Residents can do a deep dive into the budget through this interactive webpage powered by Open Budget.

Open Budget allows the city to communicate our budget in an easy-to-understand way. This site provides you a visual interface to explore and search through our budget.

Find immediate answers to your questions and easily share your insights with others by clicking here.

The City of Costa Mesa recently launched MyCostaMesa, a new mobile app that is replacing the city’s first mobile app, Costa Mesa Connect.

MyCostaMesa is now available for free through the App Store and Google Play. 

MyCostaMesa will have all of the same citizen reporting and request for service features of the original app, and the improved reporting and routing features will allow staff to be more efficient and responsive.

MyCostaMesa allows citizens to report issues using their phone’s GPS and camera capabilities, review existing requests, send updates, and receive phone and email notifications of status changes on their issues. 

Residents can also submit a service request via the city website and review their submission history and knowledge base articles online.  

Thanks to the collaborative efforts of the Network for Homeless Solutions and its community partners, three individuals living on the streets of Costa Mesa were reconnected with their families within a 48-hour period.

Two individuals were sent home to Texas, one who came to Costa Mesa for work and lost his job and the other who suffered mental issues. A third person, who came to a sober living facility in Costa Mesa, was sent home to Ohio.

All three people are now off the streets of Costa Mesa and back home thanks to the hard work of this dedicated team.

Click here to learn more about the city's efforts to aid homeless individuals.

The northbound and southbound 405 Freeway through Huntington Beach and Westminster is scheduled to be closed from 11 p.m. to 7 a.m. on Saturday, Aug. 18, and again on Saturday, Aug. 25.

The closures are necessary for demolition of the McFadden Avenue bridge. Nighttime lane closures are scheduled on I-405 during the weeks of Aug. 20 and Aug. 27 for additional demolition activities.

 

For the full closures, northbound motorists will be detoured off the freeway at Beach Boulevard, and southbound motorists will be detoured off the freeway at Bolsa Avenue/Goldenwest Street. Motorists should expect nighttime delays and use alternate routes if possible.

 

To view all project closures and detours, please visit the interactive map or click here for a pdf list.

Costa Mesa Mayor Sandy Genis presented longtime youth baseball coach and volunteer Todd Cowley with the Mayor’s Award at the Tuesday Aug. 7 City Council meeting.

Click here for more.

The 128th OC Fair welcomed a record 1,470,636 guests who enjoyed 35 sold-out shows, ate hundreds of thousands of chocolate chip cookies and freed their inner farmers by greeting 11 new piglets at Centennial Farm.

“2018 was a banner year for the OC Fair in so many ways,” said OC Fair & Event Center CEO Kathy Kramer. “We want to thank the community for coming out in record-breaking numbers to enjoy the best celebration of the summer. We’re proud that 87% of guests surveyed said they increased their knowledge of agriculture and gave us a 4.62 overall enjoyment rating (out of 5).”

For more on the Fair numbers click here.

"A person of character seeks true happiness in living a life of purpose and meaning, placing a higher value on significance than success."

- Michael Josephson

On Tuesday Aug. 7, the Costa Mesa Police Department held its annual National Night Out event on the lawn near the department headquarters.

The event was very well attended by community members who enjoyed interacting with the members of the Police Department. The event was a great opportunity to discuss crime prevention and community oriented policing strategies with community members.

Click here for a video from the event.

A special shout-out to all of the volunteers, non-profits and community partners who helped make it a special evening for Costa Mesa families, including the Costa Mesa Fire Department, Costa Mesa Parks & Community Services, Costa Mesa CERT and the Los Angeles Chargers.

For more about National Night Out click here.

Several members from the Costa Mesa Fire & rescue team participated in a week of demolition derbys for a great cause. 

Proceeds from the events are going to be donated to the National Firefighter’s Foundation, Project 999, and Susan G. Komen. 

Chief Stefano participated in the Orange County Fire Chief’s RV demolition while Captains Rob Gagne, and Chris Coates; Engineers Steve Cathey and Dave Kearley teamed up to smash local law enforcement officers including Costa Mesa Police Sergeants Clint Dieball and Stephanie Selinske.

Costa Mesa probationary firefighters successfully completed their six-month evaluation.

The crews continued to schedule daily training such as fire hose operations to prepare them for their next milestone; the nine-month test.

Working closely with the Human Resources division, fire officials conducted firefighter interviews for new recruits.

Several members of our Costa Mesa fire team were tasked with interviewing over 90 candidates. The next phase of the process will be Fire Chief oral interviews.

Public Services staff recently held a neighborhood meeting at the St. Clair Street cul-de-sac on Thursday, Aug. 2. to discuss improvements to Randolph Street parking.

Click here to see the plan.

Approximately 20 people attended this event. The improvements were generally received positively by those attended. Some of the comments heard included: 

• Concern about turning left into Westar Associates parking lot located at the intersection of Randolph Street and St. Clair with the proposed roundabout.

• Some asked roundabout be taken out and add stop signs – Staff mentioned that stop sign could not be installed due to proximity of Bristol Street intersection.

• Truck turning issues – Some requested that more openings be provided on Randolph Street to allow for large truck access into driveways.

• Have parking meters installed at all existing and new parking stalls or make them all limited term parking.

• Some asked for schedule of the signal at Randolph/Baker – this is under design at this time.

• Plans for implementation.

Public Services will request City Council authorization to proceed with the project design and implementation at a future City Council Meeting. 

The reconstruction of Fire Station No. 1 reached another major milestone.

The new station is in the final stages of construction with the installation of architectural finishes and site landscaping.

Cabinetry, carpeting, tiling and exterior finishes are putting the final touches on the beautiful new building.

As Public Services prepares to commission the building for occupancy, the station's emergency generator is ready for testing and the associated 2,000-gallon fuel tank has been filled with diesel fuel.

This milestone will commence the start-up and testing of various mechanical, electrical, and plumbing systems in preparation for certification as a Gold level energy efficient building and occupancy for fire crews.

The City of Costa Mesa Building Division is excited to announce that it has initiated a pilot program to allow electronic plan check submittals.

Click here for more information.

To save time and money on printing, applicants can now submit a USB drive instead of rolls of plans. In addition to saving applicants money, the pilot program will help to improve the accuracy, quality and speed of the plan review process. The Building Division, as well as all of the city’s contract plan check firms, are equipped with the tools necessary for digital plan review.

 

The USB drive should contain a PDF of plans, structural calculations and soils reports, as needed. Once electronic plan review is complete, two paper copies of the final plans will be required for stamping.

 

There are a few simple requirements for the PDFs. 

Please contact the Building Division at 714-754-5273 for more information or download a handout on the process from the city’s website.

Economic Development staff attended the Southern California Economic Development Symposium on Aug. 9.

The symposium covered multiple topics including: a Southern California Economic Forecast; a tutorial on properly leveraging Labor Market Analytics; and discussions regarding growing trends and impacts in the housing, retail, and startup market spaces.

Staff also made contacts with several potential partners from state and local agencies which can support existing businesses within the City. The symposium provided a unique opportunity for Economic Development staff to strengthen the City’s network of partner agencies to assist in business retention and growth.

A unique camp experience is coming to the OC Fairgrounds Centennial Farm.

Summer Ranch Camp gives children the opportunity to learn about farming, care of livestock animals and leathering working all on a real working farm.

Camp begins on Aug. 15 for incoming fourth through sixth graders. Spaces still available. 

Click here for more.

As the Downtown Aquatic Center’s summer swim lessons come into their final weeks, nearly 600 participants have participated in a variety of the instructional classes offered.

Approximately 99% of participants that completed satisfaction surveys have rated the aquatic center’s programs as a five out of five for overall satisfaction.

The Summer SMART Camp had another successful year with its highest enrollment numbers ever!

There were 501 children who participated in various sports, music, and art activities in this free camp for fourth through eighth graders. 

The first Parks & Community Services Photo Contest is now taking place.

Residents can submit their high-resolution photos of Costa Mesa Pets, Programs, or Parks.

The winners from each category and a best in show will be displayed together at the Fall 2018 ARTventure event.

Go to www.costamesaca.gov/photocontest for contest rules and submission information. All photos should be submitted by Sept. 21.

Free Recreation in the Park demo classes will be taking place weekly in a Costa Mesa park from September to December.

Demos are being offered for archery, T-Ball, soccer, sand volleyball and more.

To view the class schedule or sign up for the class in advance, visit www.costamesaca.gov/RecreationClasses. 

The Parks & Community Services Department held its annual department staff training on Saturday, Aug. 4, where more than 150 full-time and part-time staff had the opportunity to focus on customer service, best HR practices and problem solving.

Guest speaker, City Manager Tom Hatch, provided career development tips and emphasized the importance of customer service to meet the needs of the Costa Mesa community. Special thank you to Mr. Hatch for spending his Saturday morning with the team. 

The Downtown Aquatic Center offers drop-in adult lap swimming and open swim for the entire family which is used by more than 1,000 participants.

This year, the Parks and Community Services Department worked with staff from Save Our Youth to allow SOY participants to use open swim hours free of charge.

Come to the Animal Care Services volunteer and foster orientations Thursday Aug. 16 from 5:30 p.m. to 7:30 p.m. at the Balearic Community Center to learn all about volunteer opportunities and how to work with animals in need of help.

This event is sponsored by Priceless Pets rescue services. For more information please call 714-754-4918 or 714-754-5128.

Congratulations to cat Tessa (pictured), who recently landed in a new home. Other adoptions this week included felines Kenny, Zara, Kenzie and Niko.

On Tuesday, Aug. 7, the lead staff from the Parks & Community Services Department took some time to listen to guest speaker, CEO Tom Davin from 5.11 Tactical, who emphasized the importance of fundamental leadership and engagement in the workplace.

The team then visited Marina View Park off 19th Street, where they engaged in an afternoon of team building activities that encouraged reconnecting with peers, and focused on communication strategies to continue working cohesively. 

Candidates for city council file papers for November election.

Candidates for water and sanitary district boards throw hats in ring.

Costa Mesa man faces felony vandalism charges after jumping off Lido bridge.

Police arrest man in golf club assault.

New ambulance staffing plan gets approval.

Stray Cats to reunite at Aug. 16 show at Pacific Ampitheatre.

New film is based on the life of CEO of Costa Mesa based Project Hope Alliance.

Last week, outreach workers assisted 75 people and helped to get two into temporary housing and four into emergency housing. In addition, outreach worked with the Costa Mesa Police Department to provide water bottles to homeless during the recent heat wave.

Code Enforcement contacted 32 individuals, 23 declined help and nine requested help.

Each week, the city compiles a report on the efforts of our outreach team to help provide assistance to homeless persons in need. Our team reconnects homeless with their families, locates housing opportunities and helps individuals get into recovery programs and even employment.

To see past reports click on  this link.

Animal Control officers compile a report each week detailing encounters with wild animals and pets in the city.

To keep the public informed about what is happening with the city's Animal Control division, we are going to publish a weekly report on our website.

Click here to read past reports.

Thursday, August 16 –  Volunteer & Foster Care Orientation  , 5:30 – 7:30 p.m., Balearic Community Center, 1975 Balearic Dr., Learn more about volunteer opportunities to showcase your love of animals and foster pets in need.

Saturday, August 18, 2018  Donation Event , 9 a.m. – 3 p.m., OCC Recycling Center, no bulky items or hazardous material accepted, hosted by the Costa Mesa Sanitary District and benefitting Goodwill OC.

Wednesday, August 22, 2018 –  Costa Mesa Movies in the Park- Despicable Me 3 , doors open 5:45 p.m. / movie begins at dusk, Angels Playground, TeWinkle Park, 885 Junipero Ave. Bring blankets and chairs and check out a movie in the park.

Wednesday, August 22, 2018 – Chargers Training Camp , 10 a.m.- noon, Jack Hammett Sports Complex 2750 Fairview Rd. Watch the Los Angeles Chargers practice live right here in Costa Mesa. Tickets not required and walk-ups welcome. Enjoy kids interactive zone including games, face painting, bounce houses and more. For more information, please visit: www.chargers.com

Thursday, August 23, 2018 – Chargers Training Camp , 10 a.m.- noon, Jack Hammett Sports Complex 2750 Fairview Rd. Watch the Los Angeles Chargers practice live right here in Costa Mesa. Tickets not required and walk-ups welcome. Enjoy kids interactive zone including games, face painting, bounce houses and more. For more information, please visit: www.chargers.com

Friday, August 24 through Sunday, August, 26, 2018 – OC Night Market , 4 p.m., OC Fair and Event Center, 88 Fair Dr. Enjoy hundreds of food, arts, entertainment and merchandise booths in one centralized location.

Saturday, August 25, 2018 – Get on Your Feet! Dance Class , 10:30 a.m., Segerstrom Center for the Arts, 600 Town Center Drive. Learn choreography from the Broadway musical based on Gloria and Emilio Estefan’s live during this free dance class. For more information, please call: 714-556-2787.

Monday, August 27, 2018 – Wonder , 12:45 p.m. Senior Center, 695 W. 19 ^th St. Movie Monday features the film Wonder. Enjoy popcorn, time spent with friends and a good time. For more information, please call: 714-327-7550.

Wednesday, September 5, 2018 – Tastemakers of Orange County , 6-9 p.m., Segerstrom Center for the Arts, 600 Town Center Dr. A collaboration between the Segerstrom Center for the Arts and The Orange County Asian and Pacific Islander Community Alliance, this culinary event brings the Pacific Islander community, culture, heritage and cuisines to Costa Mesa. For more information, please call: 949-642-3745.

  Saturday, September 8, 2018 - Grandparents Day , 10 a.m.- noon, Senior Center, 695 W 19th St. Celebrate Grandparents Day with your loved ones. Enjoy COCO, a Disney Pixar film, donuts and arts and crafts. For more information, please call 714-327-7550.

 

Tuesday, September 11, 2018 – Chamber 101 , 9 a.m. Chamber administration office, 1700 Adams Ave. Suite 101. Learn about chamber membership opportunities, networking events and the many resources the chamber can provide you. For more information, please visit: www.costamesachamber.com