Donn Hall honored by officials, friends

FOR THE RECORD: In an article March 15, former Costa Mesa Mayor Donn Hall’s name was misspelled in the headline.***

Friends of former Costa Mesa Mayor and Planning Commissioner Donn Hall gathered Saturday in Estancia Park to remember a community leader many called a friend and mentor.

“He was part of the evolution of Costa Mesa into what it is today,” said Costa Mesa Mayor Allan Mansoor. “I admired Donn for his candor and strong leadership. You knew he was a warm and caring person who loved this city.”

Hall, 79, died at his Costa Mesa home last week after battling an inoperable tumor on his pancreas.

Hall was one of the longest serving public officials in Costa Mesa. His career in city politics spanned nearly four decades. He served on the Costa Mesa Planning Commission in the 1970s and had two terms as mayor in the 1980s. Hall served another term on the Planning Commission until February, when he served as chairman.

Larry Weichman, a local real estate broker and longtime friend of Hall’s, still keeps a pocket-sized copy of the Declaration of Independence Hall gave to him.

“I’ll have it with me until the day I die and go to heaven,” Weichman said.

He also recalled Hall’s patriotism and opinionated personality.

“Even though we were of the save political persuasion, we would occasionally butt heads,” Weichman said.

Many remembered Hall’s dedication to public service and compassion for the little guy.

“One of the constant battles of elected officials is to keep an open mind and see all sides of the issue. Donn was excellent at this,” Costa Mesa City Manager Allan Roeder said. “He always gave you the time and courtesy to speak up and be heard.”

Orange County Supervisor John Moorlach remembered Hall as a political mentor that opened doors for him as he tried to get into city politics after moving to Costa Mesa 24 years ago.

Working on a city political campaign in the 1980s, Moorlach remembered benefiting from Hall’s support.

“I learned a lot about influence from Donn Hall,” Moorlach said. “When Donn got on the phone, the money came in.”

Reporter BRIANNA BAILEY may be reached at (714) 966-4625 or at brianna.bailey@latimes.com.