ON THE ISSUES

* NEW CODE REGULATIONS

The Costa Mesa City Council approved a number of code revisions

earlier this year in response to residents’ complaints about property

maintenance.

Rodgers is in favor of the new regulations and supports code

enforcement.

“We must have zero tolerance for code violations and absentee

landlords,” he said. “If numerous unsuccessful attempts have been made to

clean up a particular location, the city must step in and begin the

abatement/eminent domain process. The city can then take over the

property and eliminate the problem.”

* WEST SIDE SPECIFIC PLAN

Since 1998, the city has targeted the aging, rundown West Side for

intense revitalization.

Rodgers said he is in favor of encouraging developers to purchase and

redevelop old and rundown houses and businesses, “similar to the

remodeling of the Harbor Shopping Center.”

“This will assist in bringing pride back into the West Side

neighborhood,” he said.

* 17TH STREET IMPROVEMENT PLAN

Rodgers is opposed to a city proposal to widen 17th Street from four

to six lanes.

The plan also includes bus turnouts and turn lanes.

“Before any improvements are done, we must meet with the East 17th

Street Merchants and Community Assn. and ask them what type of

improvements they would like to see for 17th Street,” he said. “It is

their neighborhood and we should be guided by their suggestions.”

* TRAFFIC PROBLEMS

Rodgers is against the proposed 19th Street and Gisler bridges. He

said he supports extending the Costa Mesa Freeway to Pacific Coast

Highway and increasing and improving bicycle lanes throughout the city.