Chili cook-off includes a pinch of politics

The 11th annual Halecrest Park Chili Cook-Off is coming up Saturday, and it’s shaping up to be both festive and political.

Political in that, of the 16 chili contestants so far, many are already at odds over completely unrelated matters, in debates both online and at City Hall, over their visions for Costa Mesa.

But can they make a good chili?

Costa Mesa Public Square, a Facebook group whose membership often leans in favor of the council majority, is in. So are Costa Mesans for Responsible Government, an activist group that dissents on much of what the council majority does, and Costa Mesa First, which opposes many developments the council majority has approved and is circulating a petition to get voters directly involved.

The Costa Mesa City Employees Assn. is submitting a chili too. Its members battled the council majority not too long ago over a proposed layoff attempt that went to court.

And, in a seemingly unusual twist, another contestant is Solid Landings Behavioral Health. The sober-living company is facing potential litigation from City Hall after allegedly failing to obey municipal codes at its rented Westside office building.

“I think they’re all going to be on their best behavior,” said event organizer and Halecrest Park manager Diana Moore. “That’s what we’re hoping for.”

Moore noted that the cook-off has always had council candidates, though in this non-election year, it’s brought more political groups.

All that aside, she added, “It’s a fun event. It’s always a really good day.”

The chili judges are Police Chief Robert Sharpnack, Fire Chief Dan Stefano and Jacob Haley, principal of Costa Mesa High School. Prizes include a two-night hotel stay, an Apple TV and restaurant gift cards.

The event also features live music, a children’s bounce house, beer, wine and food. Proceeds benefit California Elementary School.

The Halecrest Chili Cook-off started on a small cul-de-sac in Halecrest more than a decade ago before growing too big for its roots. It’s now based at Halecrest Park, a privately run, membership-based facility.

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IF YOU GO

What: 11th annual Halecrest Park Chili Cook-Off

When: 1 to 4 p.m. Saturday

Where: Halecrest Park, 3107 Killybrooke Lane, Costa Mesa

How much: Free admission

For more information or to enter a chili: Call (714) 557-7234