As a police officer, he worked assignments in Patrol, South Coast Plaza, and the Traffic Bureau. While assigned to the Detective Bureau, he worked Crimes against Persons and Crimes against Children.

During Manson’s tenure in the Detective Bureau, he worked sensitive crimes and advocated for victims for seven and a half years. Manson collaborated with district attorneys and victim advocates while working a sensitive caseload. During your assignment as a detective, he was deputized as a Federal Agent on the Safe Task Force where he identified and arrested Internet sexual predators. 

Manson held collateral assignments as a Field Training Officer, Department Training Instructor, SWAT Operator, including the Sniper/Entry Team, Assistant Team Leader, and Chemical Agent Instructor.

In December 2014, he was promoted to sergeant and assigned to Patrol Services. He held a collateral assignment as a SWAT Supervisor. Manson’s dedication to his teams went above and beyond and was greatly appreciated.

Recently, Officer Madison Bowman earned her wings and received her certification after she completed the rigorous 160-hour POST Basic Police Motorcycle Safety Training. Her trainer was Officer Jose Torres.

Congratulations to Officer Bowman. She is the second woman in CMPD history to achieve this career goal and join the ranks of a long line of elite motor officers.

Over the weekend, we had some updates with CMFR's Strike Team deployments. 

Cal OES Type 1 (All Hazard/Structure) Engine was demobilized from the Thompson Fire and returned back to the city.

CMFR's Type 3 (All Hazard /Wildland) Engine was demobilized from the Basin Fire and was immediately reassigned to the Lake Fire https://www.fire.ca.gov/incidents/2024/7/5/lake-fire (near the Neverland Ranch in Santa Barbara County).  

In addition, earlier this week, the Cal OES Type 1 (All Hazard/Structure) Engine was requested and was re-deployed, joining our Type 3 Strike Team deployment on the Lake Fire incident, along with many other regional and statewide resources/assets) as part of an Orange County/Metro Cities Regional Type 1 Strike Team. 

The Lake Fire is currently over 26,000-plus acres and at last assessment was approximately 12% contained.

We remain fully staffed at all fire stations and we are preparing for additional increases in heat and fire weather activity, particularly in the inland empire, mountain areas and high deserts as the week progresses. 

All Fire & Rescue crews, including those who have returned and those who remain assigned, are all doing well and representing the best of Costa Mesa and the best of the California Fire Service!

For additional information on the Lake Fire and the other active fire incidents in the state, please click on the state’s fire incident status link for further detail:

https://www.fire.ca.gov/incidents

Recently Costa Mesa Fire & Rescue responded to a call of a structure fire located at the 1900 Block of Placentia. 

Crews arrived to locate an active fire on the second level of an E-bike facility.

Crews worked quickly and aggressively to knock the fire out, and kept it confined to the original point of origin, also with the assistance of the business’s fire suppression system.

No injuries were reported and crews remained on scene for salvage and overhaul operations. The fire is under investigation. 

Recently CMFR crews responded to a two-level, multi-unit residential structure fire in the 1800 block of Monrovia in the early morning hours. 

Crews arrived on scene and located active fire blowing out of the residence, and crews were able to contain the fire to the unit of origin and save multiple adjacent units from damage and further property loss. There were no injuries reported. 

Additional assistance was also provided by our partners at NBFD and HBFD.

One female adult and child were displaced but were able to exit the structure uninjured. CMFR coordinated with displaced occupants of the unit and the Red Cross to utilize housing assistance. 

The cause of the fire is under investigation. 

Recently, CMFR resources were called for a potentially hazardous condition (i.e., potential hazardous materials) incident at the Extra Space Storage Units Rental facility in the 2900 block of Bear Street (near Baker and the 73 Freeway).

The call came in due to a significant and potentially toxic odor that was reported by someone on-site.  

Subsequently after CMFR’s initial resources arrived on-scene, secured the area and assessed the incident, a regional

Hazardous Material Team and the Orange County Health Care Agency’s Environmental Health Team were requested.

These agencies remained on site assessing the impacted storage units, with CMPD securing the immediate area with traffic control.

After a thorough and methodical assessment by the HBFD Haz Mat Team Specialists and the OCHCA Environmental Health Team, it was confirmed that there was no immediate hazard or threat to the public and they coordinated with the storage unit tenant for proper hazardous material removal.  

With the availability of recycling options currently limited to Costa Mesa residents, Costa Mesa Public Works has partnered with Recycle From Home to offer these services.

Recycle from home picks up and pays Costa Mesa residents for recyclable cans and bottles right from your driveway or doorstep.

Here are some details:

• Pickups will be available every Tuesday for Costa Mesa residents
• 25 pounds of aluminum or plastic per consumer, per day
• 250 pounds of glass beverage containers per consumer, per day
• Can and bottles CAN be crushed
• Payments typically made within 24 hours with a 2-3 day processing time
• Residents can receive refunds via three methods: PayPal, Venmo, or mailed check
• Material types must be separated – Plastic bottles, cans, glass bottles. Wine & liquor bottles are allowed.

Residents should contact Recycle from Home with any questions/concerns: 888-734-0123 or visit www.RecycleFromHome.com.

Do you love Costa Mesa parks? Think you've got the perfect picture capturing how Costa Mesa parks make life better?

Help Costa Mesa Parks & Community Services celebrate by showing off all the great facilities, activities and events our parks have to offer by visiting any of our 30 parks during July and tagging us with your CostaMazing Instagram photos @cm_recreation to show us how our parks make YOUR life better. See you in our parks Costa Mesa!

Check out this special Costa Mesa Minute about “Parks Make Life Better” month! 

Hey Costa Mesa, were you able to set sail with us last week as we launched this summer's Concerts In The Park series at Fairview Park with "Yachty By Nature"?

If you missed the boat don't worry, the next concert arrives tomorrow when the popular 80's tribute band @flashbackheartattack returns to center stage! Music begins every Tuesday in July starting at 5 p.m.

For mainstage lineups and venue details visit our webpage here.

Check out our interview with Dana Wardop from the Costa Mesa Foundation to hear what’s new at this year’s concerts here.

Children ages 3 to 5 years are invited to learn, explore, and play in the L.E.A.P. Program for the 2024/2025 school year (August 19 – May 23).

L.E.A.P. operates Monday through Friday from 9 a.m. to 1 p.m. for all children at the Balearic Community Center (1975 Balearic Drive). Children will experience socialization and development, language literacy, educational circle time, arts & crafts, and active play.

Registration begins Monday, July 15, for Costa Mesa residents online at www.cmclassesonline.com or in person at the Balearic Community Center, while open registration begins on Monday, July 22.

Monthly fees are $347 per month with an additional $5 fee for non-residents. Spaces are limited and early enrollment is highly encouraged. 

For program information, please visit bit.ly/CostaMesaLEAP or call (714) 754-5175.

Or watch this video about the LEAP Program.

The Recreation on Campus for Kids (R.O.C.K.S) Program returns for the 2024/2025 school year (August 19 – June 6) at nine NMUSD elementary school sites: Adams, California, College Park, Davis, Killybrooke, Paularino, Sonora, Victoria and Whittier.

The program operates after school from school dismissal to 6 p.m., Monday through Friday, for students in Kindergarten through 6th grade. Participants will enjoy recreational and educational activities, while providing personal growth, teamwork, and enrichment in a structured environment.

Registration will begin on the below dates and times for all R.O.C.K.S sites, with monthly sessions totaling for an annual fee of $548 per child. R.O.C.K.S enrollment remains fully available, with no capacity limits.

• Early Enrollment: Saturday, July 20, 2024 (in person only) 9 a.m. - 12 p.m. at Balearic Community Center (1975 Balearic Drive)
• Open Enrollment: Monday, July 22, 2024 online: www.cmclasssesonline.com
• Downtown Recreation Center (1860 Anaheim Ave.)
• City Hall – 3rd Floor (77 Fair Drive)

For program information and session pricing, please visit bit.ly/CostaMesaROCKS or call (714) 754-5013.

The 2024 The League’s spring adult basketball season is officially wrapped up, and what a season it was.

With 144 hoopsters across 12 teams, we witnessed thrilling moments and standout performances that made it a memorable experience for everyone involved.

Monday Night Champions: OnlyBuckets capped off their stellar season with dominating wins in their final games.

Wednesday Night Champions: The new kids on the block, Chocolate Rain, showed incredible determination to earn their place on the champion's trophy.

Congratulations to all teams and players for their fantastic participation!

Ready for more basketball fun?

Join us for the 2024 Summer season start on July 15 to September 23, with games on Monday and Wednesday nights at the Downtown Recreation Center.

Registration is open until July 10. Whether you’re a player or a spectator, everyone is welcome. See you on the court. 

Symphony on the Go! is a mobile community concert experience. Pacific Symphony brings a traveling stage to communities around Orange County. The City of Costa Mesa is thrilled to host an upcoming concert.

All concerts are presented weather permitting. The public is encouraged to bring lawn chairs and blankets to the free outdoor concerts. Each concert is 50 minutes long.

The first concert will be held at 6:30 p.m. Aug. 24 at Heller Park.

Thank you to Orange County Supervisor, Katrina Foley for sponsoring Symphony on the Go! for this upcoming concert!

Bring back the ruffle suits and shoulder padded dresses for one night only please.

Access Costa Mesa is hosting a free ALL abilities friendly Night Under the Stars Dance.

• When: Friday, August 9, 2024
• Where: Costa Mesa Senior Center 695 West 19th St. 92627.
• Time: 6:30-9:30pm
• Ages: 14+
• No registration required. Call 714-754-5300 for more information.

Do you have a passion for card games, especially bridge?

Come join us every Tuesday from 9:30 a.m. to 12:30 p.m. at the Costa Mesa Senior Center.

Whether you're a seasoned player or new to the game, our welcoming group is eager to share strategies, laughs, and the joy of playing bridge together.

Don't miss out on the fun — see you there.

Thank you to everyone who joined us for our Independence Day celebration at the Senior Center, where we partied like it was 1776.

The festivities were truly unforgettable, filled with laughter, music, and delicious food. A special shout out goes to Costa Mesa Police Department for their exceptional service throughout the event.

Let's cherish these moments of community and patriotism until we gather again next year for another memorable celebration.

“Ready to Band Together? Join us for a magical evening with Trolls at the park. A

ctivities start at 7 p.m., and the movie begins at 8:15 p.m.

Kids, dress up as Poppy or your favorite Troll and bring your family and friends for a night of fun!”

It's summer and the annual OC Fair is returning on July 19 for its full 23-day run, bringing the fun through Aug. 18. The theme is "Always a Good Time!"

The fairgrounds' team is working hard to make sure that kids and families have plenty of opportunities to make memories that will last a lifetime.

Rides are rolling in, gigantic stuffed animals are taking their places in game booths, farm animals are getting gussied up and entertainers are polishing up their acts for fairgoers.

It's time to get tickets and plan this summer's OC Fair adventure. Advance ticket purchase is required – no transaction fees – and daily capacity is limited; visit ocfair.com or download the OC Fair 2024 mobile app. Days will sell out - don't miss out!

Tickets are available now for all shows at ocfair.com.