May was much less busy than March and April at City Hall, but it didn’t come without some contentiousness. The meeting schedule was lighter, but we were still reeling from the news in April that the City spent $7 million more than projected in 2025-2026. Below is a summary of City Hall activity for May 2026. Council, Commission and Committee Meetings: City Council: three meetings held; Planning Commission: no meetings held (That’s right! No meetings!); Finance and Pension Adv

Two meetings held last week deserve closer attention from Costa Mesa residents. Because of their importance—and how they connect—this will be a two-part update, so be sure to read both parts. PART ONE — CITY COUNCIL “ADOPTS” A BUDGET—OR DID IT? At the Tuesday, June 2, 2026 Regular Meeting, the Costa Mesa City Council voted to adopt a budget for Fiscal Year 2026–2027. On the surface, that may sound routine. But a closer look raises an important question: was a complete and mea

Two meetings held last week deserve closer attention from Costa Mesa residents. Because of their importance—and how they connect—this will be a two-part update, so be sure to read both parts. PART ONE — CITY COUNCIL “ADOPTS” A BUDGET—OR DID IT? At the Tuesday, June 2, 2026 Regular Meeting, the Costa Mesa City Council voted to adopt a budget for Fiscal Year 2026–2027. On the surface, that may sound routine. But a closer look raises an important question: was a complete and mea

In some respects, April was a calmer month at City Hall, but that didn’t mean there wasn’t controversy. The meeting schedule was lighter, but there were a few long meetings, with some of the items being controversial. At the end of the month, the City released the draft environmental report on the Fairview Park Master Plan Update, which disclosed the City’s site choice for the relocated fly field. Below is a summary of City Hall activity for April 2026. Council, Commission, a

In some respects, April was a calmer month at City Hall, but that didn’t mean there wasn’t controversy. The meeting schedule was lighter, but there were a few long meetings, with some of the items being controversial. At the end of the month, the City released the draft environmental report on the Fairview Park Master Plan Update, which disclosed the City’s site choice for the relocated fly field. Below is a summary of City Hall activity for April 2026. Council, Commission an

March was an exceptionally busy month at City Hall. So busy, in fact, that this report is divided into two parts. In addition to a heavy meeting schedule (we attend as many as we can), the City released the Fairview Developmental Center Specific Plan, a nearly 300‑page document. After a thorough review, we submitted a detailed 24-page comment letter addressing key concerns. We’ve already reported on several March meetings (links included below). Unfortunately, one of our writ