Costa Mesa Rejects New Code of Ethics After City Manager Firing

The 4-3 vote against the proposed ethics policy mirrored the controversial decision to terminate the previous city manager.

Apr. 10, 2026 at 12:05am

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A dimly lit, cinematic painting of an empty city council chamber, with warm sunlight streaming through the windows and deep shadows casting an atmosphere of political tension and unease.The rejection of an ethics code in Costa Mesa exposes a lack of clear guidelines for local officials, raising concerns about transparency and accountability.Costa Mesa Today

The Costa Mesa City Council voted 4-3 to reject a proposed code of ethics and conduct for local officials, despite calls for greater transparency and civility following the controversial firing of the city's former manager. The new policy would have prohibited conflicts of interest and required council members to treat each other and city staff with professionalism, but some members argued current rules were sufficient.

Why it matters

The rejection of the ethics code comes after the abrupt termination of former City Manager Lori Ann Farrell Harrison, which sparked a lawsuit alleging discrimination, retaliation, and other ethical lapses. The lack of clear ethical guidelines at the local level has raised concerns about accountability and transparency in Costa Mesa's government.

The details

The proposed code of ethics would have prohibited elected officials from engaging in decisions where they had a financial or personal interest, and barred them from appearing before the council on behalf of third parties for a year after leaving office. It also aimed to clarify the policy role of the council versus the administrative functions of the city manager and staff. However, some council members questioned the need for mandating civility and professionalism, arguing current rules may be sufficient.

  • The former city manager, Lori Ann Farrell Harrison, was abruptly terminated in May 2025.
  • The creation of an ethics code was recommended by council members in early 2025 and revisited with renewed urgency after Farrell Harrison's firing.
  • The council discussed the proposed ethics policy during a study session last July and reviewed a draft in February 2026.
  • The council voted 4-3 to reject the ethics code on April 9, 2026.

The players

Lori Ann Farrell Harrison

The former city manager of Costa Mesa whose abrupt termination in 2025 sparked a lawsuit alleging discrimination, retaliation, and other ethical issues.

John Stephens

The mayor of Costa Mesa who abstained from the vote to terminate the former city manager but supported adopting an ethics code.

Andrea Marr

A Costa Mesa city council member who recommended creating an ethics code earlier in 2025.

Arlis Reynolds

A Costa Mesa city council member who recommended creating an ethics code earlier in 2025 and expressed disappointment in the council's rejection of the policy.

Kimberly Hall Barlow

The Costa Mesa city attorney who presented the proposed ethics code to the council.

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What they’re saying

“I'm happy we're finally seeing a code of ethics and conduct moving forward. I think it's a step in the right direction. Hopefully, it will grow and become the document I'd like to see.”

— Jay Humphrey, Resident

“I agree with the spirit of getting something on paper. The spirit of being civil to each other and being civil to staff and being open to the public is important.”

— John Stephens, Mayor

“It didn't even cross my mind that doing nothing was an option. I'm disappointed by it.”

— Arlis Reynolds, City Council Member

What’s next

The council's rejection of the ethics code means there are no immediate plans to establish formal guidelines for conduct and conflicts of interest among Costa Mesa's elected officials and city staff. However, the issue may be revisited in the future if public pressure or concerns about transparency continue.

The takeaway

The Costa Mesa City Council's decision to reject a proposed code of ethics highlights the ongoing challenges in establishing clear standards of conduct for local government officials, even in the wake of controversies that raise questions about transparency and accountability.