City Hall Snapshot
September 20, 2018
A rundown of what's happening in and around Costa Mesa as city leaders work to solve issues and create a welcoming and thriving environment for residents and business owners alike.
Did You Know?
You can get job alerts on the city's website to make your next career move
Job seekers can learn about an open job opportunity as soon as it's posted. Just visit the city's website and complete an online "Job Interest Card" and get notified for the next 12 months. 

It's simple, go to www.costamesaca.gov , click on "Employment Opportunities", then click "Current Employment Opportunities" and then "Request Job Notifications by Category." 
City Manager's Office
Fourth annual ARTventure moves to the Segerstrom Center for the Arts
The Cultural Arts Committee along with the Parks and Community Services Department are proud to host the fourth annual ARTventure event. This free two-day cultural arts event is scheduled for Oct. 5 and 6 at the Segerstrom Center for the Arts in the beautiful, multi-tiered glass lobby of the Renée and Henry Segerstrom Concert Hall. 
 
On Friday, Oct. 5 from 5 p.m. to 9 p.m., the Concert Hall will be transformed with more than 325 pieces of art. Live musical entertainment will be provided by the Dylan Romaine Quartet band, and refreshments will be served as the city celebrates the incredible talents of local artists with an opening reception and awards presentation.

This one-of-a-kind juried exhibition of art, will showcase the work of local artists in a variety of media, including but not limited to: oil, watercolor and acrylic paintings, metal sculpture, wood and leather crafting, fashion, photography, fiber art and mixed media.
 
On Saturday, Oct. 6 from 10 a.m. to 3 p.m., the Concert Hall and the Argyros Plaza will offer an incredible family-friendly day full of live art entertainment, including musical, theatrical, literary, culinary, and hands-on demonstration. Art activity booths are sponsored by Art Steps, OC Fair, Newport Mesa Unified School District, Chuck Jones Center, Inspired Art and Wine and Vanguard University.

This free community event is organized in partnership with the City of Costa Mesa and The Segerstrom Center for the Arts, highlighting Costa Mesa’s “City of the Arts” motto.

For event details, parking information or to RSVP, visit  www.ARTventureCM.com. RSVP online and receive a free ticket to win the Grand Prize!
 
Also, click on this YouTube link for the “Join Us” promo video clip, https://youtu.be/zMyavAqSTng.
Costa Mesa Chamber's Werner Escher Community Golf Classic set to take place on Monday Oct. 8
The Costa Mesa Chamber honors one of the most important business leaders in Costa Mesa’s history, Werner Escher, who was the longtime Executive Director of Domestic & International Markets at South Coast Plaza and a global ambassador for the city. 

Escher was more than a friend to the Costa Mesa Chamber of Commerce. He was a past Board Member, longtime supporter and a genuine champion of the city as a whole. Werner passed in 2017. Prior to that he was a fixture annually at our golf event. We are proud to remember him with this annual tournament.

The tournament will be held at the prestigious Santa Ana Country Club, a private golf club that will offer our participants premier golf in an outstanding setting. The event is first class all the way, and the “Taste at the Tees” theme is not just a tagline. Costa Mesa’s most delicious eateries will be in abundance on every tee box to indulge our participants. 

This will be a day of first class golf and a food extravaganza. Best of all, proceeds will fund local scholarships and beneficial Chamber events that advance Costa Mesa business. 

Test of Emergency Alert System coming on Oct. 3
On Oct. 3, 2018 at approximately 11:18 a.m., a test of the Emergency Alert System (EAS) and the Wireless Emergency Alert (WEA) will commence to validate the operational readiness of the emergency notification infrastructure.

This test will include notifications to the cellular devices in the community and will come in several parts, depending on the recipients location and whether or not they opted in to other notifications such as email.

Costa Mesa will be using AlertOC in conjunction with this test as well as Nixle.
 
On Oct. 3, between 11 a.m. and 2 p.m., the Orange County Public Information Hotline (714-628-7085) will be staffed to answer any questions or inquiries about the notifications as they occur.

It is expected that there will be an influx of inquiries regarding the tests from the public.
Slater Avenue bridge to close for one year due to I-405 Improvement Project.
The Slater Avenue bridge over I-405 in Fountain Valley is scheduled to close to all vehicles, bicycles and pedestrians at 1 a.m. on Friday, Sept. 21, for approximately 12 months so it can be reconstructed as part of the I-405 Improvement Project.

The Slater Avenue bridge is the second of more than 18 bridges to be built, widened or replaced as part of the project, which will speed up travel times on I-405 between Costa Mesa and the Los Angeles County line, an area traveled by more than 370,000 vehicles a day. The McFadden Avenue bridge was demolished last month.

Up-to-date closure and construction information is available on the project’s interactive map at www.octa.net/405map
Ethics Quote of the Week
“I expect to pass through this world but once. Any good therefore, that I can do, or any kindness I can show to any fellow creature, let me do it now. Let me not defer it, for I shall not pass this way again.”

Stephen Grellet
Police 
Officer Reyes services set for this Thursday and Friday
Services for Costa Mesa Police Officer Oscar Reyes will be held on Thursday and Friday of this week. On Thursday Sept. 20, a viewing will take place at Westminster Memorial Park Mortuary from 5 to 8 p.m. The mortuary address is 14801 Beach Blvd. Westminster.

On Friday Sept. 21, his funeral service will take place from 12 noon to 1 p.m. at Christ Cathedral Church, located at 13280 W. Chapman Ave. in Garden Grove.

All members of the public and the Costa Mesa Police Department and City family are welcome to attend both services.

The Costa Mesa Police Association has kindly established a scholarship fund for Officer Reyes’ three young children. For those interested in donating, the link is please click on this link: https://costamesarelief.firstresponderprocessing.com
Fire & Rescue 
Remembering those who lost their lives in terrorist attacks of Sept. 11, 2001
On Sept. 11, at every community fire station, Costa Mesa fire personnel, along with every community fire station throughout Orange County participated in a Remembrance Ceremony honoring the victims who perished in the terrorist attacks. 

Several members of city staff, elected leaders, members of the Costa Mesa Police Department and members of the community also joined in the remembrance.

In addition to the remembrance, Costa Mesa fire crews joined with first responders nationwide in what is referred to as Firefighter Safety Stand Down week where we discuss the potential of mental health issues in the fire service.
 
Public Services
Sixteen city parks scheduled for rennovations
Public Services recently awarded a construction contract to T.J. Janca Construction, Inc. for the removal and replacement of rubberized surfacing at 16 city parks.

Each playground site will be closed for approximately four days during its scheduled resurfacing. The parks tentatively scheduled for resurfacing include:
 
1. Balearic Center Park Playground
2. Balearic Community Center Pre-School Playground
3. Brentwood Park
4. Del Mesa Park
5. Gisler Park
6. Harper Park
7. Jordan Park
8. Ketchum-Libolt Park
9. Marina View Park
10. Mesa Verde Park (pictured above)
11. Moon Park
12. Paularino Park
13. Shiffer Park
14. Vista Park
15. Wakeham Park
16. Wimbledon Park
 
The project consists of the removal of raised, cracked, deteriorating and damaged rubberized surfacing and installing new rubber pour-in-place surfacing.

The new surfacing is a two-layer system – the first layer consists of 100% California recycled shredded rubber bound by urethane, and the second layer consists of colored rubber granules and urethane that form the wear surface. As part of this project, Public Services Maintenance staff are replacing worn playground equipment, such as decking and chain climbers, prior to the start of the resurfacing at some playground sites, as necessary.

The replacement of the rubberized surfacing and minor playground equipment provide necessary aesthetic and safety improvements that reduce liability to the city. Improvements at three of the above sites are now complete. The anticipated completion date for the project is Nov. 1.
Wake Forest and Fordham intersection ADA improvements complete
Public Services recently completed the construction of four new Americans with Disabilities Act (ADA) compliant wheelchair ramps at the intersection of Wake Forest Road and Fordham Drive.

This project was part of the Department’s ongoing efforts to enhance accessibility throughout the City’s various public spaces and maintain compliance with ADA requirements.

In addition to installing wheelchair ramps, the project included upgrades to the concrete cross-gutter and minor asphalt pavement rehabilitation.
Economic and Development Services
Housing committee to get public input on Community Development Block Grants
The Housing and Public Service Grant Ad-Hoc Committee (H&PSG) will be meeting to obtain public input regarding the City’s Federal Community Development Block Grant and HOME year-end performance report also known as the Consolidated Annual Performance Report or (CAPER.)  

The meeting will be held at Costa Mesa City Hall, Conference Room 1A on Thursday, Sept. 20, 2018 at 6 p.m.  

Any questions can be directed to Mike Linares at either mike.linares@costamesaca.gov or 714.754.5678.
Parks & Community Services
Senior Center Sun Room expands its offerings
As card games, billiards, and tables games become more and more popular at the Senior Center there has been an increase demand in availability of tables both for games and billiards.

On Friday, Aug. 31 the Sun Room added a second billiards table, allowing participants the opportunity to sharpen their skills.

As part of the growing demand for a social space the Sun Room also added an additional table for participants to socialize, enjoy table games and play cards. 
Join the Pet Team for Pet Preparedness Day
Join the Costa Mesa Pet Team on Thursday, Sept. 20 from 5:30 -7:30 p.m. at the Costa Mesa Bark Park for free emergency preparedness information and low cost dog vaccine clinic. 
City hosts work parties at community gardens
The City of Costa Mesa’s Parks and Community Services Department hosted two community garden work parties this summer.

During the work parties, gardeners get together and work in the common areas.

This summer’s focus was on the aisle ways and building community. The next work parties will be held in October and December.
Golden West College nurses hold blood pressure clinic at Costa Mesa Senior Center
On Wednesday, September 12, Nursing students from Golden West College provided a free blood pressure clinic to visitors at the Senior Center.

Before beginning their day, the students received information on the services, programs, and activities the Center provides and toured the facility.

Throughout the day the students were also able to interact with the Center’s members and even partake in some of the classes.  
Fitness for Life members visit Corona del Mar beach
The Fitness for Life program continued its beach series with a walking tour of Corona Del Mar on Tuesday, Sept. 11.

Participants enjoyed a walk at the beach to get light exercise while enjoying the beautiful view.  
Kids and seniors have fun at first Grandparents Day
The Costa Mesa Senior Center held it first Grandparents Day event on Saturday, Sept. 8.

Participants had polaroid’s taken of them with their family members, enjoyed a spread of donuts, fruits, and drinks.

As part of the event participants got to decorate photo frames for their polaroid’s while enjoying Disney- Pixar’s animated movie "Coco."
Swim lessons for fall session start at Downtown Aquatic Center
The Downtown Aquatic Center began its fall session of swim lessons on Tuesday Sept. 4.

In the fall, swim lessons are offered on either Tuesdays and Thursdays or Saturdays and are offered to all ages.

September swim lessons filled up quickly after the summer session and all classes are either full or close to maximum capacity.

The Aquatic Center’s next and last session of swim lessons for the year start on October 2nd. Classes fill up quickly so sign up today for a spot.
Sign up for volleyball classes
Larry Kaban, the city's indoor volleyball instructor is taking the game outside.

This free demo class is for players 16 years and older. Demo classes are held at Tanager Park from 6 to 7:30 p.m. on the following dates:

Monday, Sept. 24         #12609          
Monday, Oct. 1             #12610
Monday, Oct. 8             #12612

To guarantee your spot, pre-register online at cmclassesonline.com, see above for corresponding class numbers.
Take a kitten home with you today
Costa Mesa cats and kittens are eager to find their forever homes.

Check out the adoptable animal’s page on the city website to find your new best friend! 

News Roundup
Weekly Reports
Outreach workers assist 50 and house two people
Last week, City Outreach workers assisted 50 people and helped to house two.

Each week, the city compiles a report on the efforts of our outreach team to help provide assistance to homeless persons in need.

Our team reconnects homeless with their families, locates housing opportunities and helps individuals get into recovery programs and even employment.

To see past reports click on  this link.
Two dogs returned to owners at the shelter
Animal Control officers compile a report each week detailing encounters with wild animals and pets in the city.

To keep the public informed about what is happening with the city's Animal Control division, we are going to publish a weekly report on our website.

Mark Your Calendars
Check out these upcoming events
Thursday, September 20, 2018 –  Pet Preparedness Day,  5:30- 7:30 p.m., Bark Park, 890 Arlington Dr. Join the Costa Mesa pet team for this free emergency preparedness information and resources event including low-cost dog vaccine clinic. For more information, please call: 714-754-4918.

Friday, September 21 through Sunday, September 23, 2018 –  Costa Mesa Fish Fry  , Fairview Park. One of Costa Mesa’s oldest traditions, the Fish Fry is filled with three days of live bands, carnival rides, beer garden and fish. For more information, please visit:  www.cmnhlions.com 

Friday, September 21, 2018 –  Photo Contest Submission Deadline  . Share your creativity by participating in the first Parks and Community Services photo contest. For rules and submission information, please call 714-754-5300 or visit  http://www.costamesaca.gov/photocontest  .

Saturday, September 22, 2018 –  Cruisen For A Cure  , 6 a.m. – 4 p.m., OC Fair and Event Center, 88 Fair Dr. One-day charity car show with over 3,500 vehicles on display and over 200 vendors and exhibitors. For more information, please visit:  www.ocfair.com 

Sunday, September 23, 2018 –  Costa Mesa Community Run  , 6:30 a.m. – noon. Free parking at Estancia High School, 2323 Placentia Ave. Packet pick up begins at 6:30 a.m. and the 5K and 10K begins at 8:30 a.m. Enjoy a cross country and trail run event through Fairview Park.

Saturday, Sept. 29, 2018 –  Fire Station No. 1 Ribbon Cutting Ceremony  , 10 a.m. Costa Mesa Fire Station No. 1, 1570 Adams Ave., Costa Mesa. The City of Costa Mesa invites residents to celebrate the opening of the new Fire Station No. 1 with a ribbon cutting, station tours, lite bites and beverages and fire apparatus displays.

Wednesday, October 3, 2018 –  On PAR Social (On programs, activities, and resources.)    5-6:30 p.m., Costa Mesa Senior Center, 695 W. 19  th  St., Costa Mesa. Join the Senior Center staff outside on the new front patio for a celebration of this addition and learn about the resources and activities offered by the Senior Center. Guided tours and light refreshment provided. For more information, please call: 714-327-7550.

Saturday, October 20, 2018 –  Fall in Love with the Westside  , 9 a.m. – 3 p.m., Estancia High School parking lot, 2323 Placentia Ave. Local artisans market, community art collaboration, pumpkin patch, kids activities and more.

Thursday, October 25, 2018 –  Hoag Flu Shot Clinic  , 10 a.m.- 12 p.m., Costa Mesa Senior Center, 695 W. 19  th  St., Costa Mesa. Hoag hospital will provide flu shots to adult ages 50 and older. Shots are limited, so registration is required. Please contact the Senior Center: 714-327-7550.