Mayor John Stephens attended the Colonel William Cabell Chapter, National Society Daughters of the American Revolution’s annual Student Awards Ceremony on Wednesday, May 6, at the Norma Hertzog Community Center in Costa Mesa.

The community center was lined with patriotic posters drawn by fifth-grade students who participated in the chapter’s poster contest.

The ceremony recognized students from Newport-Mesa Unified School District and local private schools for their achievements in history, citizenship, and leadership.

Honorees included Good Citizen Award recipients, American History Essay Contest winners, and Youth Leadership Award recipients.

Mayor Stephens joined Chapter Regent Jeanette Justus, DAR National Chair Lisa Fox, and members of the Colonel William Cabell Chapter in celebrating these outstanding students and their dedication to learning, service, and community involvement.

The City of Costa Mesa congratulates all this year’s award recipients on their well-deserved recognition.

On Wednesday, May 6, the American Society of Civil Engineers (ASCE), Orange County section, presented the City of Costa Mesa with the “2026 Outstanding Transportation Project” Award for the Fairview Road Mobility Improvements Project.

The project is nearly completed between Fair Drive and Newport Boulevard.

This project implemented innovative mobility and safety improvements along one of the primary corridors in Costa Mesa. 

The roadway travels near College Park Elementary School and residential areas as well as Vanguard University and the Civic Center. 

The project delivers improvements while still serving existing car traffic along Fairview Road. Improvements include new high visibility crosswalks; new low-stress Cycle Tracks, the City’s first bus boarding islands, the City’s first bike signal, a new Pedestrian Hybrid Beacon (HAWK) signal connecting residents to College Park Elementary School. 

Public Works Director, Raja Sethuraman and staff received the award at the ASCE OC Annual Awards Dinner in Fullerton. 

The Public Works Transportation Services Division is proud to receive an ASCE award on behalf of the City of Costa Mesa for three consecutive years and will continue to strive in developing award-winning projects that benefit the community and improve the quality of life in Costa Mesa for all roadway users.

The Orange Section of the American Planning Association has honored the City of Costa Mesa with the Opportunity and Empowerment Award of Merit for the Neighborhoods Where We All Belong Round 1 Community Visioning.

This award celebrates community plans and projects that will improve the quality of life for lower and moderate income households. 

The awards ceremony will take place in September 2026. Input gathered during the first phase of outreach informed the creation of preliminary development and design regulations to encourage and facilitate new housing and mixed-use development, and were shared with the community in Round 2 workshops. 

In March 2026, the City conducted Round 2 of public engagement activities, including sharing project information via articles, social media posts, and collecting input by hosting two in-person workshops, one virtual workshop, two focus group discussions, and through the project website and emails to Neighborhoods@costamesaca.gov.

Workshop participants were asked to share feedback on what uses should be allowed in a mixed-use development, what types of open space should be required, and how should preliminary objective standards shape mixed-use and residential development.

The input collected is guiding the next phase of work--the preparation of draft regulations that reflect community priorities while maintaining consistency with State housing law. 

A summary of the Round 2 Community Visioning effort will be available on the project website on May 8, 2026: https://www.costamesaneighborhoods.com/.

The Statewide Direct Primary Election will be held on Tuesday, June 2 and the Costa Mesa's City Clerk's Office will be busy assisting with the balloting.

Registered Costa Mesa County Voters will receive a vote-by-mail ballot. Voters can then choose to cast their ballot in one of the following ways:

1. Mail their vote-by-mail ballot to the Registrar of Voters, or

2. Drop their vote-by-mail ballot in any of the ballot drop boxes throughout the County; or

3. Vote in person or drop off their vote-by-mail ballot at any of the Vote Center sites throughout the County. 

For a list of vote center locations in Costa Mesa and hours of operation click here https://ocvote.gov/elections/vote-center-locations.

For a list of dropbox locations in Costa Mesa click here https://ocvote.gov/elections/ballot-drop-box-locations.

For detailed information regarding the election please visit ocvote.gov or contact the ROV below: 

Orange County Registrar of Voters (ROV)

1300 South Grand Avenue, Building C

Santa Ana, CA 92705

(714) 567-7600

Monday through Friday; 8 a.m. - 5 p.m.

rovwebmaster@ocvote.gov.

The Costa Mesa Network for Homeless Solutions continues to help those less fortunate as it has now housed 495 people as of April of 2026.

The team took 154 calls for service in April and has assisted 567 callers year to date.

To reach our Network For Homeless Solutions staff please visit our website here.

Recently Costa Mesa Fire & Rescue responded to a call of a reported structure fire located at the 2800 block of Ellesmere Avenue.

The first crews on scene located a fully involved garage and house fire, with the occupants of the home trapped in the backyard. 

The first arriving unit immediately moved in to secure the occupants while the second unit began an aggressive fire attack.

Costa Mesa Police Department secured the streets for additional incoming units and after a 30 minute aggressive interior attack the fire was knocked down. 

All occupants are safe and no firefighters were injured. Currently the fire is under investigation. 

Thank you for assistance provided by Huntington Beach and Fountain Valley fire departments. 

Congratulations to the Costa Mesa Police Department officers who were recognized at the Annual Mothers Against Drunk Driving (MADD) California Law Enforcement & Prosecutor Recognition Awards for taking DUI drivers off the roads.

Our officers too frequently witness the damage and pain caused by DUI and work tirelessly to stop DUI drivers before life-altering crashes occur. They are committed to keeping the roadways safe for everyone; each arrest is a potential life saved.

Century Awardees:

• Officer Matt Richie
• Officer Daniel Bruno
• Officer Dustin Fay

MADD Awardees:

• Officer Kha Bao
• Officer Heath McMahon
• Officer Zachary Robertson
• Officer Patricia Valdenor
• Officer Madison Bowman

Congratulations to these officers and all the honorees today!

On National Correctional Officers Week, we get to recognize our dedicated team working in our jail.

Correctional Officers play a vital role in our department. They work long hours in unpredictable sceanarios to keep us all safe, both those in custody as well as staff.

Thank you to our Correctional Officers, we appreciate all you do.

On Wednesday, May 6, Kaiser-Woodland school held their school spirit event Bike & Roll to School Day.

CMPD was asked to escort the community ride to school, which was happily obliged.

Students and community members rode from Lindbergh Park to school, CMPD made sure everyone had fun while also ensuring everyone’s safety. 

Thank you to Kaiser-Woodland for including us in your school spirit.

May 4, 2026 was International Firefighters Day, and Costa Mesa Fire & Rescue pays respect to all Firefighters around the globe and thanks you all for your dedicated service.

This day is recognized as part of National Fallen Firefighters Memorial weekend, honored on the first Sunday of May. 

The department 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.

Thank you to the men and women who courageously answer the calls of those in need, 24/7/365. 

The City’s “Request A Bike Rack” webpage continues to receive requests to install bike racks at various locations throughout the City, resulting in 14 new installations over the last year.

The webpage provides community members and other stakeholders a convenient way to suggest bike racks locations in the public right-of-way. 

Following recent public requests, Public Works staff installed bike racks at Metro Pointe, Jack Hammett Sports Complex, and the Bank of America on 19th Street and Park Ave.

As the City continues to implement the 2018 Active Transportation Plan, convenient and secure bike parking is an important component of an effective bicycle network to provide mobility options to Costa Mesa residents and visitors. To suggest a bike rack in the public right-of-way, please visit the Request a Bike Rack page here.

As always, the City recommends securing your bicycle to the rack with a u-lock in order to reduce the chance of theft. 

Our Mother’s Day celebration at the Senior Center, Tea Time in Paris, was a beautiful afternoon filled with elegance, laughter, and wonderful memories.

Guests enjoyed a Parisian-inspired experience complete with delicious food, entertainment, games, and special moments shared with friends and family.

The event featured a delicious lunch catered by Stonefire Grill featuring their popular pasta and sides, along with a stunning dessert charcuterie board filled with sweet treats and pastries. Attendees also participated in fun games and had the chance to win exciting raffle prizes. 

Adding to the ambiance, a talented violinist provided live musical entertainment that created the perfect atmosphere for our Paris-themed gathering.

Guests also enjoyed capturing memories with the amazing photo booth experience provided by Fun Photos Photo Booth, where everyone had the opportunity to take fun and festive pictures with friends.

Thank you to everyone who attended and helped make Tea Time in Paris such a memorable and joyful celebration. It was a wonderful way to honor and celebrate all the amazing mothers and mother figures in our community.

It’s time to spring into swimming over at the Downtown Aquatic Center.

Whether you or your little one is just starting out or looking to refine your skills, we’ve got the perfect class for you. From building water confidence to mastering technique, our lessons make learning fun, safe, and exciting for all ages.

Registration for all of our upcoming summer aquatics classes begins on May 19 for Residents of Costa Mesa and on May 26 for Open Enrollment.

Registration is available online at www.costamesaca.gov/aquatics or in-person at 1860 Anaheim Ave, Costa Mesa.

Unsure what level is the right fit for your swimmer? Call (714) 327-7564 to schedule a free and quick Level Placement Test.

Join us for Safe Splash Bash featuring the Water Safety Essentials Workshop.

The Downtown Aquatic Center is hosting a free water safety event for parents, guardians, teachers, and anyone who spends time near the water.

No experience? No problem.

Adult attendees will practice hands-only CPR and first aid basics, learn the do’s and don’ts of water safety, and build confidence in responding to water-related incidents.

Kids are welcome too, with interactive safety demos, water-themed games, lifesaving water skills, and other fun activities.

Don’t miss out! Register in advance to secure your spot at www.costamesaca.gov/aquatics or scan the QR code above.

We look forward to seeing you at the Downtown Aquatic Center.

The Downtown Aquatic Center is recruiting for lifeguards and a Senior Lifeguard for the summer season.

No certifications? No problem.

Qualified candidates who pass the swimming fitness test and are given job offers receive all training and certification through employment

For more information on this opportunity, please visit costamesaca.gov/jobs or scan the QR code above.

We look forward to adding you to our team!

On Saturday May 2, a total of 48 garden members came out to put in some sweat equity at both the Hamilton and Del Mar Community Garden locations.

Areas were cleared in anticipation of new half parcels to be installed in the near future.

If you would like to volunteer in the future, please reach out at cmgardens@costamesaca.gov.

Access Costa Mesa invites you to a prom to remember.

Friday, May 15

5:30 PM – 9:00 PM

Norma Hertzog Community Center

Put on your best prom style and celebrate with us

Get ready for music, dancing, and unforgettable memories!

RSVP online https://bit.ly/AccessPROM.