Political Landscape: Newport resident announces congressional bid against Rohrabacher

Sue Savary, a Democrat from Newport Beach, recently announced her bid for the 48th Congressional District during the June primary election.

The retired USC professor and management consultant will challenge incumbent U.S. Rep. Dana Rohrabacher (R-Costa Mesa), who is running for his 15th term. Savary also ran in 2014.

Other declared candidates are Democrat Robert John Banuelos, a congressional aide, and Republican Colin D. Melott who, according to his LinkedIn profile, last managed a Halloween store and worked as an employment adviser in Fountain Valley.

The 48th district includes Costa Mesa, Newport Beach, Huntington Beach, Laguna Beach and Fountain Valley.

Costa Mesa First endorses Fairview Park initiative

Costa Mesa First, a political action committee, has endorsed a proposed initiative by the Fairview Park Preservation Alliance that would give the public a right to vote on changes to Fairview Park in Westside Costa Mesa.

“The Fairview Park initiative will preserve the park as open and natural space for present and future generations,” Rick Huffman, Costa Mesa First treasurer, said in a statement.

Organizers with the Fairview Park alliance are gathering signatures for the law to qualify for the November ballot.

If approved by voters this fall, it would require their direct approval each time the city authorizes not only the expansion or intensification of park uses, but other changes, like new amenities, parking lots and installation of lighting, according to a news release.

Costa Mesa First recently certified its own similar petition that, if approved in November, would cause major developments, both residential and commercial, to go before a vote of the people, not just the City Council, for final approval.