Council, district candidates to debate Wednesday

COSTA MESA — Costa Mesa United on Wednesday plans to host a debate featuring candidates for City Council and the Newport-Mesa Unified School District Board of Education.

The debate is designed to quiz the candidates on how they plan to improve the lives of families in Costa Mesa, while also remaining competitive with other Orange County cities and school districts, according to organizers.

Among the topics will be how to keep athletic talent in Newport-Mesa so that players do not transfer to private schools or other districts.

Much of the debate will focus on youth programs, academics and sports and recreation. Daily Pilot Editor John Canalis is among the panelists.

The Costa Mesa United All-Candidate Forum is scheduled to take place from 6 to 8:30 p.m. Wednesday at the Neighborhood Community Center, 1845 Park Ave.

— Mona Shadia