Foley Tops DP 103

CHRISTMAS COMES EARLY FOR FOLEY
The Daily Pilot - our newspaper of record for more than a century - announced it's DP 103 list of those felt were news makers and influenced events in the community this afternoon in an online article.  Costa Mesa councilwoman Katrina Foley, who was elected again to the council last month after four years on the Newport-Mesa Unified School District Board of Trustees, was chosen to top the list.  In the election she was the highest vote-getter by far,  as she out-paced incumbent Mayor Jim Righeimer, who barely held onto his seat by defeating another former council member, Jay Humhprey, by 47 votes.  Righeimer was named #5, behind new Mayor Steve Mensinger.  Humphrey was selected #41.  You can read the article HERE.

THE TOP TEN (OR SO)
Here's how the top 10 (11, actually, if you count heads) looks:
1 - Foley
2 - Marshall "Duffy" Duffield - He defeated incumbent Mayor Rush Hill for a spot on the Newport Beach City Council.
3 - Jean Watt - A long time Newport Beach activist
4 - Mensinger
5 - Righeimer
6 - Diane Dixon - Captured a seat on the Newport Beach City Council as part of Dave Ellis' stable of candidates.
7 - Wendy Leece - Dixon's sister and termed-out Costa Mesa City Council member.
8 - Ed Selich - New Mayor in Newport Beach.
9 - Nancy Gardner - Former Newport Beach council member.
10 - Jack and Nancy Skinner - A formidable environmental activist duo, clearly worthy of a spot on this list.

GAZSI ON THE LIST AGAIN
Last year's #1, Costa Mesa Police Chief Tom Gazsi, was on this list, too - at #12.  He made it despite recently retiring and moving to a brand new position of Deputy Chief of Operations for the Los Angeles Port Police Department.

SOME CONTROVERSY ASSURED
This list will certainly generate some controversy - that's part of the fun, after all.  I won't re-hash every person listed.  Most are movers and shakers, political and otherwise, sprinkled with a few of us moved and shaken, too.

A SAMPLING...
A few entries that I found very interesting for different reasons:

30 - Robin Leffler - President of Costa Mesans For Responsible Government (CM4RG).
42 - Rob Dimel - Costa Mesa Police Officer, former A.B.L.E. helicopter pilot and President of the Costa Mesa Police Officers Association, which is being sued by Righeimer and Mensinger.
43 - Harold Weitzberg - He lost the endorsement of CM4RG in his run for City Council, so jumped ship and campaigned for candidate Chris Bunyan, who finished dead last in the race.  Weitzberg is a vocal advocate for Medical Marijuana sales in Costa Mesa.
52 - Mike Scheafer - Who was recognized, once again, for his work on the Costa Mesa Sanitary District and his body of volunteerism for most of his adult life.
61 - Dave Ellis - He managed to get his slate of candidates elected to the Newport Beach City Council but failed in his own race for a seat on the water district.
71 - Anna Vrska - This tenacious, tireless activist continues to dig into controversial issues in Costa Mesa, making public records requests to seek the truth on issues like the 60th Anniversary Celebration and city legal fees.
74 - Jim Fitzpatrick - I loved the note on his selection: "The Costa Mesa Planning Commission chairman approved development throughout the city and served as an activist in support of the council majority."  Yep, that's about the kindest way to put it.
83 - Diane Hill - She works tirelessly to produce her United Neighbors electronic newsletter, which provides a wealth of timely and useful information to her subscribers.
84 - Cindy Black - She's on the job, working to protect Costa Mesa's natural assets, like Fairview Park.
88 - Greg Ridge - A Democrat activist who involves himself in issues beyond partisan politics.
89 - Vince Finaldi and John Manley - Righeimer and Mensinger's lawyers!  I thought their placement on the list was curious.
94 - Dane Bora and Brad Long - Among my favorite selections on the list.  These true professionals stay focused on the job at hand - providing excellent, award-winning video coverage of most Costa Mesa meetings and other events.
103 - The Newport Beach Civic Center Bunnies - I chuckled when I saw this choice because of the controversy that has swirled around them since the new Civic Center complex was opened.

YEAH, I'M THERE AGAIN, TOO
Oh, yes - I'm on the list again, at #31, just below Leffler.  I'm always grateful to the editors and staff of the Daily Pilot when they include me on the list, regardless where I fall in the roster.   I'm down a few notches this year - those darn politicians just clog up the top slots!  My presence on the list will drive a few folks in town slightly nuts, but I guess the Daily Pilot staff thought the thousands of visitors to my blog each month and the millions of pages views that have accumulated since I launched this particular site represent value to the community.  Or, maybe they just think I'm a nice fella...  Whatever the reason, I'm grateful - again. 

CARLSON'S MEMORY STANDS ALONE
I was very pleased to see a companion piece to this article honoring the memory of Newport Beach Lifeguard Ben Carlson, HERE, who lost his life this year while attempting to save a swimmer in distress.  Some think he should have been included on the list, but the list is for the living.  The article by Alicia Lopez is a fitting, appropriate tribute to Carlson. 

105 PLUS...
So, there you have it.  105 persons (I don't know how to calculate the Yang family) and a bunch of ceramic bunnies that represent the 2014 Daily Pilot DP 103 list.  Thanks to the editors and staff for this exercise, and for publishing it on Christmas Eve so we can enjoy it as  we open our presents tomorrow morning.

And now, a little holiday joy for you from Nat, Andy and Mariah

Merry Christmas To You All

It's DP 103 Time Again!

A FUN READ, WITH LEGS
Today produced one of my favorite pieces of "news" - the publication of the Daily Pilot 103 list.  It's always fun to read the roster of folks who influence things in Costa Mesa and Newport Beach and this year's no exception.  You can read the article HERE and Editor John Canalis' companion piece, HERE.  I suspect many of you will go back to see previous lists, to see who's on this one for the first time and who was bumped.  These lists have legs and will get hits for years.

GAZSI IS TOP DOG THIS YEAR
Numero Uno this year is Costa Mesa Police Chief Tom Gazsi - a selection I whole-heartedly agree with.  I wish the editors had chosen a Costa Mesa photo of him, so I've given you one of my favorites here.  This one was taken at the 60th birthday party for the Costa Mesa Police Department a couple weeks ago.

CURRY AT #2
I'm not going to try to cover all the folks recognized on this list, but I do have to tease former Newport Beach Mayor Keith Curry - who's running for Allan Mansoor's Assembly seat - about being "#2"  I mean, how do you fold that into a campaign?  Many people, when they hear "Number Two" probably think in scatological terms, for goodness sake!

TWEEDLE DUM AND TWEEDLE DEE
I was amused that Costa Mesa Mayor Jim Righeimer and Mayor Pro Tem Steve Mensinger were positioned at #4 and #5 respectively. First, because those guys seem joined at the hip anyhow and, second, that they are referenced for the lawsuit they filed against the members of Costa Mesa's police department!

GENIS AND LEECE

I enjoyed the fact that  Councilwomen Sandy Genis , #6,  and Wendy Leece, #9,  are in the top ten.  They continually fight an uphill battle on the dais, representing the actual residents of the city, not special interests and personal political goals.

MUNOZ AT #10
I, personally, was pleased to see Costa Mesa Public Services Director Ernesto Munoz on the list at #10.  This has been a tough year for him - I have no idea when he ever sleeps, because he's seemingly everywhere, all the time.  He's dealt with a full platter for the entire year - some of it unnecessary - and yet he goes about his job, working for the residents of Costa Mesa in a professional manner.  I also had to smile when he was ranked above his bosses, CEO Tom Hatch, #11, and Assistant CEO Rick Francis, #12, although all three men certainly deserve this recognition.

TOLL LANE FIGHTER, BEVER

I thought it was interesting that former councilman and mayor Eric Bever was named to the list again, but the reason he was - his tenacious fight against the bogus plan to add toll lanes to the I-405 Freeway - was certainly reason enough to include him at #23.

SCHEAFER ALSO WORTHY
I was happy that my friend, Mike Scheafer, was recognized, at #25, this year.  He's dedicated most of his life as a Costa Mesa volunteer and had his hands full this year with the Fish Fry AND the 60th Anniversary Celebration, which he chaired.

AND PANIAN, TOO

I thought the inclusion of retired educator and community activist Hank Panian, at #31, was certainly appropriate.  He's a member of the current Costa Mesa Charter Committee, having served on a similar body back in the early 1970s.  His wisdom, patience and institutional knowledge adds much to the deliberations.

BYRON AT #34
I smiled when I saw the name of my friend and muse, Byron de Arakal, listed at #34.  He's on his second tour on the Parks and Recreation Commission and has a very clear vision of things he wants to accomplish in his short two-year term.


ANNA VRSKA
Down at #44 we find the persistent Anna Vrska, who has made news recently as a member of the Fairview Parks Citizens Advisory Committee.  Her willingness to dig deep for facts and her tenacity have made her a force to be reckoned with.  One wonders if there might be an elected office in her future.

WELCOME ADDITIONS
At #47 and #48 we find two very vivacious young women, Becks Heyhoe and Crissy Brooks Nolf, who define community activism in Costa Mesa.  Their tireless energy toward helping those among us that need it is astounding.


CONTROVERSIAL JOYCE AND CORDON

I thought it was interesting that Costa Mesa Public Affairs Manager Dan Joyce and his strong right arm, Christine Cordon, were included this year at #65.  Both are on paid leave as part of an investigation of the controversy swirling around the 60th Anniversary Celebration costs.

VENEZIA AND SENK ON AGAIN
I thought it demonstrated the even-handedness of the Editors of this fine newspaper when they selected two columnists from their biggest competitor, the Orange County Register, for this list.  Barbara Venezia, at #67, and Amy Senk, at #92, have been included again and for all the right reasons.  Both women do a terrific job with their columns.  Venezia - vivacious wife of #28, Fairboard President Stan Tkacsyk - frequently scoops the Daily Pilot on important stories.  Senk covers Corona del Mar like a blanket with her blog, Corona del Mar Today, HERE, and also writes a column for the Register.  Kudos to both women for being chosen and to the Editors for doing the choosing.

JESS AT #59
And my friend, the legendary Jess Gilman, #59,  retired Costa Mesa Police Officer and our last School Resource Officer before he retired and became an officer in private industry providing that kind of service to school districts around the state.

AND HELEN AT #89
And, at #89, Helen Nenadal, much beleaguered President of the Costa Mesa Employees Association and 32 year employee who fought the good fight for employees rights until she retired a week ago.

EFFERVESCING AT #102
Down at #102, the effervescent Charlene Ashendorf appears on this list for her outstanding work reviving the Scarecrow Festival as part of the 60th Anniversary Celebration.  Anyone who spends any time in her presence knows it is impossible to feel down when you're around her.

SNOOZING FAIRY SHRIMP BRING UP THE REAR
I had to chuckle when the Editors named the San Diego Fairy Shrimp as #103.  Their presence in the vernal pools at Fairview Park, and the illegally-installed decomposed granite paths on top of them, has gotten Costa Mesa into deep trouble with state and federal departments.


YEP, I'M ON IT, TOO
Before I forget... Yes, I'm on the list again, for which I am humbled and very grateful.  The editors placed me at #19 - the loftiest spot on this list for me so far.  I'm happy to be placed on the list anywhere and cracking the top 20 is a thrill - I don't deny it.  I'm snuggled in there between outgoing Newport Beach Councilwoman Nancy Gardner, at #18, and my friend, retired Costa Mesa Economic Development Director and Deputy CEO, Peter Naghavi, at #20.  I also noticed that the latest voice of the oppressors, Dennis Popp, appears at #86.  Even more interesting is that the "other blogger" -  the grumpy old fella from Mesa North -  has become so irrelevant to the discussion of important issues in the community - focusing instead on DNA, plural marriage and black-on-white crime - that he no longer appears on the list.

CONGRATS AND KUDOS
Congratulations to all those appearing on this list this year.  I apologize for not mentioning more of them - they are all worthy.  And kudos to the editors and staff of the Daily Pilot for providing this recognition of those who influence events in the Newport-Mesa communities.  #19 signing off...

2012 DP 103

 (Photo courtesy of Daily Pilot)

TIME FOR FUN

Our friends at the Daily Pilot have posted their latest version of their "103", the list of 103 persons or things that were influential in our communities during the year.  As always, this one is a fun list to scroll through.  You can read it HERE.  It looks like this year's list is a little dyslectic since the "103" is actually "130", one hundred thirty names on the list, PLUS 21 more "reader picks".

MOVERS, SHAKERS AND THE REST OF US
The list is full of politicians, sports heroes, educators, philanthropists, business leaders and a whole lot of just plain folks who make a difference in the community.

OLYMPIANS TOP THE LIST
We can all speculate about who should or should not be on the list, that's part of the fun.  However, I doubt that anyone will disagree with the choice of our Olympians to top the list.  So, "#1" is actually 22 names of local Olympians - a good start for this list.
 
LANZILLO ON THE BOTTOM
The bottom slot is occupied by Private Investigator Chris Lanzillo, whose presence at Skosh Monahan's gin mill in the run-up to the recent election certainly did create controversy.  Yeah, he deserves to be down there...

GREAT CHOICE
Number 2 surprised me, but I sure don't disagree with it.  Sandy Genis' activism and successful election to another tour on the Costa Mesa City Council certainly makes her worthy of this lofty position.

JUST RIGHT
And, it's somehow appropriate that she is ranked above #3, new Mayor Jim Righeimer.

GOOD CHOICE
It was good to see Robin Leffler on the list this year.  Her role as the President of Costa Mesans For Responsible Government (CM4RG), that broad-based grassroots organization that was instrumental in the defeat of Jim Righeimer's Charter in November, certainly qualifies her for a position on this list.

LOBDELL...
It was interesting to see City of Costa Mesa Communication Director Bill Lobdell's name on the list.  Not that he doesn't deserve the recognition - he certainly does - but I smiled when I saw it because the original DP 103 was created by Lobdell and Tom Johnson when they both were with the Daily Pilot.

GONE, BUT NOT FORGOTTEN
I also smiled when I saw the name of Jess Gilman, retired legendary School Resource Officer, on the list.  Sadly, it took his retirement for folks to fully appreciate his value to the Costa Mesa schools and the community in general.

ME, TOO...
Oh, yes... I'm on it again.  I'm down there at #91, sandwiched between Amy Senk - publisher of Corona del Mar Today and the BEST BLOGGER in our area - and super activist Mike Scheafer.  That's pretty darn good company, if you ask me.

ENJOY

So, the list goes on and on.  Take a few minutes to read through it and smile, or grumble, as you see the names included this year.  Enjoy...

DP 103 And A Year-End Chuckle

FINALLY!
Well, the much anticipated DP 103, the Daily Pilot's annual roster of folks and things the editors feel have been influential in the Newport-Mesa communities has been published. Those of you who subscribe to the Los Angeles Times and, as a result, also receive the Daily Pilot should find that segment in your morning newspaper. For those who do not, you can read the list online HERE. (Photo courtesy of the Daily Pilot)

CAN'T ARGUE ABOUT THE FIRST TWO
I'm sure you'll have some fun with some of the names on the list, probably beginning with the very first two - Costa Mesa Mayor Pro Tem Jim Righeimer and Orange County Employee Association General Manager Nick Berardino. I'm also sure, if you think about it, you'll have to agree that both men should be high on this year's list.

FUN TO CONTEMPLATE
As you scroll down the roster you'll see many familiar names and will probably nod in agreement with most of them. Of course, there will be a few to which you will think, "What?! Why's that guy on the list?", or words to that effect. Such is the life in a world of lists. Regardless, congratulations to all those on this year's DP 103 list. Each person listed has, indeed, been influential in our communities.

YEP, I'M ON IT...
And, yes, I'm on the list again this year at Number 43 - up a couple notches from last year. I'm always grateful that some folks think my meager efforts here are worth this kind of recognition - but that's not why I write this blog. I must admit, though, some satisfaction that I'm not listed below a dead swan this year, as was the case a couple years ago.

A YEAR-END CHUCKLE
Before I close this entry - the final one of a very tumultuous year - I must leave you with a smile. A friend pointed out to me that one of the Warrants on the Consent Calendar for next Tuesday's City Council meeting - #2400, which can be read HERE - contains an amusing entry. On page 4 it shows a charge to Amtech Elevator Services for $335 for the retrieval of Steve Mensinger's cell phone. Now, that is FUNNY! Our non-elected councilman has generated plenty of controversy with that cell phone this year, sending and receiving text messages and emails while conducting business on the dais, so it seems somehow appropriate that he managed to lose the thing in an elevator shaft in City Hall! Perhaps the city should impose a rule, much like the State's rule against texting and driving, against using a cell phone in a city elevator.

THANKS, AGAIN
Once again, a tip of my hat to each of you who visit this site. I do appreciate your interest and I always appreciate the comments some of you choose to leave - even the ones that are nasty and mean-spirited. I'd much prefer you to make comments that actually add to the discussion, but I know that's beyond a reasonable expectation for some of you. I'm especially grateful to those of you who DO attempt to enhance the discussion - that's why I publish these posts, after all - to provoke debate of what I feel are important issues.

HAPPY NEW YEAR TO YOU ALL
Number 43 signing off until next year. My very sweet and patient wife and I celebrate the 45th anniversary of our first date today and we both wish you a very...

THE "DP 103" ANNOUNCED!

THE BEST LAID PLANS...
Well, I had fully intended my previous entry to be the last of the old year, but...

TODAY IS "DP 103" DAY!
The good folks at the Daily Pilot chose today, the last day of the year, to announce the latest iteration of the DP 103 - one hundred three people and things that they deemed to be the most influential in the Newport-Mesa community over the past year. Here's the link to the article.

MOST ON MY LIST MADE THE CUT
The editors solicited input from the community recently to help them fill out their roster, so good citizen that I am, I fired off a message listing some nominees. Happily, I noted as I scrolled down the roster late last night online, that they'd included about 60% of those names I submitted. I'm sure I was not the only one to submit them. And, NO, I was not on my list! The remainder of my submissions didn't make the cut - being beat out by #102, Babe the Bobcat and #103, 'Fiddler" the seal. Oh, well.. :-)

SIDE-BY-SIDE
For the second time I was included in this list, which made me smile. This is a fun exercise, scrolling down the list of your friends and neighbors (there are some who are neither, too) and chuckling at the reasons for the selection. I know the editors put a lot of effort into this year-end effort and clearly have some fun doing it. For example, they snuggled up some folks adjacent to others with whom they have tenuous relationships. Register columnist Barbara Venezia, at #64, immediately follows her political nemesis and Orange County Fair Board President and political king maker Dave Ellis, at #63. I have to chuckle about that pairing because of the history between them.

OPPONENTS JUXTAPOSED
Another fun grouping is #12, Sandra Genis; #13, Guy Lemmon; #14, Steve Beazley and #15, Jose Solorio. All those folks were among the most prominent luminaries in the Great Fairgrounds Debacle that dominated the news the last two years of this decade. As I read those names in a line like that I can't help but reflect on the many encounters they've had with each other as the Fairgrounds issue was flogged and flogged and flogged.

WHAT A "SANDWICH"!
I, on the other hand, at #65 am the "meat", as it were, sandwiched between the vivacious #64, Barbara Venezia and the delightful #66, Crissy Brooks. Couldn't ask for better company near the middle of the pack.


RIGHEIMER NOT MY CHOICE FOR #1
I was surprised at the ranking of Jim Righeimer as #1, but I suppose it makes some sense - even though he doesn't. This year there probably has been no more controversial a local figure than old Riggy. My choice for the top spot would have been soon-to-retire Costa Mesa City Manager Allan Roeder. In my book, he tops the list - any list - when it comes to his contribution to our community. Instead, the editors placed him at #3, just ahead of his Newport Beach peer, Dave Kiff.

MC EVOY ON THE LIST
I was happy that young Chris McEvoy, at #34, was chosen for this list. Despite running the barest of bare-bones campaigns he fought a good fight and gave Righeimer a real reason to worry. Both the cities served by the Daily Pilot need bright young folks to get involved in the political process. Let's hope McEvoy's actions encourage others to participate.

SOME MISSING "REGULARS"
There were a few "regulars" who didn't appear this year, including a grumpy old guy who operates another local blog. That's OK, though... this is a fun thing and I'm sure he lives every day without a smile.

THANKS TO THE DAILY PILOT
Thanks to Editor John Canalis and the rest of the good folks at the Daily Pilot for, once again, providing this fun, interesting exercise for us to ponder. It's interesting to see your friends and neighbors recognized for the contributions they make to the community, and to read unfamiliar names and accomplishments that broaden our appreciation of the terrific folks who inhabit the Newport-Mesa. Have fun as you read down the list...

HAPPY NEW YEAR TO YOU ALL
So, on the 44th anniversary of our very first date, my sweet and patient wife and I wish you all a very Happy New Year. I hope you'll find reasons to visit this site often next year - it looks like it's going to be another interesting one!