BIZ BITES:Single bus route to resume in Costa Mesa during strike

Bus drivers in the Orange County Transportation Authority went on strike Saturday, but Route 43, which covers Harbor Boulevard from Fullerton to Costa Mesa, is scheduled to begin operating again today.

Administrators from the Transportation Authority have said that they will drive the buses themselves on the route Monday through Friday from 6 a.m. to 6 p.m. Admission will be free during that time.

Fifty of the county’s 81 bus lines have closed due to the strike, the first of its kind to hit Orange County since 1986.

“We’ve done everything to keep negotiations going,” said Carolyn Cavecche, Orange County Transportation Authority chairwoman. “We’ve told the union that we are ready and willing to negotiate any time of the day or night.”

Patrick D. Kelly, the secretary-treasurer for the union, called the authority’s offer “inadequate and unrealistic” in terms of keeping up with the coast of living in Orange County. Kelly added that he was optimistic that a resolution was approaching.

“If the board acts decisively then we should be able to get this thing settled tomorrow,” Kelly said.

— Michael Miller

and Yvonne Villarreal

Five Crowns expands menu offerings to reflect goals

The Five Crowns restaurant in Newport Beach has expanded its menu this summer, adding a number of small plates and bolstering its wine selection.

According to spokeswoman Susan Ballou, the menu changes reflect Five Crowns’ goal of using more food from local growers as well as organic and seasonal products.

Five Crowns is at 3801 E. Coast Highway in Corona del Mar. Call (949) 760-0331 for information.

— Michael Miller