Fifth candidate qualifies for council race

Chad Petschl, one of five people running for two open seats on the Costa Mesa City Council, has qualified for the race. Petschl, 35, has been living in Costa Mesa for about a year. He works in sales and said he’s interested in local politics and giving a voice to people who aren’t heard.

The other four candidates who have qualified are: Councilwoman Wendy Leece, who is running for a second term; Sue Lester, a business owner, who’s suing the city over its ban on medical marijuana dispensaries; Chris McEvoy, a high school math teacher; and Planning Commissioner Jim Righeimer.

Mayor Allan Mansoor is termed out and is running for the 68th California Assembly District seat.

—Mona Shadia