City Manager Cecilia Gallardo-Daly presented the City Manager Leadership Award for November to Public Works Senior Management Analyst Anna Baca, who began her career in Costa Mesa in the Finance Department in 1996.

“With her vast institutional knowledge, strong analytical skills, and solution-oriented approach, Anna consistently finds ways to address challenges and ensure that issues are resolved efficiently,” Gallardo-Daly said. “She exemplifies outstanding customer service, teamwork and leadership, making her truly deserving of this Leadership Award. Congratulations Anna.”

Baca, who has a bachelor’s degree in finance, served in various roles in the Finance Department, including Acting Budget Manager and Acting Finance Manager and lastly serving as the Revenue Supervisor.

Throughout her time in Finance, she worked closely with various departments, earning a reputation for being responsive, knowledgeable and collaborative.

Then in 2024, Baca transitioned to Public Works as the Senior Management Analyst where she has continued to contribute at a high level. She is an invaluable member of the Public Works team, providing essential support to all four divisions on a daily basis.

While staff can count on her to help with numerous budget-related items, she also contributes on various agenda reports, presentations, social media materials, special events and complex special projects.

She is a great resource for other analysts throughout the City and is always ready to assist as needed. Annually, she plays a pivotal role in coordinating and collaborating with City departments to prepare the Capital Improvement Program Budget.

Her recent involvement with the City’s new Enterprise Resource Planning (ERP) system implementation is a prime example of her contributions to City initiatives.

According to Anna Acosta Reyes, “Anna Baca has been a key contributor to the Finance Department’s ERP implementation, providing valuable expertise and serving as a lead tester for multiple functions with the City’s new ERP system. Her dedication, patience, and strong work ethic have been instrumental to the project’s success.”

Outside of work, Anna enjoys exploring new restaurants, going on weekly Costco and Trader Joe’s runs, attending various fitness dance classes, and most importantly, spending time with her family.

This December, she will celebrate an impressive milestone of 30 years of service to the City, a testament to her longstanding commitment to the organization.

Restoration work at TeWinkle Park lower lake is nearing the final stages. The lake liner has been installed along with the pouring of the concrete abutments along the shoreline. 

The final phases include the planting of aquatic vegetation, along with refilling the lower lake, which is scheduled for mid-to-late November.

Upon completion, both the upper and lower lakes will be restored for the entire public to enjoy.

The Public Works Department appreciates the public’s continued interest and support throughout this restoration project of TeWinkle Park lakes.

For 15 years, Ohio House has been a part of the Costa Mesa community, providing structured recovery housing for individuals working to rebuild their lives following substance use and mental health challenges.

The City of Costa Mesa and Ohio House share important common ground. Both believe that Costa Mesa’s neighborhoods should be safe, well-maintained, and respectful of the people who call them home.

Both also recognize the important role that responsible recovery housing can play in supporting individuals with disabilities and those seeking long-term recovery. 

The City and Ohio House have come to an agreement in which the City has agreed to certain accommodations to Ohio House and its residents under the City’s reasonable accommodation process to allow Ohio House to qualify for a CUP at its current location on Wilson Street. 

Federal courts have upheld the City’s codes against multiple legal challenges. Part of those codes include a reasonable accommodation process required by federal and state law to provide accommodations to the differently abled.

Pursuant to that process, Ohio House made an accommodation request to allow their operations to continue. After an interactive process between the parties designed to address Ohio House’s requests, the City has concluded that there is factual support for accommodating Ohio House’s requests so that it may qualify for a CUP.

“Ohio House recognizes the City’s goals of maintaining the character of its residential neighborhoods and agrees that group homes should operate in such a way as to minimize impacts on surrounding residents and for the protection of the disabled individuals who occupy them. Ohio House has committed to operating its sober living facilities in compliance with state and local laws, and to being a good neighbor, while continuing to provide housing opportunities for the disabled,” stated co-founder Ryan Stump. “We are very appreciative of the steps Costa Mesa has taken to ensure proper treatment of the disabled population that we serve.”

Ohio House believes that providing exceptional recovery housing and being a responsible member of the surrounding community go hand in hand. The City recognizes Ohio House’s longstanding presence in Costa Mesa, its excellent reputation among its clients and their families, and its commitment to serving individuals in recovery.

“Due to the many changes which have occurred since Ohio House first sought permits in 2017, we recognize that this location, which has been operating for years without complaints from neighbors, is in a unique location which allows for an accommodation to be provided from the strict interpretation of the City’s rules. We are pleased that through a collaborative process, the City and Ohio House have been able to reach an agreement to end years of litigation,” said Mayor John Stephens.  

As Ohio House enters its next 15 years, its mission remains unchanged: to provide an exceptional aftercare environment where individuals are given the structure, accountability, community, and support necessary to build lasting lives in recovery.

Co-Founder Ryan Stump, said, “Today is a proud day for Ohio House and a proud day to be a Costa Mesa resident, Since making Costa Mesa my home in 2013, I have watched this community provide countless opportunities for families, businesses, and individuals striving to build a better future.

Ohio House has served this community for 15 years, and our mission has never wavered. We have always believed that people in recovery deserve an opportunity to rebuild their lives in a safe, structured and accountable environment—and that we can fulfill that mission while also being good neighbors and responsible members of this community.

I am proud of where we are today and genuinely excited about the relationship we can build with the City of Costa Mesa moving forward. We have much more in common than what has divided us in the past. Together, our best days are ahead of us.”

The National Weather Service issued a Heat Advisory that is in effect for Costa Mesa and the surrounding coastal areas beginning Thursday, Oct. 15 at 10 a.m. through Saturday, Oct. 17 at 8 p.m. The area will experience dangerously hot conditions with high temperatures exceeding 90 degrees. Nights will be very warm with low temperatures in the 70s.

In response, Parks & Community Services staff will be on-site to open a Cooling Center at the Costa Mesa Senior Center (695 W. 19th St.) Saturday, Oct. 17 from 10 a.m. – 6 p.m. for any resident needing an air-conditioned space to escape the heat.

Residents are welcome to bring their household pets in crates/carriers on Saturday. Pets may not be dropped off and pet owners are required to monitor their animals at all times. A limited supply of crates is available at the Senior Center to keep pets secure. Pet owners must bring all necessary pet supplies with them and are encouraged to bring proof of rabies vaccination. 

Additionally, the Senior Center is open during normal business hours, Monday through Friday, from 8 a.m. to 4 p.m., and is available for residents to come indoors and get out of the heat. The Senior Center is at 695 W. 19th Street, Costa Mesa. To reach the staff call (714) 327-7550 or via email at cmseniorcenter@costamesaca.gov.

Both the Donald Dungan Library and Mesa Verde Library are also open during regular business hours, as is the Downtown Recreation Center. All locations are air-conditioned and available for residents to use.

Extreme heat can increase the risk of serious conditions such as heat exhaustion and heat stroke, which can be life-threatening. Please take precautions to protect yourself, your family, neighbors and pets.

The National Weather Service recommends the public takes the following steps to stay cool:

• Drink plenty of water and don’t wait until you are thirsty.

• Wear light, loose-fitting clothing.

• Stay out of direct sunlight when possible; wear a hat and use sunscreen when outdoors.

• Stay cool indoors and use air conditioning when available.

• Check on neighbors, family members and those who may be more vulnerable to the heat.

• Never leave children or pets unattended in a vehicle.

Those experiencing a life-threatening emergency are urged to dial 9-1-1. For non emergencies, please call the city’s non-emergency hotline at 714-754-5252. 

For more information please visit the National Weather Service at https://www.weather.gov/ 

MEDIA CONTACT
Tony Dodero
(714) 754-5288
tony.dodero@costamesaca.gov 

Costa Mesa City and Police leaders officially opened the newly imagined and expanded Ketchum-Libolt Park on Monday, Oct. 12, christening a coveted slice of open space that will meet the needs of the city’s Westside community for years to come.

The park’s name is a tribute to Costa Mesa Police Officers James “Dave” Ketchum and John “Mike” Libolt, who lost their lives in a March 10, 1987, helicopter crash.The park was built in August of 2005 to pay tribute to their many years of dedication to Costa Mesa and its residents.

“This project has been a labor of love from day one,” Mayor John Stephens said. “Our City team did a great job in creating a park that the community will be proud of while at the same time keeping the legacy of these brave police officers alive. Special thanks to Assemblywoman Cottie Petrie-Norris for her initial investment that made this park possible.”

The ceremony started with a presentation by the Police Honor Guard and ended with a flyover of three helicopters from Anaheim and Huntington Beach police departments and the Orange County Sheriff Department and a trove of children who gleefully played on the equipment.

Also in attendance at the ribbon cutting was Council Members Mike Buley, Loren Gameros, Arlis Reynolds and Andrea Marr, City Manager Cecilia Gallardo-Daly, Assistant City Manager Alma Reyes, County Supervisor Katrina Foley and top ranking members of the police and fire departments.

“There is something especially meaningful about honoring Senior Officers Dave Ketchum and Mike Libolt through a neighborhood park,” said Chief Joyce LaPointe. “This is a place where children will play, families will spend time together, and neighbors will get to know one another. Those everyday moments reflect the community our officers work to protect. As this park begins its next chapter, it also gives us an opportunity to introduce Dave and Mike’s story to another generation. When someone asks about the names on the sign, we have a story to share about service, courage, sacrifice and two officers whose commitment to Costa Mesa is still remembered.”

At Monday’s ribbon-cutting, residents heard from former Costa Mesa Police Captain and current Chaplain Dave Brooks, who was a personal friend of the two officers and was on duty the day of the crash. Brooks shared personal anecdotes of both men and acknowledged their children, Hilary Ketchum and Katie Libolt Wright and her mother Becky West.

The project was made possible by the funding earmark of $1.2 million from State Assemblywoman Cottie Petrie-Norris, who spoke at Monday’s ribbon-cutting.

“Ketchum-Libolt Park gives Costa Mesa families a safe place to play, neighbors a place to connect, and a community something to be proud of,” said Assemblywoman Cottie Petrie-Norris (D-Irvine). “Dave Ketchum and Mike Libolt gave their lives protecting this community, and I’m grateful I could help secure state funding for a park worthy of their legacy.”

The footprint of the formerly quaint park on the City’s Westside was expanded by Costa Mesa Public Works into the adjacent unused parkway area to increase the size of the park to 24,000 square feet and provide additional recreational space for residents.

“One of my many goals when arriving on the Council eight years ago was to improve parks and open space opportunities for the people in Westside Costa Mesa,” said Mayor Pro Tem Manuel Chavez, who represents District 4 where the park resides.

“I am so proud that with the help of Assemblywoman Cottie Petrie-Norris we were able to deliver for the children and families. The upgraded Ketchum-Libolt Park will continue to honoring the memory of these two valiant police officers and provide more open space for the community. Thank you to Assemblywoman Petrie-Norris, Public Works and Parks teams for making this a reality.”

The park now has new playground equipment and rubber surfacing, concrete and paver walkways, shade and picnic shelters, improved lighting and other site amenities. The Costa Mesa Public Works team worked to incorporate helicopter and law enforcement themes in the newly designed park.

“For various elements of this project, we attempted to recognize the officers and police department,” Public Works Director Raja Sethuraman said. “We have mosaics, markers, and playground equipment that will continue to inform current and future generations of Ketchum and Libolt and the legacy they left behind.”

City Manager Cecilia Gallardo-Daly presented the City Manager Leadership Award for October to Records and Property Evidence Manager Olivia Rogers

Rogers joined the Costa Mesa Police Department as a Records Technician in November 2015. She quickly promoted and became a Records Shift Supervisor in 2018, a Records Bureau Supervisor in 2020, and the Records, Property, and Evidence Manager in May 2022.

“Even though much of Olivia’s work happens outside the public eye, its value is felt throughout the department,” Gallardo-Daly said. “She sees difficult projects through, attends to the details that protect the department’s work, and helps her colleagues succeed. Her career reflects a willingness to learn every part of the operation and take responsibility when the department needs her. It’s an honor to present her with this award.”

Rogers managed not one, but multiple large projects over the last two years. One in particular was the planning and overseeing the relocation of nearly all department property and evidence to a new warehouse. Thousands of items had to be accounted for throughout the move, while their security and integrity were maintained.

She coordinated the many details involved and helped her team carry out a demanding project without losing sight of their daily responsibilities. Their work earned a Unit Citation Award for her team.

Rogers played an instrumental role in the department’s transition from Uniform Crime Reporting to the National Incident Based Reporting System, known as NIBRS. This was a multiyear effort that required crime codes to be reformatted and personnel to be trained in new reporting requirements. She helped the department work through those changes and pass regular audits.

She found a qualified vendor and coordinated the department’s first narcotics destruction in several years. That meant working through a longstanding operational issue while ensuring the process was properly organized and documented. Her initiative helped the department move forward with an important part of evidence management.

Currently, she is working with Galls to develop online uniform ordering. This will give personnel a more direct way to place orders and will help to bring a routine department process into a more practical format. She also worked to connect software systems used by the department.

Rogers has a bachelor’s degree in business administration from Cal State University East Bay and an associate’s degree in social and behavioral sciences from Chaffey College in Rancho Cucamonga.

Ballots for the General Election on Nov. 3 will be mailed to all registered voters by the Orange County Registrar of Voters (ROV) beginning Monday, Oct. 5.

You can return your ballot by USPS mail, at secure ballot drop boxes, or at Vote Centers dropoffs. Ballots must be returned by Election Day, Nov. 3.

Find a complete list of ballot return options at ocvote.gov/options. Additionally, the ROV has launched OC Ballot Express at ocvote.gov/track to track your ballot’s status, from when it is mailed, to when it is returned.

For more information about what will be on the 2026 General Municipal Election for Costa Mesa, visit costamesaca.gov/elections.

The last day to register to vote in the 2026 General Election is Oct. 19.

Register to vote at registertovote.ca.gov.

In response to the National Weather Service issuing an Extreme Heat Warning for Costa Mesa through Oct. 8, city leaders will open the Costa Mesa Senior Center as a Cooling Center from 10 a.m. to 6 p.m. this Saturday and Sunday Oct. 3-4 to assist residents affected by the high temperatures.

Residents are welcome to bring their household pets in crates/carriers on Saturday and Sunday. Pets may not be dropped off and pet owners are required to monitor their animals at all times. A limited supply of crates is available at the Senior Center to keep pets secure. Pet owners must bring all necessary pet supplies with them and are encouraged to bring proof of rabies vaccination. 

Additionally, the Senior Center is open during normal business hours, Monday through Friday, from 8 a.m. to 4 p.m., and is available for residents to come indoors and get out of the heat. The Senior Center is at 695 W. 19th Street, Costa Mesa. To reach the staff call (714) 327-7550 or via email at cmseniorcenter@costamesaca.gov.

Both the Donald Dungan Library and Mesa Verde Library are also open during regular business hours, as is the Downtown Recreation Center. All locations are air-conditioned and available for residents to use.

The Extreme Heat Warning for Costa Mesa begins Friday, Oct. 2, at 10 a.m. and continues through Thursday, Oct. 8 at 8 p.m.

Extreme heat can increase the risk of serious conditions such as heat exhaustion and heat stroke, which can be life-threatening. Please take precautions to protect yourself, your family, neighbors and pets.

The National Weather Service recommends the public takes the following steps to stay cool:

• Drink plenty of water and don’t wait until you are thirsty.

• Wear light, loose-fitting clothing.

• Stay out of direct sunlight when possible; wear a hat and use sunscreen when outdoors.

• Stay cool indoors and use air conditioning when available.

• Check on neighbors, family members and those who may be more vulnerable to the heat.

• Never leave children or pets unattended in a vehicle.

Those experiencing a life-threatening emergency are urged to dial 9-1-1. For non emergencies, please call the city’s non-emergency hotline at 714-754-5252. 

For more information please visit the National Weather Service athttps://www.weather.gov/ 

MEDIA CONTACTS

Tony Dodero

(714) 754-5288

tony.dodero@costamesaca.gov 

Roadway construction began on Monday, Sept. 21, 2026, along Maple Street from Wilson Street to Victoria Street.

This work involves grinding of existing pavement, replacing damaged localized pavement sections, and paving new asphalt layer. Other work includes utilities adjustment, street striping etc.

During the project, access to portions of the road might be temporarily restricted. However, on Sept. 24, the placement of asphalt will take place which will require very limited access to residential properties.

Working days and hours will be during Monday through Friday between 7 a.m. and 4 p.m.

Residents should expect increased construction activity, equipment, and noise during work hours, as well as temporary traffic and parking restrictions.

Please assist us by not allowing water to run on the roadway and by not placing any trash cans or other debris in the roadway.

“NO PARKING” signs will be posted 72 hours in advance of the actual start of construction, indicating the dates and times in which vehicles may not park in the work areas. Parking restrictions will be posted only when required.

Should you have questions, please contact the City of Costa Mesa for this project at (714)-754-5029. 

Did you know, Costa Mesa-based big box stores and large retailers currently pay the same rate as much smaller businesses? Learn more about efforts to reform this: CostaMesaCA.gov/MeasureC.

Measure C highlights include:

• Protects small businesses: Businesses with $500,000 or less in annual gross receipts — approximately 72% of Costa Mesa businesses — would not receive an increase.

• Updates a 41-year-old system: The measure would modernize the City’s business license structure so larger businesses contribute more proportionately based on their gross receipts. Businesses with more than $500,000 in annual gross receipts would pay 50 cents per $1,000, with an annual cap of $15,000 for businesses with $30 million or more in gross receipts.

• Does not increase taxes on residents: The measure applies to business licenses and would not increase taxes on Costa Mesa residents.

• Supports locally controlled City services: Measure C is estimated to generate approximately $4.6 million annually for general City services, including maintaining 911, police and fire response; preventing and responding to crime; addressing homelessness; keeping public areas safe and clean; and maintaining roads and infrastructure.

• Keeps funds local: All revenue generated by the measure would remain under local control for the benefit of the Costa Mesa community.

• Requires accountability: The measure includes annual independent financial audits and public disclosure of spending.

Costa Mesa voters will decide Measure C in the Nov. 3, 2026, election.

To learn more about the measure, including how it would affect businesses and how funds could be used, visit CostaMesaCA.gov/MeasureC.

City Manager Cecilia Gallardo-Daly presented the City Manager Leadership Award for September to Assistant Fire Marshal Nikki Johnson.

“Every day, Nikki brings compassion, a strong spirit of service, and a genuine commitment to her team and community,” Gallardo-Daly said. “She takes pride in her work and approaches it with a high degree of professionalism and dedication to her craft, always mindful of how her actions and efforts contribute to the larger goals of Costa Mesa Fire & Rescue. I am happy to present her with this award.”

Johnson joined Costa Mesa Fire & Rescue in 2020. Over the past six years, she has progressed from Code Enforcement Officer to Fire Protection Specialist and ultimately Assistant Fire Marshal.

As her role has grown, so have the duties and responsibilities she has taken on. Most recently, during a period of transition for the department, she served as the Acting Fire Marshal.

She embraced the added demands with grace, helped maintain continuity within the Community Risk Reduction Division, and kept the day-to-day work moving. At the same time, she provided guidance and mentorship to staff and helped others develop professionally.

Beyond the department, Johnson currently serves as President of both the CMCEA and the Orange County Fire Prevention Officers Group.Being elected by her peers to lead two very different organizations speaks volumes about how she is regarded by the employees she represents and by her colleagues in the fire prevention community.

That same spirit of service and compassion is evident in her work with the community. For several years, Johnson spearheaded Costa Mesa Fire & Rescue’s participation in the Spark of Love Toy Drive, coordinating the effort and helping make sure local children and families received some extra support during the holidays.

She volunteers with Pawsative Approach Animal Rescue and has spent years rescuing, fostering, and finding homes for cats and kittens in need.

She has a Bachelor of Arts degree in Criminal Justice from the University of Arizona and an Associate of Arts degree in Fire Science from Santa Ana College.

Due to the observation of the Labor Day holiday, there will be no residential street sweeping Sept. 7 – Sept. 11 2026.

This coincides with the Costa Mesa Sanitary District, which also observes this holiday by pushing trash collection back one day. This results in residential gutter lines being cluttered with trash cans making it impossible for street sweeper operators to do an efficient job. There should be no parking citations issued during this time.

Street sweeping will resume back to normal schedule the week of Sept. 14.

In lieu of street sweeping, the following is a list of tasks that clean streets operators will be conducting next week:

• Citywide alley street sweeping
• Sweeping of park parking lots and other city owned facilities
• Accident call outs and special request
• Night route sweeping on all arterial streets

For more information, residents can call the city’s street sweeping hotline at (714) 327-7471, which has been updated with this information.