NEWPORT BEACH City Council will vote on...

NEWPORT BEACH

City Council will vote

on Nichols controversy

The furor over Councilman Dick Nichols’ comments about Mexicans

continued as city staff laid out options for council members. On

Tuesday, the council will vote on formally apologizing to community

members and on taking action against Nichols for a comment that drew

national media attention last month.

In other news:

* A lawsuit to stop annexation of the closed El Toro Marine Air

Base to the city of Irvine was of little surprise to local leaders.

Though most say that El Toro’s not over until it’s over, the lawsuit

is unlikely to turn the tide toward a commercial airport, they said.

* Independence Day brought with it some tough new rules on liquor

consumption and crime in West Newport. Local officials say they hope

that, over the next few years, the word will get out that Newport

Beach is no longer the place to come and misbehave.

* A plan to hire two part-time rangers to ensure proper use of

city parks met with mixed reviews. Some council members say it would

be a good start. Others say it’s not enough. They will debate the

matter some more at another council meeting.

* JUNE CASAGRANDE covers Newport Beach and John Wayne Airport. She

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

june.casagrande@latimes.com.

COSTA MESA

Soccer organization files

lawsuit against ex-leader

The American Youth Soccer Organization has filed a lawsuit against

a youth soccer leader from the Newport Beach region, claiming he

misappropriated more than $100,000 by spending it on his company, his

landlord and tickets to a professional soccer team match.

Anthony Anish claims he is innocent and says he will pay back any

money he owes if there were accounting errors.

In other news:

* The city’s new flag is flying proudly outside of City Hall after

it was raised at the kick-off ceremony Monday for the celebration of

CostaMazing, Costa Mesa’s 50th anniversary. The anniversary will be

celebrated all year.

* DEIRDRE NEWMAN covers Costa Mesa and may be reached at (949)

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

PUBLIC SAFETY

An end to long service

for three firefighters

Three Costa Mesa firefighters retired after serving the city for

many years. Capt. Doug Wilson, Capt. Jack Schuitt and Fire Engineer

Todd Switzer have about 85 years of experience between them.

Schuitt, nicknamed “the dinosaur,” holds the record for serving

the longest in the department.

In other news:

* A fire last weekend will force a popular gallery to look for

space elsewhere. Square Blue Art Inc. was lucky not to lose several

precious art works, but will have to leave the building, which was

damaged by smoke. Owner Jamie Wilson said she is looking for another

space in the Newport-Mesa area.

* DEEPA BHARATH covers public safety and courts. She may be

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