(KOCI-FM (1o1.5) host Tom Johnson and Costa Mesa City Councilwoman Katrina Foley join me for a live broadcast at the Back Bay Bistro Sunday. photo by the indispensable Mona Shah).

Through much of last week I tried to recruit some state lawmakers or at least one wanna-be to talk about the state budget for my guest-hosting stint on KOCI-FM (101.5). For obvious reasons, they were willing but too busy to get down to the Back Bay Bistro Sunday morning.

Costa Mesa Mayor Allan Mansoor, a Republican candidate for the 68th Assembly District, finally got back to me Friday afternoon after a few messages to say he couldn’t make it. So I called Costa Mesa Councilwoman Katrina Foley. She said it sounded like fun. Does Foley ever turn down an invitation? Ubiquitous seems to be an understatement for her. (By the way, Newport Beach Councilman Mike Henn also dropped by, which was a surprise since I thought we’d tap him for an interview on a future broadcast. But it was nice to hear from him too on the state budget and some other topics in Newport Beach).

I’m glad Foley made it. She pressed the case to her constituents to appeal to Gov. Arnold Schwarzenegger to stop any attempt to develop the Orange County Fairgrounds with condos, homes or stores. She wants to maintain the status quo. State lawmakers, when they allegedly balanced the budget Friday, put a for-sale sign on the fairgrounds. County Fair officials naturally want to keep the property as is. I say good luck with that since the state’s intent on getting the highest profit for it.

Foley reminded our listeners that state officials should not panic and take a short-term gain that will amount to a long-term loss for the community. I pointed out the economy will eventually recover — the jobless rate could start tumbling by 2011, I think. If that’s when they start breaking ground for homes on the fairgrounds, won’t we feel pretty stupid then?

So give the governator a piece of your mind here.

As for the radio show, host and former Daily Pilot Publisher Tom Johnson (currently of the Newport-Mesa Daily Voice), also wants to upend the status quo: He’s invited me to join him as his regular co-host, so I can drop the “guest” co-host title. I’m thrilled and can’t wait to collaborate with my good friend Tom. The gig doesn’t pay anything, but, hey, I get delicious free iced tea and brunch at the Bistro and a nice view of the boat launch at the Dunes. In other words, a perfectly pastoral way to spend a Sunday morning.

Speaking of status quo, you can expect to keep reading Supplied to Anderson. It will live on and I have big plans for its future. Please stay tuned for more details soon. My last day at the Pilot is Wednesday so if you want to get your last licks in or just wish me well in my future job at City News Service, give me a call at (714) 966-4633.

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