Costa Mesa City Manager Lori Ann Farrell Harrison announced that veteran government and business leader Lawrence “Broc” Coward has been named the City’s new Community Relations Manager.

In this role, he will assist with constituent services, collaborate with City Council and City staff to strengthen community relations and engagement efforts to foster greater partnership opportunities with the City’s residents, business community, faith-based organizations and government partners.

“Broc is a seasoned professional with 25 years of experience in the public and business sectors who will further our connections and enhance our community engagement and customer service efforts,” Farrell Harrison said. “I’m so excited that he is now part of our team.”

Coward comes to the City of Costa Mesa from the Downtown Long Beach Alliance (DLBA), which manages two of the City’s 12 business improvement districts, where he held the title of Chief Operating Officer for seven years. He is experienced in both public and private sector management and has a broad understanding of finance, business advocacy/improvement, crime prevention strategies, special events, and public policy. 

“Costa Mesa is a dynamic city with an engaged resident population, very supportive Council, and dedicated City staff,” Coward said. “I’m humbled by the opportunity to serve this community and motivated to build on the good work that’s already taking place.”

During his tenure at DLBA, Coward helped lead the community-based business improvement district with its $5 million budget, committed to improving and promoting local businesses through a wide range of programs and services provided above the basic services offered by the city. His responsibilities included oversight of “clean and safe services,” capital improvement projects, development of special promotions and events, marketing and outreach campaigns. 

Previously, Coward worked as the Chief of Staff for then Long Beach Vice Mayor and Council Member Suja Lowenthal; as well as, Chief of Staff for the L.A. Unified School District Board of Education, District 7 and Field Representative for then Assembly Member Alan Lowenthal, Assembly District 54. His experience working directly with elected officials at both the City and State levels, as well as for a Board Member of the second largest school district in the nation, will bode well for Costa Mesa.

Coward is also experienced in constituent services and public policy, drafting legislation, parking strategies, bikeway and mobility, water conservation and economic development.  

Coward holds a Master’s Degree in Political Science from Cal State Fullerton and a Bachelor’s Degree in Political Science from UC Santa Barbara.

Newport-Mesa Unified School District (NMUSD) officials have partnered with the City of Costa Mesa to open the school’s fields adjacent to Harper Park, located at 1768 Tustin Ave, Costa Mesa. Public access to the fields is available after school hours, which is 4 p.m. Monday through Friday and weekends for families to recreate and enjoy the outdoors.

NMUSD and the City of Costa Mesa are committed to providing the community with access to open space at Harper Park while ensuring student safety during school hours. The District and the City have been working collaboratively to better serve students and the community.

The City hired a park ranger to monitor the field and park during school hours and educate community members about the open space opportunities beyond Harper Park on weekdays after school hours and weekends from 8 a.m. to dusk.

The District and City are pleased to provide access to the larger school fields adjacent to Harper Park during non-school hours for recreational opportunities for students and residents, while the fields will continue to host school and city-sponsored programs and youth sports organizations permitted by the City.

The District and City will work closely in the coordination of activities and field use permits at Harper Park and adjacent fields. Please contact the City’s Parks & Community Services Department at (714) 754-5300 to learn more about the use of facilities after school hours or visit the NMUSD Use of School Facilities Webpage.

NMUSD and the City of Costa Mesa will continue to prioritize school and city programming while offering open space opportunities to residents. For the safety of students and residents visiting Harper Park, it is important that everyone uses this space responsibly to help ensure continued access to the school fields during non-school hours.

Community members and organizations play an important role in ensuring the safety, cleanliness, and enjoyment of the park and adjacent fields by keeping pets on a leash and using City-supplied waste bags and trash receptacles at the park to remove pet waste and litter. 

NMUSD and the City of Costa Mesa thank you for your support in our commitment to balance and better serve the needs of students and the community.

Due to the observation of the Thanksgiving Holiday, there will be no residential street sweeping Thursday Nov. 23 and Friday Nov. 24.

No citations should be written on those days.

Street sweeping will resume back to normal schedule, starting the week of Nov. 27.

City Manager Lori Ann Farrell Harrison announced that veteran legislative affairs leader, Jay Barkman, has been named the City’s new Governmental Affairs Manager.

“We are looking forward to having Jay fill this much-needed role to build even stronger relationships with other government agencies and our elected officials at the County, State and Federal levels,” Farrell Harrison said. “Jay will also be a huge asset in helping the City build short and long-term legislative priorities under the policy direction of the Mayor and City Council and City leadership.”

Barkman has 25 years of legislative experience and comes to Costa Mesa from the Orange County Fire Authority where he held the title of Legislative Affairs Manager/Grant Administrator and worked on Federal processes to secure legislation and increased funding for OCFA and the region’s Urban Search and Rescue Task Forces, among other priorities.

“I am honored to have this exciting opportunity to serve the Mayor and City Council and leadership team here at Costa Mesa and most importantly work to benefit all city residents,” Barkman said. “As a student at Orange Coast College and a regional partner with OCFA, I’ve witnessed Costa Mesa flourish to become a destination where people want to live, work, and play. I look forward to helping the City achieve its strategic plan goals through its legislative priorities and platform.” 

Barkman previously worked as a Senior Consultant for the Assembly Housing Committee and he started his career as a Legislative Aide for the California State Assembly.

In this role, he will he work closely with the City Manager and Council to plan, implement and respond to local, State and Federal legislative, regulatory and policy priorities affecting the City of Costa Mesa.

He will be in close communication with Congressional and State legislative and municipal government offices. He will also be instrumental in coordinating efforts with the City’s lobbyists to acquire additional grant funding for the City’s various departments and initiatives.

In his previous roles, Barkman’s professional achievements include securing $4.5 million for OCFA from Assemblywoman Petrie-Norris and $16.95 million for OCFA from Senator Dave Min.

Barkman earned a Bachelor of Arts degree in Political Science and Public Administration from Cal State Fullerton.

Costa Mesa Mayor John Stephens was elected by representatives of the 10 cities of Orange County’s Fifth Supervisorial District to serve as a Director on the Orange County Transportation Authority’s Board of Directors.

“I am honored to be elected to this important position by my peers,” Mayor Stephens said. “Transportation, including public transit, is a critical issue for District 5 and the entire county, especially as our population ages and the expense of owning and operating a car increases. I look forward to working with my fellow Directors to increase bus routes and ridership and to improve our freeways, streets and roads.”

This appointment is for a two-year term that will begin Jan. 1, 2024.

The Orange County Transportation Authority’s Board of Directors consists of 18 members. The OCTA Board is responsible for the coordination of a number of transit services, approval of plans for public mass transit (bus and rail) systems and working on all transportation capital and service priorities.

The OCTA board is also in charge of the administration of the County’s voter-approved half-cent sales tax for transportation to capital project delivery related to freeway improvements, local street, and road improvements and rail and transit service countywide.

Stephens has served as Costa Mesa’s Mayor since March 2021 and was elected to a two-year term as Mayor of Costa Mesa in November of 2022. Prior to becoming Mayor, Stephens was elected to the Costa Mesa City Council in 2016, and served as Mayor Pro Tem from 2018 to 2020.

Stephens earned a bachelor’s degree in Business Administration and Marketing from Cal Poly Pomona and a law degree from the UC Davis Law School. He has been a practicing trial attorney In Orange County for 34 years, and currently is a partner with the Costa Mesa law firm, Stephens Friedland, LLP.

The City of Costa Mesa is proud to announce that Costa Mesa Fire Chief Dan Stefano has been inducted into the inaugural class of the California Fire Chiefs Hall of Fame 2023.

The California Fire Chiefs Association (CalChiefs) recently established the California Fire Chiefs Hall of Fame (HOF) to honor and celebrate lifelong contributions and achievements of Fire Chiefs who have gone above and beyond to enhance the California Fire Service.

“Fire Chief Dan Stefano is a blessing to the City of Costa Mesa,” Mayor John Stephens said. “He has served our community with distinction as our fire chief for over 10 years. During that time, he has developed a department that is second to none. Chief Stefano is a role model, not just in the Fire & Rescue Department, but throughout the city staff. He is definitely a first-ballot Hall of Famer who well deserves this prestigious honor.”

Chief Stefano and OCFA Chief Brian Fennessy are among the few chiefs who have been named to the Hall of Fame while still working in the field. The majority, which includes inductees dating back to 1919, have retired before receiving the honor or have been recognized posthumously

A few Orange County notable inductees include retired Fire Chiefs Chip Prather (OCFA), Tim Riley (Newport Beach), Jeff Bowman (Anaheim and OCFA), and Ronny J. Coleman (San Clemente, Fullerton and California State Fire Marshal). Coleman  was recognized in a celebration of life memorial service this past September.

“I am beyond humbled and unbelievably honored to be included with this amazing group,” Chief Stefano said. “This honor really speaks to the talented teams and organizations that I have been so fortunate to have been a part of throughout my professional career and, at the heart of it all, my incredible family, friends and professional colleagues, all of whom I am very grateful for every day.”

City Manager Lori Ann Farrell Harrison was thrilled to hear of Stefano’s induction.

“We are so very fortunate in Costa Mesa to have Chief Stefano’s leadership and steady hand directing our Fire & Rescue Department,” Farrell Harrison said. “He is a true leader that is highly regarded both in Orange County and throughout the State for his experience, leadership and courage. On a personal note, I am thankful for his friendship and his commitment to the City of Costa Mesa. We are all better for knowing him. Congratulations to Fire Chief Dan Stefano on this incredible accomplishment.”

With a far reaching and diverse range of organizations in the nomination process, CalChiefs ensures a wide-ranging and all-inclusive perspective when selecting inductees, highlighting the significance of each Fire Chief’s induction. By creating this Hall of Fame, CalChiefs brings public awareness to the sacrifices and dedication of the premier leaders in the fire service industry and inspiring others to follow suit.

For more on the CalChiefs Hall of Fame please visit this website https://www.calchiefs.org/page/halloffame. 

The City of Costa Mesa is planning for housing at the Fairview Developmental Center and is looking for the public’s suggestions and ideas.

Housing, for a variety of income levels, has been identified as the priority use. Come share your ideas about what makes a community a great place to live and help the City develop a Specific Plan for the redevelopment of this 113-acre site.

Two in-person meetings are being planned at the Costa Mesa Senior Center, one in English on Thursday, Nov. 2, and another in Spanish on Friday, Nov. 3.

A third meeting will be held virtually via Zoom on Monday Nov. 6.

For questions please send an email to

fdchousingplan@costamesaca.gov or for more information visit www.fdchousingplan.com.

COUNTY OF ORANGE – HEALTH CARE AGENCY

For Immediate Release:          
October 25, 2023                      

Contact:             HCA Communications
                               HCAComm@ochca.com
                               (714) 834-2178

(Santa Ana, CA) – The OC Health Care Agency (HCA) is partnering with the City of Costa Mesa to enhance services for individuals experiencing homelessness and serious behavioral health conditions. This joint initiative, through the Behavioral Health Bridge Housing (BHBH) Program, is funded through a $4 million grant from the County of Orange.

“The partnership between the County of Orange and the City of Costa Mesa reflects our unwavering dedication to the welfare of our community,” said Chairman Donald P. Wagner, Third District Supervisor. “The BHBH Program is a crucial step forward in addressing the homelessness crisis and supporting those with behavioral health challenges.”

The primary objective of the BHBH Program is to provide immediate and sustainable solutions for individuals experiencing homelessness who face significant behavioral health barriers to accessing assistance. A total of 15 new beds will be established through this grant. The program allocates funds for operational and supportive services and for facilitating the expansion of bridge housing initiatives.

“For too long cities invested local dollars to boost up the County’s system of care; but it’s a new day in Orange County. The BHBH Program serves as a testament to the County’s commitment to combat the homelessness, behavioral health, and substance use crises head on,” said Supervisor Katrina Foley, Fifth District. “This new housing for our most vulnerable residents fills a gap in the current system of care, expands Costa Mesa’s shelter, and creatively leverages funding to expand supportive services.”

The BHBH Program is part of the larger initiative led by the California Department of Health Care Services (DHCS), which will provide a total of $1.5 billion in funding. For more information about the program and a list of grant recipients, the public can visit here.

“For years, Costa Mesa has led the way in addressing homelessness through outreach and housing, being one of the first to build a bridge shelter,” said City of Costa Mesa Mayor, John Stephens. “The County’s BHBH Program will fill a gap in our service by providing on site mental health and addiction treatment. We thank the County, and Supervisor Katrina Foley specifically, for partnering with Costa Mesa to assist those in the greatest need.” 

The collaboration between the County and the City of Costa Mesa underscores the benefit of partnerships in addressing complex societal issues. This joint effort will leverage resources and expertise from both sides to forge the new project.

“This partnership enhances our ability to support the well-being of our community,” said HCA’s Chief of Mental Health and Recovery Services, Dr. Veronica Kelley. “The program will offer a lifeline to those who are experiencing homelessness and struggling with serious behavioral health conditions.”

The Costa Mesa City Council is currently seeking residents to serve on the following City Committees:

Animal Services Committee: This committee assists with the planning of animal related events, explores and provides recommendations to improve animal services, and promotes pet licensing within the City. The City is recruiting for three members for a two-year term. For further information, please contact Recreation Coordinator Jessica Torrejon at (714) 754-5128.

Active Transportation Committee: This committee assists with the review, update and implementation of the city’s Active Transportation Plan in order to make recommendations for their improvement to the City Council. The City is recruiting for three members for a two-year term. For further information, please contact Active Transportation Coordinator Brett Atencio Thomas at (714) 754-5275.

Fairview Park Steering Committee: This committee provides advice to the City Council regarding the implementation of the Fairview Park Master plan and impacts of Measure AA on Capital Improvement Program projects, maintenance and activities. The City is recruiting for three (3) members for a 4-year term. For further information, please contact Fairview Park Administrator Kelly Dalton at (714) 754-5135.

Finance and Pension Advisory Committee: This committee provides advice to the City Council regarding events and issues which may affect the financial status of the City.  It also evaluates annual and long-term pension and financial impacts. The City is recruiting for three members for a four-year term. Applicants shall have pension knowledge or shall be residents or individuals that conduct business within the City and have a background that includes experience in securities trading, financial planning, banking, auditing, accounting, or a closely related and relevant field. For further information, contact Executive Assistant Stella Giragossian at (714) 754-5243.

Historical Preservation Committee: This committee serves to maintain, preserve, educate and promote the city’s historical resources. The City is recruiting for three members for a two-year term. For further information, contact Recreation Supervisor Kevin Stoddart at (714) 327-7561.

Housing and Public Service Grants Committee: This committee meets twice a year and helps to promote community understanding of the activities funded by the U.S. Housing and Urban Development Department (HUD) and Community Development Block Grants (CDBG) with a focus on social service grants. The City is recruiting for three members for a two-year term. For further information, contact Grant Administrator Mikelle Daily at (714) 754-5678.

Mobile Home Park Advisory Committee: This committee addresses issues that will help improve the quality of life in mobile home parks and to review matters concerning mobile home parks in the City of Costa Mesa. The City is recruiting for two park owner or their representative, two mobile home park residents, and one independent citizen at-large all for a four-year term.  For further information, contact Principal Planner Phayvanh Nanthavongdouangsy at (714) 754-5611.

Application Process – Residents who are interested in getting involved in local government are encouraged to complete a Committee Application Form from the City Clerk’s Office or from the City’s website (www.costamesaca.gov/apply).  The completed application may be submitted online; mailed to Costa Mesa City Clerk at Post Office Box 1200, Costa Mesa, California, 92628-1200; emailed to cityclerk@costamesaca.gov; or hand-delivered to the City Clerk’s Office at City Hall, 77 Fair Drive, Costa Mesa.  The deadline is 5 p.m., Monday, Oct. 9, 2023.  Appointments are tentatively scheduled for the Oct. 17, 2023 City Council meeting.

FYI: Applicants who previously applied to one of these committees in February 2023, do not need to reapply. Please contact the City Clerk’s Office at (714) 754-5225 to confirm a previously submitted application.

For the past 3 decades, Dianne Feinstein has been the Senator of our great State of California.  So it is with great sadness that I learned today of her passing.  Like the rest of our City, State and Nation, I mourn her loss while we honor and celebrate her incredible life.

Senator Feinstein was a trailblazer who broke through the glass ceiling, inspiring generations of women who followed her.  She was the first woman to serve on the Senate Judiciary Committee, the first woman to chair the Senate Rules Committee, and the first woman to chair the Senate Intelligence Committee. She also is the longest-serving woman in Senate history. Senator Feinstein courageously continued her service to the Country through numerous health issues until her last days. 

Senator Feinstein was not afraid to work across the aisle to pass landmark legislation that would prove beneficial to California and the Country.

Prior to being a Senator, she was Mayor of San Francisco and served on the San Francisco Board of Supervisors.  She was a pillar of strength during the tragic 1978 assassinations of Mayor George Moscone and Supervisor Harvey Milk.  

On behalf of the City of Costa Mesa, I send my condolences to Senator Feinstein’s family for their profound loss. 

This is a message from the City of Huntington Beach.

The Pacific Airshow returns to Huntington Beach Friday, Sept. 29 through Sunday Oct. 1.

Beginning Monday, Sept. 25, you can expect to hear these team as they do flyovers.

Beginning Friday Sept. 29, the full air show will take place from 9 a.m. to 5  p.m., each day. Residents can expect Loud jet noise.

Please make sure to make accommodations for anyone who may be disturbed, such as children and pets. We ask that you do not call 911, unless you have a life-threatening emergency.

We also want to remind everyone that drones are not permitted in the airshow area.

For questions about the Airshow, please call (714) 536-5985.

For more information please visit this website https://pacificairshowusa.com/. 

*Photo courtesy of Pacific Airshow website. 

The Orange County Housing Authority (OCHA) will be accepting applications for the Housing Choice Voucher Program (Section 8) waiting list beginning Sept. 18 through Sept. 29.    

The Housing Choice Voucher Program is funded by the U.S. Department of Housing and Urban Development (HUD) and enables OCHA to subsidize monthly rent payments for qualified applicants.

Click here for more information.