COMMUNITY ACTION. PUBLIC ACCOUNTABILITY.

Tracking City-approved funding, implementation, and follow-through.

This page documents the outcomes of community advocacy related to immigration enforcement impacts in Costa Mesa, including what funding was approved by City Council, how those public resources are being implemented, and the steps we are taking to ensure transparency and accountability.

Accountability strengthens community trust, protects nonprofit integrity, and ensures that public investments deliver real support to impacted families.

Transparency, Impact & Accountability

What We’ve Accomplished:

1) $100,000 in Mutual Aid Funding Secured

Through sustained community organizing, public comment, and coalition advocacy, the Costa Mesa City Council approved $100,000 in funding to support residents impacted by immigration enforcement.

Approved allocation (per August 5, 2025 Council action):

  • $50,000 to Enough For All — for direct mutual aid assistance to impacted families
  • $50,000 to Someone Cares Soup Kitchen — for community assistance as discussed during the Council meeting

This decision represented a meaningful acknowledgment by the City that immigration enforcement causes real harm to families and requires a tangible, community-based response.

2) $200,000 Legal Defense Fund Approved

In addition to mutual aid, the City approved $200,000 in funding for immigration legal defense, recognizing that access to legal support is essential for community stability and safety.

Legal defense funding allocations:

  • $100,000 to Public Law Center
  • $100,000 to Immigrant Defenders Law Center

These funds were approved to support:

  • Costa Mesa residents, City of Costa Mesa employees and their families, and those kidnapped in Costa Mesa
  • Immigration legal consultations and representation
  • Know-Your-Rights education
  • Legal navigation and referral services
  • Rapid response legal support for impacted individuals and families

How We Are Ensuring Accountability & Follow-Through

Securing funding is only the first step. We are equally committed to ensuring that public dollars are used transparently, responsibly, and in alignment with the intent discussed by City Council.

Mutual Aid Distribution — Enough For All

Enough For All has distributed mutual aid funds directly to impacted families

Community partners have confirmed timely disbursement addressing urgent needs such as housing stability, food access, utilities, and emergency support

Funds are reaching households affected by immigration enforcement, consistent with the purpose described during Council deliberations

This demonstrates how mutual aid can move resources quickly and effectively when community-rooted organizations are empowered to act.

Legal Defense Funding — Implementation Status

Public Law Center is actively providing legal resources and support, including education and direct assistance

Immigrant Defenders Law Center is currently in the contract execution phase, with services expected to begin following final administrative steps

We continue to monitor implementation to ensure the full $200,000 commitment translates into accessible, on-the-ground legal support for community members.

Current Accountability Efforts: Someone Cares Soup Kitchen

As part of our commitment to transparency and good governance, we are currently preparing a formal letter to the Board of Directors of Someone Cares Soup Kitchen regarding the $50,000 allocation approved on August 5, 2025.

The letter respectfully requests Board-level transparency and accountability regarding:

  • How much of the allocation has been spent to date, and for what purposes
  • How the use of funds aligns with the intent discussed at the Council meeting
  • What oversight and reporting mechanisms are in place for this City allocation

We are inviting community organizations and residents to co-sign the letter to demonstrate shared values around transparency, accountability, and responsible use of public resources. If you support our efforts and would like to co-sign, please send an email to costamesa@defendourrights.net with your name or your organization’s name as it should appear on the letter.

Why Transparency Matters

  • Public funds carry public responsibility.
  • Transparency builds trust.
  • Accountability ensures advocacy leads to real impact — not just approvals.

We remain committed to:

  • Centering impacted families
  • Supporting service providers
  • Tracking follow-through after Council action
  • Protecting the integrity of community organizations
  • Ensuring public commitments lead to real outcomes

Join City Council Meetings Remotely

If you’re unable to attend in person, you can participate via Zoom or call in. But if you’re able and it is safe, we encourage you to come in person. Your presence matters.

📺 Zoom Webinar (Audio & Video)

  • Zoom link: click here
    Webinar ID: 899 8281 2676
    Password: 772583
  • How to join:
    1. Click the Zoom link.
    2. Enter the provided Webinar ID & Password.
    3. Select “Join Audio via Computer” (or dial in via phone).
    4. If it says “Please wait for the host,” stay in the waiting room until the meeting starts.
    5. During the Public Comment Period, use the “raise hand” feature located in the participants’ window and wait for city staff to announce your name and unmute your line when it is your turn to speak. Comments are limited to 3 minutes.

📞 Phone Call–In (Audio Only)

  • Call 1‑669‑900‑6833
  • Enter the same Webinar ID (899 8281 2676) and Password (772583).
  • During the Public Comment Period, press *9 to add yourself to the queue and wait for city staff to announce your name/phone number and press *6 to unmute your line when it is your turn to speak. Comments are limited to 3 minutes.

How to Speak During Public Comment

  1. When the public comment period begins, use the Zoom “Raise Hand” button, or if on phone, dial *9 to request to speak.
  2. Wait to be called by name or phone number.
  3. When prompted, unmute yourself—either click the mic icon or press *6 if calling in.
  4. Speak for up to 3 minutes (or as directed, which may be reduced to 1 or 2 minutes depending on the number of public speakers).
  5. When you’re done, you’ll be muted again by the City staff.

Zoom/Public Comment Tips

  • Join early—at least 10 minutes before the meeting starts at 6 PM; the queue opens during early public comment time.
  • Test your audio/video ahead of time.
  • For phone-only callers: background noise doesn’t affect connectivity as much—but still mute when not speaking.
  • If you encounter issues, contact the City Clerk at (714) 754‑5225 or cityclerk@costamesaca.gov for technical support.