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

February was a busy month! We’ve already reported on the February 9 Planning Commission meeting because of the surprise withdrawal by Segerstrom of its properties from the Housing Element. Here’s an update on the rest of the month: Council and Committee Meetings: City Council held two meetings; Planning Commission met twice; Active Transportation Committee met once; Fairview Park Steering Committee held one meeting; and Finance and Pension Advisory Committee was schedule

f you want to skip to the item that will most likely have the most impact on your daily life, go to the Planning Commission New Business item near the bottom.

But Mousie, thou art no thy-lane, In proving foresight may be vain: The best laid schemes o’ Mice an’ Men Gang aft agley, An’ lea’e us nought but grief an’ pain, For promis’d joy! From “To a Mouse” by Robert Burns Translation: But little mouse, you’re not alone, In proving foresight may be vain: The best laid plans of mice and men Go oft awry, And leave us only grief and pain, For promised joy! A PLANNING PROCESS IN DISARRAY If grief and pain were on dis