Just as I’m growing old, it’s time to start thinking about getting young again, at least for a long weekend that’s 55 years in the making
I’ve backed myself into a corner, and I’m not happy about it. In less than three weeks I have my 55-year class reunion for Amador High School in Pleasanton, Calif.
Gosh, back near the start of the year I got notice of it. At that time I thought – start working out, now, lose some weight, especially around the middle; maybe get the teeth whitened; start hydrating and perhaps even start applying lotion to my face in order to reduce some of the wrinkles and look younger; figure out something to do with my hair, or lack thereof.
It all sounded so good, so easy and so worth it.
Still, March turned to April, then to May and the start of summer…and now, months later, following lots of procrastination, it’s go-time and I’m still a mess.
Gone are those years when I vied for valedictorian, best dressed, class clown and the dreamboat side of dreamboat & beauty.
Truth be told – the only reason I was in the running for valedictorian was because I went to the school and everyone started out with a chance; my 2.5 GPA fell just slightly short of the top spot.
As far as best dressed went, my brother probably won it the year before, but I had his hand-me downs, so everything was a year out of style by the time it got to me.
As far as class clown, my teachers weren’t always so appreciative of my often inappropriate remarks. Too bad…I thought they were funny!
And, as far as dreamboat…hah…I think I was probably voted the guy who would probably get his first date by his junior year – of college.
Actually, though, I’m excited. It was a small class, splitting in half after our freshman year to start a new high school in Dublin. I think we had about 240 in my graduating class, so I knew virtually everyone.
The reunion is planned to take place in the town’s premier pizza joint, Gay Nineties Pizza Co. It goes back years and years (housed in a building that dates back to 1864, and they’ve been serving up the most incredible pizza since the 1950s). It’s still the place to go.
Still, there’s work to be done. My final preparation in getting ready is what I’ll first say to those whom I haven’t seen in years. When they ask something like, “When did you start parting your hair in the middle?” I’ll respond with something like, “God started doing that for me about 10-15 years ago.”
Wish me luck!
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The Costa Mesa City Council will consider an amendment to the Housing Element at tonight’s meeting to address capacity and highlight the implementation progress.
The Housing Element is a state-mandated chapter of the city’s General Plan that establishes a strategy for addressing local housing needs.
During each eight-year planning cycle, the city is assigned a Regional Housing Needs Allocation (RHNA), which identifies the number of housing units the city must plan and zone for at various affordability levels.
It’s important to reiterate, this is NOT a city choice as to numbers, but a state decision. And the city does not build these housing units; rather, it establishes appropriate zoning areas to provide opportunities for property owners to develop housing in order to meet the mandated numbers.
Costa Mesa’s RHNA for the 2021-2029 planning cycle is 11,760 units, ranging from lower-income to above-moderate-income housing. The city adopted their 2021-2029 Housing Element in 2022 and has since been implementing the programs.
In March 2026, several sites were removed and two sites were added to the Housing Element at the request of property owners.
The proposed September 2026 amendment would update the Housing Element Sites Inventory to ensure the city continues to provide sufficient capacity to accommodate their RHNA, along with a buffer to maintain flexibility as housing opportunities evolve. The amendment also demonstrates the city’s progress in implementing numerous Housing Element programs.
The City Council meeting is at 7 p.m. in the Council Chambers.
Also on tonight’s agenda was an appeal planned for a Planning Commission Decision to uphold the Economic and Development Services Director’s decision to deny a reasonable accommodation for a sober living home; however, that will be continued until October 26 when an open public hearing will be conducted.
There’s also an agenda item where the city’s intent seems to be to overrule the Orange County Airport Land Use Commission’s, which they have the power to do, on a on zoning update and housing element implementation. They’ll conduct a public hearing and consider the adoption of a resolution.
Then, under Old Business, there’s a staff recommendation to update land use classifications for various non-residential uses.
Lastly is a planned adoption of agreements related to salaries between the city and the Costa Mesa Police Association, Costa Mesa Police Management and the Costa Mesa City Employees Association.
The full agenda for the evening can be found here.
• • •
Earlier this year it was San Clemente, now it’s Costa Mesa. Zov’s has announced that it will bring their Mediterranean cuisine to Costa Mesa later this year. The new digs will be set on 17th Street (428 E. 17th St.) in the former Playa Mesa location.
This newest Zov’s will bring the brand’s signature blend of Mediterranean soul and contemporary California cuisine to a neighborhood known for their independent spirit and devoted food culture and will carry the warmth and spirit that have distinguished Zov’s for nearly four decades.
Click on photo for a larger image
Courtesy of Zov’s
Zov’s is bringing their Mediterranean cuisine to Costa Mesa
“It is clear that this neighborhood shares what we value most – a genuine love of good food and of gathering around the table,” said Armen Karamardian, CEO of Zov’s. “We can’t wait to open our doors in Costa Mesa and share the recipes, and the hospitality, that three generations of our family have poured their hearts into.”
Diners will find beautifully plated seasonal dishes alive with bright herbs and spices, thoughtfully sourced ingredients and the best of the region’s natural bounty. Comforting yet refined, the menu interprets Mediterranean traditions through a distinctly California lens.
Menu highlights include perfectly grilled lamb chops seasoned with vibrant herbs, house-made mezze platters with hummus and baba ghanoush, locally sourced seafood, handcrafted flatbreads and pastas, and seasonal salads bursting with fresh flavor and culinary artistry.
“Everything we serve traces back to my mother’s kitchen,” shared Karamardian.
Complementing the cuisine will be handcrafted cocktails made with fresh herbs, seasonal citrus and premium spirits, alongside a robust wine list highlighting acclaimed California vintners and notable Mediterranean producers. A selection of craft and imported beers, along with non-alcoholic offerings, ensures something for every guest and every occasion.
The newest location is set to open in late 2026. The public will be able to follow real-time updates of the progress on Instagram at @zovsrestaurant.
Zov’s will now have restaurants in Tustin, Irvine, Newport Coast, San Clemente and Costa Mesa.
