Week in review

More than a hundred years of history was turned upside-down last week

when the city’s dory fishermen learned that a ban on catching rockfish

would likely put them out of business. The next day, federal fisheries

management officials heard the fishermen’s plea and recommended reversing

a portion of the rule in Southern California.

The Auto Bistro building on Coast Highway is being purchased by its

next-door neighbor, Sterling BMW. Though the dealership is staying hush

on what it will do with the land, officials say that expansion of the

dealership could bring some benefits to the city.

Longtime City Council hopeful Ron Winship reentered the city’s

political scene when he announced he would challenge Councilman Gary

Adams for the District 4 council seat. Winship suffered a stunning defeat

in the last election when Adams walked away with 85% of the vote.

Members of the Oasis Senior Center have said their sad goodbyes to the

Oasis Dance Band. The all-volunteer band played Friday afternoon dances

at the center every week for 25 years.

* June Casagrande covers Newport Beach and John Wayne Airport. She may

be reached at (949) 574-4232 or by e-mail at o7

june.casagrande@latimes.comf7 .

Crystal clear safety

To maintain the high-level of security at Crystal Cove State Park,

state parks officials have extended a contract with a firm for another

two months.

The one-year contract between the state and B.R. South Coast Private

Security Services Inc. ended June 30. However, another two months were

added, while parks leaders hand out a new long-term contract.

State managers of the historic cabins at the park, approved $90,000 to

pay for 24-hour monitoring, after the former residents left last July.

The company has been supplying security personnel with badges and guns

to monitor the 46 cottages for potential vandals, curious teenagers and

anyone with bad intentions toward the historic landmark.

* Paul Clinton covers the environment and politics. He may be reached

at (949) 764-4330 or by e-mail ato7 paul.clinton@latimes.comf7 .

An explosive debate

Costa Mesa leaders and residents were thrust head first last week into

a heated exchange about racism, homophobia, hatred and intolerance after

an organized group of young activist questioned the appointments of three

city committee members.

Resident Mira Ingram provided the spark that ignited a long-overdue

discussion on diversity and tolerance in the city when she brought to

light Internet postings by members of the Human Relations Committee that

she found to be racist and homophobic.

Ingram quoted from various posts on a local Web site -- which was

created to encourage discussion among Costa Mesa residents about city

issues -- that were written by current members of the Human Relations

Committee and discussed topics of race and sexual orientation. As a

lesbian, she said she felt comments condemning a homosexual lifestyle

were promoting intolerance.

The three members in question vigorously denied any allegations of

racism or homophobia and defended their positions on the Human Relations

Committee. Those in question said they had a right to their own opinions

and asked that those who disagree, tolerate their differing views.

Councilwoman Libby Cowan said the resulting controversy of the

allegedly offensive Internet postings allow the city to take a hard look

at the “tough issue” that Costa Mesa faces regarding race, legal and

economic status, religion and sexual orientation. She encouraged dialogue

throughout the community in an effort to resolve some misperceptions and

work toward tolerance of all residents.

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

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

Gearing up for business

It was a relatively quiet week for police and fire leading up to the

busy Fourth of July holiday and weekend.

On Tuesday, Costa Mesa fire fighters found themselves having a steep

climb as they battled a small blaze at the Troquet Restaurant in South

Coast Plaza. The fire was sparked by a wood-burning stove but put out

quickly.

And Costa Mesa police were busy trying to figure out if a man arrested

on suspicion of killing a former INS agent also stole a car in the city.

Gregory Michael Pisarcik’s wallet was found in a 1990 Lexus, officials

said.

For lifeguards, the summer is beginning to get up to normal speed,

with rescues numbering the hundreds over the past week. While there have

been a few minor back injuries, none have been serious.

* Deepa Bharath covers public safety and courts. She may be reached at

(949) 574-4226 or by e-mail at o7 deepa.bharath@latimes.comf7 .

School slowdowns

With summer in full bloom, the campuses are quiet as students take

advantage of what every adult wants -- a real summer vacation.

Two Newport-Mesa students got an extra treat during that vacation,

learning last week that they won a Creative Arts Scholarship from the

Disneyland Resort.

Jessica Arias of Estancia High School and Niall Huffman of Costa Mesa

High School will receive a $1,000 scholarship.

They were among 31 students in the county to be honored.

* Deirdre Newman covers education. She may be reached at (949)

574-4221 or by e-mail at o7 deirdre.newman@latimes.comf7 .