FAIR GAME:Political races are heating up

Is it hot, or is it my imagination? So much for those of us who say, “No, we don’t have air conditioning ? we don’t need it. We just open our windows and take advantage of the ocean breezes.”

If you’re like me, the only breezes I’m feeling are the ones coming from four fans strategically placed throughout the homefront.

Speaking of hot, I attended what seemed to be a who’s who in Costa Mesa this past weekend. Councilwoman Katrina Foley hosted the new Return to Reason kickoff.

The group is made up of business leaders, current and former politicians, PTA leaders, youth athletic leaders, seniors and, dare I say it, Latino leaders.

The group certainly appears to have clout. Those speaking to kick off the event included former Mayors Joe Erickson and Mary Hornbuckle.

Say what you will, but it doesn’t get much better than that.

Among the many others in attendance were former school board member Jim Ferryman, Councilwoman Linda Dixon, Parks and Recreation Commissioner Byron de Arakal, and local restaurateur Ivan Calderon, to name a few.

Their mission is to get the focus on Costa Mesa back to the community they feel it should be.

Stay tuned. Something tells me that this group will have to be reckoned with this fall.

By the way, Return to Reason has announced that the group’s endorsed candidates for the fall City Council election are City Planner Bruce Garlich and former council member Mike Scheafer.

Somewhere in the back of my mind I imagine “H” and his cronies plotting, with the “Jaws” theme song playing in the background.

Well, maybe not. Perhaps they don’t understand the meaning of reason.

Former Daily Pilot columnist Greer Wylder kicks off a new website venture on Monday called Greer’s OC.

The daily dose, as Greer refers to it, will feature fashion, dining and trends. In typical Greer fashion it will be classy, informative and cutting-edge. Understand, she has some strong supporters behind her. Look for it at greersoc.com.

Had the opportunity to shake hands with the Governator this past weekend at the California Newspaper Publisher’s Assn. Conference.

But even more exciting was the fact that Times Community News newspapers, of which the Daily Pilot is part, was recognized for statewide excellence with 14 awards.

Perhaps you’ve read about the newspaper publisher in Santa Barbara who has been accused of spiking stories to protect her friends and her interests.

Well, the same can’t be said here.

This past week more than several people have written in and had letters published criticizing my recent column on KOCE.

I certainly understand their stance and their passion.

But to blame me for “advocating the sale of KOCE” to the religious group is like blaming the punter on a football team for kicking on fourth down and 50.

My point is this, given the options and the bumbling that has taken place over the last couple of years, it seems like the only logical choice.

However, every once in a while a faked punt fools the opposition. You’re only a goat if you don’t make it.

Enjoy the run!dpt-johnson,tom-C.1PhotoInfo0V1T5J1L20060721ieuzlukfCredit: Caption: (LA)