Costa Mesa Confidential

03/17/2025

REPOST Daily Pilot: Side Street Cafe bids farewell to Costa Mesa community after over 32 years of welcoming friends, family and ‘cheapskates’.

Owner Diane Beach said she opened the restaurant out of necessity. She had been working in construction, laying tile, when her knees started to give out. So she pivoted.

03/10/2025

Costa Mesa’s proposed Trap-Neuter-Return program for feral cats faces delays amid legal uncertainties and policy concerns, leaving the city’s humane cat population control efforts in limbo.

City’s Efforts to Manage Feral Cat Population Face Legal and Policy Challenges. Costa Mesa’s initiative to implement a Trap-Neuter-Return (TNR) program for managing its feral cat population has encountered significant delays due to legal ambiguities and policy concerns. TNR, a method where feral...

01/27/2025

REPOST OC Register: A passenger of a man suspected of attempting to steal cars was killed in a crash during a Newport Beach police pursuit that ended in Costa Mesa early Sunday morning, Jan. 26, authorities said.

The pursuit abruptly ended after the suspect crashed into a Southern California Edison pole at the intersection of Santa Ana Avenue and 22nd Street in Costa Mesa.

01/07/2025

Costa Mesa resident George Estrada Tellez, 63, tragically died after being struck by two cars while walking on 1st Street in Santa Ana. Both drivers remained at the scene and cooperated with police. Investigators are seeking more information about the incident.

George Estrada Tellez was hit while walking on 1st Street; both drivers remained at the scene. A 63-year-old man from Costa Mesa has died after being hit by two cars Friday evening in Santa Ana, authorities confirmed. The incident occurred around 6 p.m. on 1st Street between Clara Street and...

12/01/2024

After over a century in Fort Worth, Dickies is relocating its headquarters to Costa Mesa, California, impacting approximately 120 employees. The move aims to foster collaboration with sister brand Vans and revitalize the iconic workwear label.

The 102-year-old workwear brand moves to California, impacting approximately 120 employees. Dickies, the iconic workwear company founded in Fort Worth in 1922, is set to move its headquarters to Costa Mesa, California, by May 2025. This decision, confirmed by parent company VF Corporation, will affe...

11/15/2024

Costa Mesa City Council candidate Jeff Pettis has won his District 6 race with 50.5% of the vote, according to the latest counts.

11/15/2024

Costa Mesa City Council candidate Michael Buley has won his District 1 race, with 54% of the vote, according to the latest reports.

11/15/2024

Costa Mesa Mayor John Stephens has won re-election with 53% of the vote, according to latest reports.

10/31/2024

Orange County prosecutors have charged Daniel Aldrich with the murder of Julie Sanetra, a former National Merit Scholar and beloved animal lover, in Costa Mesa. Authorities vow to seek justice for her and her family.

Prosecutors reveal tragic death of Orange County woman passionate about Southeast Asia and dogs. Julie Anne Sanetra, a former National Merit Scholar from Costa Mesa, was found dead last week in what authorities describe as a brutal act allegedly committed by her boyfriend, Daniel Allen Aldrich, 49.....

10/09/2024

After more than a decade of planning, Costa Mesa’s Lions Park café is finally under construction, but not without controversy over rising costs and delays. Will it be worth the wait?

Years of stalled plans for a café at Lions Park are finally taking shape as construction begins, but financial mismanagement delayed progress. Construction has begun on a long-anticipated café at Costa Mesa’s Lions Park, after nearly a decade of delays caused by funding issues. The project, loca...

10/06/2024

Incumbent Mayor John Stephens is seeking re-election in Costa Mesa’s upcoming mayoral race, highlighting his track record of infrastructure improvements, public safety innovations, and fiscal management. His challenger, financial planner and business owner James Peters, is running on a platform focused on addressing crime, homelessness, and overdevelopment.

Incumbent Democrat Mayor John Stephens defends the city’s top position against licensed financial planner and local business owner James Peters. Costa Mesa residents will vote for four seats in the City Council election in less than 40 days, featuring a mix of incumbents looking to continue their ...

10/05/2024

Costa Mesa’s District 6 election sees Mayor Pro Tem Jeffrey Harlan seeking reelection. Harlan emphasizes his experience, highlighting progress in public safety, homelessness solutions, and infrastructure. He calls for continued leadership to keep the Eastside thriving. Challenger Jeff Pettis, a mental health professional, pushes for new direction, citing concerns about crime and homelessness.

District 6, which covers the city’s east side, will see Mayor Pro Tem Jeffrey Harlan seek reelection against challenger Jeff Pettis. Costa Mesa residents will vote for four seats in the City Council election in less than 40 days, featuring a mix of incumbents looking to continue their work and...