For the love of Costa Mesa

The mayor’s office in Costa Mesa’s city hall is still adorned with former mayor Allan Mansoor’s decorations and memorabilia — a photograph of Ronald Reagan, an American flag.

Nevertheless, the vibe of the office lies decidedly with Eric Bever, the long-time Costa Mesa politico who took over a few short weeks ago.

Bever freely admits he’s taken on some radical changes in his life over the past 20 years. In 1988, he said, the mayor was just another rebel on the other side of the dais — “one of the guys in the cheap seats,” he jokes — as a city activist and elected member of his homeowner’s association.

“I really had no interest in politics, per se, but I’ve always been interested in solving problems,” he said. “Unfortunately, you really have to have one to do the other. This is really just an end to get the city back on its feet.”

Despite his self-appointed title as an “improver” of Costa Mesa, Bever said it was his ardor for the city of Costa Mesa as well as his appreciation for its potential that motivated him to take charge, even in his activist days.

“The reason I got into this fray, which took tons of my personal time, is that I love this city,” he said. “My wife and I, after we travel, always look at ourselves and say, ‘Would you rather be here, or in Costa Mesa?’ We’ve been to some pretty nice places, but we always say Costa Mesa. There’s just a certain vibe here that we really like.”

The new mayor has also caught the attention of his colleagues, who said he has taken some serious strides in his first weeks of office.

“Eric has been a supporter of the things that have really improved Costa Mesa, such as the overlay zones, more street repair, the Residential Remodeling Incentive Program, and deporting illegal immigrant criminals,” Mansoor said. “I think what the citizens are looking for is leadership on the issues that will truly improve Cost Mesa, and there is no doubt in my mind that Eric has done that, and will continue to do that.”

“He will be good for Costa Mesa as mayor and will continue leading in the right direction,” Councilwoman Wendy Leece added.

Of course, the mayor has some political detractors, as well.

“It always seems like the votes are the same on the council — always,” said Robert Stern, owner of Stern Architecture. “It doesn’t seem like the mayor and the new mayor really seem to disagree on anything, so I don’t see much difference.”

Stern had been critical of Bever’s proposal to implement restrictions on city condo conversions earlier last year.

CHRIS CAESAR may be reached at (714) 966-4626 or at [email protected].