Linda Dixon: City Hall veteran

Lolita Harper

Her ideas for the future are as vast as her involvement in the

community.

Mayor Linda Dixon calls herself an enthusiastic participant in the

civic process in a zealous tone while outlining advancement

strategies for the city. Her fervor for leadership comes from a

deep-seeded love for the city, she said.

“I’m proud that I live in Costa Mesa,” Dixon said. “I am proud of

the diversity. I am proud that it is such an eclectic place. I love

the location and the warm friendly community.”

Some of the issues she is most passionate about are the arts,

protecting the environment and open space, ensuring good streets,

protecting single-family neighborhoods and keeping Costa Mesa

beautiful.

Dixon believes that most residents love their city and she wants

to work with them to create an environment that fosters the growth

and enhancement of each of the assorted areas in Costa Mesa.

“I have been walking precincts and talking to people, and the

majority of them are happy with what’s going on,” Dixon said. “People

feel that the changes the council has enacted serve as positive steps

for the city’s future.”

And Dixon is committed to providing leadership required for the

city to reach its full potential.

Teens and senior citizens are also going to be a large part of

that future, and Dixon said she wants to make sure each has adequate

activities.

Studies show that, by 2010, teenagers will make up 50% of the city

population, Dixon said, and it is important for today’s leaders to

ensure facilities for their entertainment.

“Costa Mesa needs programs and facilities for teens to go so they

can be involved in activities and we don’t have all these idle bodies

looking for something to do,” Dixon said.

Council members need to ensure that seniors have plenty of

activities, as well, she said, not only to keep them busy but to give

the city the opportunity to capitalize on their wealth of knowledge.

If Costa Mesa can get seniors involved in various programs and

activities, it can tap into their vast experience and talents.

Dixon said she is anxious to work with all members of the

community and can draw from her knowledge of varied subjects because

of her history of involvement in the city.

“I am a big part of the Costa Mesa community because I feel it is

important to be involved and volunteer and get to know the people in

the community,” Dixon said. “It makes for a happier community, and

you get to know who your neighbors are and you realize that you are

alike in many ways and all want a good, safe, happy place to live.”

LINDA DIXON

AGE: 39 forever

FAMILY: Married for 27 years to husband Mike; two sons, Andrew,

24, and Adam, 22; daughter, Cara, 19; two dogs, Sammy and Greta; two

cats, Lulu and Augie; and three desert tortoises

EDUCATION: Attended Morton College, Chicago Academy of Fine Arts

and the Art Institute of Chicago

COMMUNITY SERVICE: She is the mayor, finishing her first term on

the City Council; serves as the council liaison to the school board,

the fair board, Historical Preservation Committee, Cultural Arts

Committee, Costa Mesa Conference and Business Bureau; director of

Costa Mesa Senior Center board; served on the Planning Commission;

also served on the city’s former Transportation Commission; former

president of the Costa Mesa Civic Assn.; and served on various Parent

Teacher Associations while her children were in school