Stephens concedes race to Monahan

Attorney John Stephens on Friday conceded the Costa Mesa City Council race to longtime incumbent Gary Monahan.

1 of 3 school bonds set to pass

Only one of three school bond measures on this year's ballot that would raise property taxes for Huntington Beach residents is set to pass, with the Coast Community College District's Measure M holding 56.4% of the vote as of Tuesday afternoon.

Monahan 'just hoping to hang on'

Councilman Gary Monahan continues to narrowly lead attorney John Stephens for the third spot in the Costa Mesa City Council race.

Genis returns to City Hall

Former Mayor Sandy Genis was greeted like an old friend Wednesday afternoon as she toured Costa Mesa City Hall.

College bond measure nears voter approval

The Coast Community College District initially appears to have won a $698-million bond measure for facilities rehabilitation and construction, but opponents weren't ready Friday to concede with votes still uncounted.

Tally: 319 votes separate Monahan, Stephens

SANTA ANA — With all 71 precincts reporting, former Mayor Sandy Genis and current Councilmen Steve Mensinger and Gary Monahan are the top three vote-getters in the Costa Mesa City Council race. Voters were able to choose three of eight candidates.

• Photo Gallery: O.C. Registrar of Voters

Righeimer wants to try for another charter

In the wake of Measure V's defeat, Costa Mesa Mayor Pro Tem Jim Righeimer said Wednesday that he hopes to form a citizens committee that can draft another charter initiative.

In Orange County, Republicans disappointed by party's showing

As the very young and the very old began to head for the exits of Orange County's biggest election night party, Republican political donors, strategists and candidates headed to the elevators.

Mansoor, Rohrabacher strong in early returns

Local Republicans celebrated the electoral victories of state Assemblyman Allan Mansoor and other area GOP candidates Tuesday night in a packed hotel ballroom across from South Coast Plaza. U.S. Rep. Dana Rohrabacher also nabbed another win.

Measure EE passes

Newport Beach residents approved 38 changes to their city charter on election day.

Mensinger, Monahan and Genis leading

As of 9:30 p.m. Tuesday, Costa Mesa Councilmen Steve Mensinger and Gary Monahan and former Mayor Sandra Genis were the top three vote-getters among the reported mail-in ballots and early returns, according to Orange County Registrar of Voters data.

Measure V trailing in early returns

The line to vote at the Lighthouse Church on Costa Mesa's Westside stretched to the sidewalk Tuesday afternoon, many residents with election materials in hand.

• Photo Gallery: Election day voting

Genis, Mensinger, Monahan in the lead

Former Mayor Sandra Genis and Councilmen Steve Mensinger and Gary Monahan were leading in votes for Costa Mesa City Council Tuesday night, according to Orange County Registrar of Voters data.

Newport, Costa Mesa head to the polls

Voting in the Newport-Mesa area Tuesday? Here's some information you might need:

Costa Mesa fight heads into the final round

For the "City of the Arts," the most talked-about ticket hasn't been to a Segerstrom stage; it's been to the political theater spreading from the Council Chambers off Fair Drive and beyond.

A final look at Measure EE

Finally getting around to figuring out your ballot? Here's a last-minute guide to Newport Beach's Measure EE, which proposes 38 amendments to the city's charter. (For a more in-depth look, see our story from Oct. 13.)

Commentary: Out-of-town money supports Measure V

During this election in Costa Mesa, one of the most visible items to be voted up or down on Nov. 6is the proposed charter, Measure V. We are told daily about the union thugs and funding against this measure and are also told that outside money is driving the No on V message.

Commentary: Measure V would level the playing field

As a Costa Mesa resident and homeowner, I'm voting Yes on V, the Costa Mesa city charter on Tuesday for one simple reason: Fairness is a basic American value.

Mailbag: Expect voter registration alone to beat Rush

The article in Sunday's Daily Pilot on Assembly candidate Democrat Bob Rush exposed him as a gadfly who has no interest being a representative. The reason Rush emerged from the primary is he was the only Democrat in the race. He received 33% of the vote, which is Democratic registration in the district.

Commentary: Setting the record straight on Banning deal

In a recent letter to the editor, Sandy Genis claims to set the facts straight regarding Costa Mesa's Banning Ranch traffic mitigation agreement. Upon reading her diatribe, it was clear that her claims still fell far short of the facts.

Commentary: Measure V supporters are getting 'desperate'

The proponents of Costa Mesa's Measure V (proposed city charter) are running scared these days. As the election clock runs out, they are now throwing a last-ditch campaign to appeal to residential voters whom might not be "union-huggers." This is the level of desperation Measure V proponents have resorted; trying to suggest that the only faction voting no on Measure V is the union interests.

Commentary: A vote for the '3Ms' is a vote against unions

Costa Mesa voters have a clear and simple choice this election. Vote for the 3M candidates: Councilman Steve Mensinger, Planning Commission Chair Colin McCarthy and myself, Councilman Gary Monahan. We believe in public employee pension reform and putting residents' interest first. The other three union-backed candidates will keep Costa Mesa under the thumb of union bosses.

Commentary: Despite what critics say, I support our police

Since announcing my candidacy for the Costa Mesa City Council, I have visited some 1,500 households and attended 46 neighborhood coffees over the course of this campaign. The vast majority of people I have met and with whom I have spoken to care deeply about Costa Mesa and are utterly repulsed by the ugliness, the name-calling, sign stealing and the vitriol that has poisoned this campaign.

Commentary: Measure EE would weaken Newport

I am voting no on Newport city charter Measure EE because the change to Section 608 — dealing with Illegal contracts and financial interests has, in my opinion, weakened the prior rules, and also still permits elected council members to improperly affect city decisions (be it a permit issuance, city fee reduction or avoidance, or grant of a required city entitlement) in which they have a financial interest.

Mailbag: Parting shots. Our readers weigh in on Election Day

Yes on Measure V

Commentary: Stephens wrong on police, policy

Re. "Commentary: Campaign flier misstated facts about police" (Oct. 31): In his editorial, City Council candidate John Stephens challenges City Councilman Steve Mensinger and myself on public safety. Here are the facts.

Commentary: Why I broke ranks from my party and voted for Rush

When I mailed my ballot to the Registrar of Voters earlier this week it included a vote for Bob Rush for the 74th California Assembly District and was one of the rare times in a half-century of casting ballots that I chose someone other than a Republican in a partisan race. I wanted to tell you why I chose Rush.

Commentary: Measure EE is not in our interest

Newport Beach city leaders are going to extraordinary lengths and expense to convince taxpayers that Measure EE is "for their protection," and that the passage of the 38 items will "increase efficiencies. "

Commentary: Measure EE gets an F for efficiency

I was very surprised to see our city manager wading into the election pool but he did (Commentary: Measure EE keeps Newport efficient Oct. 31, 2012).

Tony Petros prepares to take office

Tony Petros waited a long time to make his break into politics.

Commentary: Rohrabacher's absence was voters' loss

The League of Women Voters of Orange Coast feels compelled to respond to Rep. Dana Rohrabacher's statement as quoted in your article ("Candidate a no-show at forum," Oct. 25): "Years ago, I participated in several forums by the League of Women Voters and found them to be dishonest and biased, and I decided I would not ever be involved in the League of Women Voters again."

Measure V debate hits the airwaves

From within the smallest office of a six-story building near the edge of the city limits, voices on the topic of Costa Mesa's biggest debate were broadcast Tuesday night.

Commentary: Police go to 'playbook' to sway elections

Re. Commentary: Candidates' policies are harmful to public safety: Retired Costa Mesa Police officer Clay Epperson resorts to fear and intimidation in his recent Daily Pilot article. Fear and intimidation are right out of the union playbook for swaying local elections, but here are the facts:

Commentary: Campaign flier misstated facts about police

On Oct. 25, veteran police officer Jess Gilman retired, leaving a huge void in our local schools — a void that cannot be filled because the City Council refuses to allow the police chief to staff the Police Department adequately.

Commentary: Bring your faith into the ballot box

While we often divorce our faith from the political process, the truth of the matter is that our faith calls us to address the deepest concerns of our society that often necessitate political action.

Commentary: The '3Ms' put taxpayers ahead of labor

The voters of Costa Mesa have a clear choice to propel this great city forward.

Commentary: Why West Newport opposes EE

I am a member of the West Newport Beach Assn. (WNBA) and received a letter from them urging a no vote on Measure EE. The letter was also addressed to the Newport Beach City Council and outlined in plain and simple language the rationale behind the WNBA's position.

Commentary: Measure EE keeps Newport efficient

Three years ago, when I became Newport Beach's city manager, I knew right away that I had to shrink the size of city government. Today, we have 80 fewer staff members than in 2009.

Commentary: Charter changes are indeed a 'big deal'

Re. "Measure EE addresses lawsuits, red lights (Oct. 14): The above-referenced article starts out with, "Those are the highlights in an otherwise dry legal document that asks voters to make 38 changes to the 58- year-old city charter." And then, it states, "Deciding the fate of 38 constitutional amendments sounds like a big deal."

Rush says he's in to win

Amid the bluster and noise of election season, and with Nov. 6 approaching like a bullet train, Newport Beach businessman Bob Rush managed to find some quiet.

Wu: A 'dumb thing caught on tape'

Signs, signs, sighs.

Support for Measure V grows — overseas

Costa Mesa's proposed charter measure has a lot of fans in ... Jakarta.

Reward for sign vandal doubled

The Costa Mesa Taxpayers Assn. has doubled its reward for the identity of the suspect videotaped vandalizing a "Yes on Measure V" and "3Ms" campaign sign.

Commentary: Candidates' policies are harmful to public safety

I am a longtime resident and retiree from the Costa Mesa Police Department.

Measure V becomes a six-figure battle

When it comes to Costa Mesa's charter ballot initiative, organized labor so far has raised more and outspent its opposition, campaign finance records show.

Rohrabacher skips candidates' forum

Attendees may have been puzzled as to why Friday's congressional candidates' forum, hosted by the League of Women's Voters in Laguna Beach, wasn't attended by both candidates.

Group: Election sign vandalism caught on tape

The Costa Mesa Taxpayers Assn. is offering a $500 reward for information leading to the identification of a man seen in a video destroying campaign signs.

Commentary: Unions are trying to squash Measure V

There are 34 cities in Orange County. Using data from their audited basic financial statements, one can obtain the net unrestricted assets for governmental activities and divide it by the city's population. The result is a benchmark that can be used for comparing the relative fiscal health of different municipalities.

Commentary: Why I oppose Newport's charter changes

I have lived and been active in the city of Newport Beach for over half a century. I have seen many changes in our city government, but Measure EE and its 38 changes to our city charter seems to be one of the more creative and clearly wrong attempts. I am opposed to Measure EE and its 38 changes for several reasons.

Newport Chamber of Commerce discusses economic outlook

The upcoming election and federal tax reforms were hot topics Friday morning at the Newport Beach Chamber of Commerce's Economic Forecast for 2013 breakfast.

Harlan: This is not the time to recall Righeimer

With election day approaching quickly, it seems Costa Mesans are not at a loss for finding new ways to muddy the political waters. Take former City Council candidate and math teacher Chris McEvoy's recent announcement of his intent to file a recall petition of Mayor Pro Tem Jim Righeimer.

Wu: Fire to my feet

So this past Monday was the third and final Feet to the Fire Forum for this election cycle, and I must say that I've learned tremendous amounts about the Costa Mesa-Newport Beach electorate, the importance about doing well at such forums, and a lot about myself.

Commentary: Why I support CM's '3Ms'

Like a lot of people in Costa Mesa, I've lived here a long time. I love the fact that we have world-class performing arts, unrivaled shopping, phenomenal restaurants and just about anything a person could want. We're also five minutes from the beach!

Mailbag: I disagree with mayor on Measure EE

When I picked up the Daily Pilot and read Mayor Nancy Gardner's Oct. 7 commentary, "Commentary: Why I support Newport Measure EE," I was surprised and disturbed.

Council candidates talk city issues

Seven of the eight Costa Mesa City Council candidates answered questions ranging from their stances on a city charter to recovery homes at a forum Thursday.

Commentary: Why we support Genis, Stephens, Weitzberg

At this point in Costa Mesa history, we need strong leaders who can take effective steps to heal our city. Therefore Costa Mesans for Responsible Government (CM4RG) recommends the top three City Council Candidates on the Costa Mesa Ballot: John Stephens, Harold Weitzberg and Sandy Genis.

Mailbag: EE would 'liberalize' city charter

I have just received my sample ballot and the five double-sided pages of charter changes will be cumbersome for the voters to read.

Commentary: 30 will harm business in name of schools

Re. "Apodaca: Public education hangs in the balance this election season," (Oct. 7): Ms. Patrice Apodaca's column incorrectly points out that the state ranks 47th in per-student spending. It's actually 35th. Since 1992 per-child spending on public education has increased by 35% adjusted for inflation. In California we spend 52% of the entire state budget on public education. The state's teachers are the third highest paid in the country at $69,343. Is it really more money that we need to throw into education or do we need to change the education process? California elementary schools rank 46th nationally, yet our teachers are in the top 6% in pay!

Mailbag: Time for a change at Sanitary District

After hearing "stories" about what was happening at the Costa Mesa Sanitary District, I decided to do some research.

Commentary: Measure EE would protect the city

As members of the 2012 Citizens Charter Update Committee, we would like to share with you why we support Measure EE and why it is good for Newport Beach.

Panelists spar about Costa Mesa's proposed charter

A full house at the Neighborhood Community Center on Monday night came to hear two sides debate Costa Mesa's proposed city charter.

Commentary: Why Newport-Mesa should support Prop. 30

In recent years, California's education budget has taken more than $20 billion in cuts. Anyone who claims wasteful spending is the only problem isn't seeing the entire picture.

Measure EE addresses lawsuits, red lights

Deciding the fate of 38 constitutional amendments sounds like a big deal.

Letters From The Editor: Forum will tackle pros, cons of Measure V

Costa Mesa is a newspaper editor's dream. The town is engaged (and sometimes enraged) in the political process in a manner that defies Orange County's supposed political apathy.

Commentary: Red light camera ban not a red herring

One thing I have learned in politics is that you can never predict who will oppose an idea until it's proposed.

Commentary: City needs 'leaders' not 'healers'

Our upcoming election offers a clear choice for Costa Mesa. Will we empower the union-supported candidates ("the Top 3") or continue with the reform-minded candidates ("the 3Ms)?

Commentary: Out-of-town official is wrong about charter savings

Re. "Commentary: Column twisted facts about charter city," (Oct. 5):

Politics stay friendly at Chamber

Local state assembly candidates kept it polite Wednesday night at a reception hosted by the Huntington Beach Chamber of Commerce.

Costa Mesa Taxpayers Assn. endorses '3Ms,' Measure V

The Costa Mesa Taxpayers Assn. on Wednesday announced its endorsement of the "3Ms" slate of City Council candidates and Measure V, the proposed city charter.

Labor, religious leaders back Proposition 30

ORANGE — Newport-Mesa Federation of Teachers President Kimberly Claytor joined Orange County clergy and organized labor leaders Wednesday to advocate for Proposition 30, which would raise taxes on high-income earners to pay for schools, and other initiatives on the Nov. 6 election ballot.

Commentary: The opinion of a former charter commissioner

Since I was a member of a Costa Mesa city charter commission in 1971, I have followed with great interest the debate about Measure V. Our mission then was to improve the quality of governance for our city.

Commentary: Charter would give us more control

During the last several years, there has been little our city and its residents have been able to rely on. As the economy faltered, incoming revenues were uncertain. Government services have been cut due to a lack of funds.

Mailbag: Out-of-towners oppose Measure V

Shame on you, Costa Mesans. I have had three sets of campaign signs stolen in the past 10 days from my front yard ("Steps taken to curb sign stealing," Oct. 2).

Commentary: Questions about the proposed charter

Re. "Commentary: Charter frees Costa Mesa from the state," (Sept. 19):

Commentary: Smith ignores inherent risk of charter

Re. "Smith: Mensinger earned his council appointment" (Oct. 3):

An election unlike any other

Last in a five-part series about Costa Mesa's political battle.

• City fight pits ideology against fiscal realities

• We run 'a different offense' in Costa Mesa

• Pension obligation estimates differ greatly

• The anatomy of a deal

Costa Mesa voters to consider city charter

Costa Mesa's governance will shift toward increased local control should a majority of the city's voters approve a proposed charter in November's general election, advocates say.

Measure M would fund improvements

The Coast Community College District has put a $698-million bond measure on the November ballot to support facility rehabilitation and construction.

Commentary: Why I support Newport Measure EE

When Newport residents complete their ballots this year, they will be asked to vote on Measure EE, which proposes changes in our charter.

Harlan: Why Costa Mesa should reject the city charter

Over the past few months there has been much talk about approving or rejecting the proposed Costa Mesa charter, often described as a constitution for our community's governance. I invite you, my fellow Costa Mesa residents, to think of the charter in a different context.

Wu: Charter gives 'men of action' right tools

Almost 20 years ago, my business mentor taught me that I have to make things happen.

Commentary: Column twisted facts about charter city

I read Jeffrey Harlan's amusing column regarding city charters and felt I had to respond (Harlan: More questions about charter arise, Sept. 22).

Democrat challenges Rohrabacher's incumbency

Ron Varasteh will pull an all-nighter to uphold his political beliefs, even with a tent over his head.

Smith: Mensinger earned his council appointment

With about a month to go until Election Day, most voters have made up their minds about which candidates they'll choose and which referendums they'll accept or reject.

Commentary: Measure V savings are exaggerated

Costa Mesans for Responsible Government opposes Measure V.

Steps taken to try and curb political sign stealing

Candidates quarrel about campaign signs during nearly every local election. They allege the other camp is removing signs and banners, and usually, that's the end of it.

Commentary: Charter was composed in haste

Not unexpectedly in a campaign season, the Forum page of this fine newspaper is packed with self-serving rhetoric from politicians on both sides of issues. That's the way it is supposed to work. Well, I'm not running for anything, but I am very concerned about the potential impact of Measure V, Mayor Pro Tem Jim Righeimer's Charter, on the city I've called my home for almost four decades.

Commentary: Why I oppose Newport's Measure EE

On Nov. 6, as part of the Newport Beach municipal election, the voters will have the opportunity to vote on 38 charter amendments, all with one "Yes" or "No" vote.

Wu: Endorsements have started to roll in

So we are more than a month from E-Day, one of the more pivotal dates in recent Costa Mesa history.

Mailbag: League of Women Voters opposes V

The League of Women Voters Orange Coast opposes the proposed Costa Mesa charter, known as Measure V on the Nov. 6 ballot.

Cassity: Charter needed to forge change in Costa Mesa

As far as Costa Mesa's proposed charter is concerned, anything it does not specifically change remains exactly the same as before.

Mailbag: 'Thugs' stole my Costa Mesa election signs [updated]

Election thugs stole 38 candidate and proposition signs from my front lawn and front door.

Commentary: Canceling candidates forum was right call

I agree with Costa Mesa United's decision to cancel its candidates' forum, but not for the reason given: that two of its directors are also council candidates. If there was to be any "unfair advantage," it would have been against those of us who are not directly involved in youth sports, given that "all the planned questions pertained to youth sports issues."

Harlan: More questions about charter arise

Costa Mesa City Councilman Gary Monahan's latest campaign pitch for Measure V ("Charter frees Costa Mesa from the state," Sept. 19) is much like the proposed charter document — vague, long on platitudes and short on specific substance.

Commentary: Charter would free Costa Mesa from state control

Can you remember the last time Sacramento passed a law that made our city better off?

Giuliani takes a few swipes at Obama

Former New York City Mayor Rudy Giuliani defended GOP presidential nominee Mitt Romney and tore into President Obama on Thursday night at a California Republican Party fundraiser.

Candidates hold informal meet and greet

A candidates forum Thursday evening was more about the game of politics than about youth sports, as it was originally planned.

Mailbag: Stop stealing campaign signs

Stealing signs and banners is becoming a very popular activity during elections. These signs are not free; they have cost and value. All these candidates work very hard to expose their names to the public.

Commentary: There was no need to cancel candidates' forum

I am disappointed that Costa Mesa United decided to cancel its City Council candidate forum.

Romney speaks during fundraiser at Segerstrom center

While Republican presidential nominee Mitt Romney spoke at a private fundraiser Monday evening in Costa Mesa, a small group of mostly Planned Parenthood supporters protested outside.

• Romney addresses video gaffe in Costa Mesa