Political Landscape: Activists gathering signatures for Fairview Park petition

A group of Costa Mesa activists are gathering signatures for a petition aiming to bring approval of any “significant” changes to Fairview Park directly before voters.

The Fairview Park Preservation Alliance first submitted its petition in September, but experienced delays with City Hall that caused it not to be able to gather signatures until December.

Group leaders say they plan to gather about 7,000 signatures through March. If found valid by the county registrar, the alliance’s proposed law would be on Costa Mesa’s general election ballot in November.

According to an alliance press release, the law would require voter approval for various changes to the 208-acre park, including: building of permanent structures; installation of electric, gas or sewer lines; installation of additional lighting; expansion of park hours; and expansion of present parking lot footprints.

“The Fairview Park Preservation Alliance wants to work with Costa Mesa officials to ensure Fairview Park is maintained as the type of park the original 1986 trust deed with the state and county and the master plan envisioned,” said Richard Mehren, the alliance’s president and a former city Fairview Park committee chairman, in a statement. “The initiative was worded in such a way as to keep the park as is except for minor changes. It is our hope that the city will stay within the boundaries of the Fairview Park master plan so there would never be a need for a special election.”