NEWS
By Bradley Zint | March 19, 2014
The Costa Mesa City Council weighed in on a proposed charter Tuesday night, giving city attorneys direction on when to schedule the first of two public hearings. The first hearing is April 22 - a change from the originally proposed date, April 15, to avoid conflicting with the second night of Passover. Throughout the year, council members will have a chance to amend the five-page document before voting whether to place it on the November general election ballot. A majority of the 13-member Charter Committee, after 10 months of work and debate, approved the draft document last week.
NEWS
By Barbara Venezia | March 14, 2014
I always ask candidates what made them decide to throw their hat in the ring. Nine times out of 10 they tell me so many people are urging them to run they can't ignore the pleas. How many is "many"? No one's ever given me a number, though I've been told it's not the quantity of the people, but how politically connected the folks are who are egging them on to do this. Now I get that it's flattering to hear people think you can make a difference, but I'm amazed at how many candidates actually believe all the smoke being blown up their you-know-whats and don't have a clear understanding of the reality of the situation.
NEWS
By Bradley Zint | February 12, 2014
Costa Mesa Mayor Jim Righeimer on Tuesday called for converting the Neighborhood Community Center into a large central library. If accomplished, the 24,000-square-foot downtown facility in Lions Park would be considerably larger than the other three library facilities in the city combined. The other branches - Donald Dungan, Mesa Verde and Technology Branch - total about 16,000 square feet. They are run by the county, with help from the Costa Mesa Library Foundation and Friends of the Costa Mesa Libraries.
NEWS
By Bradley Zint | February 1, 2014
For the city of Costa Mesa's part, the investigation into what went wrong during its 60th anniversary celebration last summer seems to be over, but for others, it's gaining new momentum and renewed interest. Citing the matter as an ongoing and confidential investigation, for months City Hall denied requests to release nearly all documents related to the three-day "60 & Fabulous" party aimed at celebrating Costa Mesa's community spirit, history and heritage. On Thursday, those requests were granted, albeit late, with the release of more than 1,000 pages of contracts, invoices and other matters concerning the celebration.
NEWS
By Bradley Zint | January 18, 2014
Costa Mesa City Councilwoman Wendy Leece confirmed Saturday that she is weighing a run for Congress. Leece, a Republican, is exploring a race for the 48th Congressional District seat held by longtime U.S. Rep. Dana Rohrabacher (R-Costa Mesa). Leece pulled in-lieu papers with the Orange County Registrar of Voters on Thursday - a preliminary step that doesn't include an official candidate's statement or paying any filing fees. She said she is now gathering voter signatures and acknowledged that if she doesn't gather enough support, she will stop the effort.
NEWS
By Jill Cowan | November 7, 2013
A longtime Southern California businesswoman is weighing a run for a Newport Beach City Council seat, according to a document filed with the city Thursday. Diane Dixon, who recently moved to Newport Beach from Pasadena, said earlier this week that she was mulling a run for the District 1 council seat, which will be vacated by Mike Henn when he is termed out next year. She had said she planned to make a decision before the holiday season. A city website showed that her statement of intent to run was filed Thursday morning.
NEWS
By Bradley Zint | May 1, 2013
Costa Mesa's business license tax seems poised again for City Council discussion. Following Councilwoman Wendy Leece's request Tuesday afternoon for the Finance Advisory Committee to examine the annual tax, its members decided to wait for council direction. The scope of the newly renamed committee - it was previously the Investment Oversight Committee - requires such direction, they contended. "This is a big issue when you start talking about tax increases," said Mayor Pro Tem Steve Mensinger, who serves on the committee as the mayor's designee.
NEWS
By Bradley Zint | February 27, 2013
It would take new sales or parcel taxes for the city of Costa Mesa to meet its long-term pension obligations, a Stanford University professor told the City Council on Tuesday night. Joe Nation said the scenario surrounding the difference between the amounts promised to retirees versus projected available funding to meet those commitments to the California Public Employees' Retirement System (CalPERS) is "stark. " Nation, a Democrat speaking before four of the five Republicans on the council, said his bleak assessment was about math and numbers, not "beating up anybody.
NEWS
By Lauren Williams | February 26, 2013
About 50 residents filled Harbor Christian Fellowship church Monday night to share their concerns about speeding traffic, rehabilitation homes, gang and drug activity, and other Westside issues during a town hall meeting sponsored by Councilwoman Wendy Leece. "Our City Council wants to work with the residents and the Police Department and know your concerns," said Leece, her words translated from English to Spanish by Pastor Christian Parra. Officer Julian Trevino said the area near the church — the Police Department's 10th district — saw 382 calls for service in January that ran the gamut from traffic tickets and patrol checks to fires and assaults.
NEWS
February 21, 2013
A town-hall meeting Monday will discuss crime prevention in Costa Mesa's Westside. The 6:30 p.m. meeting at Harbor Christian Fellowship, 740 W. Wilson St., is one of several throughout the city Councilwoman Wendy Leece is organizing. Representatives from the police department, Community Emergency Response Team and Costa Mesa Prepared will give presentations. Neighborhood watch, teen academy and citizens academy information will also be available. Child care, light refreshments and a raffle will also be offered.