The City of Costa Mesa will reopen several select Fairview Park trails beginning Saturday, May 9, as part of a phased-in opening that will allow active park goers access to certain sections of the city’s most treasured open spaces that have been closed since mid-March.

Signage will be posted at Fairview Park for visitors to identify open and closed trails.

“Some of the hardest decisions we had to make as a City Council was to shut down parks and city facilities to stop the spread of COVID-19,” Mayor Katrina Foley said. “But the result has been worth it as we have some of the lowest cases of the disease in the county and after opening most City parks and the golf course last week, I’m pleased to announce we can now open some Fairview Park trails to our residents who have been so patient during this time.”

The park, like other City parks that are open, will be open for active use only, such as walking, running, and biking. No stopping or gatherings will be allowed and the public is required to maintain social distancing on the trails.

Fairview Park encompasses 208 acres, which is larger than all of the City’s other park spaces combined.  In addition, it is home to five different natural habitat environments and more than 30 special species in the open space areas.  Most of these species fall under special protective environmental law and some areas protected by preservation agreements with the City.

“The closure of Fairview Park created a significant change in the environment for the natural inhabitants – the flora and fauna,” said Fairview Park Administrator Cynthia D’Agosta. “You’ve seen the stories of Yosemite Park, Griffith Park, and even the beaches of Catalina, currently seeing species behavior not seen in decades. The Fairview Park environment has had little foot or bicycle traffic, noise, or dogs for weeks, demonstrating some of the same effects.”

The City is hopeful that the methodical, well-planned and organized reopening of this gem in the City will help ensure that the public is able to maintain access to the park and reap the mental, physical, and emotional benefits of being outdoors, while also protecting some of the special characteristics and unique resources of the park.

For a map of the open trails, please click on this link or visit the Fairview Park page on the City’s website at https://www.costamesaca.gov/residents/fairview-park.

Spearheaded by Mayor Katrina Foley, the Costa Mesa City Council has enlisted corporate, labor and government leaders to form a new reStore Costa Mesa Recovery Team with the goal of jump starting the local economy once restrictions are lifted.

The reStore Recovery Team held its first meeting on May Day, Friday, May 1 with more than 40 individuals taking part in a nearly two-hour discussion. Those leaders provided a very detailed and high-level overview on how Costa Mesa can get its business community going in a safe and responsible fashion.

“Our local businesses are struggling right now, and we need to do whatever we can to help them through these difficult times,” Mayor Foley said. “We have recruited a star-studded team of professionals to guide us and allow us to move quickly once we are able to and move into a recovery period. I’m grateful for the dedication of these community leaders who will help us get out of this crisis with a safety-first approach.”

Members of the reStore team include such notables as former State Treasurer Bill Lockyer, local restaurateurs Ivan Calderon and Mario Marovic, auto executive Jim Robbins and longtime developer George Sakioka.

“I am thrilled to be working with such a talented cadre of business professionals from multiple sectors to reopen Costa Mesa,” said City Manager Lori Ann Farrell Harrison. “I look forward to bringing the city’s vibrant economy back as soon as possible.”

The team is made up of economic and public health advisors and representatives from the hospitality, tourism, personal care and fitness and community services sectors. Also represented will be the faith-based and parks and recreation industries.

The Economic Advisors also include Costa Mesa City Manager Farrell Harrison, Eileen Benjamin from the Chamber of Commerce, Michael Harris from the banking industry, Paulette Lombardi Fries of Travel Costa Mesa, Diane Pritchett from South Coast Metro Alliance, Casey Reitz from SCFTA, Paul Sanford from the hospitality sector, Charles Barfield from the OC Employees Association, Jessie Ben-Ron from Orange County Business Council, Todd Smith from Orange County Museum of the Arts, Concert Promoter Tim Taber, Jonathan Hastanan from Steelwave, Anais Tangie from AT Connections and Rick Stein of Arts Orange County.

The Public Health & Community Advisors include Ellen Olshanksky, Founding Director of the Program of Nursing Science at UCI, Sue Parks from OC United Way, Dr. Iman Bar, Costa Mesa Fire Chief Dan Stefano, Costa Mesa Economic Development Administrator Dan Inloes, nurse Kimberly St. Laurent, Ian Stevenson of Trellis, Ashley Anderson Newport Mesa School Board, residents and Halecrest Club manager Sharon Comer, Jeremy Samson and Greg Barker of Mesa Verde Country Club and Danny Lane of Costa Mesa Country Club.

While the city-owned golf course and most Costa Mesa parks reopened on April 28 for passive use, the skate park, Bark Park and Fairview Park were not on the open list.

City staff, with the guidance of selected council members, commissioners, and community partners, are working to develop guidelines to change that and reopen specific areas and trails within Fairview Park, which is home to the largest and most popular open space in Costa Mesa.

Fairview Park has not been reopened because of the need to ensure proper assessment for safe access to trails due to overgrowth and maintenance needs and proper surveying of endangered species and protected habitat.

Additionally, due to the sensitive nature of the parks environment the City has legal stewardship obligations and agreements with various local and state agencies that require additional steps be taken before Fairview Park fully is reopened. City parks and maintenance staff are hoping to have the park open soon.

The City of Costa Mesa began its initial phase of allowing golfing on public and private courses to resume with strict no-touch rules and adherence to social distancing, and the reopening of certain city parks for passive use such as walking and biking.

The new rules go into effect at midnight Tuesday April 28. Click here to read the resolution.

Golfing restrictions apply to the city-owned Costa Mesa Country Club and the private Mesa Verde Country Club.  The park reopening guidelines apply to all City parks with the exception of Fairview Park, Bark Park, and the Skate Park, which will remain closed at this time.

“The COVID-19 pandemic has had a devastating effect on the nation and our economy, and our City Council will continue to follow the guidance of our public health, safety and medical experts, as we make critical decisions,” Mayor Katrina Foley said. “We may pivot and regroup many times during this process, but we will always be guided by science. Slow, cautious and thoughtfully planned relaxation of some restrictions is appropriate at this time. Together we partnered to develop safe play plans to reopen golf courses and some parks for passive use, such as walking and biking, for free access for families who need some space to move after six weeks at home.”

All tee times must be made in advance and scheduled at least 10 minutes apart to ensure social distancing on the course and in other areas. The golfing rules restrict the courses to walking only.  Carts will not be available for rent.

Ancillary golf operations will remain closed, including the pro shop, and no food or beverages will be served or available for purchase at this time. All golfers will be required to wear face coverings while checking in, at tee boxes and on greens and course employees will be required to wear face coverings and gloves at all times.

“Golf courses are places where our residents derive great peace and joy,” Mayor Pro-Tem John Stephens said.  “While it was necessary to close them temporarily for public health reasons, we have now established protocols for safe play.  Thank you to the golf course operators and our golfers for being such responsible and patient community partners.”

City parks will be open during normally posted times. Parking lots and amenities, such as tot lots and play equipment, will remain closed at this time.  The guidelines prohibit gathering, stopping or picnicking in the parks, and social distancing must be maintained.  A face covering must be worn, except for children under age 2 or individuals who have difficulty breathing.

City Manager Lori Ann Farrell Harrison stated, “I would like to personally thank Council Members Reynolds, Chavez and Genis for their assistance in developing the new park guidelines. Enjoying our City parks safely will help maintain the health and well-being of our families and residents.”

Mayor Foley said relaxation of the rules could be an indicator of what’s to come.

“This is a critical time of cooperation and unity, and the collaboration to reopen the golf courses offers a model for successfully restoring other Costa Mesa businesses safely,” Foley said.  “We cleared the water on hole 8 and are heading to the turn on Mesa Linda, but we’re still a long way to the clubhouse.”

What is Fairview Developmental Center (FDC)?

Fairview Developmental Center (FDC) is a state-owned and operated facility that provides lifelong services and support to individuals with developmental disabilities and their families. Over the past several years, the majority of residents of FDC have been transferred to facilities throughout the state.

What type of facility is FDC going to be?

California state agencies, federal partners and private contractors, in coordination with state emergency operations authorities, have established a temporary and regional Alternate Care Site (ACS) facility at the Fairview Developmental Center, referenced as the Fairview Alternate Care Site (FACS), in order to provide local hospitals and skilled nursing facilities with care options and improve regional capacity in support of California’s COVID-19 response.

During the earliest stages of the international COVID-19 crisis, FDC was considered for different types of uses.  Ultimately, the state of California, working with federal agencies and other partners, identified that FDC would be utilized as a regional ACS resource for hospitals and congregate living facilities such as skilled nursing facilities (SNF), assisted living or residential care congregate living sites, with its primary operations designed to protect our most vulnerable population and provide the appropriate level of care to low acuity patients.

The COVID-19 virus disproportionately impacts the elderly, with mortality increasing with age. Those over the age of 80 with chronic disease have the highest mortality. Given the recent spread of COVID-19 among congregate living sites such as assisted living and skilled nursing facilities, there is an emerging need for alternate care sites to accommodate COVID-19 positive residents.

Moreover, the Fairview Regional ACS is a nontraditional care site that provides care for low-acuity, ambulatory and/or semi-ambulatory patients when hospitals are at or past capacity, and may also include: – – patients with no safe place to stay or quarantine – patients requiring low-acuity clinical care, but do not require ER or 911 level care – patients requiring extended observation due to high-risk, co-morbidities (i.e., multiple medical issues), inadequate home support and/or barriers that do not warrant returning to the ER or calling 911.

Are there any patients at Fairview Developmental Center now?

As of Friday, April 24, there were no patients currently being treated at the FACS, but the facility does anticipate to receive its first patients within the next week. As an additional point of reference, the current hospital bed capacity in Orange County has remained in the low 50% capacity range from April 1 through April 24, 2020.

What type of patients will now be treated at FDC?

According to our partners at the Orange County Health Care Agency, FACS is going to be utilized for low-acuity patients who are recovering from COVID-19. Indications for transfer to FDC include:

• Patients with no safe place to stay or quarantine.
• Patients requiring low-acuity care and without memory care related issues.
• Patients requiring extended observation due to high-risk comorbidity conditions, inadequate in-home support and/or barriers that do not require returning to the ER or calling 911.

Who is staffing the Fairview Alternate Care Site (FACS)?

Over the course of the past week, FACS has become staffed with approximately 70 highly-trained medical personnel from the USNS Mercy, Cal EMSA (Emergency Medical Services Authority) and CAL MAT (Medical Assistance Teams) teams. Staffing includes physicians, nurses, nurse practitioners, personal care attendants, respiratory therapists, behavioral health workers, pharmacists, supportive medical care providers (CNAs, EMT’s, Navy Corpsman, MA’s), and social workers. Equipment includes basic laboratory testing and X-ray capabilities, limited ability to provide IV fluids and low-flow oxygen, personal protective equipment, and limited nebulizer treatments and suctioning.

Who will be treated at the state’s FACS?

From the onset of our most recent statewide and regional pandemic planning efforts, the anticipated patients that were identified by the state included a potential range from the lowest acuity level for hospital surge overflow up to and potentially including a worst-case scenario, with hospital bed capacities being overwhelmed and creating treatment space for an explosion of COVID-19 patients.  Where we have currently landed is that FACS now anticipates to receive lower acuity recovering COVID-19 positive patients, including our most vulnerable population.

If I or a family member gets sick, should we go to FDC for treatment?

No; the FACS does NOT have an emergency room and is not an open medical receiving center.   FACS will only be receiving patients coordinated through their regional inter-facility transferring and receiving protocols.  Please visit your family practitioner, urgent care or emergency room, or if deemed a life-threatening injury or illness, call 911.

How will state and county officials ensure the neighboring communities are going to be safe?

The Fairview ACS is now very well-organized and managed, with a wide range of safety protocols in place, including full wrap around medical health services (including patient transfer, receiving, and discharge). Additionally, security is in place for the transferred patients, under the direction and oversight of the state of California.  All access to and on the state’s Fairview Developmental Center property is monitored and controlled by State Police and their privately contracted partners, 24 hours a day. Safe handling and transportation policies and procedures have also been implemented to protect not only the patients, but the public’s health and well-being.

Because this is a state-owned property and state-operated facility, all administrative, management, governance and oversight responsibilities and obligations reside with state officials.  That said, Costa Mesa city leaders, public safety officials, and city staff have continued to be the strongest of advocates throughout the dynamic and constantly evolving process to establish the FACS and to ensure that the community’s safety remained the highest priority every step of the way; while also thoughtfully sharing in the compassionate role of helping our state and our entire region navigate the international COVID-19 crisis.

If we have more questions or concerns who can we contact?

For more information regarding the Fairview Alternate Care Site (FACS), you can contact the Regional Medical Alert Center at (866) 940-4401 or the Fairview Alternate Care Site (FACS) at (714) 957-5000.

City Manager Lori Ann Farrell Harrison, acting as the Director of Emergency Services, has issued an emergency regulation making facial coverings mandatory in Costa Mesa as a means to curtail the continuing spread of COVID-19.

The declaration becomes effective midnight tonight April 13.

“We are taking this precaution as the virus continues to spread rapidly in the region and presents an immediate and significant risk to public health and safety,” Farrell Harrison said. “Our previous actions to close non-essential businesses, close parks and stay-at-home are all helping to flatten the curve.  Requiring the use of facial coverings provides one more tool to help reduce coronavirus infections and save more lives.”

Under the emergency declaration, Costa Mesa residents and visitors are mandated to wear facial coverings when entering the geographic boundaries of the City or leaving their homes for essential business.  It also requires essential businesses to require that employees wear facial coverings.

The face mask or covering must be of sufficient size to cover the nose and mouth of the individual to assure the inhale or exhale of air through the mask or covering.

According to the Centers for Disease Control, the use of simple cloth face coverings can slow the spread of the virus and help people who may have the virus and do not know it from transmitting it to others.

Cloth face coverings should not be placed on young children under age 2, anyone who has trouble breathing, or is unconscious, incapacitated or otherwise unable to remove the mask without assistance.  The coverings should not be surgical masks or N-95 respirators in order to preserve the limited supply of personal protective equipment for health care workers and first responders on the front lines of this crisis.

Click here for more information from the CDC on the proper use of facial coverings.

Because Costa Mesa operates an emergency shelter that assists those experiencing homelessness, we requested 10 trailers from the State of California out of abundance of caution and as a preventative measure among our most vulnerable homeless population.

Those trailers arrived today. They will be housed in a section of the OC Fair & Event Center’s parking lot.

Costa Mesa remains proactive in its planning efforts for COVID 19 impacts, and we thank the fairgrounds for their partnership to place the trailers there.

Costa Mesa and its partners will support any homeless persons placed there with daily supportive services, meals and transportation to ensure minimal impacts to the surrounding areas of the fairgrounds.

This Easter Sunday, as tempting as it may be to gather together with family, friends and the faith-based community in parks or churches, individuals need to remain strong in the commitment to #CrushCovid.

Costa Mesa parks remain closed and it’s imperative that we continue to be vigilant in our efforts to #flattenthecurve and stay home.

Remember, the Governor’s order regarding gatherings makes no exceptions for churches or holiday gatherings and everybody is strongly encouraged to stay home as much as possible.

We encourage you to stay connected and involved with your church for Easter Sunday options. Many churches have adapted to the COVID 19 situation and have moved their services online. Check with your local church and see what online options they are offering in place of in-person services.

Remember that we are all in this together! Let’s stay home and get creative with home activities for the entire family. Look online for virtual egg hunts, social distancing and remember to connect with your family, friends and loved ones safely from 6-feet away or through a video app or traditional phone call.

Also, if you go out to pick-up Easter takeout meals or other items please wear a face covering or mask.

County of Orange Health Officer Dr. Nichole Quick today issued a recommendation strongly encouraging all employees at essential businesses to wear a face covering while at work and all residents engaged in essential activities outside the home to do the same.

The recommendation is in line with guidance issued by the California Department of Public Health on April 1, and is intended to help slow the spread of COVID-19 by those who are asymptomatic.

“Residents can make their own face coverings at home from a variety of materials and should refrain from purchasing personal protective equipment that is critical and in short supply for our healthcare workers, such as N95 and surgical masks,” said Dr. Quick.

A face covering is material that covers the nose and mouth. It can be secured to the head with ties or straps, or simply wrapped around the lower face. Face coverings may be factory-made, as well as folded or sewn, and can be improvised using household items like scarfs, T-shirts, sweatshirts or towels.

“Face coverings are an additional tool that may help protect staff and patrons from COVID-19, but they are not a substitute for proven protective measures like frequent hand washing, keeping your hands away from your face, practicing social distancing and staying home,” said Dr. Quick.

In addition, effective immediately, all essential businesses as identified by the State of California (list available at www.covid19.ca.gov/img/EssentialCriticalInfrastructureWorkers.pdf) should maintain a healthy work environment as recommended by CDC’s Interim Guidance for Businesses and Employers to Plan and Respond to Coronavirus Disease 2019 (COVID-19) at www.cdc.gov/coronavirus/2019-ncov/community/guidance-business-response.html.

As an early spring rain storm approaches Costa Mesa and the region, the city’s maintenance service crews have made sandbags available at City Hall.

Sand bags are available for free to Costa Mesa residents in the southeast corner of the City Hall parking lot at 77 Fair Drive. The location is self-service and bringing your own shovel is suggested as supplies could be limited. The number of sandbags is limited to 15 sandbags per household. No commercial use please.

Additionally, the city crews will patrol potential flooding spots to make sure catch basins are clear of debris and operational. Crews are also ready to respond to other weather-related incidents.

Please report flooding issues to 714-754-5250.

The County of Orange announced it will follow recent guidance posted by the California Department of Public Health states Californians who must leave their homes to conduct essential activities should wear face coverings, if they feel comfortable doing so, and practice strict hand washing before and after touching and adjusting the covering.

Utilizing face coverings can help reduce infectious particles from those who could be infected, but are asymptomatic. It is not recommended for residents to use N-95 or surgical masks, which should be reserved for healthcare workers and first responders.

“Wearing a cloth face covering when leaving the house for essential activities may help reduce the spread of COVID-19 by residents who are positive but don’t have any symptoms,” said Dr. Nichole Quick, County Health Officer. “However, it’s important for community members to remember that face coverings are not a replacement for prevention measures like social distancing and frequent hand washing, which continue to be the best way to protect yourself.”

The best defense against COVID-19 is:

• Staying at home and physical distancing
• Washing hands frequently
• Avoiding touching eyes, nose and mouth with unwashed hands
• Avoiding being around sick people
• Staying home if you’re sick

The CDPH defines face coverings as material such as cotton, silk or linen that covers the mouth and nose. Coverings can be homemade or improvised from everyday items such as scarfs, bandanas, T-shirts, sweatshirts or towels. For more information visit www.cdph.ca.gov.

On April 1, 2020 City Manager Lori Ann Farrell Harrison, acting as the Director of Emergency Services, issued an emergency regulation that temporary halts rental evictions for residential and commercial tenants affected by the COVID-19 pandemic.

“The COVID-19 pandemic has had significant economic impacts and has caused unanticipated hardships for our residents and businesses,” Farrell Harrison said. “This Regulation will avoid the displacement of residential and commercial tenants.”

On March 17, 2020, Governor Gavin Newsom issued an executive order that authorized cities to prohibit the evictions of residential and commercial tenants experiencing significant financial impacts as a result of the COVID-19 crisis. On March 27, 2020, Governor Newsom issued a further executive order restricting residential evictions. However, the City believes that stronger protections are necessary for residential tenants and for commercial tenants in the City of Costa Mesa.

The emergency regulation is intended to use the authority granted by the Governor’s executive order to provide maximum protection to all tenants in Costa Mesa. The temporary eviction moratorium protects residential or commercial tenants who are unable to pay part or all of their rent due to the COVID-19 pandemic.

The Regulation took effect on April 1, 2020 and will remain in effect until May 31, 2020, including any extensions of the Governor’s executive order.

Under the moratorium, landlords are prohibited from initiating proceedings or otherwise taking steps to evict a tenant for non-payment of rent from any residential or commercial unit within the City of Costa Mesa.
If a tenant is unable to pay rent, the tenant must demonstrate their inability to make rent payment due to substantial financial impacts caused by COVID-19.

The tenant must notify the landlord in writing, within 30 days after rent is due, of the substantial COVID-19 related financial impacts and provide documentation of decreased income or increased medical expenses due to COVID-19.

Landlords are prohibited from evicting residential and commercial tenants for non-payment during the term of the State’s declared emergency and allows tenants 120 days after the end of the emergency to pay back rent.
Landlords are encouraged to reach out to their tenants proactively to open a dialogue regarding rental issues during these difficult times

For more information on the City’s eviction moratorium, please visit costamesaca.gov/eviction-moratorium