The City of Costa Mesa is preparing for the launch of the U.S. Census through community meetings and outreach.

The Complete Count Committee will meet at 10 a.m. Friday Feb. 28 at the Senior Center to discuss outreach strategies and key upcoming dates.

For the first time ever, the Census, which officially begins on on April 1, 2020, will have a questionnaire available online.

 

The U.S. Census Bureau has conducted a survey every decade since 1790. Collected data is used to determine redistricting, the allocation of more than $675 billion in federal funding and how best to manage emergency services.

The Bureau is still hiring census workers to canvas the community and make sure households are completing the census questionnaire. All information collected from the public is confidential.

To learn more about jobs and the Census, please visit https://2020Census.gov.

With the recent news regarding the spread of a novel, or new, coronavirus the city has created a webpage to provide web visitors with up-to-date information and Frequently Asked Questions regarding the outbreak.

Please click on the following link.

Also, residents should check the U.S. Department of States’ website for the most up-to-date information regarding international travel advisories for U.S. citizens.

Click here for that website.

Here are some preventive measures the national Centers for Disease Control suggests we follow during cold and flu season: 

To keep and improve Costa Mesa’s high quality of life, the City has developed a variety of ways its residents and businesses can access City Hall services to get a pothole filled, a sidewalk fixed, graffiti removed, or request other important services.

One of those ways is through the free smartphone app MyCostaMesa, where residents and businesses can submit and track requests for services.

When a resident or business owner submits service requests via mobile devices, the app automatically alerts city staff to the precise location of the problem.

App users also have the option of using the camera on their mobile device to upload a photo to better assist staff. Mobile app users can also easily track the status of their requests. The app can be downloaded at the Apple App Store and Google Play (search "MyCostaMesa" to download).

 

For those who don't have mobile phones, they can submit requests for services on the city’s website and follow the progress online at www.costamesaca.gov/mycostamesa.

"Character is like a tree and reputation like a shadow. The shadow is what we think of it; the tree is the real thing."

- Abraham Lincoln

On Feb. 6, Officer Kris Cover retired after 21 years with the Costa Mesa Police Department.

She served as a patrol officer and detective. As a detective, she specialized in crimes against children and sexual assault. Officer Cover also served as a Field Training Officer, Crisis Negotiator, and as a member of the Peer Support Team. She is well-known in the community and recognizable to many Costa Mesa residents.

Officer Cover was also a beloved advisor for the Costa Mesa Police Explorer Post, mentoring young men and women of the community for the past 20 years.

In fact, in the above photo, she is posing with Officer Eric Molina and Officer Sally Ortiz. Both officers started working with CMPD as explorers at 14 years old and consider Officer Cover a mentor and Officer Cover pinned Officer Ortiz’s badge, also in photo above. 

The City of Costa Mesa congratulates Officer Cover on her retirement and wishes her all the best in her future endeavors. 

As part of the Police Department's Community Policing program, officers work with partners like the California Department of Alcohol Beverage Control (ABC) to educate businesses about safe and responsible alcohol practices, as well as responsible consumption among Costa Mesa residents and visitors.

In July 2019, CMPD was awarded a generous grant by ABC, who also provided training to the department, and other agencies in California, for the implementation of grant funds.

The purpose of the grant is for education of licensees and the general public, as well as enforcement activities. Since then, the department, working in collaboration with ABC, has conducted one minor decoy operation and two shoulder tap operations resulting in seven arrests, to include furnishing alcohol to a minor.

We look forward to our continued partnership with ABC to keep our community safe.

Residents who live or work in Costa Mesa can partake in the Spring session of the Citizens’ Police Academy.

This academy promotes a better relationship between law enforcement and the community it serves through education and hands-on learning. The academy is 10-week program designed to provide citizens with an understanding of the police department’s operations. There will be presentations from police officers and professional staff about their respective units.

All students will also have the opportunity to go on a ride-along with an officer. 

 

There are 25 spots available and once enough applications are received, the application link will no longer be valid.

Interested residents must complete and submit an online application at the link below:

https://www.costamesaca.gov/city-hall/city-departments/police/citizens-programs/citizens-police-academy/citizens-police-academy-application 

On Feb. 10, Costa Mesa Fire and Rescue partnered with Anaheim Fire and Rescue to raise the USA flag at the entrance of the Angel Stadium for the memorial service of Orange Coast College baseball coach John Altobelli and his family.

The memorial began at 4 p.m. and was well attended by the community who came to honor and pay respects to Coach John Altobelli, his wife Keri, and their daughter Alyssa.

  

Fire & Rescue is honored to have been a part of this service and to have had the opportunity to pay respect through a strong presence and assisting with the display of the American flag which was raised from ladder Truck 84.

 

Fire crews will remain strong in their love and support for OCC and the entire community affected by this devastating loss of all of the lives lost in this tragedy.

As the community mourns Coach John Altobelli, his wife Keri, their daughter Alyssa, Kobe Bryant and daughter Gianna, mother and daughter Sarah and Payton Chester, basketball coach Christina Mauser and the pilot, Ara Zobayan, we will continue to honor their names and their contributions within the community.

Costa Mesa Fire & Rescue recently responded to an early morning working structure fire that involved a single family residence in the 300 block of Joann Street.

Firefighters arrived and reported heavy fire from the garage. The fire quickly spread to the interior of the home and moved into the attic. The fire caused significant damage to the structure. This can cause hazardous conditions for firefighters on the roof positioned to ventilate the structure from the aerial ladder.

The fire was extinguished with assistance of auto aid units from Huntington Beach, Orange County Fire Authority and Fountain Valley Fire Department. All residents were safely evacuated from the residence. Fire crews worked to assist the family with any needs through the Red Cross. The family chose to make their own arrangements.

One firefighter sustained a non-life threatening injury when structural debris fell on him while he was inside the residence attacking the fire. He was taken to an area hospital for further medical evaluation and released a few hours later.

Fire units remained on scene throughout the early morning to extinguish any hot spots and the fire is currently being investigated. 

Community Emergency Response Team (CERT) registration is still open for the first class of 2020.

Scheduled for Friday, Feb. 21 through Sunday, Feb. 23 the class will meet Friday evening 6-10 p.m. and Saturday and Sunday 8:30 a.m.- 4:30 p.m.

 

CERT weekend course will cover earthquake awareness and preparedness, disaster fire suppression techniques, disaster medical operations, team organization and management, light search and rescue, community preparedness and disaster simulation. 

Those interested in registering are encouraged to contact Costa Mesa Fire & Rescue CERT coordinator at (714) 327-7406 or via email at Brenda.emrick@costamesaca.gov.

 The Lions Park Projects achieved a major milestone last May with the Grand Opening of the new Donald Dungan Library.

Today, Phase 2, the renovation of the old library to become the new Norma Hertzog Community Center, is well underway.

Crews are working hard to construct the new framing, HVAC ducting system, plumbing, and electrical upgrades.

The new community center will be receiving new exterior glazing, advanced audio visual equipment, upgraded restrooms, offices, a catering kitchen, stage, fire sprinkler system, and landscaping.

When complete in Summer of 2020, the new community center will be able to accommodate up to 330 persons in the main assembly room and 100 persons in the adjacent conference room.

Planning staff has been processing entitlements for the One Metro West project, proposed by Rose Equities, at 1683 Sunflower Avenue. 

The One Metro West project proposes the construction of 1,057 residential units, as well as office, retail and a 1.5-acre open space area.

The project will require a General Plan Amendment, Zone Change, Specific Plan, Tentative Tract Map, and Master Plan as well as preparation of an Environmental Impact Report (EIR) for CEQA compliance purposes.

 

Staff has overseen the preparation of the required EIR for the project. The purpose of the EIR is to analyze the proposed project’s impacts on various environmental topic areas including air quality, noise, and traffic.

The EIR is meant to inform the public and decision makers of any potential significant environmental impacts as a result of the proposed project.

 

On Feb. 7, the Draft EIR was released for the required 45-day public review period which will end on March 23, 2020 at 5 p.m. During the 45-day public review period, any member of the public, including other local agencies, may submit written comments in response to the Draft EIR.

A Notice of Availability (NOA) to notify the public of the release of the Draft EIR was posted on the project site, published in a local newspaper and mailed to appropriate public agencies and property owners/tenants within 500 feet of the project site.

The Draft EIR is posted online on the City’s website here, with hardcopies available at the Development Services Department’s public counter in City Hall and at both local libraries (Mesa Verde and Donald Dungan).

 

Following completion of the public review period, Planning staff will prepare a responses to any comments received regarding the Draft EIR.

Public hearings for the project are expected to be held from April through June 2020.

A pair of Ospreys have recently been documented and observed by Fairview Park staff.

The photo above is the male Osprey feasting on a caught fish on a structure close to its nest. (photo by Fairview Park staffer Maddie Letterman).

Ospreys are large raptors with striking white and black plumage. They live near bodies of water and have a diet primarily comprised of fish.

The Osprey and many other bird populations started to crash between the 1950s-1970s because of the pesticide DDT heavily used in agriculture.

Thanks to the ban of the detrimental pesticide, bird populations across the U.S. were able to rebound.

Teen Participants selected a classic game of musical chairs to start their week at the Costa Mesa Teen Center.

Teens and staff had great laughs, enjoyed a friendly competition, and crowned their musical chair winner with the prize of selecting their next fun activity of the day.

The Costa Mesa Teen Center has been revisiting several of the activities many of their current participants enjoyed when they were a part of the ROCKS after-school program. 

Do you love soccer but can’t stand the cold?

Then Tuesday nights at the Downtown Recreation Center from 6:00 p.m. to 9:00 p.m. is the place for you, as regular futsal games take place.

There is an average of about 15 players a night and five players are needed for each team, plus any subs.

We hope to see you out there for a night of competitive fun!

Spring swim lessons are returning to the Downtown Aquatic Center the week of March 14.

The City of Costa Mesa will be offering youth swim lessons, adult beginner and intermediate swim lessons, adult fitness class and water aerobics classes.

Registration for Costa Mesa residents opens on Monday, February 10th at 8:00 a.m. and open registration opens on Monday Feb. 17 online or in person at the Downtown Aquatic Center.

Class dates and times are located here.

Bunco games are Offered the first and third Friday of every month at the Senior Center and Fran Sorenson and Pat Rahn (pictured above) have grown the group to 16-20 players every day its offered.

They bring in refreshments, snacks, and prizes for all the winners and even those unfortunate folks who haven’t learned the nuances of rolling dice.

If you want to learn a new game and socialize while having a few snacks, come by the Senior Center, meet Fran and Pat while you learn this quickly growing game.

The Killybrooke C-Division team has been putting in work during practices.

Their skills have been put to the test after these last three weeks and their coach is confident that they will begin developing a stronger skill set to get that win for this upcoming Saturday.

Be sure to catch Killybrooke, along with other BeFit Basketball teams. on Saturdays at the Downtown Recreation Center.

Caleb is a two-year-old, male, domestic short hair cat who is ready to warm your heart and become your furry Valentine.

Caleb may play hard to get at first, but he is worth the wait. His shy personality may require some patience and a quiet environment to get him to approach you, but this friendly boy will interact with adults and children once comfortable.

If you would like to read more about Caleb, you can click here to read his bio or you can visit him in person at Priceless Pet Rescue’s Knead Catffeine – Cat Café in Chino Hills (3560 Grand Ave., unit J).

February 18 – 21, 2020 – Camp Costa Mesa Presidents Week, Balearic Community Center. 1-week day camp for K – 6 graders. More info at www.costamesaca.gov. 

Wednesday, February 19, 2020 – Mesa Water District Neighborhood Chat, 6 – 7:30 p.m., Mesa Water District, 1965 Placentia Ave. Share your thoughts about current issues, including the District’s development of local and reliable water supplies, ongoing water use efficiency efforts, and the exploration of opportunities to serve you more economically, effectively, and efficiently.

Friday – Sunday, February 21 – 23, 2020 - Community Emergency Response Team (CERT) Weekend Training Course, hosted by Costa Mesa Fire and Rescue, contact the Costa Mesa Fire & Rescue CERT Coordinator at (714) 327-7406 or email brenda.emrick@costamesaca.gov to reserve your place in the next CERT training.

Tuesday, February 25, 2020 – Art on the Fifth Gallery Reception, 5 – 6 p.m., City Hall 5th Floor lobby. Featured artist Barbara Owens.

Tuesday, February 25, 2020 – Mesa Water District Neighborhood Chat, 6 – 7:30 p.m., Mesa Verde United Methodist Church. Share your thoughts about current issues, including the District’s development of local and reliable water supplies, ongoing water use efficiency efforts, and the exploration of opportunities to serve you more economically, effectively, and efficiently.

Wednesday February 26, 2020 – On P.A.R. Social (Programs, Activities & Re-sources), 4 – 5:30 p.m., Costa Mesa Senior Center, 695 W. 19th St. The social will include tours, information tables, entertainment, raffles, and light refreshments. www.costamesaca.gov

Wednesday February 26, 2020 – Public Outreach Meeting - Adams Avenue Improvements Project, 6 – 8 p.m., of Adams Elementary School at 2850 Clubhouse Rd. 

Saturday, February 29 – Opening Day, Costa Mesa National Little League and Costa Mesa American Little League.

Monday, March 9, 2020 – International Women’s Day Luncheon – “Blazing the Trail as a Woman”, 11:30 a.m., Café Sevilla, 1870 Harbor Blvd. hosted by the Cos-ta Mesa Chamber of Commerce and Mayor Katrina Foley. www.costamesachamber.com

Tuesday, March 10, 2020 – Community Blood Drive, 2 – 7 p.m., Lions Park Event Lawn, 1855 Park Ave. www.costamesaca.gov/lionsparkevents

Wednesday, March 11, 2020 – Mesa Water District Neighborhood Chat, 6 – 7:30 p.m., Sonora Elementary School. Share your thoughts about current issues, including the District’s development of local and reliable water supplies, ongoing water use efficiency efforts, and the exploration of opportunities to serve you more economically, effectively, and efficiently.

Saturday, March 14, 2020 – Fairview Park Winter Restoration & Education, 9 - 11 a.m., Audubon bird exploration. 

Sunday, March 15, 2020 – Community Bike Ride with Council Member Reynolds, Meet at 2 p.m. – ride departs 2:30 p.m., Departure site and route TBD.

Wednesday March 18, 2020 – Knowledge & Health Fair Expo, 10 a.m. – 1 p.m., Costa Mesa Senior Center, 695 W. 19th St. Visit with more than 30 vendors that will share information and resources regarding health and wellness, and provide screenings. www.costamesaca.gov

March 19 – April 19, 2020 – VOLTA by Cirque du Soleil, OC Fair & Event Center. Experience Cirque du Soleil’s 41st original production since 1984 showcasing never-before-seen under the Big Top acrobatics in a visually striking world. www.ocfair.com