Veteran city planner Barry C. Curtis will become the new Economic and Development Services Director for the City of Costa Mesa beginning in July.

“We are extremely happy to welcome Barry Curtis to our Costa Mesa team,” City Manager Tom Hatch said. “His broad-ranging experience in planning and development services will be a great asset to our City Council, city staff and the business and residential community. We look forward to working with him in the months and years to come.”

Curtis has been a professional planner for 29 years and most recently served as the Manager of Planning Services for the City of Irvine’s Community Development Department. During his tenure with Irvine he has managed and completed many of that city’s large projects and was the Redevelopment/Community Development Project Leader for the Great Park and he also held the titles of Principal and Senior Planner.

“As a lifelong resident of Orange County, I’m excited by the challenge and opportunity to bring nearly 30 years of local planning experience to my new role with the City of Costa Mesa,” Curtis said. “I look forward to working with the City’s highly-regarded, professional staff, decision-makers and residents to implement the goals of a vibrant, world-class city.”

Prior to working in Irvine, Curtis served as an Associate Planner for the City of Seal Beach where he provided support to boards and commissions, performed daily oversight of the city’s plan review process, assisted building officials and administered the city’s CDBG and Code Enforcement programs.

Curtis is well-acquainted with the regional and local issues facing Costa Mesa and has extensive experience in local governance, staff management and development, public participation, conflict management and redevelopment.

Curtis will officially begin his tenure with the City of Costa Mesa on July 5, 2017. He will report to City Manager Hatch.

Recently more than 20 active gardeners from the Del Mar and Hamilton Community Gardens volunteered their time to clean-up the community garden common areas.

These regularly scheduled opportunities allow the gardeners to share tips and form relationships while sharing their passion for gardening

Mayor Katrina Foley officially accepted a $50,000 check last week from the Los Angeles Chargers that will go toward reviving the city’s Mobile Recreation Program and help pay for a new vehicle.

“We’re thrilled to receive this generous donation to the city,” Mayor Foley said. “The Chargers investment in this program is further proof of owner Dean Spanos’ vow to be partners with us and have his organization immerse itself in the Costa Mesa community. We look forward to many more great things to come.”

The Chargers announced in January that the team would be moving to Los Angeles and then subsequently announced that the team would move its headquarters to the Hive office complex in Costa Mesa.

In March, the team agreed to enter into a 10-year use agreement with the city to practice at the Jack Hammett Sports Complex during the NFL team’s Summer Training Camp. As part of this training camp agreement, the team will provide Costa Mesa with $150,000 a year to use the site for a potential $1.5 million over 10 years and also offered to give the $50,000 to be used for the Mobile Recreation Program.

The Public Services Department recently finished grinding of old deteriorated pavement and installation of new pavement on Bear Street between I-405 and the City limits north of Sunflower Avenue.

Prior to the paving operations, various concrete improvements including sidewalk, curb/gutter and wheel chair ramps were reconstructed. Traffic signal loops, final striping and adjustment of utilities will be completed over the next few days. The Bear Street project was approve by the City Council on Jan. 17, 2017, as part of a larger project that includes Bristol Street rehabilitation and median improvement project.

This project is funded by federal grant and Measure M2 revenues.

City Manager Tom Hatch named Maintenance Supervisor Jeff Pierce the winner of the May City Manager Leadership Award at the monthly Meet and Greet this Thursday May 25.

“Under Jeff’s supervision, service levels increased in every area of Public Services,” City Manager Hatch said. “That equates to more potholes filled, more catch basins cleaned, more sidewalks ground, more signs installed and more debris removed from the public right of way, making Costa Mesa a safer and more aesthetically pleasing environment for residents and businesses. I want to thank Jeff for his dedication to our residents and the community.”

Pierce joined the City of Costa Mesa as a part time general aide in 2006 and became a a full-time maintenance worker in January 2007. His hard work and dedication resulted in a promotion to Senior Maintenance Worker in May 2009. As a Senior Maintenance Worker Jeff proved to be a team leader and was an integral part of many projects including the creation and installation of the blue and white street names signs and the downtown area custom signs. His affinity for sign design, attention to detail and creativity made him a perfect fit to be promoted to the position of Sign Technician in July 2010. His work as the City Sign Technician can literally be seen on every street corner.

He was promoted to Maintenance Supervisor in May of 2015.

In addition to honoring Pierce, City Manager Hatch welcomed several new employees to the city, including Anthony Nocerino as a new Video Production Aide for the City Manager’s Office, Brontee Stevens, permit processing specialist for Development Services and Christian Valle, recreation leader II in Parks & Community Services.

Also honored were Jenette Martinez, a communications officer with the Police Department and Luis Martinez Mendez, an intern with Public Services.

Five of the 12 new Fire Department recruits were also honored. The recruits are Lucas Anderson, Shant Bartemian, Craig Bates, Kyle Brosamer, Matthew Chavez, Jordan Kiesz, Thomas Foskarino, Maurilio Torres, Angel Ordaz, Kyle Myszka, Bryan McMahon and Nicholas Nihiser.

Hatch also recognized two recent promotions in the Parks & Community Services Department. Laura Gomez has been promoted to Office Specialist and Edgar Rosales to Recreation Specialist.

The Costa Mesa Police Department and the California Office of Traffic Safety request  bicycle riders and motorists alike to be cautious during May’s National Bicycle Safety Month, and every other month during the year.

For riders and drivers, “Roll Model” means actively decreasing the risks of traffic crashes, preventable injuries and deaths. The National Highway Traffic Safety Administration  reports that 818 bicyclists died and over 45,000 were injured in crashes in 2015, with deaths rising over 12% from 2014’s numbers.

Over the 10-year period from 2006 to 2015, the average age of cyclists killed in motor vehicle crashes increased from 41 to 45. Alcohol involvement – either for the motor vehicle operator or for the cyclist – was reported in 37% of all fatal cyclist crashes in 2015.

Costa Mesa police officers conducted a specialized Bicycle Safety Enforcement Operation on Tuesday May 23, 2017, in an effort to lower deaths and injuries. Extra officers patrolled areas frequented by bicyclists and where bicycle crashes occur.

California has the Move Over Law to share the road requiring motorist to pass bike riders with at least a 3-foot cushion. Support community efforts in your community, be involved in bicycle safety, whether while riding a bike, or driving a vehicle. Officers will focus on violations observed by both motorist and cyclist.

CMPD reminds everyone – Be A Roll Model:

• Ride and Drive Focused – Never ride or drive distracted.
• Ride and Drive Prepared – Always expect the unexpected.
• Safety First – Always wear a bicycle helmet when on a bicycle and a seat belt when in a vehicle.
• Know the Rules of the Road – A bicyclist is considered a vehicle on the road with all the rights and responsibilities of motorized traffic.
• Share the Road – Both motorist and bicyclist should look out for each other and show mutual respect.

For more information on Bicycle Safety Month click here.

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

Access Building, Fire and Housing Board of Appeal: This committee advises on matters pertaining to building construction. The board meets and hears appeals on an as-needed basis. It has five (5) regular member vacancies and two (2) alternate member vacancies, all for four-year terms. Minimum qualifications include: Civil Engineers, Structural Engineers, Fire Protection Engineers, Electrical/Mechanical Engineers, Architects, Certified Access Specialists (CASp), and related state or federal licensed professionals, such as Fire Marshals.  Residents or individuals that conduct business within the City are encouraged to apply.  For further information, please contact Interim Building Official Ron Beehler at (714) 754-5604.

Historical Preservation Committee: This committee, which meets monthly, serves to maintain, preserve, educate and promote the city’s historical resources. It has one (1) regular member vacancy and two (2) alternate member vacancies, all for one-year terms. For further information, please contact Recreation Supervisor Ashley Ocasio at (714) 754-5052.

Housing & Public Service Grants Committee: This committee, which meets on an as-needed basis, helps to promote community understanding of the community development process and activities funded by the U.S. Housing and Urban Development Department (HUD), and Community Development Block Grants (CDBG). It has two (2) regular member vacancies and one (1) alternate member vacancy, all for one-year terms. For further information, please contact CDBG Consultant Mike Linares at (714) 754-5678.

Traffic Impact Fee Ad Hoc Committee: This committee, which meets on an as-needed basis, assists staff on all aspects related to the updating and revision of traffic impact fees. It has four (4) vacancies, all for four-year terms: two at-large positions representing Costa Mesa residents, one representing major developers, and one representing small developers. For further information, please contact Public Services Director Raja Sethuraman at (714) 754-5343.

Fairview Park Steering Committee: This newly created committee will meet bi-monthly and provide 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.  It has seven (7) regular member vacancies and two (2) alternate member vacancies, each serving staggered four-year terms. For further information, please contact City Engineer Bart Mejia at (714) 754-5291.

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; faxed to (714) 754-4942; 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., June 7, 2017.  Appointments are tentatively scheduled for the June 20, 2017 City Council meeting.

Mayor Katrina Foley and City Manager Tom Hatch recently attended a meeting at the OC Fair & Event Center to learn about some of the changes coming to this year’s event as well as details about the City Day at the fair.

The 2017 OC Fair runs July 14 – August 13 (Wednesday-Sunday).

City Day for Costa Mesa will take place on Friday July 21. The event, which will begin atwill include a raising of the Costa Mesa city flag as well as a performance of the National Anthem.

The theme of the 127th Fair is “Farm Fresh Fun,” and is a tribute to agriculture in the county. There are several new offerings including new weekend hours. Hours of operation are Wednesday-Friday: Noon – Midnight and Saturday-Sunday: 11 a.m. – Midnight. The Fair is closed on Monday and Tuesday. Pricing has also changed. Click here for more information on pricing and admission.

There will also be a new ride at the fair called “Endeavor,” as well as full-contact jousting, an olive oil competition, a mini-van demolition derby and an e-sports tournament.

Also new at the fair this year is the Heroes Hall veterans museum and the Pacific Symphony will have its summer concert series at the Pacific Amphitheatre.

The City continues to provide important economic information to the community and to potential investors in Costa Mesa.

The Community Economic Profile provides up to date information in a variety of categories, emphasizing the City’s strategic location, strong socio-economic indicators, temperate climate, and it also provides valuable contact information for important services.

A second handout, the Costa Mesa Advantage brochure, conveys the City’s vision for Costa Mesa. These handouts help to persuade businesses to establish here, attract investment to Costa Mesa and equip residents with reliable information about their community.

Celebrating May’s National Bike Month, Costa Mesa City Council Member Allan Mansoor continues to show his passion and support for Orange County Foster Care Kids as the Ambassador of the Tour de OC Bike‐a‐Thon, which takes place this Saturday May 20.

Mansoor will join a group of dedicated volunteers who are raising awareness and raising funds to send abused and neglected foster children to a weeklong camp in the San Bernardino Mountains and provide them with a year-long mentorship program.

Join us and Council Member Allan Mansoor at the opening ceremony. The start and finish of the Tour de OC will be at Vanguard University across from the Orange County Fairgrounds on Fair Drive in Costa Mesa. Check in begins at 6:00 am.

Register now to enjoy a fun bike ride through Orange County or sponsor a rider today! http://TourdeOC.org.  Being a 100% volunteer organization, 100% of the proceeds donated will be applied to the charity.

Tour de OC’s difficult 100 mile century ride with relentless hills including Santiago Canyon, Newport Coast, Crown Valley Parkway and lots of rolling hills through south Orange County has over 4,1000 feet of vertical gain and has a five star rating according to the Bicycle Rider Directors Association of America (BRDAA).

There will also be a day long cycling expo on the Vanguard campus near the Tour de OC Start/Finish line. Hosting three rides in one day, Tour de OC offers a Family Fun 25 mile route, a 55 mile intermediate ride and a 100 mile route for the more serious cyclist described above.

All routes take riders on a scenic tour through Orange County.  Our riders are well taken care of all day from morning registration and breakfast. Full SAG support provided by The Motorcycle Amateur Radio Club (MARC), refreshments, strategically placed rest stops, goody bags, raffle and medals provided to all riders.

Make a difference to help our local foster care kids receive hope, love and year-long mentorship to help them deal with the insurmountable odds they face on a daily basis.

Sponsors include  South Coast Toyota, Rack N Road, Two Wheels, One Planet, Performance Bike, The Unlikely Cyclist, Newport Rib Company, Flightdeck, Skosh Monahan’s, The Crown Plaza, South Coast Metro Alliance, The Triangle, Simple Green, MedPost, Charlie’s Chili, Farthing Development, Pasta Connection, Surfside Sports, In & Out Burgers, The Yardhouse, Saddle Ranch, RockStar Tan and El Ranchito.

At its March 21, 2017 meeting, the City Council awarded a contract for removal and replacement of Angel’s Playground surface at Tewinkle Park.

This project is now nearing completion. Final color overlay of the playground surface was completed on Thursday May 11 and will need to cure for a period of five days. The area was cleaned on Tuesday May 16 and the fence will be removed today, Wednesday May 17.

Public Services staff will be installing a new bench, swings and other hardware after the fence is removed. The playground will be open for children by the afternoon of Wednesday May 17.

The Public Services Department is implementing traffic-calming improvements along East 19th Street between Church Street and Irvine Avenue.  The improvements include concrete curb bulb-outs, street paving and landscape/Irrigation work.

The concrete curbs on the north side of East 19th Street were completed, and the installation of irrigation sleeves at most of the intersections have been nearly completed.  The concrete sidewalks will be constructed along the north side starting Monday, May 15.  The next phase of work will include the construction of the curb bulb-outs on the south side of East 19th Street and paving. This work will start on Wednesday May 17.

In order to do this next phase of work expeditiously and safely, all eastbound traffic will be diverted via detours at Fullerton Avenue. The westbound traffic will be allowed on East 19th Street throughout this period. Traffic flow in both directions will resume after this two-week period.  Notice of this closure will be provided to all residents along East 19th Street.