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Home My WebLink About96-48 - Business Improvement Area for Costa Mesa Hotels & Motels•234 RESOLUTION NO. 96-48 A RESOLUTION OF THE CITY COUNCIL OF THE CITY OF COSTA MESA, CALIFORNIA, ON THE INTENTION TO ESTABLISH A BUSINESS IMPROVE- MENT AREA FOR CITY OF COSTA MESA HOTELS AND MOTELS. THE CITY COUNCIL OF THE CITY OF COSTA MESA DOES HEREBY RESOLVE AS FOLLOWS: SECTION 1. The City Council of the City of Costa Mesa hereby finds and declares as follows: WHEREAS, the California Legislature, in adopting the Parking and Business Improvement Area Law of 1989 (Streets and Highways Code Sections 36500 et seq.), found that cities are authorized to levy assessments on businesses in order to promote economic revitalization and tourism, create jobs, and attract new businesses which benefit from those improvements and activities; and WHEREAS, the purpose of the business improvement area proposed by this resolution of intention is to fund activities to promote tourism and related tourist events which benefit the hotel and motel businesses within the City of Costa Mesa; and WHEREAS, the major hotel and motel businesses within the City of Costa Mesa have requested that the City Council commence proceedings under the Parking and Business Improvement Area Law of 1989 to establish a hotel and motel business benefit area within the City of Costa Mesa and levy a special assessment to promote tourism; and WHEREAS, on July 5, 1995, by Ordinance No. 95-9, the City Council adopted a business improvement area, known as the Costa Mesa Tourism and Promotion Council; and WHEREAS, this resolution of intention will commence proceedings under the Parking and Business Improvement Area Law of 1989 to levy an annual assessment for the Costa Mesa Tourism and Promotion Council. SECTION 2. The City Council of the City of Costa Mesa hereby intends to do the following: (a) An annual business assessment for the business improvement area known as the Costa Mesa Tourism and Promotion Council is proposed to be levied pursuant to Streets and Highways Code Sections 36500 et seq. with the boundaries of the territory to be included in the area as set forth in Exhibit A, attached hereto and incorporated herein by this reference. Further, a business improvement area is proposed to be established with the boundaries of the benefit zone within the area as set forth in Exhibit A. (b) An annual report on the business improvement area has been prepared by the Board of the Costa Mesa Tourism and Promotion Council to review the assessment adopted pursuant to Ordinance No. 95-9 and such report is attached as Exhibit B and incorporated herein by this reference. (c) The type or types of improvements and activities proposed the annual levy of assessments on businesses within the business improvement area are specified in Exhibit B. Further, the improvements, if any, to be acquired for the proposed business improvement area are specified in Exhibit B. (d) The proposed assessment will be levied annually to pay for all improvements and activities within the business improvement area, except where funds are otherwise available. (e) The proposed method and basis of levying the assessment to allow each business owner to estimate the amount of the assessment to be levied against his or her business is set forth in Exhibit B. (f) New hotel and motel businesses commenced after the effective date of the ordinance levying the annual assessment will be exempt from the levy of assessment as provided in Exhibit B, pursuant to Streets and Highways Code Sections 36531 and 36535. (g) The time and place for the public hearing on the business improvement area and the annual levy of assessments shall be at 6:30 p.m., on June 3, 1996, at the Costa Mesa City Hall, City Council Chambers, 77 Fair Drive, Costa Mesa, CA. (h) At the public hearing set forth above, the testimony of all interested persons for or against the annual levy of assessment for the business improvement area, the extent of the area, or the furnishing of specific types of improvements or activities will be heard by the City Council. A protest may be made orally or in writing by any interested person. Any protest pertaining to the regularity or sufficiency of the proceedings shall be in writing and shall clearly set forth the irregularity or defect to which the objection is made. (i) Every written protest shall be filed with the City Clerk's office, Costa Mesa City Hall, Room 101, 77 Fair Drive, Post Office Box 1200, Costa Mesa, CA 92628- 1200, at or before the time fixed for the public hearing as set forth above. The City Council may waive any irregularity in the form or content of any written protest and at the public hearing may correct minor defects in the proceedings. A written protest may be withdrawn in writing at any time before the conclusion of the public hearing set forth above. (j) Each written protest shall contain a description of the business in which the person subscribing the protest is interested sufficient to identify the business and, if a person subscribing is not shown on the official records of the City of Costa Mesa as the owner of the business, the protest shall contain or be accompanied by written evidence that the person subscribing is the owner of the business. A written protest which does not comply with this paragraph shall not be counted in determining a majority protest. (k) If written protests are received from the owners of businesses in the proposed business improvement area which will pay fifty percent (50%) or mere of the assessments to be levied and protests are not withdrawn so as to reduce the protests to less than the fifth percent (50%), no further proceedings o create the proposed business improvement area or to levy the propose- assessment, as specified by this resolution of intention, shall be taken by the City Council for a period of one (1) year from the date of the filing of a majority protest. If a majority protest is only against the furnishing of a specified type or types of improvement or activity within the business improvement area, those types of improvements or activities shall be eliminated by the City Council. NOW, THEREFORE, BE IT RESOLVED that the City Council of the City of Costa Mesa, California, does hereby adopt the annual report on the business improvement area by the Costa Mesa Tourism and Promotion Council, and this resolution of intention as set forth herein, and Exhibits A and B attached hereto and incorporated by this reference. PASSED AND ADOPTED this 20th day of May, 1996. Ma r of the City of Costa Mesa ATTEST: Deputy City Cle : of the City of Costa Mesa STATE OF CALIFORNIA ) COUNTY OF ORANGE ) ss CITY OF COSTA MESA I, MARY T. ELLIOTT, Deputy City Clerk and ex -officio Clerk of the City Council of the City of Costa Mesa, hereby certify that the above and foregoing Resolution No. 96-48 was duly and regularly passed and adopted by the said City Council at a regular meeting thereof held on the 20th day of May, 1996, by the following roll call vote: AYES: Erickson, Buffa, Hornbuckle, Genis, Monahan NOES: None ABSENT: None IN WITNESS WHEREOF, I have hereunto set my hand and affixed the Seal of the City of Costa Mesa this 21st day of May, 1996. T Deputy City Perk and ex -officio Clerk of the City Cou cil of the City of Costa Mesa 237 EXHIBIT "A" The BID benefit zone encompasses the entire City of Costa Mesa boundaries. It. is anticipated that the entire City including businesses and residents will benefit from increased revenues generated by the activities of the BID. The following businesses will be included in the business improvement area established pursuant to Streets and Highways Code Section 36500 et. seq., the businesses commonly known as: 1. COUNTRYSIDE INN & SUITES ADDRESS: 325 & 345 Bristol Street BUSINESS OWNER: Bruce Ayers 3.817 Westminster Avenue Newport Beach CA 92660 Donald Ayers, Jr. 506 Via Lido fiord Newport Beach CA 92658 PROPERTY OWNER: Hames By Ayers 355 Bristol Street, Suite Costa Mesa CA 97.626 DATE CONSTRUCTED: 1986 & 1989. NUMDER OF UNIT'S: 180 & 111 2. RESIDENCE INN - COSTA MESA ADDRESS! 881 Baker Street BUSINESS OWNER: Residence Inn by Marriott 1 Marriott Way Washington DC 02258 PROPERTY OWNER: Marriott Residence Inn Ltd. Partnership 10400 Fernwood Road Bethesda MD 20817 DATE CONSTRUCTED: 1986 NUMBER OF UNITS: 144 3. RED LION INN ADDRESS: 3050 Bristol Street - BUSINESS OWNER: Raymond 11. Bingham 4041 Main Street Vancouver WA 98663 PROPERTY OWNER: Red Lion Inn - Costa Mesa PO Box 1027 Vancouver WA 98666 DATE CONSTRUCTED: 1987 NUMBER OF UNITS: 490 4. HOLIDAY INN ADDRESS: 3131 Bristol Street BUSINESS OWNER: Linquist & Craig Motels No Address Provided PROPERTY OWNER: Abbot B. Lipsky c/o California Inn Management, Inc. PO Box 688 Lawrence KS 66044 DATE CONSTRUCTED: 1973; 1986 NUMBER OF UNITS: 234 S. WESTIN SOUTH COAST PLAZA HOTEL ADDRESS: 668 Anton Boulevard BUSINESS OWNER: South Coast Westin No Address Provided PROPERTY OWNER: Bacon Properties c/o South Coast Plaza Hotel 668 Anton Boulevard Costa Mesa CA 92626 DATE CONSTRUCTED: 1975 NUMBER OF UNITS: 403 6. WYNDHAM GARDEN HOTEL ADDRESS: 3350 Avenue of the Arts BUSINESS OWNER: Amgreen Heritage Hotel Partners Ltd., 31200 Via Colimas, Suite 202 Weetlake Village CA 91362 PROPERTY OWNER: SAA DATE CONSTRUCTED: 1987 NUMBER OF UNITS: 237 MARRIOTT SUITES ADDRESS: 500 Anton Boulevard BUSINESS OWNER: J. W. Marriott, Jr. No Address Provided PROPERTY OWNER: Marriott Suites, Ltd, 1 Marriott Way Washington DC 20058 DATE CONSTRUCTED: 1989 NUMBER OF UNITS! 255 Exhibit "A" Resolution No. 96-48 ANNUAL REPORT FOR FISCAL YEARS 1995. - 1996 AND 1996 -- 1997 Midti Fascinating!" Submitted by: The Costo Mesa 701171snt alld Pl'o7notion Council Mari 10, 1996 Exhibit "B" Resolution No. 96-48 Page 1 of 6 May 10, 1996 The Honorable City Council City of Costa Mesa 77 Fair Drive Costa Mesa, California 92626 Dear Council Members: Thank you for the opportunity to form the Costa Mesa Tourism and Promotion Council. Under the provisions of the Business Improvement Area (BIA), I submit for your approval the annual report of the CMTPC. The "virtual bureau" concept has been most effective. The seven general managers and the Honorable Mary Hornbuckle and City Manager Allan Roeder have diligently met regularly without compensation to further the image and economic development of Cost Mesa. The required contents of our annual report is detailed in Section 36533 of the Streets and Highway Code, and this format will be followed. I. Any proposed changes in the boundaries of the Business Improvement Area or in any benefit zones with the area. The Advisory Board recommends that the entire city continue to be included. in the benefit zone. Further, the Advisory Board recommends that the number of properties included in the boundaries remain the same. The seven major hotels will continue to be assessed the 1 % levy on the sale of hotel overnight guest room stays. Il. The improvements and activities to be provided for the Fiscal Year. The Advisory Board recommends that the 1 % assessment levy continue to be used to fund similar local tourism and promotion activities. During the first year, the CMTPC has worked to develop a plan to capitalize on the many and varied attributes within Costa Mesa. Further, we have begun t6 -vigorously promote its assets and are working towards building a unique identity and image for Costa Mesa in the tourism arena. Following are sane key successes: ■ Strategic aggressive promotion campaigns for Costa Mesa as a destination - Holiday Shopping Getaway — We highlighted Costa Mesa shopping opportunities while making travelers aware of the seasonal performances and activities Exhibit "B" Resolution No. 96-48 Page 2 of 6 240 Page Two - Rose Bowl campaign — Four Costa Mesa hotels hosted Northwestern University alumni and students for the Rose Bowl events. Costa Mesa/Rose Bowl buttons were distributed throughout the community and to all guests of the seven hotels. - Sunshine Impaired campaign — We targeted Seattle, Portland and Sacramento who were having long, dreary wet winters to come to Costa Mesa. -The Heat Relief campaign We are targeting Phoenix and desert communities to come to the coast, Cosa Mesa, to get out of the heat. This campaign will run in July. - The advertisements for the above promotion campaigns are attached. ■ Marketing research indicates that our Sunshine Impaired campaign was successful in establishing Costa Mesa as a destination in the target markets. ■ Establishment of the CMTPC logo and "Multi Fascinating" by-line. ■ Have developed the attached comprehensive Fascinating Brochure and Press kit which has been mailed to the local media, travel trade, in flight magazines, and meetings industry publications. ■ We have scheduled a familiarization trip for travel writers, editors and photographers for the end of May 1996. ■ We have created many articles about Costa Mesa and the CMTPC (please see some of the attached examples). ■ We have a toll-free number that provides information about Costa Mesa. ■ The City of Irvine used our same blueprint to establish their Tourism and Promotion Council. The County of Orange is attempting to do the same. The state is attempting a similar project. We are truly on the cutting edge of such an organization and methodology. III. An estimate of the cost of providing the activities for the fiscal year. The estimated amount of the assessment to be levied against the businesses for the fiscal year. The amount of surplus or deficit revenues carried over from the previous fiscal year. The Advisory Board has prepared the following Financial Overview which details Fiscal Year 1995-1996 and the proposed Fiscal Year 1996-1997. Exhibit "B" Resolution No. 96-48 Page 3 of 6 Page Three COSTA MESA TOURISM AND PROMOTION COUNCIL FINANCIAL OVERVIEW Projected Beginning Balance 7/1/96 Projected Ending Balance 6/30/97 Exhibit "B" Resolution No. 96-48 Page 4 of 6 25 315 $12,862 Actuals Projected REVENUES: FY 95-96 FY 96-97 July $0 $25,000 August 23,432 Prtial 25,000 September 26,912 27,988 October 30,867 32,102 November 36,437 37,894 December 25,273 26,284 January 28,900 30,056 February 32,714 34,023 March 30,000 Est 31,200 April 25,000 Est 26,000 May 25,000 Est 26,000 June 25,000 Est 26,000 Total Revenue $309,535 $347,547 Actuals Projected EXPENSES: FY 95-96 FY 96-97 Media Campaign $178,576 $200,000 Video Production and Distribution 0 30,000 Media Relations/Familiarization Trips 20,339 45,000 Brochures and Collateral Materials 75,305 50,000 Trade Show Booth Representation 0 25,000 Admin and General Expenses 10,000 10,000 Total Expense $284,220 $360,000 Projected Balance 6/30/96 25 315 Projected Beginning Balance 7/1/96 Projected Ending Balance 6/30/97 Exhibit "B" Resolution No. 96-48 Page 4 of 6 25 315 $12,862 1,242 Page Four Bud eg t Expense narrative detail for FY 96-97: Media Campaign: Creative Development and Media Buy A Campaign would be developed consisting of three or four ads which would continue to establish the positioning and name recognition of Costa Mesa as an attractive destination providing desirable amenities, value and easy accessibility. It would be utilized in key feeder markets of leisure travelers to Orange County with emphasis on shopping, attractions, cultural activities, holiday and special events. A advertising campaign and media schedule will be developed for meetings and conference target audiences. ESTIMATED FY 96-97 EXPENSE - $ 200,000 Video Production and Distribution For a variety of applications, ranging from cable television opportunities to hotel presentations and sales calls, a 5-7 minute video of Costa Mesa would be produced and distributed. It would cover such areas as the arts, shopping attractions, location, etc. Provisions would ne made for a short "leader" to be inserted at the beginning of the type in order to customize the video for the particular organization being solicited. ESTIMATED FY 96-97 EXPENSE - $ 30,000 Media Relations and Familiarization Trips To continue to work with the local, regional, and national print media, activity pitching stories about Costa Mesa. Regular press releases would be developed to travel and business writers regarding activities taking place in Costa Mesa highlighting shopping, cultural events, to come to Costa Mesa for a familiarization visit. ESTIMATED FY 96-97 EXPENSE - $ 45,000 Brochures and Collateral Materials Further development of comprehensive brochures and collateral program (visitor's guide, rack brochure, Costa Mesa destination newsletters, etc.) in order to present a consistent, accurate Costa Mesa information in a creative uniform, progressive style. These materials will be distributed to meeting planners, travel agents.in feeder cities. ESTIMATED FY 96-97 EXPENSE - $ 50,000 Exhibit "B" Resolution No. 96-48 Page 5 of 6 Page Five Trade Show Booth and Representation In order to support meeting and conference sales and build tourism, a portable trade show booth would be created. Representatives from a broad section of the City's tourism industry would travel to trade shows (at their own expense) with a contracted representative to sell Costa Mesa as a destination. Example of such trade shows would be POW WOW, MPT, local and regional business expos. ESTIMATED FY 96-97 EXPENSE - $ 25,000 Administrative and General Expenses This category includes $2,500 for a one (1) per cent fee levied by the City of Costa Mesa on the collection of BIA revenues, $3,000 in legal and licensing fees, and $4,500 for mailings. ESTIMATED FY 96-97 EXPENSE - $ 10,000 The entire board has been very active as we developed our budget and worked towards setting our annual goals. One of our first goals for the previous year, was to form a non-profit corporation. That goal has been reached and the Secretary of State has approved the Articles of Incorporation for the Costa Mesa Tourism and Promotion Council (CMTPC). This is very encouraging as we continue to develop the CMTPC. The entire advisory board has supported and enthusiastically worked for the success of the CMTPC. Advisory board members, Mary Hornbuckle and Allan Roeder, added their unique perspective and eminent assistance. We appreciate the opportunity given us by the City Council to establish the Tourism and Promotion Council and seek continued support. Respectfully, Emmett Steed, President Costa Mesa Tourism and Promotion Council /ih Attachments: Press Kit Promotional Campaign Information CMTPC Press Clippings Exhibit "B" Resolution No. 96-48 Page 6 of 6 243 PROMOTIONAL CAMPAIGNS Holiday Shopping Getaway Campaign November & December, 1995 Orange County Register Los Angeles Times Riverside Press Enterprise Ventura County Star Palm Springs Desert Sun Long Beach Press Telegram Valley News Group Rose Bowl Campaign December, 1995 ' January, 1996 ROSE Multi Fascinating!' N Distributed to Trojan and Wildcat fans. Sunshine Impaired Campaign Transit Advertising Bus Tail Posters March & April, 1996 Sacramento, CA Seattle, WA Portland, OR 0 Sunshine Impaired Campaign Newspaper Advertising March, 1996 Sacramento, CA Seattle, WA Portland, OR Sunshine Impaff'ed? Soak up the Sun in Costa Mesa and Soak Up the View on a FREE ..vKIn Newport Harbor Cruise' Costa Mesa, in Southern California, solves your dreary weather blues. Fly into John Wayne Airport & you're here! Soaking up the sunshine, enjoying life. Sit by the pool, take a stroll along the beach, or dine at a sidewalk bistro. Shop at South Coast Plaza or Triangle Square. See a play at South Coast Repertory or a musical group at the Orange County Performing Arts Center. Book your Costa Mesa Sunshine Getaway today! 'Book a Costa Mesa Sunshine Getaway and receive a complimentary 45 minute harbor cruise for two. Participating hotel rates and packages vary. Rooms subject to availability. Offer expires lune 30. 1996. Multi Faicinatina'' 800- 399- 5499 Heat Relief Campaign Billboard Advertising Scheduled for July, 1996 Phoenix, AZ ft PRESS CLIPPINGS i. --NO W E 0*7% -Aw W * Ago r 11 61 In "Mv 4 a bi Orange County From shopping appeal to historic core U)' SHARON APFELBAUM any Californians view Orange County as a slice of suburban sprawl sec- tioned by freeways and fla- vored by Disneyland. Others regard it as a retail mecca where they head every November to get a head start on holiday shopping. But few see that behind its glitzy exterior is a wealth of art and culture, a deep breath of California history, and an uncorrupted landscape well worth trodding. Costa Mesa and the surrounding South Coast Metro area throbs with action. The vast complex of corporate headquarters, businesses and world-famous retailers create the economic heartbeat of Orange County. NX'hat sets it apart from other such com- mercial hubs is its hand-in-hand alliance of business and the arts. Now 10 years old, Costa Mesa's hand- some Orange County Performing Arts Cen- ter, built entirely with community funds, looks like a campus for the arts. Contem- porary sculptures, created by greats like Henry Moore, Jean Miro and Jean Dubuffet and financed by developers and local busi- nesses, enhance the modern architecture. Stunningly lit at night, they're best viewed during an after -theatre walk. The Center presents touring Broadway musicals and operas and special attrac- tions like the Andy Williams Christmas Show. Dance Theatre of Harlem hits the Rich history: Diego Sepulveda Adobe, now a museum, was built In the 1820s by padres of San Juan Capistrano to serve as an estanela, or way station, for vaqueros herding mission cattle. C N C d N O A n N stage Nov. 10-12, while Damn Yankees, starring Jerry Lewis, plays in December. South Coast Repertory Theatre, across the street, won a Tony Award for distinguished achievement by a resident theatre. Its season includes 12 plays on two stages. Main Stage offers world prenueres like "Ballad of Yachiyo," beginning Jan. 5. Second Stage, with only five rows of seat- ing, offers more intimacy. It presents -The Interrogation of Nathan Hale" in November. Nearby, Isamu Noguchi's sculpture gar- den enriches the open space connecting two bank towers. Best seen by day, the outdoor museum offers a respite for quiet reflection. The little-known Irvine Museum is continued on page 48 rontlntud front page 13 People friendly: Roller skaters, joggers, and bicyclists Interface In this well-planned Orange County urban landscape. tucked into the 12th floor of a high-rise building. Founded by Joan Imine Smith and open just two years, the museum focuses on California art from the Impressionist Peri- od (1890-1930). Through this rare collec- tion of paintings, visitors can glimpse a time when this land and its bounty were 4R -- ,,,1 I,ii .. almost limitless. For hands-on appreciation of Orange County history, visit the Diego Sepulveda Adobe. Built by the padres of San Juan Capistra- no in the mid -1820s, the estancia served as a way station for vaqueros herding mis- sion cattle. Fully restored, each room represents a different period of Costa Mesa history, from the original Native Americans through the colonial period. To explore the Stam_ uDding &'Umi Ana Moun- tains is to see Orutge Comm, ass it looked in 1769 when die Sp:uiish fist arrived. Take Santiago Canyon Road (S 18) off the Newport Freeway (5i), and you'll soon slip beneath a canopy of live oaks. This leafy tunnel leads to O'Neill c Regional Park. a 1. -00 -acre wildlife sanc- d o tuar• and a delightful picnicking spot. L Trabuco Creek Trail follows a stream shaded by oak and cottonwood trees. Return to S18 and follow signs to the rustic town of Nlodjeska. 'Turn right on Hill Road, and just across the bridge stands an important historic treasure: Modjeska House. Formerly the retreat of Polish actress Madama Helena Modjeska, the white frame mansion was designed in the 1880s. Caretakers often permit visitors to walk around the private grounds. When Orange County was founded in 1889, the town of Orange was encircled by miles of farn-dand and citrus groves and Costa Mesa was known as "goat hill." Facial 'Tinkles Nom! Members AMERICAN SOCIETY OF PLASTIC AND RECONSTRUCTIVE SURGEONS, INC. Plastic Surgery INSTITUTE Planted in a former Costa Mesa lima bean field, South Coast Plaza has grown into the highest grossing retail sales center in the United States. Like an indoor Champs-EI}sees, the Plaza is designed for walking and boasts hlocks of high-profile, high-fashion Storrs. A mosaic of museum art, cascading fountains, and exciting restaurants as ,well as trendy shops, the Plaza attracts a cosmopolitan clientele that makes peo- ple watching everyone's favorite activi- ty. Second only to the shopping, of course. ■ 31 Get in the swing of things with "Lifestvles" of Hemet f r' LJ • Mobilehome community living from only 55.000 and space rents from 5225 • Small town living (pop. 50,000) with Of Hemet/San Jacinto big city health care and services • 45 miles from Palm Springs. close to Mobilehome Park Livinyg Los Angeles, the coast and San Diego • New dam and reservoir will make the city a recreational mecca Live at 1/2 of Coastal Kates!. Lifesh•les 1-800-445-7448 Follow Interstate 10 west to the 60 free- way; take beach cities exit to the 91 free- way. When the freeway splits, follow New- port FreewayFor South Coast Plaza, go north on thee 405 and exit at Bristol Street North. Neat 'ACCOMMODATIONS Expensive: Westin South Coast Plaza Ideas Hotel, 686 Anton Blvd. Costa Mesa 92626. (714) 540-2500. Located across from South Coast Plaza and adjacent to the Per- forming Arts Center. I '' Moderate: Newport Bay Inn, 2070 New- Quality i ty port Blvd. Costa Mesa, 92627. (714) 631- 6000. Close to Newport Boulevard shop- ping area. I Reliability Inexpensive: Best Western Newport Mesa Inn, 2642 Newport Blvd. Costa Mesa Promptness 92627. (714) 650-3020. Spacious rooms and nice amenities. INFORMATION3 Well Established in the Costa Mesa Chamber of Commerce,, desert for over 10 Years 1835 Newport Blvd. No. 270, Costa Mesa, 92627. (714) 574-8780. Orange County Performing Arts Cen- Canyon ClOset Co. ter, 600 Town Center Drive, Costa Mesa _ 92628. (7 14) 556.2787. South Coast Repertory Theatre, 655 117- Town Center Drive, Costa Mesa, CA 92628. Phone: (714) 957-4033. ! & design centre Irvine Museum, 18-881 von Kaarmen Call For A FREE Design Estimate Ave., Irvine, CA 92715. (714) 476.2565. Diego Sepulveda Adobe, 1900 Adams 68-845 Perez Rd. • Ste 27 Ave., Costa Mesa 92626. (714) 631-5918. Cathedral City O'Neill Regional Park, 30-892 Trabuco — Canyon Road, Trabuco Canyon, CA 92678. 321-8555 (714) 858-9365. N,i:vr r 49 at- before the game 'S�d a pep rally will c jNNon Island Sat goes when your football ;t competed in a bowl +arly 50 years ago: awestem has the Cin- ling going this year," alind Williams, CEO of conference and visitors vhlch lured the alumni j Beach. "A lot of peo- 'rouldn't normally be are interested this kind of like them, and graduate." -)otball team itself 2f0re' its alumni and ,ces at UCI. The team moved: to Pasadena tubers will conclude Southem California the Rose Bowl. ' meanwhile, will be !ig in golf tourna- -bor cruises, sightsee- ?ing and trips to Dis- 7`he festivities will JgaUy the moment the Udca' crowds hit the city, tourism offi- cials said. . The Hyatt. Newporter has guests booked in 350 hotel rooms while Northwestern alumni will fill up all 420 rooms of the Sutton Place Hotel, said hotel spokes- woman Barbara Eidson. "They start arriving today, all 700 of them, " Eidson said. "Then on /A New Year's Eve, we turn over the ballroom to Northwestern. "I think the New Year's toast is at 10 P.M. That's midnight, Chica- go time.", are m Wn Costa Mesa also cheers. alumni influx, COSTA MESA - Newport Beach won't be the only town cash- ing in on the crowd of Northwestern alumni who will be flocking to the area for the Rose Bowl game. . Costa Mesa's expecting a few guests, as well. Last month, the Newport Beach Convention and Visitors Bureau announced a deal it had struck with Alumni Holidays, a travel planning agency tF , that contracts with Northwestern University and other school alumni associations. Rosalind Williams, the bureau's chief executive officer, said she expected more than 5,000 North- western alumni would be staying at Newport" ® Beach hotels, shopping at Fashion Island or dining in local restaurants. , , , Now it appears Costa Mesa will be sharing Barry Lewin, general in some of the wealth of travelers. manager of the Hyatt "We've got 800 rooms per night booked at four of Newporter, said that his our hotels for five nights," said Costa Mesa Tourism hotel is accustomed to Costa Mesa's commemo- Council Chairman Wayne Bodington. hosting large alumni gatli_ rative Rose Bowl button. And since mosteo le +_erings. In past years, alumni from Penn State and the University of. Arizona spent the New Year at the Hyatt. "We get some contingency from the bowl games every Year'," Lewin said. "We're pre - Dared and Vann .--;f„a 11 ington, who is Westin South Coast ave —P1 ass gen- eral manager, said he figures the city can expect to see some 1,600 new faces in Costa Mesa starting today. And that translates into some hefty sales tax dollars. And the tourism council is milking it for every drop it can. The group has created a commemorative 1996 Rose Bowl button, which the council has been distributing at hotels and shopping centers. - By Tina Borgaua briefly Course offered for senior shutterbugs A five-week, non-technical' entry-level course for both automat- ic and adjustable 35mm camera users will take place Saturdays from' 9:30 a.m. to 12:30 p.m.,at the Oasis Senior Center in Corona del Mar. Registration is $45 and can be done by either stopping by the Newport Beach Community Ser- vices Department at 3300 New- port Blvd. or calling 644-3151. `Discovery' booklet available at OCC 'Discovery' a 44 -page booklet 86C-140 MAGAZINE AMERICA WEST AIRLINES MAGAZINE Phoenix, AZ Circ— 131,000 MonI)Iy 1st 111111H111011111111111i Bacons gtiy.s3 _ Family Fun On a Budget in Anaheim/Orange County naheim/Orange County may be best known for its world famous amusement parks, sports venues, elegant homes and upscale restau- rants. But talk to any family that's visited the Big Orange, and they will tell you that there's no shortage of family activities for any size budget. Whether it's the culture and history of a museum, the high energy excitement of a surfing champi- onship, or the fun of a sand sculpture contest, Anaheim/Orange County is the ticket. Many families head for the beach where the surfing, boogie boarding and swimming are the best bargains around. Huntington Beach, Newport Beach and Balboa have playgrounds and picnic areas, snack bars, barbecue pits, and volleyball courts. The string of beaches in Laguna offer private coves and gentle waves. Huntington Beach offers the annual OP Pro Surfing Championships and Corona del Mar features the Annual Sand Castle & Sand Sculpture Contest. Active families also find bike riding par excellence throughout th( entire area. One bike path extends from Bolsa Chica State Beach along miles of broad, white shoreline to Newport Beach. Another path wind through Backbay Drive and up to tt 700 -acre Upper Newport Bay Ecological Reserve. Tucker Wildlife Sanctuary, locat ed in Modjeska Canyon in the Sant; Ana Mountains, is 12 acres that fea tures bird watching and a variety of local fauna. A small museum displa stuffed mammals as well as live reF tiles and frogs. Two small 'trails (eat less than 1/2 -mile) provide lessons about natural history of the area. Less rugged Irvine Park is a large expanse that offers a small zoo, a lake for puddle boating and trails for horse- back riding. For a historic excursion, Heritage Hill Historical Park in Lake Forest (south of Irvine) has two tum -of -the century houses, a quaint church and a schoolhouse from the early 1900s. Docents provide tours on the week- end. The Bowers Museum of Cultural Art, Orange County's largest -museum, is another choice for cultur- al enrichment. It features cultural artifacts from North and South America, Asia and Africa as well as early Cha j.fornia. Kidseum, adjacent to Bowers Museum, gives kids a hands-on cul- tural experience. You can touch everything from masks that might have been worn by brave warriors or used to fight off evil spirits to cos- tumes of celebration and joy. The premier cultural attraction of the region may well be Mission San .Tuan Capistrano, the legendary "Jewel of the Missions." Families can walk down paths that Spanish soldiers, Padres and Indians walked more than 200 years ago. Built by the Spanish in 1776, it houses the oldest building still in use in California. Inexpensive indoor activities are also easy to find in Anaheim/Orange County. For active learning, the La Habra Children's Museum offers children and parents interactive play and participation. Find out how fun learning can be at the Launch Pad, a non-profit science center, located in the Crystal Court Mall in Costa Kia. Interactive science displays, where kids experiment and play, are the order of the day. If you have ever wondered what it was like in the "olden days," you can find out at the Discovery Museum. You can crank a telephone, chum butter, listen to an Edison talk- ing machine, learn some new "old" games and watch a blacksmith in action. Finally, for those attracted to more common diversions, there's miniature golf courses like Golf -'N - Stuff and Palace Park that also offers batting cages, laser tag, bumper boats and a video arcade room. Ice skating is available at Disney Ice the same facility where the Mighty Ducks train. Ice skating lessons are avail- able and they have open skating throughout the week. There's no question: Anaheim/Orange County is a place to have a ball without your wallet skating on thin ice. 86A-1720 MAGAZINE TRAVEL WEEKLY Secaucus, NJ Circ- 50,328 Mon. & Thu. Twice Weekly APRIL 1, 1996 p VIII II IIIIIIIIII II III SII lall�l lll� Bacons W 7BOOST REGION'S ATTRACTIONS New Costa Mesa Bureau Promotes City Tourism Reed Travel Features COSTA MESA —The general managers of seven of this Or- ange County city's largest ho- tels and some city officials have formed what they call "a virtual tourism bureau." Unlike many other visitor promotion efforts, the so- called Costa Mesa Tourism and Promotion Council will have no permanent, paid staff; very little in administrative overhead cost, and no tax - based funding. The seven hotels involved have formed a Business Im- provement Area, as permitted under state law, voluntarily im- posing a 1% assessment on overnight room charges in or- der to raise an estimated $275,000 for promotion of Cos- ta Mesa. The first president of the tourism and promotion council is Wayne Bodington, general manager of the Westin South Coast Plaza Hotel. Costa Mesa is located in the heart of Orange County, be- tween Los Angeles and San Diego, closer to Los Angeles. John Wayne Orange County airport — served by 11 major carriers — sits on the border of Costa Mesa and Irvine. The city offers excellent shopping opportunities and fine restaurants and is well sit- uated for a variety of Southern California theme parks and at- tractions, golf courses, tennis facilities, theaters and beaches. Despite its central location and its amenities, Costa Mesa frequently is overlooked as a vacation destination, super- seded by Orange County neighbors Anaheim, Newport Beach, Laguna and others. "This city offers visitors everything," Bodington said. "It is the mission of [the council] to attract overnight visitors by communicating to target markets the city's wealth of amenities and its proximity to surrounding attractions," he added. The other general manager members of the tourism and promotion council are Emmet Steed, Red lion Hotel/Orange County Airport; Charles Knowlton, Country Side Inn and Suites, and Margo Repta, Marriott Suites. Also, Jim Turner, Holiday Inn Costa Mesa/Orange Coun- ty Airport; To Smalley, Wyn dham Garden Hotel/Orange County Airport, and Mark Bolton, Residence Inn. 106 —300 MAGAZINE TRAVE>_WRITER MARKETLETTER New York, NY Clrc— 1,000 Monlhlr is[ APRIL 1996 Bacan•s ��-O—Oa 40a, California wants to show you how warm &. wonderful it is, so a Press weekend is being celebrated May 24-26. This "very special & intimate familiarization trip" will include 2 nights in 1 of 7 first-class hotels, meals at local fine restaurants, "Aint Misbehaving" with the Pointer Sisters, a harbor cruise on Newport Harbor, shopping in elegant boutiques, guided tour of city &, beaches, passes to a spa in a luxurious 9'/ 7 C/ - fitness club, & a Scottish Festival. Let Erin Peacock know about your credentials at 7141722-8484. Costa Mesa Tourist & Promotion Council, PO Box 5071, Costa Mesa CA 92628- 5071. 800/399-5499. l