Locally, boycott is mostly quiet

To most people, the effect of Monday’s pro-immigrant boycott on the Newport-Mesa economy was probably small. But for Ivan Calderon, it meant losing about $18,000.

As thousands rallied in Los Angeles and Santa Ana to support immigrant rights, it was mainly business as usual in Costa Mesa and Newport Beach. About 40 businesses closed, and among them were Calderon’s four Taco Mesa restaurants around Orange County and a Taco Rosa in Newport Beach.

Chamber of commerce officials in both cities said Tuesday they hadn’t heard of any major disruptions in business.

“Around here I don’t think there was much impact,” Costa Mesa Chamber of Commerce President Ed Fawcett said. “Only one person I talked to commented that it seemed like parking lots were a little less occupied during lunchtime than usual.”

Newport Beach Chamber of Commerce President Richard Luehrs had a similar take.

“Evidently it didn’t hit us here,” he said.

The effects were greater to the north ? the Los Angeles Times reported that traffic was light on Los Angeles County freeways, and at the ports of Los Angeles and Long Beach goods piled up because only about 10% of truckers came to pick them up.

Giving about 125 employees the day off and closing his five restaurants certainly hit Calderon, who estimates he lost $15,000 in revenue Monday. He’ll also be giving away between $2,000 and $3,000 in food to disappointed customers who tried to come to his restaurants and found them closed Monday. Anyone who came by would have seen a sign asking them to send Calderon an e-mail to get a certificate for dinner for two.

“I’m going to probably mail, when it’s all done, about 250 dinners,” he said.

Calderon also took the opportunity to explain his views on the boycott to one customer, who complained that it was supporting illegal immigration.

“I am supporting a reform that is in line with what our president wants, something that’s humane,” Calderon said, adding that he was not boycotting to support illegal immigration.

The day was quiet in Costa Mesa, but 10 of the city’s police officers were sent to Santa Ana on Monday afternoon to help handle crowds there, Costa Mesa Police Sgt. Marty Carver said. Two sergeants and eight officers worked as a team to control traffic and keep people out of the roadways, he said.

Officers reported no use of force, arrests or injuries, Carver said.