Costa Mesa to name Lions Park community center after city’s first female mayor

Almost two years after it was first proposed, the Costa Mesa City Council on Tuesday gave approval to naming the community center at Lions Park after Norma Hertzog, the city’s first female council member and mayor.

Current Mayor Katrina Foley, at the request of former mayor Mary Hornbuckle, brought the idea to a council meeting in January 2018. Though council members at the time seemed in agreement that Hertzog deserved the honor, they wanted staff to create naming guidelines for city buildings before voting.

The council unanimously agreed Tuesday night on the guidelines and the community center’s name.

“She paved the way for the four of you to be on that dais,” Hornbuckle told the current female council members. “She also paved the way for you gentlemen because she encouraged participation by everyone in the community — male, female, anything.”

Hertzog served on the council from 1974 to 1986. Hornbuckle said Hertzog moved to an assisted-living facility in New Jersey and “will be thrilled beyond belief to know that you recognized her in this way.”

The new naming process dictates that the Parks, Arts & Community Services Commission review and recommend a nomination for the City Council to approve.

The city demolished the Neighborhood Community Center in Lions Park in 2017 to make way for a new Donald Dungan Library, which opened this year. The park’s old Donald Dungan Library branch will be repurposed as a community center that is set to open next summer.

Cannabis tax rates

The City Council approved Foley’s request to create an ad hoc committee to review the city’s cannabis tax rates. Foley, Mayor Pro Tem John Stephens and Councilman Manuel Chavez will work with city staff to determine whether any changes are needed.

The city included $1.5 million in tax revenue from cannabis operations in the city’s budget, but it fell below expectations.

Under Measure X, a local ballot initiative that passed in 2016, businesses that research, test, process and manufacture some marijuana products can operate in a designated “green zone” north of South Coast Drive and west of Harbor Boulevard.

Retiring city engineer

City Engineer Baltazar Mejia retired Dec. 6, and the council approved his move to interim city engineer while the city recruits to fill the position.

Mejia was promoted to city engineer in 2016 and has worked with the city for more than 25 years. The city engineer focuses on certifying maps, plans and projects.

Mejia will provide training to new staff during the transition.

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