EDITORIALS:Stadium’s value to community is counted in more than just dollars

Mark January as a very important month in the history of the Newport-Mesa community. In just a few weeks, Estancia High School is set to break ground on a long-planned and even longer hoped-for multi-sports stadium. The stadium will be the first project built as part of last year’s $282-million Measure F bond. Also in the first round of building as part of an initial $75 million in bond money are a gymnasium at TeWinkle Middle School and a new Robins Hall at Newport Harbor High.

But the stadium at Estancia is the big news this week. While not unexpected — given efforts by groups such as Costa Mesa United and the millions in fundraising for the stadium, its not being at the top of the list would have been a crime — the Newport-Mesa Unified School District board of trustees’ decision was the smart and proper one. The decision seems especially prudent given Friday night’s playoff clash between Estancia and Corona del Mar, which was played at Newport Harbor. While the home-field advantage for Estancia might have been a bit unfair, that the two teams played, and play during their seasons, at Newport Harbor is all the proof required that another stadium in this community is greatly needed. In fact, Costa Mesa High and, of course, Newport Harbor call the same stadium home. As school board president Dave Brooks, a member of Costa Mesa United and a stadium proponent, said, “When you have four high schools playing at the same stadium, someone has to play on Thursday night.”

Those Thursday night games will, now, become a memory. But more important, building a stadium at Estancia (and eventually an Olympic-sized pool at Costa Mesa High with the Measure F money) will provide a focus for community pride that now is lacking a bit in Costa Mesa. There is no community center of such size and influence. It begins with the simple fact that fans will not have to go into Newport for games. But it also will be a venue for fundraisers, rallies and other events. It will make for a richer, more united community, which is nothing to underestimate.