Costa Mesa & Marine Wives Need Your Help

Wanted: A few, good formal dresses for wives of city's adopted Marines

The City of Costa Mesa and the Costa Mesa Military Affairs team are seeking donations of new or lightly used prom dresses, ball gowns, cocktail dresses and accessories for the spouses of 1st Battalion, 5th Marines (1/5), the infantry battalion that the city has adopted.

The dresses will be wore at the annual Marine Ball, which will take place in November and celebrates the anniversary of the Marines Corps' founding.

The collection point for the dresses will be the footlocker in the lobby of City Hall at 77 Fair Drive. Donations will be accepted now through Sept. 18. 

For further information, please contact Dan Baker at (714) 754-5156.

Costa Mesa Active in Reducing Flooding, Improving Water Quality

Work underway on major underground catch basin to reduce flooding, improve water quality

 

The City of Costa Mesa is digging a big hole for itself in Lions Park.
It’s part of a $4.7 million project that will reduce flooding on the Westside during rain storms and improve water quality at local beaches.
The current storm drain system, constructed decades ago, is significantly undersized to meet the volume of surface water produced during heavy rains. The drainage project—which includes a large underground catch basin between the Downtown Community Center and the Costa Mesa Historical Society—will increase the capacity of the entire storm drain system by 20% and will substantially reduce flooding in the area.
A parallel storm drain system is also being built on Anaheim Avenue between Plumer Street and 18th Street.
In addition, the new drainage system will eliminate accumulated surface pollutants that are washed into the storm drains and flow unfiltered to the Pacific Ocean.

The project is being funded by a $2.8-million grant from the Orange County Transportation Authority. The city is matching the grant funds with drainage fees and in-kind services performed by the Engineering Division staff. Construction is expected to be completed by November.

Costa Mesa Street Improvements Continue

East 17th Street improvements taking place through October

Expect lane closures during business hours between Santa Ana and Irvine avenues

 

Construction is underway to beautify and improve traffic flow on a two-block segment of East 17th Street. The project—expected to be completed in mid-October—will add decorative crosswalks and sidewalks, streetlights, medians, and parkway trees between Santa Ana and Irvine avenues. Right-turn lanes at the intersection of East 17th Street and Tustin Avenue will also be installed, resulting in decreased traffic congestion.
One-lane closures in each direction are in effect during construction hours, and all lanes are open during peak commuter morning and afternoon hours.

Major improvements to East 17th Street began in 2006 when the city enhanced the area between Orange and Santa Ana avenues, which has led to significant commercial renovation along that portion of the street.

“East 17th Street is a frequently utilized thoroughfare, and one of our city’s showcases for retail businesses and restaurants,” City Chief Executive Officer Tom Hatch said. “These enhancements will increase the visibility and accessibility of Eastside businesses, as well as improve traffic circulation and overall quality of life for our residents.”

Public Services Department staff successfully acquired a $500,000 Federal Transportation Enhancement Activities grant to fund a majority of the project’s estimated $776,995 cost. The balance will be funded through Air Quality Management District funds, and City Traffic Impact Fees.