Costa Mesa Orders Move on Dayworkers in Park

The Costa Mesa City Council early Tuesday directed its city manager to do “whatever necessary” to rid Lions Park and other areas of congregating dayworkers.

Stopping short of directly ordering sweeps by police, council members also told the city manager to “communicate” every two weeks with the Immigration and Naturalization Service.

“The motion was so vague, it leaves it wide open for interpretation,” said Councilwoman Mary Hornbuckle, who cast one of two dissenting votes.

The council is split over whether police and INS sweeps are beneficial, Hornbuckle said. She said she believes it is unfair to leave such a decision in the hands of city staff. The council also adopted recommendations from both the city manager and the city’s Human Relations Committee to:

Set up a new location for men looking for daywork. (“We’re presuming these will be legal workers,” Hornbuckle said.)

Install an ombudsman/park ranger in Lions Park to provide an official city presence and to help solve on-site problems.

Form an adult, daytime soccer league and start educational programs to give the men something to do when they cannot find day jobs.

Anywhere from 25 to 100 workers congregate daily in downtown Lions Park. Councilman Orville Amburgey, who proposed Tuesday’s actions, has said he has received many complaints that the workers harass and intimidate passers-by and park users.

“Some of the City Council feel strongly that those who are not here legally shouldn’t be here period,” Hornbuckle said. “Others of us view it differently, realizing the solution ultimately doesn’t come from individual cities . . . that the ultimate solution will come from the Mexican government and the federal (U.S.) government. When they can find living wages in their own country they won’t be (drawn) to come here.

“There are things we can to do shuffle the problem around and keep residential neighborhoods happier, but as far as eliminating illegals from our communities, I don’t see it happening,” she said.

The city manager was directed to present a progress report in 60 days.

Meanwhile, the INS has already been active in Lions Park, sending undercover agents to assess the situation, Hornbuckle said.

Other city officials could not be reached for comment Tuesday.