Sometimes, reporters just have to get involved

I often try to stay away from city activities, committees and

overall involvement during my off time, given my job at the Pilot is

to report to you -- the reader -- an objective, spectator’s view of

what goes on here.

Although I live here, I keep my community involvement at arm’s

length so I run less risk of being accused of bias because of my

connection to some organization, group, association ... you get the

picture.

There is one city-sponsored program that I refuse to divorce

myself from: the Summer Concert in the Park Series.

Call me biased, I don’t care. I will not give up Tuesday nights

spent sitting on a blanket in Fairview Park with my son while a

small-time band plays classic tunes. Not only do I plan to continue

attending these concerts, I am going to use this column to tell you

why should also.

First of all, they are free.

The first concert Donovan and I attended, I packed two sandwiches,

a bag of pretzels, two juice boxes and some fruit. We sat with our

legs crossed and enjoyed a simple picnic dinner, with the ocean

breezes lapping at our hair. The total cost of what I affectionately

refer to as our “date night”: less than $3.

On Tuesday, I was a little less organized and happened to remember

on my way home from the gym that it was “music park night” (as

Donovan calls it). No worries. A quick stop to our favorite local

fast-food chain and we were on our way. Total cost: about $4.

Aside from being inexpensive, the concerts provide a great way to

meet your neighbors, city leaders or -- if you are like me --maybe

other single parents.

The concerts attract a wide variety of people who are all there

for the same reason -- to unwind and have some fun. You could find

yourself on the makeshift dance floor, shaking your groove thang next

to someone you’ve seen at the grocery store, a PTA meeting, soccer

game or City Council meeting.

If you are like Donovan and me, you will opt for the more athletic

option, as the mobile recreational van is stationed at the park with

footballs, soccer balls, Frisbees and jump ropes to borrow. Some

families partake in traditional games of catch, while clumps of kids

organize their own informal soccer or football game.

My son likes to check out the volleyball, kick it like a soccer

ball and in between passes, dance to the music. That’s fine with me

because while he is getting down to the music, I use him as a human

cone and dribble around him, practicing my latest soccer jukes.

Once I’ve gotten around him, he’s usually ready to receive another

pass. We must look silly to onlookers but that’s the beauty of this

venue -- nobody cares!

When the band announces its final songs, Donovan and I head back

to our blanket, where we snuggle as the sun begins its descent. We

nod our heads to the music and quietly enjoy the company of our

neighbors.

So much of my involvement with the city revolves around City Hall

or controversial issues, such as the Job Center or RV parking. It’s

nice to have a place where I can forget that I am a reporter, act

like a fool, break out some funky dance moves and just enjoy what

makes Costa Mesa such a great place to call home.

I rarely get a chance to publicly express my opinion about a city

policy, program or decision, but this time I am: Thank you, Costa

Mesa, for concerts in the park. They have in short time become a

tradition for my tiny family.

Donovan and I can’t wait for the next “music park night.”

* LOLITA HARPER covers Costa Mesa. She may be reached at (949)

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