The Parks and Community Services Department announced the hiring of its new Recreation Manager, Monique Villasenor, who will oversee all recreation programs and facilities, including special events.

“Monique brings a wealth of experience and knowledge to the Parks and Community Services Department,” said Department Director Jason Minter. “Her passion for recreation will enhance the services our Department provides to the community. Please join me in welcoming Monique to the City of Costa Mesa!”

Villasenor comes to Costa Mesa by way of Lake Forest, where she served as a Senior Recreation Supervisor. She spent 14 years with Lake Forest working all types of programs from facility operations and budget, working on public outreach and marketing, and coordinated efforts with local community groups.

Her experience in Lake Forest included the management and oversight of the new 86-acre sports complex, which featured a 27,000 square foot recreation center. She also helped execute the opening of the new Civic Center Campus and Performing Arts Center.

“Parks and recreation is a true passion of mine,” Villasenor said. “I couldn’t imagine doing anything else and I’m lucky to be doing what I love here in Costa Mesa now.”

Villasenor has a Bachelor’s Degree in Recreation Administration from Cal State University Long Beach and is working towards her Master’s Degree in Public Policy and Administration with an anticipated completion date in Fall 2021, also at CSULB.

The results of the special election for County Supervisor, District 2, indicate that the current Mayor of the City of Costa Mesa, Katrina Foley, will be sworn in to that seat this month, after the election has been certified by the Orange County Registrar of Voters. This will create a vacancy in the directly elected Mayor position in Costa Mesa.

A vacancy in the directly elected mayoral position is governed by California Government Code Section 34902(a), which provides, in part, “In the case of a vacancy in the office of the [elected] mayor for any reason, the council shall fill the vacancy by appointment. If the council fails to fill it within 60 days, it shall call an election to fill the vacancy to be held on the next established election date to be held not less than 114 days thereafter. A person appointed or elected to fill a vacancy shall hold office for the unexpired term of the former incumbent.”

Given the critical role of the Mayor for the City, an item will be placed on the City Council meeting agenda on Tuesday, March 16^th to discuss the process by which the City Council will appoint the new Mayor.

City Manager Lori Ann Farrell Harrison has presented four Costa Mesa City employees with City Manager Leadership Awards who continued to perform high-quality work even in the face of the pandemic.

Those awardees include Executive Assistant Lidian Estecoc, Senior Programmer Analyst Judith Luis-Ortiz, Assistant Recreation Supervisor Marianna Pena and Accounting Specialist II Amanda Koh.

“I am so blessed to work with these four talented professionals,” Farrell Harrison said. “Their hard work and dedication to their jobs during these difficult times is very much appreciated and I’m grateful to them all.”

Estecoc began her journey with the City of Costa Mesa in Sept. of 2004, when she was hired as a Police Records Technician. She quickly moved up the ranks, first as a Sr. Police Records Technician and later in 2013 as a Police Records Shift Supervisor.

Then in October of 2017 when her career path took a major turn and she was promoted to be the Executive Assistant to the City Manager, assisting with the day-to-day operations of the city as well as acting as a city ambassador and key contact with members of the public on behalf of the City Manager.

For the past year, she has worked closely with City Manager Lori Ann Farrell Harrison to help manage her extremely busy calendar, setting up meetings with department heads and city leaders and assisting with public engagement.

As the COVID-19 crisis hit, Estecoc quickly adapted to the new normal and became proficient in the Zoom meetings and online schedules. She worked mostly from City Hall and helped manage the City Manager’s Office while the majority of City Hall employees telecommuted. In particular, she has closely managed the City Manager’s weekly Live Zoom meeting with employees, assisting with the script, finding new topics and creating presentations for the meeting.

Luis-Ortiz joined the City of Costa Mesa I.T. Department in January 2016. Regardless of the tasks assigned, she always approaches it with a very positive attitude. She has repeatedly demonstrated the ability to handle multiple projects simultaneously, and provides quality results.

Luis-Ortiz has established excellent working relationships with all City departments. As a result of her efforts, she has earned a very high level of respect from her co-workers. During the pandemic, she and the IT team have been instrumental in supporting the remote operations of employees who were telecommuting.

Pena began with the City of Costa Mesa in 2007 as a Recreation Leader IV and has steadily promoted through the organization to the title of Assistant Recreation Supervisor, overseeing the day-to-day operations of the Senior Center.

Since the closure of most City programs in March of last year due to COVID-19, Pena has been instrumental in leading the Costa Mesa Senior Center’s team to ensure Costa Mesa’s seniors continued to receive meals, groceries, social services, and wellness checks.

Pena worked with Meals on Wheels to modify the Senior Center’s Congregate Meal Program to move to an outdoor frozen meal distribution format and to arrange for Parks & Community Services staff to deliver frozen meals directly to self-quarantining seniors who were unable to pick-up meals on a weekly basis. From mid-March to the end of November, the Costa Mesa Senior Center has distributed more than 76,000 frozen meals to seniors throughout the City.

As the direct supervisor of the Senior Center, Pena has been passionately dedicated to ensuring Costa Mesa’s seniors have been served as best as possible during these trying times. These services would not have been possible without her, and it is for this reason she is deserving of the City Manager’s Leadership award.

Koh joined the City of Costa Mesa in the Finance Department in December of 1998, working in the Purchasing Division. In 2005 she was promoted to the Accounting Specialist II position with the Accounting Division.

Since the retirement of her colleague Robindale Shepherd in December, she stepped up to assume full responsibility of the weekly payable check runs and year-end form 1099 preparation on top of her regular day-to-day tasks.

She worked through the December Holiday Closure to catch up on vendor warrants and with IT’s assistance, dealt with challenges such as new 1099 formats.

In what appears to be a first nationwide, home furnishing giant IKEA will donate furnishing and design features for the new permanent Costa Mesa Bridge Shelter on Airway Avenue that is currently under construction.

Vanessa Flores, the Loyalty Manager of the Costa Mesa IKEA, said she was approached last year by City officials regarding home furnishing solutions for the shelter.

Flores was excited about the opportunity and met with Mayor Katrina Foley, City Manager Lori Ann Farrell Harrison and others to get the project going. Flores confirmed that this will be the first homeless shelter furnished with interior design features by IKEA.

“I’m truly grateful that our collaboration with IKEA this year, to serve the needs of food insecure families with weekly grocery distributions, is expanding to help us furnish and design our new permanent Shelter we will soon open in partnership with Newport Beach,” Mayor Katrina Foley said. “Costa Mesa has led the way with our Housing-First approach to assisting those experiencing homelessness and we value this new partner joining our efforts to provide quality care to our most vulnerable residents.”

IKEA leaders were impressed by Costa Mesa’s approach to addressing homelessness through the Network for Homeless Solutions. This grass roots community collaboration is unique and effective.

That factor was a big selling point in getting the company to offer its support to the Bridge Shelter project, Flores said. IKEA has globally prioritized actions to support leading emergency relief efforts which includes vulnerable groups such as those experiencing homelessness.

Every year, IKEA Costa Mesa selects two initiatives to support in the local community, Flores said. Prior to the pandemic, the local Costa Mesa store selected homelessness and hunger, two initiatives that are big priorities in the community.

“The City of Costa Mesa is excited to be working with IKEA as a corporate partner in this effort to address homelessness,” Assistant City Manager Susan Price said.  “The Bridge Shelter is more than just a building, we want to create an environment for healing, inspiration and hope.  IKEA has contributed greatly so that this program will be successful.”

IKEA will be donating all home furnishing for the Bridge Shelter communal spaces. The company will be providing the bedding sheets and towels and all of the office furniture, including desks, chairs, office accessories and shelving units.

“We estimate this project to be a little over $85,000 in furniture donations,” Flores said. “We are also donating paint for the sleeping areas, inspirational graphics for the walls, as well as an investment cost of paid staff hours providing our co-workers with the opportunity to be hands-on and volunteer by building the furniture and creating the inspiration.”

“IKEA is honored and privileged to be a part of this effort to support our community. We believe everyone deserves a safe and healthy place to call home, even if it is temporary. We hope this is one of many ways we are able to positively impact Costa Mesa and its future growth.” Market Manager, Laurie Helm stated.

Indeed, IKEA has been a great partner to the City of Costa Mesa, opening up its parking lot to food and toy drives that have been so critical during the COVID-19 pandemic. It recently hosted the city’s annual Snoopy House holiday display.

“They have been such a great partner and we are so thrilled to be working together to ensure our community is well served,” Price concluded.

City Manager Lori Ann Farrell Harrison announced that Alexander Gonzalez, an experienced government field representative and Navy Veteran, has been hired as the City of Costa Mesa’s new Chief of Staff.

“Alex’s experience in government makes him uniquely qualified for this job,” City Manager Lori Ann Farrell Harrison said. “The residents of Costa Mesa will find him to be a great resource as he assists the Mayor and City Council in addressing concerns from constituents. We are thrilled to welcome him to our team.”

Gonzalez was one of numerous candidates who applied for the Chief of Staff position.

“Mr. Gonzalez joins our team with a unique working knowledge of Costa Mesa constituent issues as a long-time resident and former Congressional staff member,” Mayor Katrina Foley said. “Couple that with his experience and understanding of Veterans issues, especially those experiencing homelessness, and his multilingual skills, he will right away be able to work on our council priorities.”

In this role, Gonzalez will be responsible for managing constituent services, legislative research and analysis and coordination with Federal and State elected officials among other duties.

Gonzalez most recently worked as a Military and Veteran’s Field Representative in the Office of former U.S. Representative Harley Rouda, where he engaged with constituents regarding international affairs, trade, defense, intelligence, veteran’s affairs and labor issues and collaborated with federal, state and local organizations at the Orange County Veterans Service Office.

He also worked as an Intelligence Specialist with the United States Navy.  He received his Bachelor’s Degree in Political Science and International Relations with a Minor in Asian Studies from Temple University in Japan. He replaces former Chief of Staff Connor Lock, who left the City in December.

The City of Costa Mesa’s Public Services Department is pleased to announce the appointment of Seung Yang as the City Engineer.

Seung started with the City as Principal Engineer in January 2020 and assumed the role of Acting City Engineer in December 2020. He has over 20 years of municipal public works and private sector experience. He holds two Master degrees in addition to being  a registered Civil Engineer in the State of California.

“As City Engineer, Seung will be managing the Engineering Division which is responsible for all design and construction activities of City infrastructure, including streets, parks and facilities,” said Public Service Director Raja Sethuraman. “Seung will be managing the City’s Capital Improvement Program, which is approximately $12 million annually.”

In his role as the Principal Civil Engineer, Yang he has been coordinating the department’s Capital Improvement Program (CIP) ranging from street and parkway improvements to city infrastructure capital improvements.  In addition, he oversees a staff of engineers, technicians, and public works inspectors.

“It’s a tremendous honor and privilege in being appointed as the City Engineer for the City of Costa Mesa” Yang  said. “Costa Mesa is a vibrant and influential city, both economically and socially, in south Orange County. It is our mission to continue and improve upon the task of developing and enhancing our City’s critical infrastructure and make tangible advancements to the quality of life for our residents and business community.  It is my hope that our collective efforts in the Public Services Department will bring vibrancy and growth to all facets of our beloved City.”

Before joining the City of Costa Mesa, Yang served over 20 years in public works municipal engineering and management at private consulting firms and at various cities, including Lynwood, Inglewood, and Commerce.

During that time, he managed and coordinated numerous projects and tasks that consisted of street infrastructure, sewer and storm drain improvements, traffic engineering, planning, inspections, agency coordination, and land development.

Yang is a registered professional civil engineer and traffic engineer and holds a bachelor’s of science degree in civil engineering from the University of California, Berkeley and both Masters in Business Administration and  Masters in Science degrees from the California Polytechnic State University, San Luis Obispo.

Beginning Monday, Feb. 1, eligible Costa Mesa residents who are struggling to make their rent or utility payments because of COVID-19 can take advantage of an Emergency Rental Assistance program being offered by the County of Orange.

Households can apply for as much as $10,000 in assistance if they qualify for the program. To prove eligibility applicants must have:

• Photo identification
• Copy of a lease or rental agreement
• Proof of income affected by COVID 19 (i.e .unemployment letter or letter from employer stating reduced hours or pay)
• Proof of unpaid rent and/or utilities (i.e. documentation from a landlord or utility company stating the amount owed)

Renters can begin the process three ways.

1. Online at https://www.ERA.211oc.org
2. Call 2-1-1
3. Text ERA at 898211

To learn more about how the program works, please visit

https://www.costamesaca.gov/hot-topics/coronavirus/housing-resources/

As a big winter storm approaches Costa Mesa and the region, the city’s maintenance service crews have made sandbags available at City Hall.

Sand bags are available for free to Costa Mesa residents in the southeast corner of the City Hall parking lot at 77 Fair Drive. The location is self-service and bringing your own shovel is suggested as supplies could be limited. The number of sandbags is limited to 15 sandbags per household.

No commercial use please.

Click here for instructions on sandbags.

Additionally, the city crews will patrol potential flooding spots to make sure catch basins are clear of debris and operational. Crews are also ready to respond to other weather-related incidents.

Please report flooding issues to 714-754-5250.

The Costa Mesa City Council has extended the recruitment for the Parks, Arts and Community Services Commission and all city committees and encourages members of the public to apply if interested.

For a list of applicants who have applied to date please click here.  Due to a technical error, a few applications may have not been received. Residents who don’t see their name on the list need to apply again.

Application Process – Residents who are interested in getting involved in local government are encouraged to complete a Committee/Commission 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; 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 now noon January 27, 2021.  Appointments are tentatively scheduled for the Feb. 2, 2021 City Council meeting.  The Costa Mesa City Council is currently seeking residents to serve on the following City Committees/Commissions:

Parks, Arts and Community Services Commission: This Commission meets monthly and assists the City Council and various City departments with issues relating to parks, parkways, recreation programs and community services. The Commission also actively encourages programs for the cultural enrichment of the community and solicits partnerships with senior organizations which share the common goal to serve Costa Mesa’s senior population. Members must be residents of the district for which they seek to be appointed.  The City is recruiting for a four-year term for three regular members for Districts 1, 2 and 6, a two-year term for three regular members for Districts 3, 4, and 5, and a two-year Mayor’s at-large appointment. For further information, contact Executive Secretary Sylvia Chalmers at (714) 754-5009.

Animal Services Committee: This committee meets every other month and 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 a one-year term for four regular members, a two-year term for three regular members, and a one-year term for two alternate members. For further information, contact Assistant Recreation Supervisor Tracy Habiger at (714) 754-5083.

Bikeway & Walkability Committee: This committee meets monthly and assists with the review, update and implementation of the city’s Active Transportation Plan in order to make recommendations for bikeway and pedestrian improvements to the City Council. The City is recruiting for one-year term for six regular members, a two-year term for five regular members. For further information, contact Transportation Services Manager Jennifer Rosales at (714) 754-5180.

Cultural Arts Committee: This committee meets monthly and works to promote the City motto, “City of the Arts,” and to establish programs, events and information that help residents access the arts in many different venues. The City is recruiting for a one-year term for four regular members, a two-year term for five regular members, and a two-year term for two alternate members. For further information, contact Recreation Supervisor Ashley Thomas at (714) 754-5052.

Fairview Park Steering Committee: This committee meets every other month and 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 a four-year term for four regular members, a four-year term for one alternate member, and a two-year term for one alternate member. For further information, contact Fairview Park Administrator Cynthia D’Agosta at (714) 754-5135.

Finance and Pension Advisory Committee: This committee meets monthly and 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 from changes in CalPERS contribution rates and/or actuarial schedule changes.  The City is recruiting for a one-year term for four regular members and a two-year term for five regular members. 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 Secretary Angela Madsen at (714) 754-5243.

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

Housing & Public Service Grants Committee: This committee meets twice a year with further meetings scheduled on an as-needed basis 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 a one-year term for four regular members, a two-year term for five regular members, and a one-year term for one alternate member.  For further information, contact CDBG Consultant Mike Linares at (714) 754-5678.

Mobile Home Park Advisory Committee: This committee meets quarterly and addresses mobile home park issues and concerns in Costa Mesa.  The City is recruiting for a two-year term for two Park Owner or his/her Representative, a two-year term for two Mobile Home Resident Owners, a two-year term for one Independent Citizen At-large, a one-year term for on Park Owner or his/her Representative, a on e-year term for two Mobile Home Resident Owners, and a one-year term for one Independent Citizen At-large.  For further information, contact Zoning Administrator Willa Bouwens-Killeen at (714)754-5153.

Traffic Impact Fee Ad Hoc Committee: This committee meets on an as-needed basis to assist staff on all aspects related to the updating and revision of traffic impact fees.  The City is recruiting for one Major Developers’ Representative, one Small Developers’ Representative, and two At-large Representatives. For further information, contact Transportation Services Manager Jennifer Rosales at (714) 754-5180.

The City of Costa Mesa has been awarded LEED Gold certification, joining a growing group of more than 100 cities and municipalities from around the world to be certified under the U.S. Green Building Council’s LEED for Cities and Communities rating system.

LEED, or Leadership in Energy and Environmental Design, was created by USGBC and is the world’s most widely used green building rating system. The certification recognizes the city’s efforts to implement practical and measurable strategies aimed at improving sustainability and the living standard for residents.

Costa Mesa is one of only four cities in the United States to have received LEED Gold certification using the latest LEED standard, LEED version 4.1. The other three are Orlando, Santa Fe and Las Vegas.

In early 2020, Costa Mesa was named one of 20 local governments to receive additional educational resources and technical support as it pursued LEED for Cities certification. The support and resources throughout the certification process were made possible by Bank of America, which has provided $1.25 million to USGBC’s LEED for Cities and Communities program since 2018, supporting a total of 41 U.S. cities and communities to date as they pursue certification.

“I’m so proud of our staff for receiving this LEED certification,” Mayor Katrina Foley said. “This achievement demonstrates Costa Mesa’s commitment to sustainability, human health and economic prosperity, and that’s why we remain a place where people want to live, work and play.”

USGBC cited Costa Mesa for its integrative planning and leadership processes, green spaces, transportation performance and policies, water efficiency, energy and greenhouse gas emission management, quality of life and innovation. These practical and measurable strategies and solutions are aimed at improving human and environmental health.

“LEED has been a transformative tool for buildings, and we are now seeing the impact it can have at the city and community level,” said Mahesh Ramanujam, president and CEO, USGBC. “By prioritizing issues such as sustainability, resilience, health, green infrastructure and more, Costa Mesa is leading the way to a better world and helping USGBC continue toward our vision of healthy people in healthy places.”

Indeed, Costa Mesa has received LEED Gold certification for Fire Station No. 1 and for the Donald Dungan Library.

“As a community that deeply cares about the environment, it is exciting to have Costa Mesa recognized as one of the world’s first LEED Gold-certified cities,” said Allen Staff, Bank of America Orange County market president. “Bank of America’s support for USGBC’s LEED for Cities initiative is part of our larger capital deployment commitment to address climate change and build resilience in communities like Costa Mesa.”

The LEED Gold certification was pursued by Salem Afeworki, the city of Costa Mesa’s first Sustainability and Energy Service Manager and Mayor Pro-Tem Andrea Marr, who is a former Navy veteran and current engineer for an energy solutions firm.

“I would like to say thank you to Southern California Edison, Mesa Water District, Costa Mesa Sanitary District, various City Departments and consultants for the data and input they provided to help us achieve recognition as a LEED Gold City,” Afeworki said.

City leaders believe that LEED for Cities and Communities is a great guiding framework that can help staff identify top priorities and foster initiatives that enhance the quality of life. This grant allowed the city to pursue the following initiatives:

• Plan, build, operate and maintain projects that promote inclusive and responsible growth citywide;
• Identify gaps and opportunities in policy or budgetary needs;
• Develop realistic and achievable strategies, tactics and metrics that would allow City staff to compare Costa Mesa with other cities;
• Identity synergies, multi-benefitted projects and initiatives that are cost effective; and
• Create a better framework for collaboration that dismantles silos, increase transparency and cultivates new partnerships.

About the U.S. Green Building Council

The U.S. Green Building Council (USGBC) is committed to a prosperous and sustainable future through cost-efficient and energy-saving green buildings. USGBC works toward its mission of market transformation through its LEED green building program, robust educational offerings, an international network of local community leaders, the annual Greenbuild International Conference & Expo, the Center for Green Schools and advocacy in support of public policy that encourages and enables green buildings and communities. For more information, visit usgbc.org and connect on Twitter, Facebook and LinkedIn.

The City of Costa Mesa along with the Orange County Health Agency and 360 Clinic has entered into a partnership to offer free COVID-19 testing at the Costa Mesa Senior Center beginning this Saturday Jan. 9 through the end of March.

“This new testing and health kiosk at our Senior Center will allow those who live on the Westside better access to testing and healthcare resources closer to home,” Mayor Katrina Foley said. “Testing for COVID-19 is an important tool to help us get this virus under control, and we are grateful for our partnership with the County and 360 Clinic for helping us make this happen.”

Testing will be available by appointment only at a kiosk at the Senior Center from 9 a.m. to 3 p.m. Saturday and Sunday. The Costa Mesa Senior Center is at 695 W. 19th St.

The kiosk will provide up to 500 tests a day. Clinicians will be available to answer questions. Clinic staff will check-in patients that have pre-registered on the website and assign a test kit to swab. Results are received within 24-72 hours via text message or email.

Please register at www.360clinic.md and bring a form of ID and insurance card, if available.

Frontline workers and senior citizens with credentials will have priority. Bilingual assistance will be available.

City Manager Lori Ann Farrell Harrison has appointed Jennifer Le, a key figure in assisting local businesses navigate the many challenges resulting from COVID-19, as the City’s new Director of Economic and Development Services.

“Jennifer has played a critical role as our local businesses attempted to maneuver through the financial challenges related to the pandemic,” Farrell Harrison said. “She has been a trusted member of our team and I am thrilled to know she will be leading the Economic and Development Services Department.”

Le had been serving as the acting director following the retirement of Barry Curtis on July 31. Prior to that, she served for three years as the second in command of the Department and has worked in planning and local government for over 20 years.

She has demonstrated excellent leadership and expertise during her tenure with the City and has played a vital role in several high profile issues including short-term rentals, oversight of cannabis manufacturing businesses permitted under Measure X and an update to the Housing Element. Most recently, Le has been at the helm of navigating several economic development issues brought on by the pandemic, including assisting South Coast Plaza with the establishment of an outdoor shopping pavilion and outdoor dining for local restaurants.

“I am honored to continue to serve the Costa Mesa community in this new capacity. I appreciate the opportunity not only to continue my work with the City’s leadership group, but also to lead a talented team in the Economic and Development Services Department,” Le said. “We have a number of challenges ahead of us and I embrace the opportunity to help guide the City Council as they make important decisions regarding economic recovery, housing policy, and more.”  

Before her arrival in Costa Mesa as the Assistant Director of Development Services in November 2017, she spent 16 years with the City of Orange. She also worked for the County of Ventura and in private consulting prior to that. Her focus on creative solutions and customer service have made her a very valued member of the Costa Mesa team.

Her expertise includes both development services and long-range planning, as well as historic preservation, subdivision, CEQA/NEPA compliance, community outreach, and GIS.

Le has a Bachelor’s degree in Geography/Environmental Studies from UCLA and a Master’s degree in Environmental Science and Management from UC Santa Barbara.