Due to the observation of the Labor Day holiday, there will be no residential street sweeping Sept. 1 – Sept. 5 2025.

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. 8.

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.

Interim City Manager Cecilia Gallardo-Daly presented the City Manager Leadership Award for August to Fire Captain Chuck Torres.

“As Chief Stefano says, to know Capt. Torres is to love him, and we can all see why. He’s fun-loving and personable but he also has a serious side where he gets the job done well. I appreciate his leadership and dedication to our City and am happy to present him this award.”

Torres joined Costa Mesa Fire & Rescue in April 2002. He was promoted to Fire Captain in 2017 and has been active with many committees within the department, complimented with a strong passion for teaching, training, and professional development.

He has provided notable leadership in developing, managing, coordinating, and/or guiding a number of key programs and events for the department and the city including the annual CMFR Open House Fire Expo, Santa Ana College fire technology presentations.

He also served as the MC for the annual city picnic and Snoopy House events, among many other touches.

Capt. Torres became interested in the fire service after reading an article in the OC Register announcing the opening of Costa Mesa’s Fire Station 6. Soon after that, he graduated from the 96^th Basic Fire Academy at Santa Ana College.

After graduating from the academy with an A.S in Fire Technology, he worked as a reserve firefighter for the Fountain Valley Fire Department. While with Fountain Valley, he attended Saddleback College’s Paramedic program and started his career as a paramedic with AMR in San Bernardino City.

While working towards a career as a Firefighter/Paramedic, he worked as a lifeguard with the City of Huntington Beach for seven years, promoting through the ranks to a Lifeguard III supervisor.

Torres was ultimately hired as a Firefighter/Paramedic by the Monterey Park Fire Department in October 2000 before leaving that job for Costa Mesa.

Capt. Torres has a Bachelor’s Degree in Business, Management, and Administration from Vanguard University, where he graduated Magna Cum Laude and was one of the keynote speakers at the commencement ceremony.

Economic and Development Services Director Carrie Tai announced that she has appointed Martina Caron as the Department’s new Planning and Sustainable Development Manager.

Caron will lead the current planning section of the Planning Division, to further the City’s efforts in facilitating housing developments, supporting new and existing business endeavors, and assisting in improving customer service functions.

“The Department is thrilled that Martina has brought her experience and talent to the City of Costa Mesa, which will benefit the level of customer service we deliver to the residents and development community,” Director Tai said.

Caron has nearly 18 years of experience in the planning and community development field and joins Costa Mesa from the City of Laguna Beach, where she most recently served as Principal Planner. A Laguna Beach native, she had been with the City since 2007 and brings a strong background in entitlement processing, environmental review, and community engagement.

“I’m honored to join the City of Costa Mesa as the Planning and Sustainable Development Manager. This is an exciting opportunity to support thoughtful growth, enhance community engagement, and help shape a vibrant future for the city. I look forward to working alongside a talented team to advance the City’s planning goals and serve the Costa Mesa community.”

Caron holds a Bachelor’s degree in City and Regional Planning from Cal Poly San Luis Obispo and a Master’s degree in Public Administration from Cal State Fullerton. She also maintains certification with the American Institute of Certified Planners (AICP).

The City of Costa Mesa will hold an Open House on Wednesday, July 30 at the Norma Hertzog Community Center to invite residents, local businesses, and community groups to help the City plan future housing and share their vision for Costa Mesa.

The effort titled Neighborhoods Where We All Belong is a comprehensive approach by the City of Costa Mesa to address housing needs and create new housing options. This effort reflects the City’s ongoing commitment to create new high-quality housing options to meet the needs of current and future residents.

This Open House will offer interactive exhibits and activities to foster important conversations about housing. Free food, refreshments, kid-friendly activities, and Spanish interpretation will be provided. 

Additional events to envision the future of housing in specific areas will take place this summer and next year. Stay informed by signing up for the Neighborhoods Where We All Belong email list at www.costamesaneighborhoods.com. 

Neighborhoods Where We All Belong Open House 

• Date: Wednesday, July 30, 2025 
• Time: 6 p.m. – 8 p.m. 
• Location: Norma Hertzog Community Center, 1845 Park Ave. Costa Mesa
• For more information and to sign up for the email list, visit: www.costamesaneighborhoods.com.  

Additional Neighborhoods Where We All Belong outreach events:

Harbor Boulevard & Newport Boulevard Workshop

• Date: Thursday, Aug. 21, 2025 
• Time: 6 p.m. – 8 p.m. 
• Location: City Hall Community Room, 77 Fair Dr., Costa Mesa

Westside Walking Tour

• Date: Saturday, Aug. 23, 2025 
• Time: 10 a.m. – 12 p.m.
• Location: Starting at the Senior Center, 695 W. 19th St., Costa Mesa

North Costa Mesa/SoBECA Workshop 

• Date: Sept. 10, 2025 
• Time: 6 p.m. – 8 p.m. 
• Location: FLDWRK, 150 Paularino Ave. Bldg. B, Costa Mesa

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

Interim City Manager Cecilia Gallardo-Daly named Senior Engineer Bobby Fouladi as the July City Manager Leadership Award winner.

 “Bobby manages a wide range of Capital Improvement Projects from planning and design, through construction, and into ongoing maintenance,” Gallardo-Daly said. “He has a candid nature and is always willing to take on complex challenges. I appreciate his expertise and thank him for his contributions to the betterment of Costa Mesa. He is well deserving of this award, and I am so happy to present it to him.”

Fouladi works closely with multiple city departments and coordinates across teams to deliver. His more recent projects include the City’s Storm Drain Master Plan, several traffic signal modification projects, several building remodels, a utility undergrounding project, block wall reconstruction, and roadway improvement projects—balancing priorities, and managing expectations is part of his daily routine.

Fouladi joined the City of Costa Mesa’s Public Works Department as an Associate Engineer. As a new associate he successfully managed several Capital Improvement Projects, including the Harbor Blvd. Medians Improvements, the Pomona Avenue Street Reconstruction, multiple alley reconstruction projects, and the Costa Mesa Bridge Shelter.  In 2022, he was promoted to Senior Engineer.

His introduction to the public sector began in 2014 when he was hired as a Senior Engineer for the City of Compton in Los Angeles.

Being one of the oldest cities in Los Angeles, Compton was an introduction to aging infrastructure. development reviews, permitting, and making improvements with a tight budget. With that role, also came the challenges in maintaining both new and old infrastructure.

During college, Fouladi gained experience working at a structural engineering firm. After graduation, he joined a general building contractor in Los Angeles County, working hands-on as field engineer on building job sites throughout California.

Eventually returning to Orange County, Fouladi spent several years in the private sector, working for various engineering firms and a heavy civil and road construction company.

 Fouladi’s professional journey began early—while still attending Corona del Mar High School in Newport Beach. At one of his very first jobs he worked as a CAD technician designing assembly instructions for an aerospace company’s factory floor.

He received his bachelor’s degree and graduated with honors in civil engineering from Cal Poly Pomona.

The City of Costa Mesa has received state funding from Assembly Woman Cottie Petrie-Norris to expand the existing behavioral health care program at the Costa Mesa Bridge Shelter by assigning 15 additional beds.

The $750,000 in state budget funding secured by Petrie-Norris (D-Irvine) will assist individuals experiencing homelessness who have serious mental illness or substance abuse disorders.

These additional beds bring the total number at the Bridge Shelter to 30 since July of 2024, when the City received an award of $4.2 million in Behavioral Health Bridge Housing funds from the Orange County Health Care Agency to add 15 behavioral health care beds. Having these beds in the Bridge Shelter significantly improved outcomes for the participants.

“This expansion of services fills the gap needed to effectively transition people with mental health and addiction issues off the streets and into permanent housing through the city’s Bridge Shelter,” Mayor John Stephens said. “I’m very grateful to Assembly Woman Petrie-Norris for securing this funding to enhance our current partnership with the County of Orange and Vice Chair Katrina Foley. Also, I’m proud of the work the city’s Neighborhood Improvement Team does every day to save lives and enhance the safety of everyone in our community.” 

This funding ensures participants receive the highest level of care to address challenges related to mental health and substance use, while working to secure and retain permanent housing. Over the past year, the City has provided a total of 53 individuals with high quality behavioral health care, and nine of these participants ended their homelessness by securing permanent housing.

“This investment is about taking care of our most vulnerable neighbors and making sure no one falls through the cracks,” said Petrie-Norris (D-Irvine). “By expanding behavioral health services at the Costa Mesa Bridge Shelter, we’re helping people facing serious mental health and substance use challenges get the support they need to heal, rebuild, and find a path to stable housing. I’m grateful to the City of Costa Mesa for their leadership and proud to help bring these critical state resources to our community.”

The expansion does not increase the overall capacity of the Shelter but instead provides high-quality behavioral health care services to more Shelter guests occupying a behavioral health bed. In addition to the standard services offered to all CMBS guests, expanded behavioral health care services include:

• A dedicated Case Manager experienced in serving clients with mental health and substance use challenges
• Access to an Orange County Health Care Agency clinician for assessments and referrals to County resources
• Access to licensed in-patient detox facilities and out-patient residential rehabilitation programs
• Funding for security deposits, rental assistance, and household goods for participants who have secured permanent housing
• Post-lease housing retention services to reduce recidivism and improve outcomes

The City opened a temporary Bridge Shelter at the Lighthouse Church in April of 2019 and moved to the permanent location on Airway Avenue in March of 2021. The facility serves over 200 individuals each year and has found housing for nearly 450 people since April of 2019.

Deputy City Manager Alma Reyes presented the City Manager Leadership Award for June to Jenette Martinez, the Crime Prevention Specialist in the Police Department.

“It is no surprise that Jenette is recognized out in the community for her high energy and contagious smile,” Reyes said. “Her gregarious demeanor immediately makes her a friend to all and her genuine kindness toward staff, co-workers, and the residents of Costa Mesa is exemplary of what makes our team CostaMazing. I’m thrilled to present her with this award.”

Martinez started as a Crime Prevention Specialist for the Costa Mesa Police Department in April 2018. Since then, she has been very present in the community through the Neighborhood Watch meetings she co-hosts throughout Costa Mesa, and PD events she organizes annually like Coffee with a Cop, Citizens Academy, National Night Out, and Shop with a Cop.

Last month, Martinez wrapped up Citizens Academy Spring 2025 session with a graduation ceremony of 23 participants who live or work in Costa Mesa.

Citizens Academy is a 10-week program where participants learn about how the police department functions to protect and serve its community through weekly classes presented by police staff from Patrol Operations, Dispatch, Investigations and Specialty Units, CSI, K9s, SWAT, Traffic Safety, the Explorer Program, and the Recruitment & Training Team.

Martinez connects with many of our residents through community events like NMUSD Lunch and Learns, Barktober Fest, Back2School Fresh, Costa Mesa’s Hispanic Heritage event, Access Resource Fair, Bike Safety Presentations, Car Seat Safety, IKEA Trunk or Treat, and the Back to School Resource Fair.

Despite having a full calendar, Martinez still manages to assist her team in an auxiliary manner with the Pink Patch project, Traffic Safety events, and PD ceremonies like the annual recognition awards, promotions, and retirements.

Martinez is known to bring fresh energy and new ideas to work every day. She is a joy to be around and she represents the police department and the City very well. She exemplifies the mission of CMPD and the City with professionalism, empathy, and integrity.

When she is not at work, Martinez is a loving mom to her two daughters and her beloved pet.

Deputy Chief Joyce LaPointe has been named the Interim Police Chief to replace outgoing Chief Ron Lawrence, who is retiring this Friday June 27. This maintains the current strong leadership at the Costa Mesa Police Department.

Interim City Manager Cecilia Gallardo-Daly announced her choice of LaPointe to lead the Department.

“In my time working with Joyce, I have been impressed with her professionalism and dedication,” Interim City Manager Gallardo-Daly said. “She is a trusted leader in the department and is well known to the Costa Mesa community. I’m confident she will be a great Interim Chief who will ensure continuity and uphold the department’s key philosophies of customer service and professional responsiveness to the community, businesses, and City officials.”

Mayor John Stephens congratulated Deputy Chief LaPointe on her new role.

“I’ve worked with Deputy Chief LaPointe many times since I began on City Council, and I know her to be a true professional,” said Costa Mesa Mayor John Stephens. “She has worked side by side with Chief Lawrence to implement innovative police technologies to assist crime fighting efforts, build trust throughout the community and develop police personnel for future leadership positions. The Department will be in very capable hands with her at the helm.”   

Deputy Chief LaPointe said she is grateful for this opportunity.

“Costa Mesa is more than just where I work, it’s where I live, and it’s where I’ve grown both personally and professionally,” said Deputy Chief LaPointe.” I care deeply about this community and I intend to lead with heart, to listen, stay connected, and lead with fairness and accountability. I want to thank the City Council for their continued support, Interim City Manager Gallardo-Daly for entrusting me to lead the hardworking men and women of the Costa Mesa Police Department, and Chief Lawrence for guiding me into this leadership role. I am honored to serve.”

LaPointe was named to the position of deputy chief, the first to hold that role in Department history, in April of 2023.

She began her career in 1997 as a police officer. She held many positions, including patrol officer, FTO, defensive tactics instructor, tactical flight officer, a traffic investigator and more. She promoted to sergeant in 2007, and held various supervisory roles including patrol sergeant, jail sergeant, FTO sergeant, force tactics team supervisor, and emergency management coordinator. 

Her strong work ethic and leadership led to promotions as the first female lieutenant, captain, and deputy chief of the department.

Throughout her long and distinguished career in policing, she has completed several advanced law enforcement training courses including the Sherman Block Supervisory Leadership Institute, Force Science Institute Certificate Course, the Executive Development Courses for both California POST and the California Police Chiefs Association. 

Deputy Chief LaPointe earned her bachelor’s degree in physical education and kinesiology from Vanguard University in Costa Mesa.

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

Roxi Fyad
(714) 754-5282
rfyad@costamesaca.gov

Amid the anxiety and fear that some in our community are experiencing because of recent Federal immigration and deportation actions, the City of Costa Mesa is committed to the safety of all our residents.

We stand firmly by our core values of inclusivity and compassion for all members of our diverse community.

The City of Costa Mesa is dedicated to giving peaceful demonstrators a safe environment to exercise their First Amendment rights. While the city supports the public’s right to assemble and demonstrate, it does not tolerate violence, vandalism, or destruction of property. Anyone committing criminal activity will be held accountable.

The Costa Mesa Police Department cannot and will not enforce immigration laws nor investigate immigration status. If there is a crime that needs to be reported or if you are in need of an officer assistance, our Police Department is here for you regardless of immigration status – do not hesitate to call for help.

We encourage our residents to know all their rights when interacting with Federal immigration officials.

• You are not required to answer questions or open your door unless presented with a warrant signed by a judge, with your name on it.
• Do not sign anything or provide false information.
• Stay calm, stay safe, and look out for one another.

Being informed is a vital part of protecting yourself and your loved ones.

The Costa Mesa City Council voted unanimously at the Tuesday, June 3 closed session meeting to appoint Cecilia Gallardo-Daly as the interim City Manager.

“The Council’s unanimous vote for Cecilia Gallardo-Daly as interim City Manager demonstrates our full trust and confidence in her ability to perform this important role,” Mayor John Stephens said. “I admire Cecilia’s background and experience and look forward to working closely with her to accomplish the council’s goals and to serve our community.”

Gallardo-Daly was appointed as Costa Mesa’s Assistant City Manager in December of 2023 and has been instrumental in managing several large city initiatives, including the potential development of the Fairview Developmental Center.

“I want to thank the Mayor, the Mayor Pro Tem and the City Council for this tremendous opportunity to serve as the interim City Manager. It’s an honor and privilege to be of service to the City in a new way. I’m so very proud to be part of the Costa Mesa team and I look forward to all the great work ahead.”

Prior to her arrival in Costa Mesa, Gallardo-Daly served the City of San Clemente as the Assistant City Manager, and prior to that as the Community Development Director, where she was responsible for implementation of San Clemente’s vision and policy as it relates to land use, economic development, environmental and historic preservation and coastal resiliency. She also worked as a Planning and Environmental Permitting Consultant for local agencies from 2001 to 2013.

She served in several capacities with the City of San Diego, holding the titles of Deputy and Assistant Director of the Development Services Department, Program Manager for the City Planning and Community Investment Department and Senior Planner.

She has also held planning roles for the cities of Austin, Texas and Rancho Cucamonga, Rosemead and Sierra Madre in California.

Gallardo-Daly has a Master of Arts Degree in Urban Planning and a Bachelor of Arts Degree in Political Science both from UCLA.

Due to the observation of the Memorial Day holiday on Monday, May 26, there will be no residential street sweeping the entire week through May 30 as Costa Mesa Sanitary District also observes this holiday pushing trash collection back one day.

This results in residential gutter lines being cluttered with trash cans making it difficult for street sweeper operators to do an efficient job. Street sweeping will resume back to normal schedule starting the week of June 2. No parking citations will be issued during this time.

The following are a list of tasks that Clean Street’s operators will be conducting next week.

• City wide alley street sweeping
• Sweeping of park parking lots and other city-owned facilities
• Accident call outs and special requests
• 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.

The City of Costa Mesa will host a Planning Commission Study Session to discuss the Fairview Developmental Center Specific Plan on Tuesday, May 27 at 6 p.m. in the City Hall Council Chambers, 77 Fair Drive, Costa Mesa.

The purpose of the study session is to provide the Planning Commission and members of the public an opportunity to review and discuss the land use concepts and key components of the Fairview Developmental Center Specific Plan. Topics for discussion will include the proposed land use distribution, open space framework, circulation network, and overall site organization.

Input received during the session will help refine the project description, inform a preferred land use plan, and help define the scope of the project as the City initiates the environmental review process pursuant to the California Environmental Quality Act (CEQA).

No formal action will be taken at this time, and no plan is being approved. Feedback provided during this study session will be shared with the City Council and used to help shape future project direction. The site design and project components may be further modified as part of the CEQA review process to address any environmental impacts that are identified.

Study session materials will be posted soon on the Planning Commission Agenda page.

For updates and more information, please visit:

• Planning Commission Agenda: https://costamesa.legistar.com/Calendar.aspx

• Fairview Developmental Center Specific Plan Website: https://fdcplan.com

If you have any questions, please contact Principal Planner Phayvanh Nanthavongdouangsy at 714-754-5611 or phayvanh@costamesaca.gov.

Asunto: Aviso de Cortesía – Sesión de Estudio de la Comisión de Planificación sobre el Plan Específico del Centro de Desarrollo Fairview

Gracias por su interés en el Plan Específico del Centro de Desarrollo Fairview.

La Ciudad de Costa Mesa llevará a cabo una Sesión de Estudio de la Comisión de Planificación el martes 27 de mayo de 2025, a las 6:00 p.m. en la Sala del Consejo del Ayuntamiento, 77 Fair Drive, Costa Mesa.

El propósito de la sesión de estudio es proporcionar a la Comisión de Planificación y a los miembros del público una oportunidad para revisar y discutir los conceptos de uso del suelo y los componentes clave del Plan Específico del Centro de Desarrollo Fairview. Los temas para discusión incluirán la distribución de uso del suelo propuesto, el marco de espacios abiertos, la red de circulación y la organización general del sitio.

La información recibida durante la sesión ayudará a refinar la descripción del proyecto, informar un plan de uso del suelo preferido y ayudar a definir el alcance del proyecto a medida que la Ciudad inicie el proceso de revisión ambiental de acuerdo con la Ley de Calidad Ambiental de California (CEQA).

No se tomarán acciones formales en este momento y no se aprobará ningún plan. Los comentarios proporcionados durante esta sesión de estudio se compartirán con el Concejo Municipal y se utilizarán para ayudar a dar forma a la dirección futura del proyecto. El diseño del sitio y los componentes del proyecto pueden ser modificados aún más como parte del proceso de revisión de CEQA para abordar cualquier impacto ambiental que se identifique.

Los materiales de la sesión de estudio se publicarán pronto en la página de la agenda de la Comisión de Planificación.

Para actualizaciones y más información, visite:

• Agenda de la Comisión de Planificación: https://costamesa.legistar.com/Calendar.aspx

• Sitio web del Plan Específico del Centro de Desarrollo Fairview: https://fdcplan.com

Si tiene alguna pregunta, comuníquese con la Planificadora Principal Phayvanh Nanthavongdouangsy al 714-754-5611 o phayvanh@costamesaca.gov.