City Hall Snapshot
October 16, 2019
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A rundown of what's happening in and around Costa Mesa as city leaders work to solve issues and create a welcoming and thriving environment for residents and business owners alike.
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Newly reconstructed Boys & Girls Club open and serving kids in Costa Mesa
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Mayor Katrina Foley and Council Members Arlis Reynolds and Manuel Chavez joined a host of dignitaries Tuesday, Oct. 15 to cut the ribbon on the newly reconstructed Boys & Girls Club on the Eastside.
The site, which is Orange County’s longest-standing Boys & Girls Club charter, is now the home to the Argyros Center for Opportunity, thanks to a generous donation by the Argyros family. Family matriarch, Julie Argyros, was also at the event to cut the ribbon.
The well-attended ceremony was an opportunity to show off the many state-of-the-art amenities that will provide a place where all children will build positive life-long memories, achieve their greatest potential and inspire future generations.
The stunning facility, located at 2131 Tustin Ave, serves children in K - 12th grades with a structured daily rotation of academic reinforcement, physical fitness & social recreation, and enrichment opportunities designed to help them reach their full potential.
The club, part of the Boys & Girls Clubs of Central Orange Coast, is open Monday through Friday from 2 p.m. to 6 p.m. and can be found
online by clicking here.
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National Hispanic Heritage Month event features renowned author Victor Villasenor
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About 100 people made it out to the Lions Park Event Lawn on Saturday, Oct. 12 to hear acclaimed author Victor Villasenor talk about his experiences and struggles with cultural bias and language barriers.
Villasenor was invited to attend the event by Council Member Arlis Reynolds and the Friends of the Costa Mesa Libraries as part of a celebration of National Hispanic Heritage Month.
Mayor Pro-Tem John Stephens, Council Member Andrea Marr and City Manager Lori Ann Farrell Harrison were also in attendance at the event where the Pulitizer Prize nominated author sold out the books that he had brought.
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Acting Assistant City Manager Justin Martin takes new job as Deputy City Manager in Laguna Niguel
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City Manager Lori Ann Farrell Harrison announced that Acting Assistant City Manager Justin Martin has accepted a job as the Deputy City Manager for the City of Laguna Niguel.
“As the Acting Assistant City Manager, Justin has been instrumental in helping me transition into my new role” Lori Ann said. “Many have complimented Justin on his leadership skills, and I have also been very impressed with his work ethic and skills in the short time I have known him. I am confident he will be a great addition to the City of Laguna Niguel.”
Justin began his career with the City in December of 2014 and has served as the Parks & Community Services Department Manager and later Director for much of that time.
Most recently, he closely managed the City's efforts to create a Bridge Shelter for individuals experiencing homelessness in Costa Mesa. Under his leadership, the City opened a temporary shelter in 38 days and also purchased property for a permanent shelter near John Wayne Airport.
Justin’s leadership has led to numerous awards for the department, increased participation in youth, adult and family recreation, an expansion in arts and culture, an expansion of the Senior Center membership and a close partnership with the Los Angeles Chargers.
He will be leaving the City of Costa Mesa at the end of October.
The search for a permanent Assistant City Manager began in August of 2019, and the City has received in excess of 60 applications. The job posting closed on October 4 and interviews for the top tier candidates will occur later this month.
The City will also begin the search for a new Parks & Community Services Director. Yvette Aguilar will continue in her role as Acting Director until such time a permanent Director is hired.
“I would like to take this opportunity to thank Yvette for her assistance during this transition,” Lori Ann said.
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Be prepared for earthquakes by taking part in the Great Shakeout on Oct. 17
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The City of Costa Mesa, along with the Fire & Rescue and Police Departments, encourage the community to take part in this year’s Great Shakeout drill on Thursday, Oct. 17, 2019 at 10:17 a.m.
This is an annual opportunity to practice how to be safer during a big earthquake and how to “Drop, Cover and Hold On.”
During the event of an actual earthquake, people should drop to the ground, cover under a desk or sturdy surface and hold on until all shaking stops.
In addition to taking part in the earthquake drill, the community is encouraged to prepare and be self-sufficient for at least two weeks.
We want to strongly encourage everyone to review and update emergency preparedness plans and supplies and to secure proper spacing in order to avoid injury. Do not wait for an earthquake to hit before taking matters into your own hands. What we do now will determine what our lives will be like after an earthquake hits.
Below are some key actions from the Seven Steps to Earthquake Safety which provides additional things you can do now to prepare:
- Sign up for AlertOC and Nixle alerts from the City. These notification systems area from reliable sources including law enforcement, fire departments and emergency managers.
- Do a "hazard hunt" for items that might fall in your home during earthquakes and secure them.
- Create a personal or family disaster-preparedness plan.
- Plan for your family's specific needs.
- Teach all household members how to use a fire extinguisher.
- Create wallet cards for each family member with essential contact information.
- Organize or refresh your emergency supply kits.
- Store at least one gallon of water per person, per day, for three days and ideally for two weeks.
- Plan for the needs of you and your family for up to two weeks. Use our Grab and Go list on the website.
- Create kits for your car and office.
- Identify your building's weaknesses. Ask a local earthquake retrofitting contractor for a free structural inspection of your home or building. Also, review your insurance coverage, whether home-owner or renter. Consider whether earthquake insurance is right for you by talking to your agent.
- Create a game where everyone responds to a signal by practicing Drop Cover and Hold On. Talk to your children about what to expect during and after an earthquake.
- Enroll in a local Community Emergency Response Team (CERT) training to learn more about how to take care of yourself and your family when you are "on your own" after a disaster. CMFR’s next class is November 15-17.
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Community meetings are set for the 2020 to 2025 Consolidated CDBG and HOME funds plan
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The City is beginning the process of preparing the 2020 through 2025 Consolidated Plan, which will detail how Federal CDBG and HOME funds allocated to the City will be prioritized and used for the next five years.
On Thursday, Oct. 17, 2019 and Thursday, Oct. 24, 2019, the City’s Housing and Community Development Division will hold meetings with community members, housing professionals, and service providers to discuss the needs of the low- and moderate-income community.
This input will be used to formulate the five-year plan, which will be presented to the City Council in spring 2020 for review and approval.
Both meetings will be held at the Costa Mesa Senior Center, Room 202/203, located at 695 West 19th Street and will begin at 6 pm.
There is also a community survey to determine what priorities for the Consolidated Plan the public feels are important; here are the links to the English and Spanish version of the surveys:
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“Take pride in how far you've come. Have faith in how far you can go. But don't forget to enjoy the journey."
― Michael Josephson
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CMTV features the longevity of Hoover Printing
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Hoover Printing in Costa Mesa has been serving families and businesses with a variety of printing needs in the Orange County area since 1964.
Family owned and operated, Hoover Printing's talented team uses the latest technology possible to achieve the highest quality for the lowest price.
The "50 Years & Still" series is presented by the Costa Mesa Historical Preservation Committee and highlights CostaMazing businesses who continue to thrive in our community for over five decades.
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CMTV shows public new outdoor instruments at the Mesa Verde Library
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What do an imbarimba, a swirl, a yantzee and drums have in common with books?
They all combine to enhance imagination, creativity and wonder at the Mesa Verde Library!
Visitors can now play and enjoy the City of Costa Mesa's new perfectly tuned sound sculptures donated by the Friends of the Costa Mesa Libraries, a community group that provides supplies and funding for local OC Public Libraries branches.
These innovative instruments are durable, sustainable and perfectly tuned to enhance this unique public space. Bring the family and come make some beautiful music!
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Costa Mesa Bridge Shelter celebrates six months of success with 25 people housed
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Citizens' Academy participants visit investigative team
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This week, the Citizens Police Academy participants met the Investigative Services Bureau.
They heard from detectives about how they investigate Crimes Against Persons and Property Crimes.
Then, they met the Crime Analyst, who explained her role and how she shares city crime trends with patrol officers and detectives to direct enforcement.
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Costa Mesa officers take part in Touch a Truck event
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Over the weekend, on Oct. 12, officers and the Recruitment Team were at the Touch-a-Truck event at the Orange County Market Place at the OC Fairgrounds.
Families love checking out the PD patrol vehicle.
Touch-a-Truck is an interactive, hands-on experience, where everyone can learn about the vehicles on display.
Kids can hop into the patrol car, honk the horn and ask the officers about what is in the car.
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Fallen firefighters honored in memorial at Irvine Regional Park
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Tuesday, Oct. 15, 2019 Costa Mesa Fire & Rescue along with other local agencies honored the fire service family and paid tribute to the lives of those firefighters lost.
The event took place in the Firefighter Monument, which has a new location at the Irvine Regional Park.
The event included an opening and welcome from Orange County Fire Department’s Fire Chief, Chris Boyd and a master of ceremonies from Orange County Fire Chiefs Association President and Costa Mesa Fire Chief Dan Stefano.
A presentation of colors was jointly executed by Anaheim Fire & Rescue, Costa Mesa Fire & Rescue, Huntington Beach Fire Department and Orange County Fire Authority Honor Guards that was proceeded by an opening tribute by the Orange County Fire Authority Pipes and Drums.
Costa Mesa Honor Guards members include, Battalion Chief Chris Coates, Captain Rob Gagne, and Engineers John Brock and Dave Kearley.
The reading of names took place by Brea/Fullerton Fire Department Chief Adam Loeser and Orange County Fire Authority Fire Chief Brian Fennessy with ringing of the bell by Buena Park Fire Department retiree Sam Winner.
The four Costa Mesa family members that were recognized were: Wayne Houston, Mike “Ironman” Kreza, John Petruzziello and Richard Raines.
The event included the playing of taps by Costa Mesa's Captain Fred McDowell, an Oath of Office pledge led by Huntington Beach Fire Chief Dave Segura and the official Retirement of Colors and final closing tribute by the Orange County Fire Authority Pipes and Drums.
Costa Mesa Fire & Rescue has been in the midst of paying tribute to Fallen Firefighters not just locally, but at the state and national level. Sept. 28, 2019 the 17th annual California Firefighters Memorial Ceremony was held at the California Firefighters Memorial located in Sacramento.
Additionally, the weekend of Oct. 5, 2019 recognized the National Fallen Firefighter Memorial weekend in Emmitsburg, Maryland.
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EMS Coordinator Larry Grihalva is fire team's Member of the Month
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Costa Mesa Fire & Rescue Team Member of the Month for September is Emergency Medical Services (EMS) Coordinator Larry Grihalva.
Grihalva attended Fountain Valley High School. Upon graduating, he enrolled at the University California Los Angeles (UCLA) as a history major. To help pay his way through college, he worked as an emergency medical technician (EMT) on the UCLA campus emergency ambulance.
In this role, he worked closely with the Los Angeles Fire Department (LAFD). He developed a strong admiration for the LAFD firefighters and paramedics which fueled his desire to become a LAFD Mobile Intensive Care Paramedic.
After an honorable retirement from the LAFD due to a severe back injury, Grihalva enrolled at Boston College Law School where he earned a Doctorate in Jurisprudence. After successfully passing the California Bar, His passion for EMS was still strong, therefore he decided to continue towards a career in the field.
He went on to teach at the Daniel Freeman Paramedic School and work for the American Heart Association until 2001, when he began his first tenure with the City, as Costa Mesa’s first EMS Coordinator until August 2011. Grihalva came back to Costa Mesa in March 2017 and as part of his role, he assists with the department's ambulance transport and EMS programs.
In addition to serving as Costa Mesa's EMS Coordinator, he is also a faculty professor at Saddleback College School of Paramedicine. In this role, he ensures that local EMTs and paramedics are always ahead of the advances in patient care, technology and best practices.
In the mid 2000’s, prior to Costa Mesa’s official Chaplain Program, Grihalva earned multiple crisis intervention certifications in addition to becoming a licensed and ordained Chaplain. With these accreditations, he was honored and compelled to assist with the mental health and overall wellness of the fire personnel.
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City's alleys are looking much better as citywide rehabilitation project continues
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The Public Services Department continues its Citywide Alley Rehabilitation project with the rehabilitation of five alleyways.
The old, deteriorated asphalt in alleys is being replaced with new concrete, containing strength reinforcing fibrous additives designed to provide an extended service life under the stresses of passenger vehicles and trash trucks.
When complete, the project will improve residential and commercial public access throughout Costa Mesa.
Black Rock Construction, a City contractor, recently finished the reconstruction of the following alleys:
- Alley No. 37 (between Caraway Drive and Nutmeg Place, Harbor Boulevard. and Mace Avenue.) on June 21.
- Alley No. 112 (between 19th Street and Costa Mesa Street., from Orange Avenue. to Fullerton Avenue.) on July 12.
- Alley No. 59 (between Santa Ana Avenue and San Bernardino Place, from 16th Street to Ramona Place) on Aug. 2.
- Alley No. 18 (between 19th Street and Bernard Street, Harbor Boulevard and Maple Avenue), on Oct. 2.
The completion of Alley No. 18 was the biggest milestone of this year’s alley project, as it is located behind a high volume commercial center. The successful completion of this alley was the result of our team working closely with local businesses in the area.
Its construction was designed with special attention to include multiple stages to facilitate vehicle access to all businesses at all times. The construction required extensive coordination and special accommodations for employee parking for Social, Western Dental, Bank of America, TickTocker Thrift Shop, Specialized Bikes and all the adjacent affected businesses.
Construction crews are currently working on Alley No. 83 (between Magnolia Street and Broadway, from Fullerton Avenue to Alley No. 82), with an estimated completion of Oct. 25. When complete, a combined area of 55,000 square-feet of new concrete improvements will be completed with the 2019 Alley Rehabilitation project.
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City improves residential curbs to be wheelchair accessible on Paularino Drive
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The Public Services Department has completed the construction of Americans with Disabilities Act improvements along Paularino Avenue at Trinity Drive and Yellowstone Drive.
Using its on-call contract, the Department constructed four new wheelchair ramps to current ADA standards and replaced sections of damaged sidewalk.
Construction of the new wheelchair ramps establishes a new accessible path of travel from the adjacent residential neighborhoods to the extensive network of shops and destinations along Bristol Street.
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Economic and Development Services
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Code Enforcement honored with appreciation week
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The California Association of Code Enforcement Officers (CACEO) announced a proclamation that Oct. 8 through 14, 2019 was Code Enforcement Officers Appreciation Week.
The City of Costa Mesa Community Improvement Division team is dedicated to protect the health, safety and welfare of community members; to enhance the appearance of neighborhoods and business districts; to prevent blight; protect property values; and enhance economic conditions.
It is the City's goal to obtain voluntarily compliance, whenever possible, by administering a fair and unbiased enforcement program. The City take this opportunity to thank the Code Enforcement staff.
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Code Enforcement Officer Andy Godinez recognized at National Hispanic Heritage Month event
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Each year, Americans observe National Hispanic Heritage Month from Sept. 15 to Oct. 15 by celebrating the histories, cultures and contributions of American citizens whose ancestors came from Spain, Mexico, the Caribbean and Central and South America.
As part of that celebration this year, City Council Member Manuel Chavez honored one of the City’s very own Code Enforcement officers, Andy Godinez. This recognition identified all the great work Godinez has performed not only as a City employee, but also highlighted his contributions to the community as a Costa Mesa resident.
He is a lifelong resident of Costa Mesa. He started his career in the city 11 years ago as a recreation leader for after school programs and promoted to various positions within the organization.
Godinez is an active volunteer for MIKA, which identifies and equips leaders in low-income neighborhoods to build communities with a vision. It facilitates community events to promote positive experiences with the City by offering tutoring, mentorships, and various activities to high-risk youth.
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Parks & Community Services
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Artists encouraged to show their wares at monthly Art Walk at the Lions Park Event Lawn
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Hosted by the Community Arts Festivals, the Costa Mesa ArtWalk + Dance Battle is held every third Saturday of the month from 1 p.m. to 5 p.m. at the Lions Park Event Lawn.
The last event featured more than 25 artists and their fares, a DJ with a dance floor and dance contest, as well as a silent disco held throughout the Donald Dungan Library.
The next art walk is scheduled for Saturday, October 19.
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Air Force Pilot shares his experience with seniors
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On Tuesday, Oct. 1, retired Air Force Pilot Captain Gary Barnhill gave a presentation to the Veterans Social Group and spoke about his experience flying an F-100 Super Sabre and F-105 Thunderchief also known as “The THUD.”
He shared with the group that the pilots of the F-105 took the disparaging name and would wear it as a badge of honor.
As part of his presentation, Captain Barnhill described multiple air campaigns in North Vietnam from 1965 to 1969.
In addition, he played recorded audio of the multiple plane identifying aircrafts and described the campaigns as an active mission. The group was excited to meet Captain Barnhill and appreciated hearing about his experience.
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Seniors enjoy tour of the Shipley Nature Center
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On Thursday, Oct. 3, the Community Trips program with the Costa Mesa Senior Center took a group of 11 seniors to Shipley Nature Center in Huntington Beach for a tour.
Shipley Nature Center stretches across 18 acres of fenced California native habitat, offering a serene escape for visitors. The ecological reserve is a natural sanctuary for birds and animals including hummingbirds and coyotes.
Participants learned about the history of the area at the interpretive center and explored the plant and animal life. Seniors walked the peaceful pathways along the variety of habitats that included oak woodlands, Torrey pines, meadows, a natural freshwater wetland with mature willows and sycamores, and a small group of redwood trees.
The ecological oasis served as a friendly outing for seniors that was both fun and educational and the group valued their time being in touch with nature.
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Kids make Peruvian Llamas at Lions Park for Hispanic Heritage Month
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Participants at the Lions Park Event Lawn on Thursday learned how to make yarn llamas. Llamas were first used by the Incas and have since become a regular fixture in Peruvian culture.
Some communities in the region perform llama blessing ceremonies to thank Mother Earth for the environment that allows the llamas and local people to survive as well as thank the llamas for providing wool and a means for supply transportation.
The next Craft in the Park event will take place on Thursday, Oct. 17 from 3:30-5:30 p.m. at the Lions Park Event Lawn (1855 Park Ave).
Participants will continue to explore a variety of educational crafts celebrating the histories, cultures and contributions of American citizens whose ancestors come from Spain, Mexico, the Caribbean, and Central and South America.
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Kids invited to take part in one-day camp
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Camp Costa Mesa Special Edition is a one-day camp that will be offered throughout the school year on non-holiday related school closure days.
On Friday, Nov. 1, campers will experience games, sports, arts and crafts and fun experiences with guest speakers and entertainers at the Balearic Community Center. Campers will remain on-site.
For more information, call (714) 754-5083
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Pumpkin Party gets rave reviews
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The Parks and Community Services Department hosted a free Pumpkin Party on the Lions Park Event Lawn on Friday, Oct. 11.
All ages were invited to stop by to decorate pumpkins, enjoy refreshments, and unwind with fun family activities. The event was wildly popular, with more than 100 in attendance making use of the City’s newest event venue.
The Parks and Community Services Department holds activities on the lawn Monday through Friday and special events on a monthly basis.
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Pet of the Week: Rex is a playful friend looking for a new family to call his own
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If you are looking for a large addition to your home, Rex is just the guy for you.
Rex is a five-year-old Labrador Retriever, German Shepherd mix whose personality is just as big as he is.
He is eager to please his humans, both large and small, however, he will need to be the only pet in the house. Rex is a smart, friendly boy who knows his basic commands, loves his toys, and is always ready for a game of fetch.
He has been in the care of Priceless Pet Rescue since June 2019 and is currently at their Claremont location awaiting his new family.
Rex is prepared to be your loyal companion. and if you would like to read more about him, please go to
www.pricelesspetrescue.org or visit him in person at The Orphanage in Claremont (665 E. Foothill Blvd. Unit E).
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Check out these upcoming events
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Wednesday, Oct. 16, 2019 --
NMUSD College and Career Night, 6:30 p.m. - 8:30 p.m., OC Fair & Event Center – Costa Mesa Building, More info at
www.nmusd.us.
Thursday, Oct. 17, 2019 –
CDBG & HOME Grant Funding Community Meeting, 6 p.m., Costa Mesa Senior Center, 695 W. 19th St. Your input will help set the priorities for the use of Community Development Block Grants (CDBG) and HOME In-vestment Partnership grants for the next five years.
Friday & Saturday, Oct. 18 & 19 –
The Taste Costa Mesa, The Met, 535 Anton Blvd., Sip, savor, and celebrate Southern California's most inspired food and drink hosted by Travel Costa Mesa and LA Times. More info & tickets at www.travelcostamesa.com/taste
Saturday, Oct. 19, 2019 –
Costa Mesa Art Walk & Dance Battle, 2 p.m. - 6 p.m., Lions Park Event Lawn, 570 W. 18th St. Costa Mesa Art Walk brings community and the arts together for an afternoon of family friendly fun! Check out work by local artists, enjoy live music and watch a final dance battle.
Saturday & Sunday, Oct. 19 & 20 –
Scarecrow Festival , 10 a.m. - 3 p.m., Goathill Junction in Fairview Park. A Costa Mesa tradition dating back to the 1930’s Times. More info at
www.costamesaca.gov/scarecrow.
Sunday, Oct. 20 –
Bike ride with Council Member Reynolds. Riders will explore parks, public art, and other special Costa Mesa locations north of the I-405. Ride departs 2:30 p.m.; starting location South Coast Collection “SOCO.”
Thursday, Oct. 24, 2019 –
CDBG & HOME Grant Funding Community Meeting, 6 p.m., Costa Mesa Senior Center, 695 W. 19th St. Your input will help set the priorities for the use of Community Development Block Grants (CDBG) and HOME In-vestment Partnership grants for the next five years.
Friday, Oct. 25, 2019 –
Teen Movie Night in the Park, 4:30 p.m. - 8:30 p.m., Lions Park Event Lawn, 1855 Park Ave. Costa Mesa teens are invited to Horror Movie Night at the Park for a viewing of A Quiet Place. More info at
www.costamesaca.gov.
Thursday, Oct. 31, 2019 –
Monster Mash, 11:30 a.m. - 1 p.m., Costa Mesa Senior Center, 695 W. 19th St. Celebrate Halloween at the Senior Center. More info at
www.costamesaca.gov.
Saturday, Nov. 9, 2019 –
Costa Mesa Bridge Shelter Volunteer Orientation, 12 p.m. and 1 p.m., The Crossing Church & Costa Mesa Senior Center. Learn more about how you can get involved at this mandatory training for all shelter volunteers. Training sessions held every second Saturday of the month. RSVP to
AlyssaS@mercyhouse.net
Thursday, Nov. 14, 2019 –
Thanksgiving Dinner, 5 p.m. - 7 p.m., Costa Mesa Senior Center, 695 W. 19th St. Celebrate Thanksgiving at the Senior Center. More info at
www.costamesaca.gov.
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