George Argyos Runs Costa Mesa

Well, not directly. The billionaire Newport Beach resident is the commercial developer for the Banning Ranch as well as that little mall next to South Coast Plaza - Metro Pointe. If you were wondering just how it is that Jim Righiemer made his way from Fountain Valley to Costa Mesa you need look no further than Mr. Argyros. If you were wondering just how Mr. Mensinger became a member of the city council you need look no further. If I wondered where the money behind both men is - I'd have to guess Argyros. If you look closely at the resume of Mr. Mensinger you'll find that much of his business life he has been successfull working alongside Mr. Argyos.

If you wanted to know how the city of Costa Mesa will be run it's my firm belief that you should ask Mr. Argyros. What proof do I have of this accusation? None.

The one fact we can all agree on is this: The property owners of Costa Mesa live mostly in Newport Beach (well, some time of the year anyway). The Segerstrom family of South Coast Plaza ownership fame live in Newport too. The Banning Ranch development and the sale of the Orange County fairgrounds are the two big deals and they are both real estate based.

The voters live with the outcomes of the decisions made by the city council of Costa Mesa. The folks in Newport don't. They just visit.