COSTA MESA : Drunk Driving Fines on Council Agenda

The City Council will meet at 6:30 p.m. tonight to decide whether to alter the way it assesses fines for drivers convicted of driving under the influence of alcohol.

The proposal would reduce the fines for a conviction from $1,000 per drunken driving-related accident to $500 if police alone respond and $500 if fire personnel or paramedics respond. On Nov. 16, 1992, the City Council approved the $1,000 fine, but complaints soon arose when only one agency responded to the scene. The City Council could alter the fee to make it more equitable, officials said.

The council will also consider the partial closing of South Coast Drive and Hyland, Sunflower, Cadillac and Scenic avenues for Costa Mesa High School’s second annual Mesa 500 5K Run/Walk, which is scheduled for Nov. 12.

The event, sponsored by South Coast Metro Rotary Club and State Farm Insurance, will raise money to support school programs and services.

Finally, the council will weigh awarding $10,000 in community development block grants for improvements at the Orange Coast Interfaith Shelter and the Newport-Costa Mesa-Irvine YMCA.

At the shelter, $1,717 would be used to install an awning to protect the outdoor cafeteria from weather and direct sunlight. A water fountain and screen doors would also be installed at the shelter for homeless families.

The YMCA would use its $8,283 to create a therapy group meeting room and a library. Though the center is in Irvine, 45% of its clients are from Costa Mesa. Private offices will also be built at the YMCA Community Counseling office at 2 Executive Circle, in Irvine.