Community Corner
🌱 How strong is Costa Mesa High football as it jumps leagues?
And on the Costa Mesa Patch calendar - Petals & Pistons & Pups Car Show
Hey hey Costa Mesa! Your one-stop source for local news is here. Continue reading for all the updates. ☕️️
In today's newsletter:
- How strong is Costa Mesa High football as it jumps leagues?
- What would 4,000 new Fairview homes mean for Costa Mesa's streets and golf?
- Are Costa Mesa kids really protected during summer play and pool time?
Also on today's calendar: Petals & Pistons & Pups Car Show and 9 more events.
Today's riddle: Where is the worst place to hide in a hospital ? 🤔 (Answer below!)
- Thursday: Areas of low clouds, then sun, with a high of 80 and low of 67 degrees.
- Friday: Pleasant with some sun, temps: high: 79, low: 65.
- Saturday: Mostly sunny and beautiful, with a high of 78 and low of 68 degrees.
📰 News we're reading
1. Orange County football preview 2026: Sigma League (ocregister.com) — Costa Mesa High's Mustangs are moving up a league after a dominant 9-2 season and undefeated Tango League run, returning 10 starters and 16 seniors. A powerful offense led by standout running back Gavin Garza and a seasoned defense anchored by Louis Arreola has coaches expecting a hard-hitting, experienced squad. League rivals Anaheim, Katella, Ocean View, Rancho Alamitos and Saddleback round out the Sigma League. 
2. Despite objections, Costa Mesa planning commissioners advance Fairview housing plan (latimes.com subscription) — Costa Mesa's Planning Commission has advanced a specific plan that could allow up to 4,000 housing units at the Fairview Developmental Center site, sending it to the City Council for possible approval on Sept. 15. Residents are sharply divided over density, traffic, and impacts on the Costa Mesa Country Club's Mesa Linda course, while supporters highlight the city's need for more affordable housing. The project could unfold over 20 years and reshape Harbor Boulevard.
3. The Orange County Register: Safety precautions to keep in mind during outdoor summertime fun (choc.org) — A Costa Mesa-based pediatrician with Rady Children's Hospital Orange County shares detailed tips to keep local kids safe during summer, from helmets and hot playground surfaces to rattlesnakes and pool supervision. She also explains smart sunscreen use, hydration strategies, and how to recognize heat exhaustion or heat stroke so families can enjoy outdoor fun more safely.
4. Irvine proposal would protect grocery jobs at small chains during mergers (ocregister.com) — Mother's Market workers at the Costa Mesa flagship store were recently suspended amid a unionization push, even as Irvine officials weigh a job-protection ordinance that could affect the chain's small-format groceries. The piece details worker complaints about low pay and staffing, union organizing across multiple Orange County locations, and concerns over a possible sale of the Costa Mesa-founded company.
5. Remembering (all of) the families who sued to desegregate Orange County schools (latimes.com subscription) — Costa Mesa leaders are wrestling with a state housing mandate that could significantly reshape local development, while a well-known Costa Mesa grocer has suspended more than a dozen pro-union workers. The newsletter also highlights regional transportation upgrades, environmental leadership changes, and labor settlements that frame broader issues affecting Orange County communities.
📸 Around Costa Mesa
Show off your photography skills and the sights around town! Click here to submit your Photo of the Day to Patch AM!
🗓 Upcoming Events in Costa Mesa
Add your event to our calendar and newsletter!
★ Featured events ★
- Petals & Pistons & Pups Car Show →
2645 East Coast Hwy, Newport Beach
8:00 am - Awakened Lifestyle Expo (Mind, Body, Spirit) →
Norma Hertzog Community Center, 1845 Park Ave, Costa Mesa
9:00 am
Saturday August 15
Saturday August 22
Want to see your event featured? Click here!
Other local events
- Professional Learning Day (No School)
Vista Verde Irvine, CA 92603 - SCC Preschool Meet & Greet
Pomona Elementary Costa Mesa, CA 92627
8:15 am - Meet and Greet
Sonora Elementary Costa Mesa, CA 92626
8:30 am - Live Music Fridays
Costa Mesa Chamber of Commerce 1525 Mesa Verde Dr E #117 Costa Mesa CA 92626
6:00 pm - Band - Parent Showcase
Costa Mesa High Mustang Field
6:00 pm - Phoenix Networking Workout →
Costa Mesa Chamber of Commerce 1870 Harbor Blvd Suite #105, Costa Mesa, CA 92627
9:00 am - TK-12+ First Day of School
Newport-Mesa Unified Costa Mesa, CA 92626 - AUT program BTSN
Bonita Canyon Elementary Irvine, CA 92603
4:30 pm - Mariachi Bakery Santa Ana Grand Opening & Ribbon Cutting →
2781 W MacArthur Blvd, Santa Ana
10:00 am - Free Art Walk →
Fairhaven Memorial Park & Mortuary, 1702 Fairhaven Ave, Santa Ana
3:00 pm
Friday August 14
Saturday August 15
Monday August 17
Thursday August 20
Saturday August 29
📣 Costa Mesa Shout Outs!
Want to say something great about someone in town? Click here to submit your Shout Out to Patch AM! It's free!
Have we missed something on our calendar? Add an event yourself! As always, before attending confirm event details to ensure accuracy.
Thank you 👏👏👏 to these businesses for making Costa Mesa PatchAM possible:
- Coach Al Franco Boxing — (714) 822-4852
- Law Office of Jasminder Gill — (949) 416-9080
- Fine Form Accounting Inc — (714) 968-2700
- Oxylon Wellness — 9495678538
Click here to show your appreciation! 💚
Want to see your business here? Click here to connect with local customers.
💬 Chatter
What your neighbors are talking about on social media
- The sunset at Newport Beach, California, two nights ago was exquisite.
I walked over there, Lido Marina Village, Via Lido Plaza, and Marina Park, as part of my annual summer tradition. August 9, 2026. #newportbeach … (Nextdoor Eastside Heights) - PUBLIC SERVICE ANNOUNCEMENT — RENTAL SCAMS 🚨
This is for anyone looking for a rental property online, especially here in Orange County. Unfortunately, rental scams are becoming increasingly… (Nextdoor The Eastside)
- In N Out Burger posted a job opening for Store Associate in Costa Mesa. Apply here.
- ManpowerGroup posted a job opening for Forklift Operator in Costa Mesa. Apply here. You can search for other jobs near Costa Mesa here.
Ok Costa Mesa! So now you're in the loop about what's happening today. Thanks for reading, and see you in your inbox next time! Oh -- and if you like what you're reading, invite a friend to Patch AM!
-- The Patch AM Team
P.S. The answer to today's riddle: In the ICU (Thank you Donna M. for sending it in!)
Got a good riddle for PatchAM? Submit it here!
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