Mayor Katrina Foley Mayor Pro Tem Stephens, Council Member Marr, and City Manager Lori Ann Farrell Harrison joined city partner Families Forward and HomeAid Orange County, along with Landsea Homes, as they announced the opening of a new affordable housing development on Dec. 13.

The Residences at 21st Street is an affordable housing option for low-income families residing in Orange County.

Each of the eight units feature a completely renovated 2-bedroom, 1-bathroom home that will provide affordable housing in the City of Costa Mesa, allowing families to remain in their communities near places of employment and neighborhood schools.

  

This is critically needed housing as new data collected by the National Low-Income Housing Coalition in the 2019 Out of Reach Report shared the median wage needed to afford a two-bedroom apartment in Orange County is $81,480. With the stagnancy of wages, increasing housing costs, and the decreasing availability of affordable housing in Orange County, low-income families are increasingly vulnerable to homelessness. This housing development will provide eight local families in need with a home just in time for the holidays.

 

Over the past 35 years, Families Forward has become a county leader in family housing navigation and the administration of safety-net services to at-risk and homeless families. Beginning with five rented apartments, Families Forward now owns or is in partnership with 54 affordable housing units, with that number expected to double by 2022.

Since its founding in 1989, HomeAid Orange County has been working to end homelessness in Orange County through housing. They have partnered in 67 housing developments, creating homes for over 65,000 individuals. 

Costa Mesa's Snoopy House celebration is an annual holiday tradition that has brought joy to thousands of visitors since 1966.

Click h ere to watch some highlights from 2019 Snoopy House opening night, featuring community performers, the lighting up of City Hall and of course, Santa Claus.

For information and schedules visit //www.costamesaca.gov/snoopyhouse

The City would also like to send out a special thanks to a couple of our community partners for helping out this year.

South Coast Toyota donated a lovely tree and provided treats for the hard working city staff and ExperTec Automotive delivered cases of water to keep all of our elves properly hydrated.

Come visit Snoopy House, which is open nightly through Dec. 22 from 5:30 - 9 p.m. Santa arrives each night for photos by 6 p.m.

Watch the Snoopy House Opening ceremonies here on Facebook Live!

Costa Mesa's newest restaurant is a wild place to be.

On Dec. 16, Mayor Katrina Foley and Mayor Pro-tem John Stephens attended the Costa Mesa Chamber of Commerce's official ribbon cutting ceremony for Buffalo Wild Wings.

The new restaurant is located in the spot formerly occupied by Mimi's Cafe in the Costa Mesa Courtyards.

City Manager Lori Ann Farrell Harrison presented Maintenance Supervisor Daniel Jojola with the City Manager Leadership Award at the monthly Meet and Greet on Dec. 12.

“I have heard nothing but great things about Daniel,” Farrell Harrison said. “His dedication to his work here in Costa Mesa is well known and respected by his co-workers and I personally want to thank him for all the work he has done over the last few weeks to help us prepare Snoopy House for the community. It’s a job well done and recognition well earned.”

Click here to read more.

More than 30 riders (and two dogs!) turned out for Council Member Arlis Reynolds’s Community Holiday Bike Ride, a 20-mile trek through the city to deliver cookies to first responders at all Costa Mesa Police and Fire Stations.

The Beginner’s Group covered the two-mile loop around the Orange County Fairgrounds and delivered cookies to the Costa Mesa Police Station and Fire Station No. 5.

Many riders continued for the 9-mile and 20-mile rides reaching all other fire stations and the Police Substation at South Coast Plaza.

Special thanks to Orange Coast College (OCC) and Black Market Bakery for donating cookies; to the OCC Food Riders for helping to haul the cookie bounty in a specialized bicycle trailer; to Planning Commissioner Marc Perkins, Bikeway and Walkability Committee Members, and the Costa Mesa Alliance for Better Streets for their help planning and guiding the ride; and to Mayor Foley and Parks & Community Services Commissioner Cassius Rutherford for participating.

Tune up your bike and mark your calendar for the third Sundays of each month because the community rides will continue in 2020. Email [email protected] for more information.

“Since you get more joy out of giving joy to others, you should put a good deal of thought into the happiness that you are able to give.”

―Eleanor Roosevelt

Professional musician Briana Harley first performed at Costa Mesa's Snoopy House holiday event as a drummer with her elementary school as a little girl.

A decade later, after graduating from Costa Mesa schools and Vanguard University, Harley's Snoopy House inspiration comes full circle as she now brings her own students, as well as her family members, to perform with her live annually at Snoopy House.

You can learn more about her at www.brianaharley.com.

Click here to watch a CMTV video about her.

Susie was an active drug user and estranged from her family when she became a client of the Costa Mesa Bridge Shelter at the beginning of September.

During her stay at the shelter, Susie worked closely with her case manager and has become sober, linked with non-profit Chrysalis to find employment and reconnected with her family.

As of today, Susie has obtained permanent housing with her sister, is working at a job she loves and is now the 38th client of the Costa Mesa Bridge Shelter.

Costa Mesa is always looking for talented individuals who are interested in serving in municipal government and working to improve the community.

On Dec. 13, Sgt. Matt Selinske graduated from the Sherman Block Supervisory Leadership Institute, “a program designed to stimulate personal growth, leadership, and ethical decision-making in California law enforcement front-line supervisors,” per POST.

Sgt. Selinske was one of 21 sergeants from various California agencies to graduate that day after eight months of study and hard-work.

Congratulations to Sgt. Selinske on this achievement and all the sergeants in the graduating class. 

In the Costa Mesa Police Department, there will always be volunteers helping.

They donate their time and energy to serve the Department and the community.

Last week, during the Volunteer Christmas Luncheon, department staff made sure to recognize the volunteers for their contributions and dedication to the Department.

The department is grateful to have such a great team of volunteers that work in Live Scan, Records, Traffic, Property, and Crime Prevention.

Costa Mesa Fire & Rescue Team Member of the Month for November is Firefighter Joshua Ortega.

Ortega began his career with Costa Mesa Fire and Rescue on Sept. 3, 2006. In the last 14 years Josh has been an integral part of the organization.

Areas to highlight include, his participation with the EMS Committee and Safety Committee, audio and video creator for the departments social media and communications division and his role as a ACLS and PALS instructor the department.

Additionally, Ortega served as the point-of-contact for the 2010 Orange County Fire Service Association yearbook, has acted in the role as a Certified Preceptor, participated in the interview panel for firefighter/paramedic testing and most currently, he is a member of the training cadre for the current recruit firefighter class.

“Josh’s contributions to our team are remarkable and have a positive impact on so many people,” Fire Chief Dan Stefano shared. “It does not matter how large or small the assignment or project is, Josh frequently steps up in a big way and is a consummate team player whether on or off duty – from leading our team in the annual 911 San Diego Stair Climb to sharing his expertise in creating our departments videos to recently stepping in as a key leader in our new firefighter academy cadre. Simply put, Josh is a highly valued member of our department and just a truly exceptional person.”

Ortega attended Rio Honda College for basic fire academy and proceeded to Saddleback College to earn his Paramedic Certification.

He is in the process of earning his Associates of Fire Science from Santa Ana College and Mt. San Jacinto College.

There is still time to donate a new, unwrapped toy for the 27th annual Southern California Spark of Love Toy Drive.  

This year, the Costa Mesa Fire & Rescue Department and the Costa Mesa Firefighters Association have joined efforts to expand the toy drive and intensified our focus on the needs for children and families here in Costa Mesa through “Operation Give Back.”  

For those looking to donate a toy during this holiday season, please visit any one of Costa Mesa Fire and Rescue’s six fire stations or City Hall.

Costa Mesa fire stations will be accepting toy donations through Tuesday Dec. 24, 2019 and the City Hall will collect toys until Friday, Dec. 20, 2019. 

Across the entire county, there is a special need this holiday season for toys and sports equipment for boys and girls ages eight and up!

Firefighter/Paramedic Lucas Anderson is the newest Costa Mesa Fire and Rescue member to receive his engineer certification. 

He spent countless hours preparing himself to meet the requirements needed to take the promotional exam and work in a move-up status as needed. 

The certification process requires the candidate to complete a series of engineer related manipulative tasks and exams inherent to the position. 

Anderson has worked diligently with many members of the department who have supported him through his training and throughout this journey. 

A big congratulation to Lucas Anderson as he continues to push forward within Fire & Rescue. 

Last week, probationary firefighters were trained in the art of fire control.

The recruits were given a scenario and used a constructed “doll house” to learn prediction methods of fire spread and fire behavior.

The recruits then called upon their new skills and utilized the fire control container with live fire action.

Fire control class is designed to train firefighters in the ways of fire spread and rescue probability.

Additionally, it teaches the recruits about the stages of fire and how to control the path of fire flow when there is a rescue of trapped occupants occurring and fire extinguishment operations are ongoing.

Fire control training also helps prepare the recruits to utilize and fine tune their firefighting and critical thinking skills and helps them apply those skills quickly and effortlessly during fire suppression operations. 

Earlier this week, fire service professionals representing all of the fire departments in Orange County, and from every section represented within the Orange County Fire Chiefs Association, gathered together at the Marina Park facility in Newport Beach for the annual year-end meeting to recap the year’s accomplishments and provide a preview of the association's 2020 goals. 

 

There was a strong Costa Mesa Fire & Rescue leadership presence at the meeting, which was opened by the department's Division Chief Jason Pyle, the association's Operations Section President, followed with an invocation by Costa Mesa Battalion Chief Chris Coates, and then led by Fire Chief Dan Stefano, who is the association's Fire Chiefs Section President.

Also in attendance were Costa Mesa Fire Marshal Jon Neal, the association's Fire Marshals Section President and Costa Mesa Captain Joe Noceti, the association's Training Officers Section Vice President.  

The meeting also showcased a very timely presentation by Newport Beach Fire Department ‘s EMS Division Chief Kristin Thompson on fire service wellness, cancer prevention, and behavioral health, which highlighted one of the primary strategic goals for the Orange County Fire Service and Costa Mesa Fire & Rescue.

The Development Services Department is announced that Irene Rosendale has accepted the full-time Permit Processing Specialist position.  

Rosendale has been working with the City in a part time capacity since October 2017. She is the first person the public normally sees when exiting the second floor elevator since her primary responsibility is to assist customers who need assistance from one of the four divisions of the Development Services Department. 

As a full time Permit Processing Specialist, she will continue to provide the same support but in a much needed full-time capacity.  

On Dec. 5, the Costa Mesa community trips program took a group of seniors to Orange County Museum of Art for a tour.

 

Orange County Museum of Art has a collection that compromises of 3,500 works of art. The Collections focus is on modern and contemporary art and includes painting, sculpture, photography drawing, printmaking, video, digital and installation art produced during the 20th century.

 

Seniors were eager to see the museums exhibitions that have that traveled to more than 30 museums throughout the United States and Europe. The seniors concluded that the museum did not disappoint. 

On Dec. 7, the Costa Mesa Senior Center hosted the Vision Clinic in collaboration with The Lighthouse, VSP, and Lions Club to provide free eye glasses on a first come first served basis.

The clinic had 123 participants in attendance with 38 prescription glasses dispensed on site and 75 more on the way for specialized prescriptions.

 

The Vision Clinic was such a success, a tentative date for 2020 is already being set.

On Dec. 2, the Costa Mesa Senior Center Travel program visited Laughlin Riverside Hotel & Resort for an overnight trip.

More than 46 seniors enjoyed two nights and one day of gaming, food, and fun! 

On Dec. 14, the Institute for Conservation Research and Education held a restoration work day in collaboration with the City to plant over 200 native plants.

More restoration opportunities will be held on the second and fourth Saturdays of the month starting in January.

Tux is a domestic short hair, young, tuxedo male looking to bring a bit of attitude to your home.

He is a sassy cat who enjoys roughhousing and being the man of the house. He interacts well with other cats and dogs, however, other cats will have to be capable of standing up to his Type A kitty personality.

But don’t let his tough guy persona fool you, he is a friendly young lad who loves being around people of all ages. To learn more about Tux, please click here or you can visit him in person at the Knead Catffeine – Cat Café in Chino Hills (3560 Grand Ave., unit J.

Michele Richards has been chosen as CEO to lead the OC Fair & Event Center as it readies for its 130th annual fair.

Richards has served as Interim CEO since Oct. 28 and prior to that she was the agency’s VP of Business Development for more than seven years. She was also an organizational development consultant to OC Fair & Event Center (OCFEC) for 11 years and next year will celebrate her 19th OC Fair.

“I cannot think of a better person to move us forward. Michele is extremely knowledgeable and exudes enthusiasm for OC Fair & Event Center and the communities we serve,” said board chair Sandra Cervantes. “Michele is very well-prepared for this role and comes into the position with the full support of the board and staff. We are excited about the future.”

Richards has more than 30 years of leadership experience in a variety of fields including advertising/marketing, organizational development, sales and human resources, including more than 15 years managing her own consulting practice.

At OCFEC, she has worked in several leadership positions including overseeing marketing, communications, events, creative services, sales, exhibits and education.

“I believe that what we do here is special and important and I am honored to be entrusted to serve this amazing organization,” said Richards. “To lead such a talented and passionate staff is the opportunity of a lifetime.”

Richards takes the CEO role at a time when the state agency, also known as California’s 32nd District Agriculture Association, is approving its yearly budget, working through branding assessment and planning 2020 events.

Thursday, December 19, 2019 –  Breakfast with Santa, 10 a.m. – 1 p.m., Costa Mesa Senior Center, 695 W. 19th St. Celebrate the holidays at the Senior Center. More info at  www.costamesaca.gov.

December 19, 2019 – January 5, 2020 –  Winter Fest OC, hours vary, OC Fair & Event Center. Experience Southern California’s largest winter festival Featuring ice tubing down a 150 foot mountain, massive snow play and slide area, SoCal’s largest outdoor ice rink, over 20 carnival rides and attractions, festive entertainment, seasonal eateries and more.

Saturday & Sunday, December 21 & 22 –  OCME Holiday Trains & Christmas with Santa, 10 a.m. – 3:30 p.m., Goathill Junction at Fairview Park, Hosted by the Orange County Model Engineers, this annual event features free train rides and photos with Santa.

Monday, December 23, 2019 –  The Tradition of Hanukkah, 10 – 11 a.m., Costa Mesa Senior Center, 695 W. 19th St. Learn the history of this Jewish festival through games, singing, crafts, traditional treats and more.

Monday, December 23, 2019 –  Community Blood Drive, 2 – 7 p.m., Lions Park Event Lawn, 1855 Park Ave.  www.costamesaca.gov/lionsparkevents

January 7 - 12, 2020 –  Blue Man Group, Blue Man Group returns to Orange County with their new show for a limited engagement. More info and tickets available at  www.scfta.org.