Tree-Planting Group Gets Commission Post

ReLeaf Costa Mesa, a nonprofit group that seeks to plant 2,000 trees citywide by 2000, has won a nonvoting position on the city’s parks commission.

The position, approved this week by the City Council, is compatible with the commission since ReLeaf often collaborates on projects with the Parks, Recreation Facilities and Parkways Commission, officials said. The well-known green thumbs frequently go before the board for permission to plant.

There are seven voting members on the commission, which advises the City Council and Planning Commission on park-related issues. The ReLeaf member would act as an advisor.

“They would sit on the dais and have the ability to consult,” City Attorney Thomas Kathe told the council.

The ReLeaf board of directors Tuesday evening appointed member Felix Posos to the position and alternate Shirley Willard. They should begin attending commission meetings in about two months.

“We’re thrilled,” said Kris Hagen, spokeswoman for the group. “It’s actually a terrific responsibility because we now have to get our ducks in a row and get better organized, and it will involve a lot of preparation.”

An ordinance required for the change to the parks commission was approved Monday. Council members, touting the impact of the group’s efforts to beautify the city, gave tentative approval to the advisory post in January after a suggestion by Councilwoman Libby Cowan.