On Wednesday, Aug. 5, at the OC Fair, the Demolition Derby was all the rage with first responders competing to raise money for CHOC, while Costa Mesa Police Chief Joyce LaPointe cruised to a second place finish in Motorhome Madness.

The Chief displayed strong skill and strategy, winning her a podium finish. Shout out to the OC Sheriff and chiefs, who were strong competitors in the arena. Special mention goes out to the CMPD K9 Unit for putting on a show, and the officers who participated in Figure 8.

Chief LaPointe was cheered on by her Costa Mesa counterparts that included Mayor Pro Tem Manuel Chavez, Council Member Loren Gameros, City Manager Cecilia Gallardo-Daly and Assistant City Manager Alma Reyes.

Also there to show support for the Chief was Deputy Chief Jason Chamness, Police Capt. Carlos Diaz, Police Capt. Scott Stafford, Interim Fire Chief Jason Pyle, Public Works Director Raja Sethuraman, IT Director Steve Ely, Parks & Community Services Director Brian Gruner, City Clerk Brenda Green and many more.

A special thank you to the Costa Mesa High School students who painted the CMPD RV, Southside Towing, ExperTec Automotive, MESAC Volunteer Ashley Fisher, and our partner CHOC.

All proceeds from Motorhome Madness will go to CHOC, thank you to everyone who donated to an important cause.

Costa Mesa Police Chief Joyce LaPointe battled fellow first responders in style at the Motorhome Madness Demolition Derby Wednesday night at the OC Fairgrounds thanks to a CostaMazing paint job provided by members of the Costa Mesa High School Art Club. 

Check out this fun video featuring members of the Costa Mesa High School Art Club describing their creative artwork to Chief LaPointe.

These talented artists along with Dave Padua and Southside Towing ensured that Chief LaPointe crashed the party with flair as she joined Orange County’s finest police and fire departments to fundraise in support of Children’s Hospital of Orange County (CHOC).  

It’s not too late for you to join "Team LaPointe” as well, as every dollar donated goes directly to children in need at CHOC. 

For more information please visit: https://raiseup.choc.org/OCderby2026.

The Planning Commission held a study session on Monday, July 27, 2026, for the Fairview Developmental Center Specific Plan and provided feedback on the draft document to staff.

Community members will have another opportunity to provide input at the Planning Commission Public Hearing on Monday, August 10, 2026, at 6:00 PM in the City Council Chambers.

The Planning Commission will be making a recommendation to the City Council on the Specific Plan and associated amendments to the Zoning Code and General Plan Land Use Element, including the Final Environmental Impact Report.

An updated Public Hearing Draft FDC Specific Plan that incorporates the Planning Commission’s feedback is available at www.fdchousingplan.com, and the Planning Commission agenda will be made available at least 72 hours prior to the hearing here: https://costamesa.legistar.com/Calendar.aspx 

On Tuesday, Aug. 4, Costa Mesa PD held the last call and signing off ceremony for Lt. David Casarez, who retired after a distinguished three-decade career in law enforcement.

Lt. Casarez began his law enforcement career with the Costa Mesa Police Department in October 1995 after graduating from the Orange County Sheriff's Academy. While serving the Department, he earned a Bachelor of Arts in Criminal Justice and later a Master of Public Administration from California State University, Fullerton. 

Throughout his distinguished career, he served in numerous assignments, including Patrol, SWAT Logistics, Vice and Narcotics, Gang Investigations, Property Crimes, and Crimes Against Persons. 

In 2013, he was promoted to the rank of Sergeant and he was recognized as the Costa Mesa Police Department's Supervisor of the Year in 2018. In 2019, he was promoted to Lieutenant, serving as an Area Commander, Commander of the Telecommunications Bureau, and Administration Lieutenant. 

Most recently, he served in the Professional Standards Bureau, where he led the implementation of modernized departmental policies, managed internal investigations with professionalism and transparency

Lt. Casarez left a lasting impact on both the organization and the community it serves. Congratulations on your well-earned retirement and we are going to miss you. 

On Tuesday, Aug. 4, the Costa Mesa Police Department hosted National Night Out at Lions Park.

National Night Out is an annual event that promotes public safety, community partnerships, and neighborhood camaraderie. It provides a great opportunity to bring police and the community together under positive circumstances.

CMPD would like to thank the non-profit organizations that participated and provided important resources to the community, including America on Track, Newport Harbor Elks Lodge, Human Options, Supervisor Katrina Foley, Assemblywoman Cottie Petrie-Norris, Laura’s House OC, and TIP Orange County.

A big thanks to the community who came out to have some fun and connect with CMPD and the CMPD Explorers. We hope to see you all again next year for National Night Out 2026!

Recruits recently completed week five of the Costa Mesa Fire & Rescue Recruit Academy.

The week focused on vehicle extrication which is one of the most technical and time-sensitive rescue disciplines in the fire service.

Throughout the week, recruits learned how to safely stabilize vehicles in a variety of complex positions, operate Jaws of Life and other hydraulic rescue equipment, and apply extrication techniques designed to rapidly and safely remove victims from vehicles involved in serious traffic collisions. Emphasis was placed on scene safety, patient care, communication, and teamwork throughout each evolution.

As the week progressed, recruits were challenged with increasingly complex scenarios that required them to apply their skills, adapt to changing conditions, and work together under pressure. The realistic, hands-on training helped build the confidence and proficiency needed to perform effective vehicle extrications in the field.

With each week of the academy, the recruits continue to develop the technical skills, critical thinking, and teamwork necessary to serve Costa Mesa.

Your opportunity to join Costa Mesa Fire & Rescue is coming soon!

Costa Mesa Fire & Rescue is seeking highly motivated and dedicated individuals interested in pursuing a career as a Firefighter/Paramedic. The Firefighter/Paramedic job application will be made available August 8- 29. 

The application link is live, please visit here.

Start preparing your documents now and we will share another post with the link again on Aug. 8.

Good news! We've extended the deadline to participate in the City of Costa Mesa GIS Strategic Plan Survey.

You now have until Tuesday, August 11 to share your feedback and help shape the future of the City's online maps, digital tools, and location-based information.

Complete the survey and enter a random drawing for a chance to win a prize.

Don't miss your opportunity to have your voice heard!

Public Survey Link: https://www.surveymonkey.com/r/CostaMesaQuestionnaire-Public

Five remaining alleys have been recently reconstructed as part of the Citywide Alley Rehabilitation Project, and the project is now complete:

• Alley 26 – Clubhouse Circle Alley located north of Clubhouse Circle from approximately Kauai Place to Lanai Drive.

• Alley 27 – Clubhouse Circle Alley located north of Alley No. 26 starting from the northerly end of Clubhouse Road and ending near Mesa Verde Drive West.

• Alley 45 – Fairview Road Alley located west of McClintock Way between Baker Street and Logan Avenue.

• Alley 19B – Joann Street Alley located north of Joann Street between Pomona Avenue Alley and Meyer Place Alley.

• Alley 115 – Newport Boulevard Alley located south of Santa Isabel Avenue between Newport Boulevard and Elden Avenue.

This has been a multi-year effort in improving the City’s public alleys.

The new alley reconstruction increases mobility and improves access to the surrounding community. Only a few alleys are left remaining for reconstruction, which will be completed within the next two years, upon which all the City’s alleys will be reconstructed.

The City appreciates the cooperation of its residents and businesses in this effort to improve our paved roadways and alleys that benefit all the City’s stakeholders.

The Costa Mesa Network for Homeless Solutions continues to help those less fortunate as it has now housed 515 people as of July 2026.

The team took 188 calls for service in July and has assisted 1,032 callers year to date.

To reach our Network For Homeless Solutions staff please visit our website here.

Pacific Symphony’s Symphony on the Go! is bringing FREE outdoor concerts to Costa Mesa. Grab your picnic blanket or lawn chairs, bring your favorite people and enjoy a beautiful summer evening filled with live music.🎻

📍 Heller Park — Aug. 11

📍 Vista Park — Aug. 19

📍 Shiffer Park — Aug. 29

🕡 Concerts begin at 6:30 p.m.

See you at Symphony on the Go!

This FREE event includes food, treats, activities and contests, prizes, and a showing of Surf’s Up. Grab your friends and hang 10 🤙

Date and Time: Friday, Aug. 21, from 6:30 p.m. to 9:30 p.m.

Location: Downtown Aquatic Center (1860 Anaheim Ave)

Grades: Incoming 7th through 12th.

Space is limited to the FIRST 50 teens, so sign up today! Registration is available online or in person at both Teen Center locations: the Downtown Recreation Center Teen Center and TeWinkle Middle School Teen Center. 

Teen Program Office: (714) 327-7562 / Monday through Friday from 8 a.m. to 6 p.m.

www.costamesaca.gov/teens.

This fall, campers can enjoy a full day of exciting activities, including creative arts and crafts, interactive games, team challenges, and plenty of opportunities to stay active, make new friends, and have fun.

The 1-Day Camp will be offered on Friday, Oct. 9, and Wednesday, Nov. 4, at the Balearic Community Center from 7:30 a.m. to 5:30 p.m. The cost is $51 per child, plus a $5 non-resident fee.

Enrollment is limited, and spots are expected to fill quickly. Registration is now open for Costa Mesa residents, with open enrollment beginning Tuesday, Aug. 11.

Register online at www.cmclassesonline.com or sign up in person at City Hall – 3rd Floor or the Downtown Recreation Center.

For more information about Camp Costa Mesa's 1-Day Camp, visit bit.ly/CampCostaMesa or call (714) 754-5161.

BeFIT Pickleball returns this fall for youth in grades 1–8. This exciting FREE program helps participants build skills, stay active, and enjoy one of the nation's fastest-growing sports in a fun and supportive environment.

The fall season runs Sept. 15 through Nov. 6, with practices held Tuesdays and Thursdays in the Downtown Recreation Center gym.

Registration is now open for Costa Mesa residents, with open enrollment beginning Tuesday, Aug. 11. Register online at www.cmclassesonline.com.

For more information, visit bit.ly/BeFITPickleball or call (714) 754-5084. We’ll see you out on the court!

The City of Costa Mesa Parks & Community Services Department is wrapping up another summer of Movies in the Park with one more evening of free, family-friendly entertainment under the stars with the showing of Zootopia 2.

Bring your blankets, lawn chairs, and your favorite movie buddies, and join us on Saturday, Aug. 8, at Shiffer Park for our final outdoor movie night of the season.

Pre-movie activities begin at 7:30 p.m.

Movie begins shortly after dark.

Parking is limited, so we encourage guests to walk, bike, carpool, or ride-share whenever possible.