Drop-off points for coat drive double after campaign-law decision

Used coat drop-off points for Councilwoman Katrina Foley’s annual donation drive have more than doubled since a recent dust-up over her desire to place a box in the Costa Mesa Police Department.

The drive, now in its sixth year, and a drop-off point at the department were criticized last month by Mayor Jim Righeimer as being part of an improperly labeled campaign fundraiser “hiding behind a coat drive.”

For years, Foley used the department’s Fair Drive station as a drop-off point, though Righeimer said last month that this was an improper use of a public facility.

He spoke to city officials about the matter, who, citing potential violations of state law, then told Foley she could no longer use the station.

The coats are given to underprivileged children.

Since then, Foley said in an interview and on social media that new locations have stepped up to accept donations: Balance in Motion on Newport Boulevard, Fairview Community Church on Fairview Road, Temptations Salon on East 17th Street, the Halecrest Park Swim and Tennis Club on Killybrooke Lane and the Orange County Market Place at the fairgrounds.

Foley’s Newport Beach law firm and the Costa Mesa High School cheerleaders also are accepting donations.

The drive lasts through Dec. 10, although Balance in Motion is accepting until Dec. 19.

The Market Place will accept coats this weekend only; donations include free admission.

“I think there’s going to be more coats than we know what to do with,” Foley said. “But we’re going to find them a home.”

During Tuesday’s City Council meeting, a host of residents and activists brought coats to show their support for Foley’s drive.

Resident Mary Spadoni was among them. With a few coats stacked on the speaker’s podium in front of her, she noted that she had 48 more in her car to donate.

“There isn’t going to be one child on a corner cold,” Spadoni said.