Righeimer & Joyce Off To China

TROLLING FOR TOURISTS IN CHINA
The Costa Mesa Conference & Visitor Bureau announced today that Mayor Pro Tem Jim Righeimer and Interim Public Affairs Manager Dan Joyce will join Susan O'Brien Moore, Vice President of the Executive Board of the Convention and Visitor Bureau, on a 7-day trip to China to "explore a possible sister city relationship to boost Chinese tourism and business opportunities in Costa Mesa."

PLEASE, SAY IT'S A ONE-WAY TRIP
According to the press release, the Conference and Visitor Bureau will pay the costs for O'Brien Moore's and Joyce's travel expenses. Righeimer will personally pay for his trip. Is it too much to hope that he's just buying a one-way ticket?

GOOD LUCK TO THEM
I have no doubt that this kind of a trip - some might call it a boondoggle - is necessary in the normal course of business development for our city. Personally, I hope it bears fruit and ends up generating more business and tourism for our city and our region.

COINCIDENTAL DATE
One thing did catch my eye, though. This little week-long adventure begins August 16th - the date of the canceled city council meeting. You know, the one that was canceled because the council didn't have enough to do on that day. I'm sure it's a coincidence that a Righeimer boondoggle occurs on that date, right? Sure it is...

PLACE YOUR TAKE-OUT ORDERS SOON
So, we hope Righeimer and Joyce bring home the bacon, so to speak. In that light, I'll take some sweet and sour pork, please.