Christmas Greetings From Chuck Norris

Godzilla - Trailer - Official Warner Bros.

Looks like this Godzilla move might actually be decent!

City of Costa Mesa: 47th annual Snoopy House to open Dec. 13 with free train rides

A model train ride for children has been added to the 47th annual Snoopy House holiday display at Costa Mesa City Hall. The Southern California tradition will take place from Dec. 13 to Dec. 25.

The iconic display was originally hosted by the Jordan family in Eastside Costa Mesa for 44 years before City Hall became its new location in 2011.

At the Snoopy House this year, Santa will visit on opening night (Dec. 13) and make nightly stops Dec. 18 through Dec. 23 from 7 to 9 p.m.

In addition to train rides offered by the Orange County Model Engineers, visitors to the Snoopy House can hear two performances each evening by local Costa Mesa schools or groups. Past acts have included choirs, bands and dance groups. The 50-minute slots will be given out on a first-come, first-serve basis.

New this year, the city is also offering fundraising opportunities to nonprofit youth groups to sell beverages and snacks. Evenings will be designated on a first-come, first-serve basis, and groups will be limited to one night.

Those interested in performing at the Snoopy House or having their youth-oriented nonprofit sell beverages and snacks there can contact Jennifer Christ, jennifer.christ@costamesaca.gov or (714) 403-7731.

Enhancing Student Safety in Costa Mesa

In the wake of the Connecticut school shooting, the Costa Mesa Police Department is taking several proactive measures to enhance student safety on school campuses, including the hiring of recently retired Police Officer Jess Gilman to work on the City’s two high school campuses.

Gilman’s return to Costa Mesa and Estancia high schools as a reserve officer is one of several steps the City is taking in conjunction with the Newport-Mesa Unified School District to increase student safety. Other measures will include a review of school security practices and security personnel options, drills to simulate emergency situations, daily patrols of school campuses, and the imminent filling of vacant police officer positions, which will allow for added school resource officers as early as the spring.

“While school security remains the responsibility of the District,” said Police Chief Tom Gazsi, “the City will continue to support these endeavors in a collaborative, aggressive and proactive way.”

“We have enjoyed a collaborative relationship with the City,” said Newport Mesa Unified School District Superintendent Dr. Fred Navarro,” the District is excited that Officer Jess Gilman is returning as a Reserve Police Officer and School Resource Officer. We look forward to continue working with the City to design and develop a model that will continue to make our schools the safest possible.”

Officials with the Costa Mesa Police Department and School District are currently meeting to review District security plans. The Police Department regularly trains for a variety of aggressive behaviors in a number of settings, including schools, colleges, shopping centers, theaters and other sites.

The City of Costa Mesa expects to hire four police officers by mid-January and will add additional fulltime and reserve officers shortly thereafter. The positions are budgeted.

Housing Disaster Assistance

When disaster strikes, it is important to understand the options available to ease the recovery process. While insurance companies and the Federal Emergency Management Agency (FEMA) are always the first points of contact for assistance, many times, they do not cover the full cost of rebuilding or purchasing a new home.

Prospect Mortgage has two programs available to assist in federally declared disaster areas, and we may be able to close the gap between FEMA assistance and what insurance covers.

For Homeowners and Renters Who Need to Move
Homeowners and renters may be able to buy a different home with no money down. The previous residence must have been in the disaster area and is now not habitable.

• Receive 100% financing, no money down on a home purchase.
• Single-family homes and approved condos are eligible (vacation and investment properties are ineligible).
• Must be within one year of the disaster.
• Loans will be made through the FHA 203(h) program.

For Homeowners Who Need to Repair or Rebuild Their Home
Loans are available to either repair or rebuild, and the loan limits are based on the home's value after work is completed.

• Up to 97.75% of the home's expected post-completion value may be financed.
• Insurance settlements and any FEMA grants can reduce the needed loan amount.
• Repairs can range from minor to major renovation (replace roof, repair deck, etc.).
• If the current loan exceeded the value of the property prior to damage the homeowner would need to find additional funds to close.
• Loans will be made through the FHA 203(k) program.
• I am available to talk through options and provide any additional guidance to those who may need it. Feel free to forward this information to anyone you know who may need assistance.

  Useful links:

  FEMA: http://www.fema.gov Phone: (800) 621-FEMA (3362)

  American Red Cross: http://www.redcross.org Phone: (800) RED CROSS (733-2767)

Snoopy House Schedule - Costa Mesa

For the second consecutive year, Costa Mesa City Hall will be home to the 46th annual Snoopy House holiday display from Dec. 14 through Dec. 25 from 5 p.m. to 9 p.m. The iconic display was originally hosted by the Jordan family in Eastside Costa Mesa for 44 years before City Hall became its new location last year.
Volunteers are being sought to assist in various stages of the event to ensure its continued success:

• On Nov. 30 and Dec. 1 from 8 a.m. to 3 p.m., and Dec. 2 from 12 p.m. to 4 p.m., volunteers are needed to assist with moving, setting, and assembling display pieces.
• From Dec. 6 through Dec. 9 from 10 a.m. to 3 p.m., volunteers are needed to assist with painting, trimming, and other maintenance of the display pieces.
• From Dec. 14 through Dec. 25, volunteers are being sought to work at the community booth from 5 p.m. to 9 p.m. nightly.
• From Dec. 26 through Dec. 29 from 10 a.m. to 3 p.m., the display will be disassembled, and volunteers are needed to assist with moving display pieces.

Please note that heavy lifting will be required for those assisting with moving and setting display pieces. Time slots are flexible, and large community groups are welcomed to volunteer. To volunteer, contribute items, or obtain more information, contact Jim Jordan at (714) 556-3036 or snoopyhouse@gmail.com.

In-kind donations of supplies are also being requested and contributions may be made in whole or part. Monetary donations toward the purchase of supplies are also welcomed. Some of the items needed include:

• 12 rolls of LED light strands in C7 or C9 lamp size. Rolls are approximately 65’.
• 50 sleeves of tinsel garland in mixed colors.
• 10 assorted wreaths in 12” to 24” sizes.
• 12 Santa hats.
• 12 cans each of black and white spray paint.
• Epson Artisan 725 printer ink in all colors.
• Matte finish photo paper and photo sleeves to accommodate 2,500 to 3,000 prints.
• 3,000 6” red and white candy canes.
• Apple cider and 6 oz. cups.

For a complete list of supplies needed, please visit the Snoopy House page. To make a monetary donation toward the purchase of supplies, please make checks payable to: City of Costa Mesa Snoopy House. Checks may be dropped off or mailed to: City Hall, Finance Department, 77 Fair Drive, Costa Mesa, CA 92626. A donation drop box will also be available at the community booth during the event.

License Your Dog(s) Costa Mesa

Each dog over four months of age kept in the city of Costa Mesa must be licensed and have a current rabies vaccination. It is required that all dogs wear the license tag at all times, attached to a collar or harness. Dog licenses are non-transferable and non-refundable.

Service dogs registered pursuant to California Food and Agriculture Code sections 30850-30854 as well as retired and active military/police dogs must still conform with local rabies control and licensing laws but are exempt from license fees. Proof of their status is required to receive this exemption.

Licenses are issued on an annual basis and it is the responsibility of the dog owner to ensure that rabies vaccines and dog licenses are kept current.

For more information about licensing your dog goto LICENSING AND PERMITS with the City of Costa Mesa. You can also download the APPLICATION here.