Costa Mesa charter hearing set for next week

The community will have its first chance to officially have its say on Costa Mesa’s proposed city charter, which could be headed for the November ballot.

The City Council is expected to hold its first public hearing during its June 5 regular meeting at 6 p.m. in City Hall, 77 Fair Drive. A charter would pull the city out from under California’s constitution and give the council control over local affairs like zoning, contracts and elections, according to supporters.

Opponents argue it would give city officials too much power, that it’s too vague and there are no penalties for violating it.

The city held public hearings earlier this year before the council voted to place the charter on the June ballot. However, the city clerk missed the filing deadline, forcing the city to wait.

A second public hearing is scheduled for July 10, with the council expected to vote at a special meeting July 31 on whether to put the measure on the November ballot.

— Britney Barnes

Twitter: @britneyjbarnes