At the Nov. 17 meeting, the City Council will review the second readings of both the Neighborhoods Where We All Belong initiative and the Jamboree housing plan.

The council meeting starts at 6 p.m. in City Council Chambers.

Members of the public can view the City Council meetings in person, or live on Costa Mesa TV (Spectrum Channel 3 and AT&T U-Verse Channel 99), on the City’s YouTube Channel, via Zoom or on the City website www.costamesaca.gov. On the website, click the yellow Watch CMTV live button at the top of the page to view the meeting.

The Costa Mesa Police Department this week proudly celebrated the recent promotions of Captain Carlos Diaz, Lieutenants Jesse Chartier, Nick Wilson, Jake Jacobi, and Monte Peters, and Sergeants Vijay Chawla, Adam Gardner, Guy Foxwell, Sally Ortiz and Kevin Christianson. We also included newly hired Officer Edgar Bernabe to the event so his family could pin his badge.

“A promotion isn’t just a new title or rank; it’s a reminder that leadership is about the example you set, the responsibility you accept, and the people you lift up along the way,” said Chief Joyce LaPointe. “As you step into your new roles, lead with confidence and humility. Take care of your people, support one another, and never forget why you chose this profession.”

“I want to thank Chief LaPointe for thoughtfully ushering in this new era of policing in Costa Mesa while maintaining the values, professionalism and traditions that are fundamental to good police work, all while preserving the strong connection between the department and the residents of Costa Mesa,” said City Manager Cecilia Gallardo-Day. “To those promoting today, we appreciate all that you have accomplished, and we look forward to all that you will contribute in the years ahead. These promotions represent not only your hard work and dedication, but also the confidence your team has placed in you to lead as a captain, a lieutenant, and a sergeant.”

Deputy Chief Jason Chamness served as the Master of Ceremonies and thanked the dignitaries in the audience for their support, including Mayor John Stephens, Mayor Pro Tem Manual Chavez, Council member Mike Buley and Assistant Manager Alma Reyes.

Also in attendance was Interim Fire Chief Jason Pyle, IT Director Steve Ely, Parks & Community Services Director Brian Gruner and Human Resources Manager Kasama Lee.

City Manager Cecilia Gallardo-Daly presented the City Manager Leadership Award for November to Public Works Senior Management Analyst Anna Baca, who began her career in Costa Mesa in the Finance Department in 1996.

“With her vast institutional knowledge, strong analytical skills, and solution-oriented approach, Anna consistently finds ways to address challenges and ensure that issues are resolved efficiently,” Gallardo-Daly said. “She exemplifies outstanding customer service, teamwork and leadership, making her truly deserving of this Leadership Award. Congratulations Anna.”

Click here to read more.

Mayor John Stephens attended the Harbor Mesa Lions Club annual Fashion Show on Saturday, Nov. 7 at the Norma Hertzog Community Center.

The theme of the show was "Breakfast at Tiffany's," and Mayor Stephens and County Supervisor Katrina Foley presented former Costa Mesa Mayor Arlene Shafer with a Founding Member Legacy Award for her longtime committment and dedication to the club.

Congratulations to Sergeant Schulze and Officer Hagan who officially earned their motor wings.

This week they graduated from the Anaheim Police Department's Basic Motor School and are ready to roll out on the streets of Costa Mesa. 

With heavy hearts, we share the passing of Wayne Kraiss, a retired senior reserve officer, who also served as a chaplain.

The Costa Mesa Police Department truly benefited from having Kraiss as a reserve officer for 18 years starting in 1975.

He helped establish the department’s Chaplain Program, which is still today a great resource for officers and the department staff.

He was also the former president of Vanguard University for 25 years. Wayne Kraiss will forever be remembered for his kindness, his faith, and his leadership.

His service to the community is a testament to his legacy, which will live on at this department as well as Vanguard University.

Kraiss passed away on Nov. 5. We hold his family and loved ones in our thoughts and prayers.

Recently Costa Mesa Fire and Rescue crews took part in training conducted by Captain and EMS Manager Aaron Davis, who used the newly deployed video laryngoscopes.

This is a newly acquired tool that is used as an advanced airway tool for all paramedic units. 

Caltrans District 12 will hold a virtual public meeting on Tuesday, Nov. 17 at 6 p.m. as part of the agency's Reconnecting Our Communities (ROC) Study.

The Study focuses on neighborhoods in Anaheim, Buena Park, Costa Mesa, and Huntington Beach that highways and major roadways have impacted or divided.

Caltrans has worked closely with local cities to develop and refine proposed concepts based on community and stakeholder input, technical analysis, and local priorities.

Share your feedback on the proposed concepts and for improved walking, biking, and transit access to destinations and transit stations.

For more information, please visit reconnectingOC.org.

The Orange County Housing Authority is seeking the public's help to learn more about local rent prices through a survey. The responses will help inform research and update the U.S. Department of Housing and Urban Development (HUD) Fair Market Rents, estimates used in several housing programs. 

Who Can Participate?

Renters ages 18 and older who live in Orange County are invited to take this voluntary survey. You will not be asked for your name or full address. Your individual responses and information that could identify you will not be shared publicly. Responses will be used only for this study.

Three Ways to Take the Survey

1. Online

Scan the QR code below for your preferred language, or click one of the links below. 

• English: surveymonkey.com/r/LRVPBSC

• Spanish: es.surveymonkey.com/r/S2ZKZB6

• Vietnamese: surveymonkey.com/r/T5SPDVZ

2. By Phone

Call the number for your preferred language:

• English: 714-316-2195

• Spanish: 714-316-2198

• Vietnamese: 714-516-8175

3. By Mail

To request a paper survey in your preferred language, email RentSurvey@rsgsolutions.com or call the numbers above. A self-addressed, stamped envelope will be provided to you so you can mail your completed survey back at no cost. 

Please complete the survey by November 20, 2026.

Keep the kids active and entertained during NMUSD’s winter break with fun activities, exciting excursions, and opportunities to make new friends.

Open to youth in kindergarten through 6th grade, Winter Camp runs December 21–24, 2026 and December 28–31, 2026, from 7:30 AM to 5:30 PM at the Balearic Community Center.

Weekly Fee: $180 per child, with an additional $5 fee for non-Costa Mesa residents.

Registration Opens:

Costa Mesa residents: open now

Open enrollment: November 10, 2026

Register online at www.cmclassesonline.com or in person at City Hall – 3rd Floor and Downtown Recreation Center. For program information, please visit bit.ly/CampCostaMesa or call (714) 754-5161.   

Please note: Pre-K and TK students are not eligible. Camp will be closed December 25 and January 1. 

Grab your friends and take on the Costa Mesa Police Department in a fun-filled and action-packed dodgeball tournament. Enjoy free food and hot chocolate, fun activities, treats, and more!

Date: Thursday, December 3, 2026

Time: 5:30 pm to 8:00 pm

Cost: FREE

Where: Downtown Recreation Center (1860 Anaheim Ave)

Open to incoming 7th through 12th graders only.

Space is limited so sign up now. Registration is available online here (Activity #22648) or in person at both Teen Center locations: the Downtown Recreation Center Teen Center and TeWinkle Middle School Teen Center. 

See you there!