Costa Mesa steps away from airport litigation

Lolita Harper

COSTA MESA -- The City Council refused Monday to join the campaign to

overturn Measure W, calling the process “stupid,” as well as a waste of

time and energy.

Despite Councilman Chris Steel’s protests, council members cast a

split vote that killed any chance of the city becoming a plaintiff in a

yet-to-be-filed lawsuit challenging the Orange County Central Park and

Nature Initiative, more commonly known as Measure W.

Councilmen Gary Monahan and Steel dissented.

Steel vigorously challenged the council majority, saying it was the

city’s responsibility to fight for an airport at the closed El Toro

Marine Corps Air Station to ensure that not only the county’s air

transportation needs are met but that residents will not suffer from the

negative effects of a possible John Wayne Airport expansion.

“If we don’t join the lawsuit, can’t we at least postpone this to

[gather] more information?” Steel asked.

Councilwoman Libby Cowan, who has consistently opposed what she calls

ballot-box planning, labeled the process “stupid” and said it was time to

move on and concentrate on John Wayne Airport.

“I don’t need any more information,” Cowan said. “It is time to put

this to rest. . . . [John Wayne Airport] is a completely different issue

than this challenge would ever address.”

In March, Orange County voters passed the initiative, which changes

the zoning of the base to park and open space, and essentially blocks an

international airport at the site.

Immediately after the passage of Measure W, a petition was filed in

Superior Court by the Airport Working Group, a local organization that

favors an international airport at El Toro, to challenge the measure’s

legality.

The Orange County Regional Airport Authority agreed to appear as a

plaintiff in the lawsuit and is asking that Costa Mesa consider the same.

Although the county overwhelmingly supported Measure W, election

results show 68% of Costa Mesa voters sided against a zoning change.

Steel dismissed criticism that he should respect the will of all Orange

County voters, saying other cities’ voters were not his concern.

“I’m representing the city of Costa Mesa, and I’m supporting my

electorate,” Steel said.

Audience members supported Steel, saying the City Council should

listen to its residents. Two of the six people who spoke in favor of

joining the lawsuit were Costa Mesa residents. The other four hailed from

Newport Beach and Irvine.

Jack Wagner, deputy director of the airport authority, assured council

members that the lawsuit was legally sound. He said the city would not

have to pay for any portion of the legal costs and that his agency just

wanted to use the city as a political statement. Eight other cities have

already signed on, he said.

“Let’s not kid ourselves,” Wagner said. “Listen to your constituents

and join us.”

* Lolita Harper covers Costa Mesa. She may be reached at (949)

574-4275 or by e-mail at o7 lolita.harper@latimes.comf7 .