Veteran legislative leader named Costa Mesa’s new Governmental Affairs Manager

City Manager Lori Ann Farrell Harrison announced that veteran legislative affairs leader, Jay Barkman, has been named the City’s new Governmental Affairs Manager.

“We are looking forward to having Jay fill this much-needed role to build even stronger relationships with other government agencies and our elected officials at the County, State and Federal levels,” Farrell Harrison said. “Jay will also be a huge asset in helping the City build short and long-term legislative priorities under the policy direction of the Mayor and City Council and City leadership.”

Barkman has 25 years of legislative experience and comes to Costa Mesa from the Orange County Fire Authority where he held the title of Legislative Affairs Manager/Grant Administrator and worked on Federal processes to secure legislation and increased funding for OCFA and the region’s Urban Search and Rescue Task Forces, among other priorities.

“I am honored to have this exciting opportunity to serve the Mayor and City Council and leadership team here at Costa Mesa and most importantly work to benefit all city residents,” Barkman said. “As a student at Orange Coast College and a regional partner with OCFA, I’ve witnessed Costa Mesa flourish to become a destination where people want to live, work, and play. I look forward to helping the City achieve its strategic plan goals through its legislative priorities and platform.” 

Barkman previously worked as a Senior Consultant for the Assembly Housing Committee and he started his career as a Legislative Aide for the California State Assembly.

In this role, he will he work closely with the City Manager and Council to plan, implement and respond to local, State and Federal legislative, regulatory and policy priorities affecting the City of Costa Mesa.

He will be in close communication with Congressional and State legislative and municipal government offices. He will also be instrumental in coordinating efforts with the City’s lobbyists to acquire additional grant funding for the City’s various departments and initiatives.

In his previous roles, Barkman’s professional achievements include securing $4.5 million for OCFA from Assemblywoman Petrie-Norris and $16.95 million for OCFA from Senator Dave Min.

Barkman earned a Bachelor of Arts degree in Political Science and Public Administration from Cal State Fullerton.




Mayor Stephens named to the OCTA Board of Directors

Costa Mesa Mayor John Stephens was elected by representatives of the 10 cities of Orange County’s Fifth Supervisorial District to serve as a Director on the Orange County Transportation Authority’s Board of Directors.

“I am honored to be elected to this important position by my peers,” Mayor Stephens said. “Transportation, including public transit, is a critical issue for District 5 and the entire county, especially as our population ages and the expense of owning and operating a car increases. I look forward to working with my fellow Directors to increase bus routes and ridership and to improve our freeways, streets and roads.”

This appointment is for a two-year term that will begin Jan. 1, 2024.

The Orange County Transportation Authority’s Board of Directors consists of 18 members. The OCTA Board is responsible for the coordination of a number of transit services, approval of plans for public mass transit (bus and rail) systems and working on all transportation capital and service priorities.

The OCTA board is also in charge of the administration of the County’s voter-approved half-cent sales tax for transportation to capital project delivery related to freeway improvements, local street, and road improvements and rail and transit service countywide.

Stephens has served as Costa Mesa’s Mayor since March 2021 and was elected to a two-year term as Mayor of Costa Mesa in November of 2022. Prior to becoming Mayor, Stephens was elected to the Costa Mesa City Council in 2016, and served as Mayor Pro Tem from 2018 to 2020.

Stephens earned a bachelor’s degree in Business Administration and Marketing from Cal Poly Pomona and a law degree from the UC Davis Law School. He has been a practicing trial attorney In Orange County for 34 years, and currently is a partner with the Costa Mesa law firm, Stephens Friedland, LLP.




Fire Chief Stefano inducted into the inaugural class of the Cal Chiefs Hall of Fame

The City of Costa Mesa is proud to announce that Costa Mesa Fire Chief Dan Stefano has been inducted into the inaugural class of the California Fire Chiefs Hall of Fame 2023.

The California Fire Chiefs Association (CalChiefs) recently established the California Fire Chiefs Hall of Fame (HOF) to honor and celebrate lifelong contributions and achievements of Fire Chiefs who have gone above and beyond to enhance the California Fire Service.

“Fire Chief Dan Stefano is a blessing to the City of Costa Mesa,” Mayor John Stephens said. “He has served our community with distinction as our fire chief for over 10 years. During that time, he has developed a department that is second to none. Chief Stefano is a role model, not just in the Fire & Rescue Department, but throughout the city staff. He is definitely a first-ballot Hall of Famer who well deserves this prestigious honor.”

Chief Stefano and OCFA Chief Brian Fennessy are among the few chiefs who have been named to the Hall of Fame while still working in the field. The majority, which includes inductees dating back to 1919, have retired before receiving the honor or have been recognized posthumously

A few Orange County notable inductees include retired Fire Chiefs Chip Prather (OCFA), Tim Riley (Newport Beach), Jeff Bowman (Anaheim and OCFA), and Ronny J. Coleman (San Clemente, Fullerton and California State Fire Marshal). Coleman  was recognized in a celebration of life memorial service this past September.

“I am beyond humbled and unbelievably honored to be included with this amazing group,” Chief Stefano said. “This honor really speaks to the talented teams and organizations that I have been so fortunate to have been a part of throughout my professional career and, at the heart of it all, my incredible family, friends and professional colleagues, all of whom I am very grateful for every day.”

City Manager Lori Ann Farrell Harrison was thrilled to hear of Stefano’s induction.

“We are so very fortunate in Costa Mesa to have Chief Stefano’s leadership and steady hand directing our Fire & Rescue Department,” Farrell Harrison said. “He is a true leader that is highly regarded both in Orange County and throughout the State for his experience, leadership and courage. On a personal note, I am thankful for his friendship and his commitment to the City of Costa Mesa. We are all better for knowing him. Congratulations to Fire Chief Dan Stefano on this incredible accomplishment.”

With a far reaching and diverse range of organizations in the nomination process, CalChiefs ensures a wide-ranging and all-inclusive perspective when selecting inductees, highlighting the significance of each Fire Chief’s induction. By creating this Hall of Fame, CalChiefs brings public awareness to the sacrifices and dedication of the premier leaders in the fire service industry and inspiring others to follow suit.

For more on the CalChiefs Hall of Fame please visit this website https://www.calchiefs.org/page/halloffame

 




Public input is sought on housing plans for Fairview Developmental Center

The City of Costa Mesa is planning for housing at the Fairview Developmental Center and is looking for the public’s suggestions and ideas.

Housing, for a variety of income levels, has been identified as the priority use. Come share your ideas about what makes a community a great place to live and help the City develop a Specific Plan for the redevelopment of this 113-acre site.

Two in-person meetings are being planned at the Costa Mesa Senior Center, one in English on Thursday, Nov. 2, and another in Spanish on Friday, Nov. 3.

A third meeting will be held virtually via Zoom on Monday Nov. 6.

For questions please send an email to

fdchousingplan@costamesaca.gov or for more information visit www.fdchousingplan.com.




OC Health Care Agency and City of Costa Mesa Collaborate to Address Homelessness and Behavioral Health

COUNTY OF ORANGE – HEALTH CARE AGENCY

 

 

 

 

 

For Immediate Release:          
October 25, 2023                      

Contact:             HCA Communications
                               HCAComm@ochca.com
                               (714) 834-2178

 

(Santa Ana, CA) – The OC Health Care Agency (HCA) is partnering with the City of Costa Mesa to enhance services for individuals experiencing homelessness and serious behavioral health conditions. This joint initiative, through the Behavioral Health Bridge Housing (BHBH) Program, is funded through a $4 million grant from the County of Orange.

“The partnership between the County of Orange and the City of Costa Mesa reflects our unwavering dedication to the welfare of our community,” said Chairman Donald P. Wagner, Third District Supervisor. “The BHBH Program is a crucial step forward in addressing the homelessness crisis and supporting those with behavioral health challenges.”

The primary objective of the BHBH Program is to provide immediate and sustainable solutions for individuals experiencing homelessness who face significant behavioral health barriers to accessing assistance. A total of 15 new beds will be established through this grant. The program allocates funds for operational and supportive services and for facilitating the expansion of bridge housing initiatives.

“For too long cities invested local dollars to boost up the County’s system of care; but it’s a new day in Orange County. The BHBH Program serves as a testament to the County’s commitment to combat the homelessness, behavioral health, and substance use crises head on,” said Supervisor Katrina Foley, Fifth District. “This new housing for our most vulnerable residents fills a gap in the current system of care, expands Costa Mesa’s shelter, and creatively leverages funding to expand supportive services.”

The BHBH Program is part of the larger initiative led by the California Department of Health Care Services (DHCS), which will provide a total of $1.5 billion in funding. For more information about the program and a list of grant recipients, the public can visit here.

“For years, Costa Mesa has led the way in addressing homelessness through outreach and housing, being one of the first to build a bridge shelter,” said City of Costa Mesa Mayor, John Stephens. “The County’s BHBH Program will fill a gap in our service by providing on site mental health and addiction treatment. We thank the County, and Supervisor Katrina Foley specifically, for partnering with Costa Mesa to assist those in the greatest need.” 

The collaboration between the County and the City of Costa Mesa underscores the benefit of partnerships in addressing complex societal issues. This joint effort will leverage resources and expertise from both sides to forge the new project.

“This partnership enhances our ability to support the well-being of our community,” said HCA’s Chief of Mental Health and Recovery Services, Dr. Veronica Kelley. “The program will offer a lifeline to those who are experiencing homelessness and struggling with serious behavioral health conditions.”

 




Extended Recruitment – Costa Mesa Residents Sought to Serve On City Committees

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

Animal Services Committee: This committee 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 three members for a two-year term. For further information, please contact Recreation Coordinator Jessica Torrejon at (714) 754-5128.

Active Transportation Committee: This committee assists with the review, update and implementation of the city’s Active Transportation Plan in order to make recommendations for their improvement to the City Council. The City is recruiting for three members for a two-year term. For further information, please contact Active Transportation Coordinator Brett Atencio Thomas at (714) 754-5275.

Fairview Park Steering Committee: This committee 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 three (3) members for a 4-year term. For further information, please contact Fairview Park Administrator Kelly Dalton at (714) 754-5135.

Finance and Pension Advisory Committee: This committee 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. The City is recruiting for three members for a four-year term. 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 Assistant Stella Giragossian at (714) 754-5243.

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

Housing and Public Service Grants Committee: This committee meets twice a year 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 three members for a two-year term. For further information, contact Grant Administrator Mikelle Daily at (714) 754-5678.

Mobile Home Park Advisory Committee: This committee addresses issues that will help improve the quality of life in mobile home parks and to review matters concerning mobile home parks in the City of Costa Mesa. The City is recruiting for two park owner or their representative, two mobile home park residents, and one independent citizen at-large all for a four-year term.  For further information, contact Principal Planner Phayvanh Nanthavongdouangsy at (714) 754-5611.

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; 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., Monday, Oct. 9, 2023.  Appointments are tentatively scheduled for the Oct. 17, 2023 City Council meeting.

FYI: Applicants who previously applied to one of these committees in February 2023, do not need to reapply. Please contact the City Clerk’s Office at (714) 754-5225 to confirm a previously submitted application.




Statement by Mayor John Stephens on the passing of Senator Dianne Feinstein

For the past 3 decades, Dianne Feinstein has been the Senator of our great State of California.  So it is with great sadness that I learned today of her passing.  Like the rest of our City, State and Nation, I mourn her loss while we honor and celebrate her incredible life.

Senator Feinstein was a trailblazer who broke through the glass ceiling, inspiring generations of women who followed her.  She was the first woman to serve on the Senate Judiciary Committee, the first woman to chair the Senate Rules Committee, and the first woman to chair the Senate Intelligence Committee. She also is the longest-serving woman in Senate history. Senator Feinstein courageously continued her service to the Country through numerous health issues until her last days. 

Senator Feinstein was not afraid to work across the aisle to pass landmark legislation that would prove beneficial to California and the Country.

Prior to being a Senator, she was Mayor of San Francisco and served on the San Francisco Board of Supervisors.  She was a pillar of strength during the tragic 1978 assassinations of Mayor George Moscone and Supervisor Harvey Milk.  

On behalf of the City of Costa Mesa, I send my condolences to Senator Feinstein’s family for their profound loss. 




Pacific Airshow returns to Huntington Beach this week and weekend

This is a message from the City of Huntington Beach.

The Pacific Airshow returns to Huntington Beach Friday, Sept. 29 through Sunday Oct. 1.

Beginning Monday, Sept. 25, you can expect to hear these team as they do flyovers.

Beginning Friday Sept. 29, the full air show will take place from 9 a.m. to 5  p.m., each day. Residents can expect Loud jet noise.

Please make sure to make accommodations for anyone who may be disturbed, such as children and pets. We ask that you do not call 911, unless you have a life-threatening emergency.

We also want to remind everyone that drones are not permitted in the airshow area.

For questions about the Airshow, please call (714) 536-5985.

For more information please visit this website https://pacificairshowusa.com/

*Photo courtesy of Pacific Airshow website. 

 




Rental assistance program offered by Orange County Housing Authority

The Orange County Housing Authority (OCHA) will be accepting applications for the Housing Choice Voucher Program (Section 8) waiting list beginning Sept. 18 through Sept. 29.    

The Housing Choice Voucher Program is funded by the U.S. Department of Housing and Urban Development (HUD) and enables OCHA to subsidize monthly rent payments for qualified applicants.

Click here for more information.




City Manager names Executive Assistant Laura Fautua the City Manager Leadership Award winner

City Manager Lori Ann Farrell Harrison presented Parks & Community Services Executive Assistant Laura Fautua with the City Manager Leadership Award for the month of September.

“I think it is such a great story that Laura was a participant in the City’s recreation after school program when she was in grade school,” Farrell Harrison said. “That experience led her to join the Recreation Leader in Training Program. In her 13 years since, she has proven to be a huge asset in the Parks & Community Services Department and has demonstrated a love and passion for the department and the City and community. The proof of her dedication can be seen with the series of promotions she’s received over the years. I’m so happy to present her with this award.”

It was in 2010 when she was officially hired on as Recreation Leader. Ever since, she has worked for various programs including the ROCKS program, Day Camps, Youth Sports, Teens and Facilities.

In 2016, Fautua was promoted to Office Specialist working the recreation front counter here at City Hall. She began facilitating program registrations, special event permits, and general park inquiries. In 2018, she became Office Specialist II and was instrumental in the transitioning of the department’s responsibility for processing animal licenses as well as helping to take on block party permits.

In 2021, Fautua was promoted yet again to Executive Assistant, where she not only has been a tremendous help to the department on a number of projects but continuously is improving administrative processes and procedures for the whole department.

She also helps to manage all the departments commissions and committees (which totaled six for a period of time) with agendas, reports and minutes.

Fautua was born and raised in Costa Mesa. She attended elementary, middle and high school as well as Community College right here in the City. She has a bachelor’s degree from Cal State Fullerton, where she majored in Child and Adolescent Studies.




Daughter of Norma Hertzog, describes her mom in a letter to the Costa Mesa community

Norma Hertzog, the City of Costa Mesa’s first woman Council Member and Mayor, passed away on Aug. 21 at the age of 94. Her daughter, Elaine Burkert, wanted the residents of Costa Mesa to know more about her mom’s story. Here is her account below: 

Dear Residents of Costa Mesa

What is the “inside story” of Norma Hertzog Wagner that adds to her already inspirational legacy of 94 years?

What led her to shatter glass ceilings as the first female councilwoman and mayor of Costa Mesa? What gave her, a high school dropout, the business acumen to operate two pre-schools? What led her to be a community visionary who helped to make Costa Mesa a destination and wonderful place to raise a family? Was it nature or nurture? As one of her four kids, I’d say both.

Her dad was very smart, a talented musician, and clever with his hands. Her mom was not an intellect. Her strength was her Christian faith, sense of justice, and perseverance. She stopped a ring of counter fitters, successfully sought a private audience with the President of Mexico, spoke out at church that was exhibiting racism, and raised three children as a divorcee.

Mom’s family moved from Canada to Mexico during her 3rd and 4th grade years. She said, “I didn’t learn much because my parents couldn’t afford to send us to private schools.” Upon returning to Canada, her 5th grade teacher said to her, “You’re sweet but stupid.” Mom disagreed with being stupid. She completed eighth grade.

She was elected president of the local Red Cross club at 11 years old. She said, “I knew that I couldn’t be a secretary or treasurer because of my lack of skills. I DID know that I could organize people!” Her organizational skills continued with the local YWCA where she was instrumental in leading events involving an average of 1,500 youth a night!

Her next great adventure (one of her favorite phrases) was to be the first female on a weekly radio show. She was only 16 years at the time. One of her mentors – who knew she didn’t have a “dad” in her life, gave her a subscription to Time Magazine which helped with her education. Mom rarely wasted opportunities to keep learning.

Seeking a vocation, mom met with a highly credentialed university professor who suggested she “sweep the floors at Woolworths after hours.” Her response? “That’s just one person’s opinion and they’re wrong!” She chose to work with preschooler’s because “they don’t care if I have a degree; but how I feel about them.”

She was hired at a nursery school where her employer noticed her tremendous work ethic and arranged to pay for one semester of university education. Eventually she left Canada for California and worked with children of movie stars. She continued learning at California universities but never obtained a degree beyond eighth grade.

Mom was a risk-taker. She opened Mesa Verde Preschool in 1962 and not long after West Bay Preschool. With both, she overcame significant challenges due to her lack of formal education and available finances. She never advertised yet both schools always had a waiting list. I recall so many stories of children who benefited from her programs. For example, an 18 year old stopped by Mesa Verde one day to speak with her. He said, “I just want you to know that the three years I spent here were the best of my life.” He came from a very dysfunctional family.

Mom believed the Lord never asked her to do anything without providing the needed resources. Oh, if only I had time and space to share more stories with you as readers!

In 1973, two professional campaign managers learned that she was a “first-timer” running for city council. They offered to help. She won the campaign and glass ceilings kept breaking.

Costa Mesa now has strong female leadership at all levels and has had several female mayors. Serving Costa Mesa has been the most significant aspect of her life. Even in her last months, she would chat with her friend and former mayor Mary Hornbuckle about Costa Mesa. She watched the ribbon cutting for the “Norma Hertzog Community Center” during a stay in the hospital and that gave her a much-needed boost!

My mom was guided by her faith in God, a strong and creative mind, a clear sense of justice, and a VERY wacky sense of humor that carried her through her battle with breast cancer and other challenges.

As her earthly life came to an end, her greatest joy came from knowing that she had made a difference – or was making a difference – in the lives of people around her. She often made the nursing staff laugh with her funny faces and expressions.

Mom’s life had to be purposeful. She never sat still because there was always a new “great adventure” that God was calling her to undertake. I pray that her life continues to inspire others to achieve their God-given dreams! I’m grateful to have been one of her children.

Warmly,

Elaine Burkert (nee Wing, Hertzog)




No residential street sweeping during Labor Day week

Due to the observation of the Labor Day holiday, there will be no residential street sweeping Sept. 4 – Sept. 8 2023.

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. 11.

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.