Costa Mesa City Council convenes closed session to discuss multiple litigation matters, including Schaeffer case

The Costa Mesa City Council convened a closed session on Jan. 20, 2026, to discuss multiple legal matters, including an existing lawsuit titled Schaeffer v. City of Costa Mesa. The council read three closed-session agenda items and then moved to the community room for the private deliberation.

Madam Clerk read the items into the record, citing the relevant provisions of the California Government Code: an item described as "conference with legal counsel, anticipated litigation for three cases" under section 54956.9(d)(2); "conference with legal counsel, initiation of litigation for one case" under section 54956.9(d)(4); and "conference with legal counsel, existing litigation" under section 54956.9(d)(1), listed as Schaeffer v. City of Costa Mesa in Orange County Superior Court.

During roll call the clerk identified council members present. Councilmember Reynolds confirmed remote participation, stating they were "participating pursuant to" the governing provision because of a contagious illness and that they were alone. Other members called present included Councilmember Perez, Councilmember Gameros, Mayor Pro Tem Chavez and Mayor Stevens.

There were no public comments on the record; the clerk reported no attendees in the chambers and none on Zoom. After completing the procedural items, the council moved to the community room for the closed session to discuss the cited litigation matters.

No votes or formal actions were recorded in the public portion of the transcript. The closed session topics as read by the clerk indicate the council planned to consult with legal counsel on multiple anticipated cases, consider initiating litigation in one matter, and discuss the existing Schaeffer case. The transcript does not record outcomes or the substance of any closed-session deliberations.