Sounding Board -- Joel Faris
City activism seems to be in full swing. Residents of Costa Mesa are
speaking up for each other and initiating action that should bring
improvement throughout our city. Various activist groups are addressing
the City Council, networking through the Web and participating in
community events in an attempt to fix current problems and guide future
planning.
City activists, like the population as a whole, come from diverse
backgrounds and adhere to a range of political and social thought. The
one overriding principle we try to adhere to, however, is the building of
a solid future for Costa Mesa that challenges us in an attempt to reach
our full potential.
A recent editorial (“Westside improvers need to pick better battles,”
Feb. 3), however, chastised certain activists when they, in the writer’s
view, attacked Habitat for Humanity’s proposed project at 1925 Pomona
Ave. The editorial went on to say that “passions turned ugly and attacks
were made on undeserving targets.” The writer apparently took comments
made, grouped them together as one and used them to create a warped
picture in which activists are seen as vicious and careless in their
quest to control the destiny of the Westside.
It seems to me and to others who made comments to me that the writer
was either being unfair or lacked the drive to state the whole, unbiased
truth.
At a recent council meeting, Habitat for Humanity’s proposal to
convert apartments into condominiums was presented, questioned, discussed
and voted on. It followed the regular procedures. Activists, as well as
neighbors who usually do not participate in city affairs, questioned Mark
Korando, Habitat’s coordinator for this project, and presented him with
their concerns.
The issue I addressed dealt with the building of an additional
structure on the property, thus cutting down considerably on open space
for children. (The condos are being marketed to large families.) Without
open space, these children will undoubtedly be out on Pomona Avenue, a
stone’s throw from two liquor stores, a pawn shop, a soup kitchen and an
alley (not the ideal playground).
Councilwoman Karen Robinson shared similar concerns. Korando rebutted
by saying that the additional unit was necessary, and that was the end to
that discussion. At that point, I still supported the project.
The whole exchange was common; just about every project considerable
in size is challenged by someone or some group, with the end result
usually being better-planned projects. I would dread to think how much
worse things would be if the Home Ranch project went unchallenged. Also,
picture the nightmare 17th Street would be if the city got its way and
widened it.
Activists from throughout the city have fought and continue to fight
for what most residents and business there want: a street with a
village-like atmosphere that takes into consideration those who are most
impacted.
The history of planning in Costa Mesa has been at times a sad, twisted
joke. There are schools and homes adjacent to polluting industry, traffic
patterns that favor commuters from neighboring cities over Costa Mesa
residents, so many liquor stores along 19th Street that it could
justifiably be renamed Jack Daniel’s Avenue, homes next to freeways and
industry along the coastal bluffs, etc. I am sure others could add to the
list.
Two goals that are common among citywide activists are to correct past
mistakes when possible and to plan wisely for the future. While Habitat
is an incredibly worthy organization (its attributes are seemingly
endless), they also require some oversight. (Apparently this is their
first rehabilitation, as opposed to their usual practice of building
single-family, detached homes.
It is my opinion that they are making improvements to the city and
should be praised. The project could have been better, of course, but it
still remains an improvement. There are others who would disagree and say
that this kind of improvement is the wrong way to go. Those people have a
right to fight for an even better project, and it could be argued that we
would be better off for it; however, the council has made its decision,
and it may be time to focus energies elsewhere.
I hope the current trend continues and more and more people join the
fight in preserving what is good in Costa Mesa and arguing the point for
wiser planning. As the Westside continues to shape a vision for some
degree of redevelopment, and other areas of the city target specific
problems, I hope that vigilance will remain and that our leaders will
listen.
Of course, at times, not everyone will agree with every aspect of what
improvement really consists of; however, the democratic process is
amazing and some appreciation should be acknowledged for Costa Mesa
residents who support that process.
* JOEL FARIS is a Costa Mesa resident and potential candidate for City
Council.
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