Mayor John Stephens joined four other mayors in a housing discussion during the New California Coalition's OC Mayor's Panel luncheon on Monday, March 23 at the Pendry Hotel in Newport Beach.

Panel moderator Gino Canori asked how the mayor's cities are working to provide more workforce and middle income housing to satisfy the state-mandated RHNA housing requirements that go into effect in 2030. Costa Mesa's housing number is more than 11,000 new units.

Joining Mayor Stephens on the panel were Newport Beach Mayor Lauren Kleiman, Dana Point Mayor John Gabbard, Anaheim Mayor Ashley Aitken and Irvine Mayor Larry Agran.

According to its website the New California Coalition is "the non-partisan political home and voice for over 9.7 million “Common Sense” voters across California."

Click here https://www.newcaliforniacoalition.org/ to learn more.

Brentwood Park’s transformation is nearly complete, featuring poetic new sidewalks, a refreshed playground and more for the Costa Mesa community to enjoy.

Parks & Community Services and Arts commissioners, the city’s poet laureate, and local moms who championed the project, recently gathered to see poetry etched into the concrete, marking a special milestone.

The publicv is invited to celebrate at the official ribbon-cutting ceremony next Friday, April 3 at 3:30 p.m., and experience a space created for our entire CostaMazing community.

The Draft Fairview Developmental Center Specific Plan public review period is open from March 15 through April 15.

On Tuesday, March 24, the City celebrated the release of the Draft Fairview Developmental Center Specific Plan with a Community Open House at the Costa Mesa Country Club.

City Manager Cecilia Gallardo-Daly provided welcoming remarks. City Council Members Mike Buley, Andrea Marr and Arlis Reynolds, Planning Commission Vice Chair Jon Zich and Assistant City Manager Alma Reyes were also in attendance. 

Residents and other members of the community reviewed the draft plan of regulations, interacted with exhibits, and provided comments. A second Open House was held at the Senior Center on Thursday, March 26.  

The Draft Specific Plan establishes land use, development standards, and design objectives to implement a long-range vision for the redevelopment of a 95-acre portion of the State-owned property. In addition to land use and design, some of the topics covered in the draft document include mobility, open space, infrastructure, and other public services. 

It is not too late to share your thoughts on the Draft Specific Plan. The City is hosting an online workshop in English and Spanish on Monday, March 30.

The document and online public comment card are available on the project website, www.fdcplan.com. The public review period ends April 15.  

A virtural workshop for the Draft Fairview Developmental Center Specific Plan in English and Spanish will be held Monday, March 30, from 6 p.m. to 7:30 p.m. To attend click the following link: https://us06web.zoom.us/j/83371215287

On the latest episode of “Let’s Talk Costa Mesa” Francine Jimenez encourages viewers to “save the date” for several FREE, family-friendly special events coming this spring to Costa Mesa. These include:

4/4 -  Springfest

4/12 - Cruise The Loop

4/18 - Earth Day Festival

5/16 - Love Costa Mesa Day

To learn more about these and more #CostaMazing events coming soon check out the City Calendar at costamesaca.gov/calendar.

Watch the latest episode of “Let’s Talk Costa Mesa” highlighting these upcoming events here. 

The Fairview Road Safety and Mobility Improvements Project is nearing completion, marking an exciting milestone for the community.

Over the last few weeks, crews finished up roadway striping and installing bollards to create a bikeway cycle track between Newport Boulevard and Fair Drive.

The upgraded bikeway will better separate motorists from cyclists, providing a safer, more comfortable option for people walking and biking on the corridor. 

The project provided new asphalt paving and new bus boarding islands facilitating access to the OC Bus quicker and more convenient for transit riders.

The final remaining work is installation of a pedestrian hybrid beacon near Loyola Road to provide a controlled crossing to access nearby College Park Elementary School. This is anticipated to be installed by May 2026. 

The California Department of Transportation (Caltrans) will conduct overnight electrical construction along southbound Newport Boulevard (SR-55) between 19th Street and Industrial Way in Costa Mesa as part of the SR-55 Multi-Asset Project.

This work is scheduled to begin the week of April 6 and continue through the summer. During the closures, at least one southbound lane will remain open. Work will be conducted from 9 p.m. to 5 a.m., Monday through Friday nights.

There may be intervals of loud noise during this phase of construction. Caltrans appreciates the public’s patience while we perform this work. The work schedule is subject to change due to traffic incidents, weather conditions, availability of equipment and/or materials, and other construction-related issues.

Please obey all posted signs and traffic instructions for the safety of all workers and motorists. Electronic changeable message signs will notify drivers of lane closures.

For the most up-to-date information, please check Caltrans Lane Closures System. 

For more information and updates, you may contact the District 12 Public Information Office via email at D12PIO@dot.ca.gov or on social media: Instagram, Facebook, Threads and X.

For those with sensory disabilities requiring alternate formats (Braille, large print, sign language interpreter, etc.) and those needing information in a language other than English, please contact Nathan Abler or TTY 711.

Visit build.ca.gov to learn about transformative infrastructure projects happening in communities throughout the state. 

The public is invited to take part in the fun, family-friendly “Cruise the Loop” community festival on Sunday, April 12, from 10 a.m. to 1 p.m.

For the duration of event on Sunday, the City will close the outside lane to cars and provide a wider space for biking, scooting, and rolling in golf carts.

Experience the corridor in a new way and provide your thoughts on how this re-imagined Mesa Verde Drive could enhance safety, connectivity, and accessibility in our community.

Bike, roll or drive your golf cart along Mesa Verde Drive East between Baker Street and Harbor Boulevard. Two activity hubs along the route will offer:

• Bike Safety Rodeo

• Live Music

• Carnival Games

• Face Painter

• Health & Wellness

• Bike/Golf Carts Showcase

• Kids arts and crafts

• AND MORE!

For more details about the Cruise the Loop event, please visit our webpage here.

Dispatcher Ann Barrett dedicated over 26 years to public safety dispatch operations.

She began her career with the Los Angeles County Sheriff’s Department (LASD), where she served for nine years, followed by one year with the Downey Police Department. She then continued her career with the City of Costa Mesa, serving for 16 years.

Throughout her tenure, Ann held key roles in the Emergency Communications Center, including training officer, and was a member of the Peer Support Team, demonstrating her commitment to mentorship, professional development, and employee well-being.

We wish you all the best in your well-deserved retirement!

Recently, Costa Mesa Fire & Rescue responded to a multi causality incident that involved four vehicles — one vehicle overturned, multiple injuries and one patient trapped and requiring extrication.

Seven units responded to the scene: ME81, MA81, MT84, ME85, MR84, MA85, and MB8.

CMFR crews continuously train for and handled it all: Command, triage, treatment, extrication and transport.

A Public Safety Reminder -- Traffic collisions can happen in an instant. Always wear a seatbelt, eliminate distractions behind the wheel and leave space between vehicles — it saves lives.

If you witness a collision, call 911 immediately and keep lanes clear for emergency responders.

Costa Mesa Fire & Rescue recently had a visit from the Estancia Medical Academy, a three-year Career Technical Education pathway open to Estancia High School students.

These students are in their second year of the program which focuses on topics related to becoming an Emergency Medical Responder. 

EMS Captain Justin Horner led a tour of the station and training grounds as well as engaged in discussion on topics including careers in the fire service and EMS, recognizing life threatening emergencies, and bleeding control.  

Training for high-risk, low-frequency events is a critical component of operational readiness.

During a recent multi-company drill, Costa Mesa Fire & Rescue crews simulated a structure fire in a two-story residential structure that escalated into an Incident Within an Incident following a structural collapse. 

This scenario required the activation of a Rapid Intervention Crew, a pre-designated team assigned exclusively to the rescue of downed or trapped firefighters.

The team rapidly deployed, located the simulated victim, and executed a successful rescue, followed by immediate medical assessment and treatment. 

This type of training reinforces the importance of situational awareness, resource allocation, and adherence to firefighter survival principles - ensuring crews are prepared to respond effectively when conditions deteriorate unexpectedly.

Sign up for Spring Teen Camp today and join us for exciting excursions all week long.

When: April 6 – 10

Time: 7:30 a.m. – 5:30. p.m

Where: Pick up at Downtown Recreation Center (1860 Anaheim Ave, Costa Mesa)

Cost: $165 per teen (Additional $5 fee for non-residents)

Spring Teen Camp is open to 7th – 10th graders.

Registration is required. Register at costamesaca.gov/teens (Activity Code: 21529) to secure your spot today.

See you there!

Get your adrenaline going at Knott’s.

Join the Teen Program for an exciting day at Knott’s Berry Farm.

When: April 18

Time: 9 a.m. – 6 p.m.

Where: Excursion starts and ends at the Downtown Recreation Center (1860 Anaheim Ave, Costa Mesa)

Cost: $18

This excursion is open to all 7th – 12th grade Costa Mesa Teens.

Food is not provided, but teens will have the opportunity to purchase a variety of food at the park.

Registration is required. Register at costamesaca.gov/teens (Activity Code: 21822) to secure your spot.

Luca is a dog that can be a loyal companion to an active owner or family. He is dog-friendly, making him a great fit for a home with another pup who can match his playfulness.

True to his breed, Luca is high-energy and intelligent. Luca would enjoy going on adventures, training, and getting plenty of exercise.

If you’re looking for a loyal companion to join you on runs, hikes, or long play sessions in the yard, and who will shower you with love at the end of the day, Luca might just be your perfect match.

Luca is located at The Orphanage Costa Mesa Adoption Center 1536 Newport Blvd. Costa Mesa Tuesday through Friday from 12 p.m. to 6 p.m. and Saturday through Sunday from 12 p.m. to 5 p.m.

For other adoptable pets, visit www.pricelesspetrescue.org.