Category: Costa Mesa Police Department

Moving right along, so to speak!

Posted on by Terry Wall in Annual Meeting, Candidate Forum, City Council, Civic Activity, Community Action, Community Beautification, Costa Mesa, Costa Mesa Fire Department, Costa Mesa Police Department, Family Fun, Home beautification, Mayor's Race, Mesa Verde, MVCI Board of Directors, MVCI membership, Newport Mesa Unified School District, Parks & Recreation Commission, Parkway Trees, Safety & Security, School Board

Greetings, Mesa Verde!

To say that we’ve just gone through a year of hell would be an understatement! Which is why I haven’t posted as often as I otherwise would have. But here we are…March 11th marked the 1-year anniversary of the Coronavirus Pandemic. It has NOT been pleasant and many folks that I know – including Laurie and I – were infected. The good news is that nearly all of us made it through that gauntlet and we’re witnessing a huge uptick in vaccines getting into the arms of our citizens. And happily, the ‘powers that be’ have seen fit to move us into the more relaxed “Red” status where we can start returning to “normal.” And THAT is good news, indeed!

From time to time, I and many of our board members are asked, What IS Mesa Verde Community, Inc., and what do you do? These questions have been answered, but with so many moving into the neighborhood recently, and to serve as a refresher for some of our “legacy” residents, I thought I’d share a few of the things we do.

  • Host City Council/Mayor Candidate forums every other year
  • Conduct Annual Meetings featuring presenters of interest to our neighborhood
  • Advocacy
    • One Metro West
    • Bikeway & Walkability Committee’s initiatives (Tanager Drive bike trail, Canary Drive bike ramp to Fairview Park)
    • Tanager Park pool initiative
    • Small Cell tower initiative
    • Various issues with CMPD (speeders through the neighborhoods)
    • Parkway (easement) tree program (under Beautification)
  • Ongoing interaction with CMPD, CMFD and NMUSD
  • Supporter of Mesa Verde Living magazine, distributed monthly to 3,000 households in Mesa Verde
  • Manage, restore and replace Mesa Verde community signs in a timely manner
  • Redesigned community website
  • Created social media presence (Facebook, Nextdoor)
  • Community newsletters, email blasts and surveys
  • Several “Info Nights”
  • Community picnic in 2018 and 2019
  • …and so much more!

As was mentioned earlier, the pandemic created a huge distraction and one of the things that may have “fallen through the cracks” is membership in MVCI. Membership has always been voluntary, and this includes the MVCI Board of Directors. Membership dues are the lifeblood of the organization and without them, none of the activities would be possible. Dues are only $20 a year…less than a few trips to Starbucks, and we need your help so that MVCI can continue its 50+ year record of service to the community. Please join or renew today! The membership app is on this website and PayPal is available. Also, feel free to share your input with us at admin@mesaverdecommunity.org.

MVCI is continually looking for “new blood” to participate, including joining the Board of Directors and we encourage residents to get involved. I will be stepping down at the end of March, as is “President Emeritus” Bob Juneman. We haven’t been able to hold an Annual Meeting for two consecutive years due to the pandemic, but the remaining board members have agreed to remain in place until elections can be conducted. The board has also unanimously selected Robin Leffler as President.

Although I am stepping out of my role as MVCI President, I will be staying on as the organization’s technical advisor. To that end, I want to express my gratitude for all the kind words and graciousness that have been sent my way.

See you around the neighborhood! ~Terry

 

Thoughts From The Neighborhood

Posted on by Terry Wall in Annual Meeting, Candidate Forum, City Council, Civic Activity, Community Action, Costa Mesa, Costa Mesa Fire Department, Costa Mesa Police Department, Mayor's Race, Mesa Verde, MVCI Board of Directors, MVCI membership

As many people know, for the last few months, the “President’s Corner” has been published in the neighborhood magazine, “Mesa Verde Living.” Because I felt it redundant to post the same article on the website, I have refrained, having not done so since the January/February edition.

That being said, there is still a lot going on that’s worthy of commentary, so for those who look forward to these posts, here we go…….

The COVID-19 debacle has left us reeling and wondering just what “normal” is going to look like. As a business owner myself, my heart goes out to all those entrepreneurs scrambling to resurrect their businesses, and their livelihoods. Some actually did fine during these last 2+ months and they are to be applauded. Some were able to “pivot” their businesses to be of support to others, and businesses designated “essential” were supremely helpful to everyone and all of our first responders deserve our most sincere gratitude.

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As I’m sure everyone knows by now, MVCI’s Annual Meeting was postponed. The board ultimately reached a decision to cancel the meeting until its regularly scheduled time in 2021. All incumbent board members who were scheduled for re-election will hold their seats until next year. Officers will remain in place, as well. One bit of sad news is that board member John Leffler resigned for personal reasons. We will miss John and his many contributions, and wish him well, going forward. The MVCI City Council Candidate Forum will likely not take place this year, either, but be aware that Districts 1, 2 and 6 have candidates up for election (four-year term), along with a two-year term for Mayor. Elections are scheduled for November 3.

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One Metro West is still out there under consideration. The City Council would prefer to enact an amendment to Measure Y that would effectively exempt developments north of the 405 Freeway, and in the process, grant Rose Equities a “green light” to proceed without going before the voters. As it stands now, the project and any amendments to “Y” have been tabled, in favor of a broader review of development in the city. There are several parcels that should be considered in earnest, including those on Harbor Boulevard, so stay engaged! All development isn’t bad, and we all have a stake in how Costa Mesa moves forward. Remember: Good development has a positive effect on the city’s income and a robust growth strategy can help minimize the need for new or increased taxes for residents.

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Restaurants are opening again, as are many other retailers, barbers, hair and nail salons! Be sure to go and patronize them and thank the ones that stayed open during the pandemic!

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Sadly, racial disharmony has crept back into our lives. We have GOT to find a way to get through this barrier…once and for all. I watched an interview with former NFL tight end Benjamin Watson and he really captured the essence of what we need to be doing: In order to make any meaningful change, “…we have to be willing to be uncomfortable, willing to be honest, a willingness to not be offended and not to offer ‘what-about-isms’ when people talk about the way they feel.” If we’re not willing to move into this kind of dialogue – family, friends, neighbors and loved ones, nothing will change. If that happens, we all lose. If you’d like to see the full Ben Watson interview, click here.

That’s it for now. Let’s all take the high road and make our community and the broader world around us a better place.

Until next time, stay well, and stay safe!

~Terry

President’s Corner — July, 2019

Posted on by Terry Wall in Candidate Forum, City Council, Civic Activity, Community Action, Community Beautification, Costa Mesa, Costa Mesa Fire Department, Costa Mesa Police Department, Family Fun, Home beautification, Mayor's Race, Mesa Verde, MVCI Board of Directors, MVCI membership, Neighborhood Survey, Newport Mesa Unified School District, NMUSD, Parks & Recreation Commission, Parkway Trees, Retail Shopping, Safety & Security, School Board, School District, Tanager Park

 

Hello Mesa Verde, welcome to the dog days of summer. Every year about this time I wonder why we haven’t installed air conditioning in our home. Then, about the time I get ready to make the call, the beautiful Fall weather arrives, and another year goes by.

On occasion I am asked, “what exactly is Mesa  Verde?”  Our Board of Directors defines Mesa Verde as bounded by the River on the west, the 405 Freeway to the north, Harbor Blvd on the east, and the north edge of Fairview Park and the public golf course on the south, including Mesa Verde Collection, 27 Seventy Five, Longwood Greens, and Azulon. More importantly, it is our home, a wonderful community in which to enjoy our lives in comfort and harmony. A treasure to be protected and cherished. We hope you agree.

As I mentioned last month, Karla Stagman, has joined us as our Beautification Chair. Karla and her husband bought their home on Alabama Circle in 2000, and love life in our beautiful community. “I believe that with neighbors working together, Mesa Verde will continue to be one of the top neighborhoods in our area.”  Karla sees her role as an opportunity to collaborate with all of our members to bring a voice to all of Mesa Verde. As a local realtor, Karla sees the “power of true community to enhance the beauty and value of our properties.“ If we raise consciousness about community appearance, it will keep Mesa Verde economically viable and “Beautification will become a fun project.”

There is a new order of things in Costa Mesa. Last November brought a “sea change” to   how our city is governed. Our City Council increased from five to seven members. We changed from an “at large” to a six-district voting system, with an “at large” Mayor. We are finding that the costs of running a growing city are increasing faster that the revenue to pay for it, exacerbated  by the exploding unfunded pension liability, now close to $300,000,000. To quote from the 2019-2020 budget message, “The past six years have marked unparalleled prosperity for Costa Mesa and the recovery from the Great Recession has continued, becoming the longest period of economic growth in history. During that time, the City has also been faced with challenges such as addressing homeless issues and defending itself in lawsuits filed by sober living facilities.”  What this all means is that we need to be prepared for tougher times ahead and be patient.

5G technology is coming, and with it some new concerns. Our Board member and Treasurer, Carri Lang, has been “Bird dogging” this issue for us…click here to see her update and to see the actual letter sent to the City Council under my signature, click here.

Finally, as my term as President expires soon, this is my final President’s Corner. At our August Board meeting we will elect a new leader. Looking back over the past several years, the first thing that comes to mind is how fast time flies! What has our Board of Directors accomplished and how has our association grown? Let’s take a look:

~ We increased our Board from 9 to 11 members.
~ Established the position of Data Manager
~ Initiated videotaping of our annual meetings, viewable on our website HERE
~ Sponsored our traditional Candidate Forum in 2018
~ Initiated our Annual Neighborhood Picnic in 2018, continued in 2019
~ Held first public information meeting jointly with the Newport Mesa School Board and local school principals.
~ Replaced or reconditioned our Mesa Verde gateway signs
~ Advocated in support of the Tanager Drive neighbors to help arrive at an equitable solution to the proposed bike trail
~ Established a Mesa Verde Bulletin Board on our website for the use of our residents
~ Established a close working relationship with our police department to reduce speeding and traffic violations in Mesa Verde.
~ Completed several neighborhood surveys and reported results
~ Enhanced our website and broadened our social media coverage to include Facebook (check here) and Nextdoor (go here).
~ Published four newsletters, mailed to over 3000 Mesa Verde residents
~ Established our “Lifetime Membership.”
~ Initiated our Mesa Verde Volunteer Group (If you have a little extra time to devote, please consider volunteering)
~ Created our first self-guided “Water Wise Garden Tour”

Alas, my biggest disappointment is that we have not significantly increased our membership. We’ve added several new members, including seven lifetimes, but quite a few old members have not renewed. Why not? That’s a question we need to address. And, we will!

As I trust you can know, most of this costs money, and your membership dues and donations are our only source of revenue. Can you guess what I’m asking you to do? Click here and go directly to the membership app.

My thanks to our Board of Directors for  granting me the honor and privilege of serving as your President these two years, and to all of you for your support and encouraging words. A special “well done” to the tremendous help from our volunteer group.

I know that you will accord our new President your continued support.

Respectfully,
Bob

President’s Corner — June, 2019

Posted on by Terry Wall in Civic Activity, Community Action, Community Beautification, Costa Mesa Police Department, Holiday Wishes, Mesa Verde, MVCI Board of Directors, MVCI membership, Neighborhood Survey, Retail Shopping, Volunteers

Hello Mesa Verde, welcome to the “long hot summer!” Hope you all have great plans for family fun and recreation.

We’re continuing to grow; three new members in the past month, and the addition of a new Beautification Chair. Karla Stagman, a resident of North Mesa Verde, has graciously volunteered to head up our beautification efforts. We’ll be hearing more from Karla a bit later.

Traffic Update. Our vice-president, Terry Wall, visited with Lt. Victor Bakkila to get an update on the traffic issues in and around Mesa Verde. “Lt. B” was gracious and generous with his time and very enthusiastic about what they’re able to do regarding the traffic throughout the city. He shared with Terry an incredible analytical computer program that can help pinpoint areas warranting increased law enforcement attention and encouraged us to give him input on specific areas that members of the community might spot. The department also has acquired two additional mobile traffic monitoring trailers and again, if we see an area needing a closer look, all we have to do is ask.

The “30,000-foot view” report lists the top 10 intersections with traffic incidents (collisions); note that a number of them involve locations that are either in or touch Mesa Verde. In order, they are:

  1. Newport Boulevard at 19th Street – 13
  2. Wilson Street at Harbor Boulevard – 13
  3. Victoria Street at Placentia Avenue – 11
  4. Harbor Boulevard at Gisler Avenue – 10
  5. South Coast Drive at Harbor Boulevard – 10
  6. Bristol Street at Baker Street – 9
  7. Fairview Road at Adams Avenue – 9
  8. Harbor Boulevard at Adams Avenue – 9
  9. Newport Boulevard at Harbor Boulevard – 9
  10. 17th Street at Superior Avenue – 7

Date range of this report: 4/1/18 – 4/20/19

Lt. B pointed out that the enhanced police presence contributed to the reduction in violations in the Mesa Verde community, but that it’s an ongoing activity. We are the eyes into the community and if we see something, we should say something, so let us know and we’ll pass your feedback along to CMPD.

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We recently conducted a survey of Mesa Verde, asking what you would like to see in our newsletter. So far we’ve heard from 52 residents; 50 actually responded. Click here to see the results so far. The survey is now closed, but if you intended to reply, please be on the lookout for our next one.

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Carmen Twork of C.J. Segerstrom and Sons, reports that several new restaurants will be coming to “The Shops at Mesa Verde” in the near future. SHABU SHABU, featuring a hot pot style of cooking at your table, is scheduled to open this fall. Slated for early 2020 is “KENWOOD KITCHEN AND TAP”, a full-service restaurant and bar, offering high quality salads, burgers, sandwiches, steaks, chicken, and sea food. Both will occupy spaces adjacent to DESCANSO. “MEDITERRANEAN”, a family owned, fast, casual cafe, famous for kebabs, falafels, and Mediterranean plates, is in the final stages of negotiation, and will round out the restaurant mix at “The Shops”.

Please forgive my “stuck needle”, but we need your membership. Please join, or renew, while you’re thinking of it. Click here to get to our membership application.

Finally, as we look forward to the Fourth of July and our BBQ ‘s and fireworks, let’s remember what we’re celebrating: Our independence from a tyrannical monarch and government.
Let us fly our flag proudly, and be ever thankful for our many freedoms.

Warmly,
Bob

President’s Corner — February, 2019

Posted on by Terry Wall in Annual Meeting, Civic Activity, Community Action, Community Beautification, Costa Mesa, Costa Mesa Fire Department, Costa Mesa Police Department, Home beautification, Mesa Verde, MVCI Board of Directors, MVCI membership

Don’t miss Costa Mesa’s biggest event of the year: Our MVCI ANNUAL MEETING, March 26. Come cast your vote for the re-election of four of our Board members, plus a discussion of membership opportunities and our avenues of communication. Then sit back and listen to Mesa Verde’s own Bill Burke thrill you with his record setting mountain climbing exploits.

March 26th
Mesa Verde United Methodist Church, Fellowship Hall
1701 W. Baker Street, Costa Mesa (Corner Baker and Mesa Verde Drive West)
6:30 Refreshments, meet and greet.  7:00 Meeting

Calendar it now! You won’t want to miss this one.

On February 5th, we held our first joint meeting with the Newport Mesa Unified School District, to inform Mesa Verde residents about what’s going on in our schools.  Board President Charlene Metoyer moderated a panel consisting of five of our school principals, discussing what their schools are offering our students. Thirty or so brave souls ventured out despite the rain, State of the Union address, City Council Meeting, and maybe even a hangover from the Rams’ Super Bowl loss.  Our first attempt; if demand calls, we’ll give it another go next year. Let us know.

We are still working with CMPD on slowing down the speeding in Mesa Verde. Please keep us informed of violations you observe, keeping in mind that the police need specifics to work with. All part of keeping Mesa Verde a safe place to live.

Last month we announced the creation of our new MESA VERDE BULLETIN BOARD, for your use in posting information of interest to MV residents. It will be up and running soon, so keep your eyes out for it. When it goes “live,” you will see a separate tab for it at the top of the page. In the meantime, if you’d like to share any upcoming activities of events, please forward them to admin@mesaverdecommunity.org.

We are looking for a volunteer Data Input Manager. Because of the privacy associated with handling these records, this incumbent will also be a Board member. The position requirements are detailed in the PDF that can be accessed by clicking this link: Membership Database Manager

Our membership count continues to grow, albeit slowly. Renewals are due by March 31st, so why not take care of it right now? You can download a membership application from this website (https://mesaverdecommunity.org/services/).  Also, please help us recruit your friends and neighbors residing in Mesa Verde. Our members are our assets, and the lifeblood of this association, and your dues our only source of revenue.

Finally, look for our March MVCI NEWSLETTER to hit your mailbox around mid-March. And thank you to our MVCI VOLUNTEERS who are joyfully preparing to help us with labeling and mailing. Would you like to serve your community as a MVCI VOLUNTEER? Please contact me at bob@juneman.com and I’ll be happy to explain what is involved.

See you at the Annual Meeting!

Cheers, Bob

President’s Corner — October, 2018

Posted on by Terry Wall in Candidate Forum, City Council, Costa Mesa, Costa Mesa Fire Department, Costa Mesa Police Department, Mayor's Race, Mesa Verde, MVCI membership, Safety & Security, Volunteers

Hello neighbors,

Halloween approaches, but with this warm weather I wonder about the frost on the pumpkin. Maybe it will be a nice evening for the trick or treaters. Got your costume ready?

Our recent candidates forum was very successful. All ten candidates for City Council and Mayor participated, and all performed well. I believe our audience gained a better perspective on the issues facing our community. You may view the entire forum by clicking here.

Our work with the CMPD on traffic issues continues to bring results. Citations for speeding and other violations have increased since the beginning of greater vigilance. Thank you Lt. Bakkila and the traffic division. We will continue to pursue this effort and report to you periodically on the results. Please keep us informed of particular hot spots. Be specific as to time, location and type of violation. To give you an idea of the magnitude of this effort, here are some stats on citations so far this year:

Mesa Verde Drive            20
Adams                             452
Baker                                182
Oriole                                   7
Tanager                              71
Gisler                                 26

The recent grand opening of Fire Station One was a huge success. The facility is a beauty and fully operational. Just another example of “keeping Mesa Verde Safe”. Hats off to our City staff, Chief Stefano, and the CMFD for pulling off the building of this great new asset.

The “Shops at Mesa Verde” are progressing nicely if not quickly. Descanso is scheduled to open the first week of November, and Stylists will open soon with a grand opening set for late November. We will soon see a whole new look for this area.

We are looking for a volunteer “Data Manager” and possible Board member to manage the data base for our growing membership. If interested, please send an email to info@mesaverdecommunity.org, and put “Data Manager” in the subject line.

Finally, thank you and congratulations to Leah Ersoylu, our newest Lifetime member. If you have not renewed your membership for this year (Apr 1 – Mar 31), this is a great time to do so. Click here  to access the application form (PDF).

‘Til next month,
Happy Halloween!

Bob

President’s Corner — September, 2018

Posted on by Terry Wall in Candidate Forum, City Council, Civic Activity, Community Action, Costa Mesa, Costa Mesa Police Department, Mayor's Race, Mesa Verde, MVCI Board of Directors, MVCI membership, Safety & Security

It’s that time again – beginning of Fall, kids back in school, and the silly season (elections) is upon us. So, I should begin this month’s President’s Corner by reminding you of our MVCI Candidate Forum, October 4th. It’s a new ball game for Costa Mesa; election of Council members by district, and an independently elected mayor by the electorate at large. All candidates have accepted our invitation to participate, and all residents of Costa Mesa are invited to attend. Please see the detailed notice posted on this website under Neighborhood News.

By now you have received our semi-annual newsletter. Many hours of work by our Board of Directors have gone into this production, and we hope you enjoy it. As always, we appreciate feedback on what you want to see in this publication. A special thank you to our MVCI Volunteers, Gayle Rindge, Cindy Veach, Christine Williamson, Karen Jovanovic, and Ginger Juneman for their help in getting this edition labeled and stickered.

In my August President’s Corner I mentioned our work with the CMPD in identifying and curbing speeding in our neighborhoods. We are already seeing some early results, thanks to Lt. Bakkila and the traffic division. Covert cameras have been placed in strategic locations throughout Mesa Verde. Just a word to the wise: Yes, Costa Mesa can always use some extra revenue, but let’s not donate it through traffic fines!

We are working on a “Town Hall” style forum with our new school board, hopefully in January. We expect that families with school age children will be especially interested in the philosophy and policies of the folks that set the agenda for our teachers. Stay tuned for date and time.

Finally, if you have not yet renewed your membership in MVCI, please do so. A membership form can be downloaded from this website.

‘Til next month, be happy in your work.🤠

Bob

President’s Corner — August, 2018

Posted on by Terry Wall in Civic Activity, Community Action, Costa Mesa Police Department, Mesa Verde, MVCI membership, Neighborhood Survey

In last month’s President’s Corner, I reviewed comments from our recent survey. The most prevalent pertained to traffic issues; speeding, running stop signs, and noise.  We brought this to the attention of CMPD, and got the immediate response of Chief Rob Sharpnack, “I think we can help you, but specifics would be helpful.” So, we got them, from you, our residents.  Keep the comments coming: where, what time, what day. Is it speeding, running stop signs, etc. Be specific.  We are gathering all this information and working with Lt. Victor Bakkila, traffic division.  Let’s hope we can make a big dent in this  problem. This will be an ongoing project, and we will keep you informed of progress.

We are working on some informational Town Hall meetings in the next few months, and will announce soon. Mark your calendar for October 4th, when we will be holding our candidate forum for City Council and Mayor.

Elsewhere in this newsletter/website, you will find more detailed info on the candidate forum, The Shops at Mesa Verde, and the opening of Fire Station One.

We still have a good inventory of our famous NO SOLICITATION signs, including mounting brackets, for $5 each. Please contact Arlene Jones at 714-540 6039.

Once again, please remember to renew your MVCI membership. If you are not yet a member, please consider joining us. We have a downloadable application on the website, or, if you’re “low tech” (like me), call me at 714-241 9951 and I’ll help you get aboard.  Membership is our lifeblood, and your annual dues the only resource for our activities.  We keep the membership list on the website and it is up to date. Thank you!

‘til next time,

Bob

PRESIDENT’S CORNER — JULY 2018

Posted on by Terry Wall in Civic Activity, Community Action, Costa Mesa, Costa Mesa Police Department, Family Fun, Home beautification, Mesa Verde, Safety & Security

Many of you were kind enough to complete our recent survey, so I thought I would summarize the most common themes, in response to the last survey question, “What would you like to see most from MVCI?”

1. Provide information on what is going on in town, especially Mesa Verde.

2. What is being done about the homeless and the sober living facilities?

3. Organize more community activities, I.e. town halls, etc.

4. Remind residents to keep their property presentable.

5. Stop the speeding in our neighborhoods.

6. Keep us informed as to what the city council is up to.

7. Do not engage in politics.

8. What are the benefits of membership in MVCI?

9. Why is crime increasing?

10. You’re doing fine-just keep it up.

Of course, we wish all responses were #10, but then, we wouldn’t have anything left to do. Let’s look at some of these themes. #1: we will step up the pace. Please check our website, as we try to keep it fresh. www.mesaverdecommunity.org. Also, visit our Facebook page (https://www.facebook.com/groups/1083641171668836/), and sign up for our e-mail blast at admin@mesaverdecommunity.org. Our next semi-annual newsletter is scheduled for publication in late September. #3: we’re working on several town hall events during the Winter. We will be holding a candidate’s forum in October, our annual meeting in March, and our picnic in May.  #5: Would love to. We will notify CMPD of the concern in our community.  #7: We don’t. We are a non-political. Non-partisan association. #8: Great question! Please visit our website as to who we are and what we do.

We will work on a more persuasive statement, but keep in mind our mission statement “Inform, Protect and Beautify” Mesa Verde. These are the ends to which we strive, in our advocacy for Mesa Verde residents. Finally, #9, CMPD statistics indicate crime to actually be decreasing, but, if it happens in your neighborhood, ….. well, that’s different. We might suggest you consider forming a Neighborhood Watch group, sponsored by our Police Dept. We can help you with that.

We appreciate your participation in our survey, and we will be doing these periodically. If you have a specific problem, please contact us through our website. We will do our best to help you. We will release other survey findings in subsequent posts.

Thanks for tuning in.

Bob Juneman
President

Neighborhood Watch

Posted on by Terry Wall in Civic Activity, Community Action, Costa Mesa, Costa Mesa Police Department, Mesa Verde

 

Neighborhood Watch

“The eyes and ears of law enforcement”

Mesa Verde State Streets

October 2, 2017

 

Our initial meeting was last night and well attended. We estimate over 40 people came to hear the Costa Mesa PD Public Affairs Manager Roxi Fyad speak about crime prevention. She opened up by introducing herself with a little bit of her career history, starting her career as a 2nd responder, then she worked as the spokeswoman for the District Attorney’s office for 9 years and is now the with the CMPD. She has been trained on crime prevention.

Roxi gave the history on Neighborhood Watch, and how the community and the local police department can team up to prevent criminal activity. She explained the history of the last 3 months for our neighborhood and stated that we have had 35 burglary calls in 3 months, and many calls for the Vagabond Inn.

Costa Mesa is divided into 2 areas. 6 officers are on patrol at a time in our area which is Area 2. There are 119 sworn in officers on the force at this time but that number should be going up.

She placed importance on always locking up your home and vehicles to lower the opportunities for these crimes to be committed, as well as installing flood lights, RING doorbells, keeping your porch light on at night, and cameras that can view license plates and have great picture quality to be able to see faces clearly. Taking these precautions will slow down the opportunity for the crime to happen. Another point Roxi made was that we need to keep anything that looks valuable out of sight, when inside our vehicles. Even having mail on the front seat can be a lure for them to think that maybe one of those envelopes might have a credit card or check inside.

Officer J. Korte arrived and reiterated a lot of what Roxi had said. He has been with CMPD for the last 3 years and was with Redondo PD before joining up with CMPD. Many of the neighbors that attended gave personal stories of what they have experienced, and Officer Korte explained that there are a number of reasons which these individuals are in our neighborhoods. Starting with Prop. 47, which means many people who have committed crimes have short custody lengths, along with the individuals who come to Costa Mesa to seek help for their substance abuse issues who are placed back on the streets. These individuals become homeless in our area. The suggested long term fix was – People need to step up to be leaders, starting at the city level then county and state. Coming out to vote for what is important to us is also a step in the right direction.

Officer Korte said it is legal to take pictures of these individuals if they are out in a public place. Every situation is different, and some of these individuals who are causing issues in our neighborhood can be dangerous, so it is advised to always be safe and to call the police.

Knowing who your neighbors are is important. If you see anybody that look suspect or out of place, it is highly recommended to call the CMPD. One of the things that the officers hear a lot is that people don’t call because they don’t want to bother the police. But when we don’t call, the police will not know that there is an issue in that area. Roxi also stated that she really likes Nextdoor.com, and CMPD are planning on establishing an account in the near future. CMPD is already on Facebook and Twitter. A website that Roxi suggested was Nixle.com, which keeps you up-to-date with relevant information from your local public safety departments & schools. All you have to do is log in to nixle.com and type in your zip code, or text your zip code to 888777 to opt-in. There is also a Manual for Neighborhood Watch if you have any questions about how to be a part of one in your area.

Here is the link: https://www.costamesaca.gov/modules/showdocument.aspx?documentid=25236

The City of Costa Mesa is in the midst of looking for a crime analyst to hire to give us a picture of all the crimes happening in Costa Mesa.

We are the eyes and ears of our area, and the police cannot see everything. They will only know there is an issue if we call and report. When the crowd was asked if they had been affected by the crime issues in our area, about 90% raised their hands.

A good question asked was: “What is a good way to approach a criminal?”

Answer: If you see someone that is dangerous, do not put yourself in danger. If they have something in their hand, do not approach them. Just call the police and be ready to describe the appearance of the individual in question.

By locking up our vehicles and homes every time, we will help slow down the situation, and the criminals will have less reason to return. One of the neighbors suggested gathering funds from interested Mesa Verde residents to install a high tech camera in the neighborhood. It would require approval from the City in order to place that camera on any city property so Roxi asked this neighbor to email her, and maybe that is something that they can look into.

I hope that this gives us neighbors a better idea of what is happening here in Mesa Verde and Costa Mesa. We will reach out again soon to give you all an update of our areas neighborhood watch team. Thanks to Roxi Fyad and Officer Korte for coming out and informing us, John and Cindy Leffler for putting this together and to all the neighbors who attended the meeting.

 

Respectfully submitted by,
Virginia Vargas