Council honors woman for her activism

Anne Hogan-Shereshevsky is not one to hold back her opinions on many Costa Mesa political issues, especially those having to do with senior citizens.

The feisty, energetic woman — a senior herself — stays abreast of happenings around the Costa Mesa Senior Center as well as news throughout the city, and she frequently advocates for seniors at City Council meetings.

She will be honored by the council Tuesday night for her continued involvement in the local senior community.

“She’s always just given a lot of her time to civic endeavors,” said city Management Analyst Carol Proctor.

Hogan-Shereshevsky moved to Orange County from Brooklyn, N.Y., where she was a nun, settling in Costa Mesa in 1977.

She has been a member of the Orange County Senior Citizens’ Council and the Costa Mesa Senior Advisory Committee, and she puts out a newsletter highlighting activities for seniors and providing commentary.

Poor health has kept Hogan-Shereshevsky on the sidelines lately, but she hasn’t lost her characteristically irreverent style and sense of humor and is excited to be honored.

“It feels great. I’ll wear my best bikini,” she said Monday.

Hogan-Shereshevsky is known for her frank opinions on city issues and sometimes biting criticism of leaders both inside and outside city government that she offers from the podium at Council Chambers.

“I guess I am blunt because I couldn’t talk for 28 years in the convent under my vow of silence so now I’m letting it out,” she said.

Councilwoman Wendy Leece, the council’s liaison to the senior center, recommended her for the recognition.

Leece has worked with Hogan-Shereshevsky for a couple of years through her involvement with the senior center, and commends her for dedicating so much of her energy to politics.

“In the time I’ve known her, I’ve come to understand what an advocate she is for our seniors in Costa Mesa,” Leece said.

Hogan-Shereshevsky attended the past two White House Conferences on Aging in 1995 and 2005 in Washington, D.C.

ALAN BLANK may be reached at (714) 966-4623 or at alan.blank@latimes.com.