What in the world is happening to our Costa Mesa?

By Tom Johnson

I’m late with my column this week. And for no real good reason.

I thought about writing about the fairgrounds, but what is going on with that whole mess sickens me.

Greed, political payback, bitterness and a bunch of state politicians doing nothing.

Today I get an update from state Sen. Tom Harman's office touting his approval of the governor’s job message. And even though Harman represents Costa Mesa, nowhere does he even mention the fairgrounds.

And come to think of it, I don’t think he’s ever chimed in on the issue.

Assemblyman Van Tran is no better.

He rolls into town and gives this big show at Costa Mesa City Hall about stopping the sale.

Since then, nothing!

Oh, he did send out an email blast, too, today, supporting Arnold’s State of the State address.

So I ask you, who are these politicians working for?

Certainly not us.

Tran is worried about his race pending race for Congress and doesn’t want to rock the Republican bandwagon, meaning don't make GOP bigwig and lobbyist-for-the-sale-of-the-fairgrounds Dick Ackerman angry.

Harman knows. That's why he's silent.

So, I remind you, we’ve all gone to meetings, we’ve all voiced opinions and we’ve all written letters.

Yet, Sacramento and our politicians there do nothing. No one is publicly in favor of the sale of the 150-acre fairgrounds (bids are due Friday), yet no one raises a finger to stop it.

Now, and I say this as a lifelong, card-carrying Republican, perhaps the time has come where we need to show politicians that they do, indeed, work for us.

And more importantly, let them know that our system is failing us.

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On a positive note, a group doing great things for kids in Costa Mesa is putting on a golf tournament.

Costa Mesa United, a non-profit, whose sole purpose is improving fields and facilities for Costa Mesa youth sports, is holding a tournament Monday, Jan. 18 at Mesa Verde Country Club.

There’s still time to be a part of it.

The day will start off with a Cleveland Golf pro shop, where participants can shop for their own tee package.

So, need shoes, balls, a club, etc.? Find it there. And, if you want more, you can buy it.

The tournament itself takes place in a shamble format with all the usuals out on the course: long-drive, hole-in-one and more.

I think we’re even giving away a side of beef.

So what do I need? First, you should know that I’m tournament chair; I still need players; we can always use sponsors; so far, South Coast Plaza and C.J. Segerstrom have stepped up in a big way; so has Cla-Val, Mesa Verde Country Club, the Orange County Register, Golfsmith, Theodore Robins Ford and UCI.

We’re having an auction and need auction items. Right now, we have a snowmobiling trip to Idaho, Ducks’ tickets, Duck autographed jersey, ringside MMA/boxing tickets and a lot more.

But, as with any auction you still need more. Items equal money.

And, as I said on the front end, all monies go toward kids.

Can’t you help me out?

Please feel free to pass this on to any business and encourage them to participate.

Thanks.

Call me. (949) 244-2583.

Tom Johnson is co-publisher of the Newport-Mesa Daily Voice.