In part two of their podcast on local education, Mayor John Stephens and District 4 Council Member Manuel Chavez conclude their conversation with Newport-Mesa Unified School District Superintendent Dr. Wesley Smith, who discusses the importance of early education, challenges brought on by the pandemic and the ongoing controversy surrounding CRT.

In part one of this two-part discussion, Mayor John Stephens and guest co-host, District 4 Council Member Manuel Chavez welcome Newport-Mesa Unified School District Superintendent Dr. Wesley Smith to the show. Dr. Smith shares his journey that led to a career in education and his assessment of the current educational landscape, along with local challenges he’s identified since joining the district in October of 2021.

Mayor John Stephens and guest co-host, District 6 Council Member Jeffrey Harlan are joined by Costa Mesa restaurateurs Jeff Chon and Mario Marovic as they discuss the challenges and triumphs of operating successful eateries in Costa Mesa and surrounding communities.

Mayor John Stephens and guest co-host, District 2 Council Member Loren Gameros discuss public safety with Costa Mesa Fire Chief Dan Stefano and newly appointed Police Chief Ron Lawrence.

Mayor John Stephens is joined at Heroes Hall by Costa Mesa Mayor Pro Tem Andrea Marr and Costa Mesa Chief of Staff Alex Gonzalez, both Navy veterans, as well as Marine veteran Nick Berardino, President of the Heroes Hall Veterans Foundation. Each of Mayor Stephens’ special guests discuss their distinguished military careers, as well as highlight local veteran outreach programs, available resources and how veterans and volunteers can become engaged in the community through various organizations throughout Costa Mesa and Orange County.

Mayor John Stephens welcomes listeners to COSTA MESA NOW, the City of Costa Mesa California's new Podcast.