Lester applies for Planning Commission seat

COSTA MESA — Medical marijuana dispensary owner and operator Sue Lester has applied for a position on the city’s Planning Commission.

Lester, who unsuccessfully ran for City Council in the recent election, would like to help the city identify new avenues for revenue, she said in her application.

“The Planning Commission plays an integral role in the future of our city’s residents and businesses and the quality of life in Costa Mesa over all,” Lester wrote in her application. “Being on the Planning Commission would allow me to assist in this process, not only short term but long term. I would like to help our current businesses succeed and help attract a variety of new businesses that would complement the businesses we already have available here.”

There are three open seats on the Planning Commission; 16 have applied, including sitting commissioners Sam Clark and Jim Fitzpatrick, whose terms are set to expire in February. The third seat was vacated by now-City Councilman Jim Righeimer.

The City Council plans to make the appointments for outgoing Councilwoman Katrina Foley’s seat, the Planning Commission and the Parks and Recreation Commission seats at the Jan. 4 meeting.