Former Costa Mesa Police Chief Honored With Eponymous Park

Former Costa Mesa Police Chief Honored With Eponymous Park
A file photo of a sign marking the city limit of Costa Mesa, Calif., on Oct. 26, 2020. (John Fredricks/The Epoch Times)
Lynn Hackman
3/18/2021
Updated:
12/21/2023

Costa Mesa will rename its Civic Center Park after the longest-serving police chief in the city’s history.

City council voted March 16 to change the 111 Fair Dr. green space’s moniker to Neth Park in recognition of retired Costa Mesa Police Chief Roger Neth.

The motion also authorized the city manager to appropriate the necessary funds to purchase and install park signage.

A resident of Costa Mesa since 1936, Neth was one of three police officers out of more than 150 applicants hired in 1953 after the city was incorporated and the police department was established.

During his tenure with the department. Neth quickly rose through the ranks. He was promoted to sergeant in 1954, lieutenant in 1956, and captain in 1959.

He became the city’s top cop in 1964, and held the position until 1986, making Neth the longest tenured police chief in department history.

Lynn is a reporter for the Southern California edition of The Epoch Times, based in Orange County. She has enjoyed a 25-year career as a senior-level strategic public relations and contingency planning executive. An editor, blogger, and columnist, Lynn also has experience as a television and radio show producer and host. For six years, she was co-host of Sunday Brunch with Tom and Lynn on KOCI 101.5 FM. She is also active in the Newport Beach community, serving as chair emeritus of the Newport Beach City Arts Commission, among various positions with other local organizations.
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