News Summary
Arlene Schafer was honored for her 28 years on the Costa Mesa Sanitary District board as she retires, stepping down to spend more time with her family. Throughout her career, she has contributed to the community in various roles, including her time on the City Council and as Costa Mesa’s second female mayor. Schafer helped modernize waste management and was instrumental in establishing an organic waste recycling program. The community recognizes her significant contributions and legacy during a tribute ceremony.
Costa Mesa – Arlene Schafer was honored by officials and local dignitaries during a ceremony held on Tuesday as she retires from her position on the Costa Mesa Sanitary District (CMSD) board after 28 years of dedicated service. Schafer’s decision to step down as vice secretary came before her term was set to end in 2026, allowing her to focus on spending more time with her family. Her final day with the district was July 31.
In addition to her tenure on the CMSD board, Schafer has contributed nearly five decades of service to the Costa Mesa community. Her previous roles include serving on the Planning Commission, the City Council, and being Costa Mesa’s second female mayor from 1980 to 1982. She remains active in the community, continuing her volunteer work with the Harbor Mesa Lions Club.
Schafer described her retirement decision as a challenging one, reflecting on her deep connection to public service. Encouraged by her daughter who recently retired from her teaching career, Schafer felt the time was right to step away from her duties.
During the tribute at the CMSD headquarters, various officials acknowledged Schafer’s significant contributions to the residents of Costa Mesa. General Manager Scott Carroll noted the ceremony as fantastic and emphasized the recognition of Schafer’s impressive accomplishments over her long career.
Schafer’s journey in public service began with her involvement in the College Park Elementary School Parent Teacher Association (PTA). Shortly thereafter, she served on the Costa Mesa Planning Commission before being elected to the City Council in 1978, serving for eight consecutive years. She first joined the Sanitary District Board in 1994 and continued her service until 2010, returning in 2013 to fill a vacancy and getting re-elected three additional times.
Throughout her time with CMSD, Schafer played a vital role in modernizing waste management practices, successfully leading the transition from manual curbside pickup to an automated system. She was instrumental in the establishment of an organic waste recycling program prior to its state-mandated implementation. Moreover, she advocated for district-wide door-to-door household hazardous waste collection and oversaw the development of CMSD’s Robin Hamers Yard.
Board President Mike Scheafer praised Arlene Schafer for her impactful legacy, which will endure in the community. Costa Mesa Mayor John Stephens presented her with a key to the city in recognition of her contributions.
The ceremony was attended by several notable figures, including former Costa Mesa Mayor and current Orange County Supervisor Katrina Foley, former Mayor Mary Hornbuckle, and representatives from state Assemblymember Cottie Petrie Norris. Additionally, Neil McCormick from the California Special Districts Association highlighted that Schafer amplified the voice of special districts in Sacramento, thus enhancing their influence within state matters.
Reflecting on her long career, Schafer expressed gratitude for the relationships she built and the motivation she received from the community. Her holistic understanding of local issues and commitment to public service have made her an integral figure in Costa Mesa’s development over the years.
As Arlene Schafer embarks on this new chapter of her life, the community she has served so diligently expresses its appreciation for her unwavering dedication and invaluable contributions.
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Arlene Schafer Retires After Decades of Service in Costa Mesa
Additional Resources
- Los Angeles Times: Arlene Schafer’s Retirement
- Wikipedia: Costa Mesa
- Los Angeles Times: Sanitary District Update
- Google Search: Costa Mesa Sanitary District
- Los Angeles Times: Water District Discussion
- Google Scholar: Costa Mesa Public Service
- Los Angeles Times: Districting Issues
- Encyclopedia Britannica: Costa Mesa
- Los Angeles Times: Fairview Park Event
- Google News: Costa Mesa Events
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.
