News Summary
Arlene Schafer has officially retired from her role as director of the Costa Mesa Sanitary District after 28 years of dedicated service. Her decision comes as she wishes to spend more time with family. Throughout her career, she served in various capacities including as a city council member and the second female mayor of Costa Mesa. A retirement tribute honored her impact on the community that included significant improvements in waste management. She leaves behind a strong legacy of public service and community engagement.
Costa Mesa
Arlene Schafer, a prominent civic leader and director of the Costa Mesa Sanitary District (CMSD), has officially retired after 28 years of dedicated service on the board. Her decision to retire, announced prior to the end of her term in 2026, comes as she seeks to devote more time to her family. July 31 marked her final day with the district.
Schafer’s career spans nearly five decades of community service in Costa Mesa, where she has held various positions including roles on the Costa Mesa Planning Commission and as a member of the City Council. Notably, she was also the second female mayor of Costa Mesa, serving from 1980 to 1982. Despite her retirement from the CMSD, she continues to be involved in community service through her volunteer work with the Harbor Mesa Lions Club.
In a recent interview, Schafer revealed that stepping down was a challenging decision due to her strong commitment to the community. However, her daughter, Jamie Kennedy, who recently retired from her teaching position, encouraged Schafer to embrace this new chapter in her life as the family prepares to welcome new grandchildren.
Retirement Tribute and Community Impact
A retirement ceremony held on Tuesday was attended by CMSD officials and local city leaders who gathered to celebrate Schafer’s contributions to the community. CMSD General Manager Scott Carroll played a key role in organizing the tribute, highlighting her lifetime dedication to public service. During the ceremony, Schafer was presented with a key to the city by Costa Mesa Mayor John Stephens, recognizing her significant impact over the years.
A Legacy of Service
Schafer’s public service journey began with her involvement in the College Park Elementary School PTA. She was first elected to the Sanitary District Board in 1994 and served for 16 years until 2010, before returning in 2013 to fill a board vacancy, successfully competing against 19 candidates for the sought-after position. Over the years, she has been re-elected to the CMSD board three additional times, demonstrating her popularity and leadership within the community.
Throughout her tenure, Schafer led various significant initiatives within the CMSD, such as the implementation of automated curbside pickup, launching an organic waste recycling program, and initiating a districtwide door-to-door hazardous waste collection service. She also facilitated the acquisition and construction of CMSD’s Robin Hamers Yard and managed the renovation of the district headquarters, leaving a lasting legacy in infrastructure and community services.
Recognition by Peers
CMSD Board President Mike Scheafer commended her enduring legacy and unwavering dedication to the Costa Mesa community. Additionally, Neil McCormick from the California Special Districts Association paid tribute to Schafer for her efforts in amplifying the voice of special districts in Sacramento, further highlighting her influence beyond the local level.
As she enters this new phase of her life, Schafer leaves behind a solid foundation of community engagement and infrastructure improvements that will benefit Costa Mesa residents for years to come. Her commitment to public service has not only shaped the CMSD but has also inspired many to follow in her footsteps.
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Additional Resources
- Los Angeles Times – Arlene Schafer Retirement
- Wikipedia: Costa Mesa, California
- Los Angeles Times – Costa Mesa Modernization Plan
- Google Search: Costa Mesa Sanitary District
- Los Angeles Times – Harbor Mesa Lions Club Service
- Google Scholar: Community Service Costa Mesa
- Los Angeles Times – Local Government Involvement
- Encyclopedia Britannica: Civic Leadership
Author: STAFF HERE COSTA MESA WRITER
COSTA MESA STAFF WRITER The COSTA MESA STAFF WRITER represents the experienced team at HERECostaMesa.com, your go-to source for actionable local news and information in Costa Mesa, Orange County, and beyond. Specializing in "news you can use," we cover essential topics like product reviews for personal and business needs, local business directories, politics, real estate trends, neighborhood insights, and state news affecting the area—with deep expertise drawn from years of dedicated reporting and strong community input, including local press releases and business updates. We deliver top reporting on high-value events such as the OC Fair, Concerts in the Park, and Fish Fry. Our coverage extends to key organizations like the Costa Mesa Chamber of Commerce and Boys & Girls Clubs of Central Orange Coast, plus leading businesses in retail, fashion, and technology that power the local economy such as Vans, Experian, and South Coast Plaza. As part of the broader HERE network, including HEREAnaheim.com, HEREBeverlyHills.com, HERECoronado.com, HEREHollywood.com, HEREHuntingtonBeach.com, HERELongBeach.com, HERELosAngeles.com, HEREMissionViejo.com, HERESanDiego.com, and HERESantaAna.com, we provide comprehensive, credible insights into California's dynamic landscape.
