BEHIND THE HEADLINES Mike Scheafer

Costa Mesa city officials are considering building a skate park at Lions Park, traditionally the site of the annual fish fry, which raises money for the Lions Club.

Mike Scheafer, Costa Mesa-Newport Harbor Lions Club board member, has said building a skate park near Park Avenue and West 18th Street could spell doom for the fish fry.

Scheafer took the time this week to answer some questions on the issue from the Daily Pilot.

Question: Tell us about the history of the Costa Mesa annual Lions Club fish fry.

Answer: The fish fry has been held in Costa Mesa for over 60 years. It was started to help build the ballfield at Lions Park. There is actually a secret batter for the fish and that recipe stays guarded.

The fish fry and carnival used to also include a parade (with celebrity grand marshals like Cal Worthington, George Fishbeck and other sports and movie celebrities) and the Miss Costa Mesa/mermaid beauty contest. It still includes a baby contest, dinners, games, carnival rides.

The first fish fry was an idea brought forth by one of our early members, Bob Skiles. It also included a frog jumping contest.

While most of our funds are earned from the carnival, it is our fish dinner that brings people back. In fact, I have always said, “Even people who don’t like fish like our fish.” Customers have commented that the only time they eat fish is at the fish fry.

Q. How much, on average, is raised, and who does the money benefit?

A. Over the 60 years we have raised over $2 million. At the height of things we would expect to raise over $150,000 for the weekend. We now average about $50,000.

We did reduce the event from three days to two days. The money goes primarily to local agencies and groups. We also donate to Lions Clubs International efforts for various causes.

Local groups include: The Boys and Girls Club, CM Senior Center, Little League, Costa Mesa United, SOY, YES, Shalimar Learning Center, CM Historical Society, Seascouts, TACA (an autism support group) and many others.

Q. The fish fry has nearly always been at Lions Park. Now, the City Council is considering building a skate park there. What does that mean for the fish fry?

A. If the skate park is built where the Council is considering, the gazebo structure (which was built by the city specifically for the fish fry) will have to be demolished. It will make it very difficult to set up and utilize our frying/cooking equipment. It will force us to move somewhere else, and we will lose the continuity we have enjoyed at Lions Park.

Q. Why can’t you relocate the fish fry and still make it work?

A. We could make it work at other locations. In fact, for two years we operated at Orange Coast College while the new community center was being built. As a result of that move many people called asking what happened to the fish fry; they were not aware that we had moved. Also, we had to sign an agreement with the College District that resulted in a lawsuit that we should not have had to be involved in. We would face the same type of agreements at most other venues. We looked at moving to the fairgrounds at one point. They wanted $70,000 to hold our fish fry on the grounds, we would not be able to cook our fish or even make money from the carnival if we did that. We would have to charge for parking and admission if we were to move to the fairgrounds.

It is very difficult to find a location big enough to hold our event. It is very difficult to find a place that would allow us the flexibility, convenience and infrastructure that Lions Park allows us.

It is after all “LIONS PARK.”

Q. How do you respond to those who say that the ballfields at Lions Park have to be repaired every year after the fish fry?

A. We feel that if the city staff responsible for the upkeep of the field would use a different approach, the damage, if any, would be severely limited. In 2006 the staff felt it was necessary to water the ball diamond grass up to three days prior to the carnival arriving.

We recommended the watering be stopped at least a week before to allow the ground to harden. That recommendation was followed in 2007. The result, in 2006 the field was a mess after the carnival and was damaged severely. In 2007 (and other years in the past), the ground was strong enough to hold the rides, etc., and there was literally no damage.

There is an argument that the watering is needed to keep the grass green. I agree. However, it is easier to get grass returned to green than it is to fix huge divots and holes in the ground. All we are asking for is a little common sense in the approach. This year was a success. I will also tell you that when damage is done, the Lions Club is responsible for paying for that damage. Takes money away from the groups we support.

Q. Some say having the fish fry at Fairview Park would attract more people. What’s your response?

A. It may very well attract some different folks. I have always said that kids in Fountain Valley and Huntington Beach who see a carnival ride up on the bluff would bug their parents to take them to the event.

So, we might gain a few from other cities. But getting to the heart of the event, our “customers” are folks in our local communities (CM and NB). Moving from Lions Park will disrupt the tradition that many of them rely on. It is often stated that folks reunite with old schoolmates and neighbors once a year, at the fish fry. We don’t want to trade that sentiment at the sake of gaining a few more people. We rely and count on the tradition. We saw some of that tradition erode when we moved to OCC.

Q. Skate parks are enormously popular with kids. What do you say to those who claim that the city needs a second skate park?

A. When I was a member of the Costa Mesa City Council I championed the construction of the skate park at Tewinkle. I have always contended that we need several parks in this city to benefit the kids. We need a second, third, fourth skate park no question. I would say to the people who want a second skate park, I agree, but let’s put in a better location. Why not put the skate park at Fairview Park?

We have a large well-used skate park at Tewinkle. I think the city should look at building several smaller skate parks in neighborhood parks. Volcom attracts a more aggressive skate group and sometimes the younger kids are not able to skate or might be intimidated. I believe we should build simpler skate parks so that the younger kids will have more opportunities to skate.