At the Tuesday, May 6 meeting, the City Council recognized a Costa Mesa bike ride group, the LillÖrdag (Liller-dog) as part of National Bike Month. 

The group has a Wednesday night tradition that brings cyclists across Southern California to Lions Park. Accepting the proclamation was LiLlÖrdag member Joel (Ho-El) Medina.

Mayor John Stephens and Council Member Mike Buley got up in the wee hours of Sunday, May 4, to kickoff the 21st annual Hoag OC Marathon.

The marathon starts in frong of the Newport Beach A Marriott Resort & Spa, just south of Santa Barbara Drive. 

Runners go through the beautiful coastal communities of Newport Beach and Costa Mesa with the finish line being the OC Fair And Event Center.

This year, more than 25,000 adults and children with 600 adults from Costa Mesa participated in the marathon and 400 plus kids from Costa Mesa in the Kids Run the OC event, which is 30% above last year. 

On Saturday, May 3, Mayor John Stephens and Council Members Manual Chavez and Jeff Pettis, Chief Ron Lawrence and members of the police and fire teams attended the grand opening of a new Share Our Selves Clinic at 1650 Adams Ave.

County Supervisor Katrina Foley as well as Costa Mesa Chamber of Commerce CEO David Haithcock were also in attendance.

The new facility features:

• 12 medical exam rooms
• A behavioral health office
• 6 dental chairs
• 2 optometry chairs
• An expanded pharmacy
• Dedicated care management services to help residents navigate health and social systems

By prioritizing the health of every resident, SOS creates a more vibrant, equitable, and resilient Costa Mesa.

On Saturday, May 3, TeWinkle Park became a vibrant celebration of community and hope during the annual Epilepsy Walk Orange County, organized by the Epilepsy Support Network of Orange County (ESNOC). The event aimed to raise awareness and funds for epilepsy, a condition affecting approximately 38,000 individuals in Orange County.

Mayor John Stephens warmly welcomed attendees, expressing gratitude for their support and emphasizing the importance of community involvement in health initiatives. Bringing the galaxy to Costa Mesa, fan-favorite Star Wars characters—including Chewbacca, Stormtroopers, and Jedi Knights—made a special appearance, thrilling attendees of all ages. The event featured a silent auction, games, contests, and a spirited walk, all contributing to the cause of supporting ESNOC's 30 life-changing programs and services.

ESNOC provides comprehensive support for individuals and families affected by epilepsy, offering educational programs, support groups, and resources aimed at improving quality of life and achieving seizure control. The organization's efforts are crucial in fostering a supportive community and advancing the mission of making life without seizures possible.

For more information about ESNOC and ways to contribute, visit epilepsywalkoc.org or esnoc.org..

Love Costa Mesa Day returns on Saturday May 17.

Volunteers will enjoy a morning rally from 7:30 a.m. to 8:30 a.m. at City Hall. Then it's off to serve from 9 a.m. to 12 noon at project sites around the city.

Afterward, come back for a well-deserved lunch celebration in Costa Mesa. Love Costa Mesa is all about bringing together people, businesses, churches, schools, non-profits, and the city to serve our CostaMazing community.

Sign up to volunteer by clicking this link.

This May, the City of Costa Mesa proudly celebrates Asian American and Pacific Islander Heritage Month — a time to honor the resilience, achievements, and vibrant cultures of AAPI communities both in the Costa Mesa community and City employees.

Attend Costa Mesa's FREE "Safe Splash Bash” this Saturday, May 17 from 2:00 p.m. to 4:00 p.m. at the Downtown Aquatic Center and become a Water Safety Super Hero!

Adults will learn about water safety, gain confidence responding to water-related incidents and practice hands-only CPR. Kids will play water-themed games, learn lifesaving water skills and so much more! Visit costamesaca.gov for details.

Check out this “super-fun” Costa Mesa Minute promo featuring our own water safety heroes HERE.

The Public Works Department is excited to announce the completion of the Adams Avenue and Pinecreek Drive Multi-modal Intersection Improvements Project (Project). The Project was delivered in partnership with the Coast Community College District. 

The Project implemented innovative pedestrian and bicycle safety improvements at the primary entrance to Orange Coast College, one of the City’s busiest bicycle and pedestrian crossings.

The Project removed two high-speed free-right turn slip lanes to allow for bicycle and pedestrian mobility improvements including but not limited to new Class I multi-use paths at the southwest and northeast corners of the intersection, Class II buffered bike lanes, a new signalized crosswalk on the west leg of the intersection, new sidewalks, ADA pedestrian curb ramps, bicycle ramps, pedestrian and bicyclist pavement markings, and traffic signal modifications such as new accessible push signals, bicycle video detection, and Leading Pedestrian Intervals (LPI).

Green bicycle pavement was installed throughout the project which provides enhanced visibility of dedicated bicycle spaces to allow the safe mobility in and around the intersection. The new Class I pathway is the first in Orange County to use continuous green painted pavement to separate the bicycle path from the pedestrian path.

The Public Works Department is also proud to announce that the Project recently won an award from the American Society of Civil Engineers, Orange County Branch (ASCE OC) for the 2025 Outstanding Bikeways and Trails Project.

This Project is the first of two phases of active transportation improvements along Adams Avenue with the upcoming subsequent phase constructing Class IV cycle tracks (barrier separated bikeways) to the remaining 1-mile length of Adams Avenue between Harbor Boulevard and Fairview Road. 

Building Safety Month is an international campaign that takes place in May to raise awareness about building safety.

This campaign reinforces the need for the adoption of modern, regularly updated building codes, and helps individuals, families and businesses understand what it takes to create safe and sustainable structures.

The International Code Council, its members, and a diverse partnership of professionals from the building construction, design and safety communities come together with corporations, government agencies, professional associations, and nonprofits to promote building safety through informational events, legislative briefings and more.

Staff comes together to support Building Safety Month because we understand the need for safe and sustainable structures where we live, work and play.

All communities need building codes to protect their citizens from disasters like fires, weather-related events, and structural collapse. Building codes are society's best way of protecting homes, offices, schools, manufacturing facilities, stores, and entertainment venues. Code officials work day in and day out to keep the public safe. ~ International Code Council

The photos above are of Inspectors and Plan Check Engineers as well as Building Technicians.

The OC Marathon is an annual grand event that attracts thousands of runners and spectators to the City of Costa Mesa every year.

The Costa Mesa Police Department monitored traffic and road closures for the event and worked with other law enforcement agencies to make sure all participants and visitors had a safe and fun event.

For the safety of the community and the event participants, CMPD posted information regarding road closures and advised everyone to follow traffic sign directions and obey the rules of the road. During the marathon on Sunday, two runners needed immediate lifesaving assistance.

Four CMPD officers’ immediate response and CPR saved two lives that day with the assistance of other law enforcement agencies and the quick response of Costa Mesa Fire & Rescue, who arrived and took over medical aid.

The local Girls Scout Daisy Troop visited the Costa Mesa Police Department last week.

They were given a tour of the police department, met team members and asked great questions about police work.

They learned about the different units that make up CMPD and the collaboration and teamwork that it takes to handle calls for service and investigations. They also learned about Traffic Safety.

The Costa Mesa Police Department was invited alongside the Costa Mesa Fire & Rescue to attend and participate in Hero Day at Davis Magnet School.

It was a great event where first responders got to engage with young students, who thanked the attending first responders for their service.

This week, on Wednesday, the Costa Mesa Police Department took part in Ride to School.

The Traffic Safety Bureau rode with our young community members, parents, and school faculty. It was a great opportunity to answer some bike safety questions.

Here is are some safety tips for cyclists we shared with the students:

-Wear a bicycle helmet

-Ride with the flow of traffic

-Maintain awareness of vehicles and pedestrians

-Obey posted signs and traffic signals

-Watch for vehicles when crossing driveways

CMPD also suggests you register your bike with Project 529, it is not required but it helps us return a stolen or lost bike to its rightful owner. Just google Project 529 and register online.

Drivers should always watch their speed and slow down in school zones. Let’s all do our part to keep everyone safe on the road.

Congratulations are in order! Custody Supervisor Francisco Diaz has graduated from the Civilian Leadership Institute program this week.

The Civilian Leadership Institute (CLI) is a comprehensive 5-month leadership program designed to provide civilian public safety employees with the skills and strategies to become engaging and effective leaders in their organizations.

Participants met on two consecutive days once a month for five months to learn, discuss, and explore topics such as leadership styles, building morale, and effective communication.

Congratulations to Custody Supervisor Diaz for achieving this milestone in your career!

Costa Mesa Fire and Rescue performed wildland refresher training this week in Fairview Park. This is an annual required training for our firefighters to be eligible to respond on statewide wildland fires as a part of the California Master Mutual Aide system.

The training consisted of classroom instruction led by Firefighter/ Paramedic Corey Brean and Fire Captain Travis Johnson. Our crews reviewed several topics relevant to wildland firefighting, including mapping, communications, resource guides available and dealing with firefighter emergencies on an incident. 

After classroom instruction, crews responded to Fairview Park where they practiced their skills in a wildland environment. Crews performed progressive hose lays and shelter deployments. A progressive hose lay is a technique used in the wild land to extend hose lines.

CMFR carries packs that hold 100-foot sections of hose. The firefighters hike with these packs on their backs and deploy the hose to extend the hose line. After practicing progressive hose lays the firefighters practiced deploying wildland fire shelters. 

Fire shelters are carried by every firefighter while operating on wildland incidents.

These shelters are basically small tents that are built to protect the firefighter from direct fire contact. They are used in emergency situations when a firefighter cannot escape from fire that is moving towards them. 

In these burn over situations a firefighter will climb into the shelter on the ground to take cover as a fire burns past them. 

May 4, 2025 is International Firefighters Day, and Costa Mesa Fire & Rescue pays respect to all Firefighters around the world and thanks you all for your dedicated service. 

The department also takes this opportunity throughout the day to remember all past Firefighters who have died in the line of duty, serving our community, and risking their own lives to save the lives of others.

Not just today, but every day, CMFR honors and pays tribute to current and past firefighters alike.

International Firefighters Day and remembrance of Firefighters who have made the ultimate sacrifice is formally recognized on the first Sunday in the month of May, through a “sound off.” At noon local time, departments can choose to participate thru the sounding off of fire sirens for 30 seconds immediately proceeded by a minute of silence.

The National Fallen Firefighters Memorial Weekend takes place at the National Fire Academy in Emmitsburg, Maryland May 4, 2025, and in accordance with Public Law 107-51, the flag of the United States will be flown at half-staff in honor of the National Fallen Firefighters Memorial Service.

Please take some time over the course of today and even the week ahead, in your way, to reflect, honor, and pay tribute to our brothers and sisters in the fire service who have lost their lives in the line of duty.

The week of May 5-May 9, 2025 is Teacher Appreciation Week, and Costa Mesa Fire & Rescue shares a heartfelt thank to all teachers, educators, and coaches near and far for the love, dedication and inspiration they give our kids every day.

We are grateful for you and appreciate all that you do.

The week of May 6-12, 2025 is National Nurse Appreciation Week, and Costa Mesa Fire & Rescue sends our loving gratitude and heartfelt appreciation to the nurses not only closest to our hearts, but all around the world!

CMFR sends a special shout out to some of CMFR personnel’s loved ones, who serve in the role of nurse.

Thank you to Katie Myszka, Paula Vasin, Elise Storey, Lynda Fenton, Lisa Brean, Nikki Martinez, Nikki McDowell, Amanda Johnson, Angela Rondinella, Pam Vitello, Amanda Heaton, Madison Cole, Mikayla Cain, Bree Henry and Mel Budiono.

Thank you for your selflessness and the amazing work you do to take care of and serve others.

On Monday, May 5, Costa Mesa Fire & Rescue CERT begun its most recent class.

The first class focused on disaster psychology and the CERT organization modules. Additionally, every new student introduced themselves and shared with the class why they were interested in CERT.

The class will run through June 4, please reach out to Fire Protection Specialist Ryan Meadors at ryan.meadors@costamesaca.gov or (714) 754-5654 for more information on this class or future classes.

The Orange County Transportation Authority (OCTA) Community Outreach Team visited the Costa Mesa Senior Center to host a resource table aimed at engaging with the community and sharing valuable transportation information.

Attendees received helpful materials and updates about OCTA’s services, including bus fares, the OC ACCESS program, and fixed-route systems.

The outreach effort successfully connected with more than 200 community members, helping ensure they stay informed about the many mobility options OCTA provides throughout the county.

Summer Camp Costa Mesa is back and jammed packed with tons of fun for youth entering grades 1st through 6th for the 2025/2026 school year!

Join us this summer at Estancia Park (1900 Adams Avenue) from June 9 to August 8, 2025, as we venture on excursions, themed activities, games, art, and more! Program hours are 7:30 a.m. to 5:30 p.m., Monday through Friday. Weekly fees are $220 per child, with Weeks 2 and 4 prorated to $180 due to Camp being closed on June 19 and July 4. There is a $5 additional fee for non-Costa Mesa residents.

Registration for Costa Mesa residents is now open with open enrollment beginning on Tuesday, May 13. Registration is available online at www.cmclassesonline.com (Activity # 20482) or in-person at the Downtown Recreation Center or City Hall. For additional information and weekly excursions, please visit bit.ly/CampCostaMesa or call (714) 754-5161.

We can’t wait to see you there!

If you are looking for a summer program that gets your child moving, our Happy Feet Running Club Program is the perfect program for you! Happy Feet Running Club is a FREE program designed to teach children both short- and long-distance running techniques in a fun, non-competitive environment. The season begins on June 10 and ends on August 2 with a Fun Run at Fairview Park. The program is open to youth entering 1st through 8th grade for the 2025/2026 school year. 

Divisions

A-Division | 6th – 8th Grade (Activity #20492)

B-Division | 4th – 5th Grade (Activity #20493)

C-Division | 1st – 3rd Grade (Activity #20494)

Practices will not be held on June 19 and July 3. Have questions? Visit bit.ly/CMHappyFeetRC for practice days, times, and locations or call (714) 754-5084.

Registration is available online at www.cmclassesonline.com. We’ll race you there!

Youth entering 1st through 6th grade for the 2025/2026 school year—get ready for a summer of fun! Summer R.O.C.K.S is back and packed with exciting themed activities, games, arts & crafts, water days, and so much more! Program operates Monday through Friday, 11:00 a.m. to 4:00 p.m., from June 9 to August 8, 2025, at two locations – Balearic Community Center (1975 Balearic Drive) and Downtown Recreation Center (1860 Anaheim Avenue). An extra week of fun is available August 11-15 at Balearic only.

Sessions and Fees

Session 1: June 9 - July 11 (Program closed on June 19 and July 4)

CM Resident: Free

Non-CM Resident: $63

Session 2: July 14 - August 8 

CM Resident: Free

Non-CM Resident: $52

Session 3: August 11 - 15 

CM Resident: Free

Non-CM Resident: Free

Registration is open for Costa Mesa residents and open enrollment begins on Tuesday, May 13. Registration is available online at www.cmclassesonline.com (BCC: Activity # 20475, DRC: Activity # 20479). For Summer R.O.C.K.S information, please visit bit.ly/SummerROCKS or call (714) 754-5013.

Bring your swimsuit and sunscreen to the Downtown Aquatic Center on Saturday, May 17 for a free, family-friendly event focused on keeping everyone safe in and around the water!

Whether you're a seasoned swimmer or just dipping your toes in, the first-ever Safe Splash Bash offers something for everyone—kids, parents, and caregivers alike. Enjoy interactive safety demonstrations, mini lessons, hands-only CPR basics, lifeguard meet-and-greets, and fun activities for all ages. Drop-ins will be welcome as space allows but advanced registration is highly recommended to secure your spot!

Let’s work together to build a safer, smarter, and more confident Costa Mesa community around water. Don’t miss the splash!

Click here to register.

Jupiter is a male, domestic longhair, 3-year old cat. Jupiter is a handsome one-year old black and white longhaired cat with fur as soft as a cloud and a personality twice as big. Jupiter LOVES Chin scratches.

One good scratch and he’s putty in your hands, purring like a tiny lawnmower. Jupiter would love to find a family to call his! Jupiter is neutered, up to date on his vaccines and is microchipped, which will be registered to his new family. 

Jupiter is located at The Orphanage - Costa Mesa Adoption Center | 1536 Newport Blvd. Costa Mesa, CA 92627 | Tues.-Fri. 12pm-6pm & Sat.-Sun. 12pm-5pm For other adoptable pets, visit, pricelesspetrescue.org.