Mayor gives honor, celebrates Costa Mesa

More than 200 attendees packed Costa Mesa’s third annual Mayor’s Celebration dinner at the Samueli Theater on Thursday that included song, art and accolades.

Receiving the Mayor’s Award was Wilbur H. Smith III, founder of Greenlaw Partners. The Irvine-based firm, which has completed more than $2 billion in acquisitions and dispositions of commercial real estate properties nationwide, was credited for investing more than $30 million to renovate The Triangle from a nearly vacant property into a popular downtown Costa Mesa hub of entertainment and dining that now boasts a 90% occupancy rate.

Smith, whom Mayor Steve Mensinger called the “sharpest mind in the art of real estate,” was also recognized for his donations to Costa Mesa United, the annual Community Run and other organizations.

In his brief remarks, Smith thanked his supporters and commented that the city of Costa Mesa was one of the best cities he’s worked in.

Receiving the Art of Leadership Award was Paul F. Folino, former chief executive of Costa Mesa-based Emulex Corp., a network technology company.

Organizers lauded Folino’s contributions to the Orange County arts community, including his time on the boards for South Coast Repertory and the Segerstrom Center for the Arts. He was also praised for his contributions to the Orange County School of the Arts and Chapman University, which has a theater named in Folino’s honor.

Folino said he has particularly enjoyed seeing school buses full of children coming in to experience Costa Mesa’s arts hub of music and theater.

In his state of the city address, Mensinger said the face of a changing Costa Mesa is strong.

“Streets are being maintained, parks look great and young families are moving in to our exciting community,” he said. “Changes are upon us and it’s good.”

He cited hundreds of new houses being built, City Hall savings through outsourcing street sweeping services and the jail, and business revitalization throughout Harbor Boulevard, East 17th Street and The Triangle.

Mensinger also announced his desire to start a marketing campaign called “Costa Mesa Cool,” in conjunction with the Costa Mesa Chamber of Commerce, South Coast Metro Alliance and Costa Mesa Conference and Visitor Bureau.

He said the campaign would promote Costa Mesa’s eclecticism, performing arts, shopping meccas and revitalized neighborhoods. Mensinger also used the moment to make a light note on the occasional unrest at City Council meetings.

“More than any other city in Orange County, Costa Mesa is fun, it’s hip and it’s a great place to raise a family,” Mensinger said. “Where else can you catch a Broadway play, shop at Chanel, have the best Peruvian food outside of Peru, enjoy a concert and watch a City Council meeting that can look like a rerun of the Wally George show?”

The Mayor’s Celebration also featured singers and jazz musicians from Costa Mesa and Estancia high schools, as well as artwork from Estancia students on display.