Author: Melissa Fox
New: Flashing Yellow Arrows and Other Improvements to Increase Irvine’s Traffic Flow!
As a member of the Irvine City Council, I am happy to report that Irvine has taken a number of significant actions to reduce traffic congestion and improve traffic flow in the City.
Significantly, Irvine is implementing a new type of traffic signal in 2019 that increases the efficiency of left turns and improves traffic flow.
Watch the video on “Irvine’s Flashing Yellow”:
The Protected-Permissive Left Turn or Flashing Yellow Arrow signal is a new type of display that accommodates left turns at select signalized intersections.
When approaching an intersection with a flashing yellow arrow, motorists are permitted to turn left while yielding to oncoming traffic, bicyclists and pedestrians.
Flashing yellow arrow signals are opening in January 2019 at these locations:
- Tesla at Irvine Center Drive.
- Oldfield at Rockfield Boulevard.
- Odyssey at Irvine Center Drive.
- Towngate at Sand Canyon Avenue.
- Florence at Culver Drive.
The City of Irvine has also taken the following additional actions to improve traffic flow:
- A third travel lane along University Drive in each direction, between Campus Drive and MacArthur Avenue.
- Two new northbound right-turns lanes and a new northbound through lane on Culver Drive at the Culver/University Drive intersection.
- A third eastbound through lane on University Drive and a second northbound right-turn lane on Ridgeline Drive at the University/Ridgeline intersection.
- A fifth northbound through lane on Jamboree Road at the Jamboree/Barranca Parkway intersection.
- A Jamboree Road pedestrian bridge at Michelson Drive.
- A new, third westbound left-turn lane on Alton Parkway at the Alton/Jeffrey Road intersection.
- Widening of eastbound Walnut Avenue to accommodate two left-turn lanes, at the Walnut/Jeffrey Road intersection.
- A new, fourth northbound and southbound through lane on Jeffrey Road at the Jeffrey/Irvine Center Drive intersection.
- A northbound third through lane from Ridgeline Drive to the southbound I-405 on-ramp at University Drive.
Other projects include signal synchronization, sidewalk improvements, signal vehicle and bicycle detection systems, and new cameras and a system that monitors traffic throughout the City.
In addition, staff is exploring an adaptive traffic signal system to monitor traffic conditions and automatically adjust signal timing.
Please note:
I am very concerned about both traffic flow and traffic safety. Both are legitimate and important resident concerns.
Our Irvine Police and City staff will be monitoring the results of the flashing yellow arrows closely and I will insist on changes in the event that it makes our streets less safe.
Don’t forget to attend my Irvine Traffic Safety Town Hall on Sat., Jan. 26, 2019, from 2:00 p.m. to 3:00 p.m. at Woodbury Community Park.
Support Pretend City Children’s Museum at the Great Park at Tonight’s Irvine City Council Meeting!
At tonight’s Irvine City Council meeting on Tues., January 22, 2019, the Council will discuss entering into an exclusive negotiating agreement (ENA) with Pretend City Children’s Museum regarding the relocation of the museum to the Great Park’s Cultural Terrace.
Pretend City Children’s Museum, which opened in Irvine in 2009, is an interactive children’s museum that builds better brains through whole body learning experiences, educational programs, and creative exhibits. It is is a non-profit 501(c)(3) organization serving all children.
Designed as a small city, with a grocery store, construction site, art studio, house, café, bank, emergency services, health center and farm, Pretend City is a familiar environment in which children infant through eight-years-old will have joyful opportunities to build problem solving and critical thinking skills, develop creativity and begin a life-long love of learning.
Pretend City is dedicated to ensuring that each child is ready for school success by providing the ideal real-world learning experiences needed by children to develop their essential foundational learning skills.
I strongly support taking action in support of Pretend City at the Great Park now!
Irvine is a wonderful city for families, but will be even better with more educational opportunities for young children.
The Pretend City Children’s Museum is an amazing asset for Irvine and will be a fantastic addition to the Great Park Cultural Terrace.
If you’re a fan of Pretend City, be sure to attend!
Pretend City Children’s Museum is currently located at 29 Hubble, Irvine CA 92618
Learn more about Irvine City Council meetings here.
Celebrate Martin Luther King Jr Day at Pretend City on Monday! Support Pretend City at the Irvine City Council on Tuesday!
Our friends at Pretend City Children’s Museum have put together a wonderful program for Martin Luther King, Jr. Day in Irvine on Monday, January 21, 2019, from 11:00 am – 5:00 pm.
Here is what they have to say:
“Every child is unique, and they should know that no matter how different their friend may look from them, everyone should be treated fairly. On this special day at Pretend City, we want to have an open discussion with your child about equality. Don’t miss out on this important life lesson for your child!”
MLK Day Activities include:
Smart Art (in the Art Studio): Today in our Art Studio we will learn all about the word Peace and create a Dove of Peace handprint to encourage peaceful play at Pretend City and at home.
Cultural Connection (11:30 am): As children create their very own self-portrait, they will engage in discussions that show them that even though we are different in many ways (skin color, hair color, eye color, age, etc.) – everyone is special, and we have many of the same hopes, dreams and feelings on the inside.
Loud & Proud (3:00 pm): Dr. King had a dream of peace! What is your child’s dream? After we sing-along to the Martin Luther King Song children will be given the opportunity to share their dream with others.
The cost of the program is included in museum admission. You can purchase your ticket here.
Pretend City Children’s Museum is a non-profit 501(c)(3) organization serving all children. The museum is a child-size interconnected city built with rich educational intention, where children can assume various real-world roles. It is designed for children to learn how the real-world works.
Through interactive exhibits and activities facilitated by highly trained professional staff, children learn foundational math, reading and science skills while fostering curiosity, creativity, critical thinking, problem-solving, and teamwork.
Pretend City Children’s Museum is located at 29 Hubble, Irvine CA 92618
Call 949-428-3900 for more information.
Note: At the Irvine City Council meeting on Tues., January 22, 2019, the Council will discuss entering into an exclusive negotiating agreement (ENA) with Pretend City Children’s Museum regarding the relocation of the museum to the Great Park’s Cultural Terrace.
If you’re a fan of Pretend City, be sure to attend!
I strongly support taking action now.
The Pretend City Children’s Museum is an amazing asset for Irvine and will be a fantastic addition to the Great Park Cultural Terrace.
Welcome Tilly’s Life Center to Irvine! — Empowering Teens to Thrive!
Welcome Tilly’s Life Center to Irvine!
Tilly’s Life Center is a youth-focused, 501(c)(3) nonprofit charitable foundation aimed at empowering all teens with a “youth-focused nonprofit empowerment program for teens helping to change attitudes and mindsets in order to overcome adversity and ultimately find happiness and success.”
Teens are facing problems that are universal, affecting them at every socioeconomic level and in every community. Even in supportive environments, teenagers face confusion and uncertainty in life.
As young people come under increased pressure to excel in a highly competitive world, Tilly’s Life Center is providing teens the support they need to thrive.
Through the Center’s “I Am Me” program, teens are taught life skills that motivate them to pursue their dreams and to focus on improving their lives, be it through more positive thinking, stress management, motivation, and purpose.
I am delighted to welcome Tilly’s Life Center to our City. Through increased engagement with our teens, we can aim to relieve their stress and promote healthy, happy, and productive lifestyles!
Tilly’s Life Center is located at 17 Pasteur, Irvine, California 92618.
Contact Tilly’s Life Center: (949) 246-3067
Join Me for the Grand Opening of Portola Springs Community Park and Center!
Join me at the Grand Opening and Dedication Ceremony of Portola Springs Community Park and Center on Saturday, January 26, 2019, from 4:00 p.m. – 6:00 p.m.
The 32-acre Portola Springs Community Park features a nature-themed playground, native garden, two lighted softball fields, two lighted soccer fields, one warm-up field, one sand volleyball court, six lighted pickleball courts, three lighted tennis courts, and a concession building.
It also features an expansive community center (more than 14,000 square feet), including a multipurpose room, large patio area, two classrooms, and a Native American Wing.
The dedication event will include:
- Self-guided tours of the facility
- Cultural display in the Native American Wing
- Light refreshments
- Pickleball courts open for play
- Softball demonstrations by Irvine Girls Softball Association
- Entertainment by Concerts for Charities Club, which includes a string quartet, piano quintet, violin and piano duet, and saxophone quartet made up of students from Trabuco Hills, Northwood, and Portola high schools
I am especially excited about the Center’s Native American Wing, which was a combined effort of City staff, representatives of our local Native American tribes, the California Cultural Resources Preservation Alliance and the Irvine Company.
The Portola Spring Community Center will be open to the public from 9:00 a.m. – 9:00 p.m. Monday through Friday, 9:00 a.m. – 10:00 p.m. on Saturday, and 12:00 noon – 6:00 p.m. on Sunday.
Classes at the center will be available beginning in February, and programming will include after-school and camp activities as well as recreational activities and sports programs.
Portola Springs Community Park and Center are located at 900 Tomato Springs, Irvine, CA 92618.
No RSVP is needed for this free event.
For more information, visit cityofirvine.org/specialevents or call 949-724-6192.
See you there!
You Can Make a Difference: Volunteers Needed for “Point in Time” Count of People Experiencing Homelessness in South Orange County!
You can make a difference for people in need in South Orange County!
I have just learned that the Point in Time count of people experiencing homelessness in our area (South Orange County) is critically short of volunteers.
The Point In Time is a biennial count of people experiencing homelessness on a given point in time during the last ten days in January.
The count provides vital information that helps the County better understand homelessness in the community and guides the way the County and its partners respond to homelessness in Orange County.
Orange County will be conducting the 2019 Point In Time count on Wednesday, January 23 and Thursday, January 24, 2019.
Please consider volunteering for this important community humanitarian effort!
Volunteers are needed in the following roles for a successful effort: Team Captains, Field Surveyors, Deployment Center Support, Videographers and Photographers. Volunteer opportunities are available in the early morning and late evening.
Sign up to volunteer and help shape homelessness services in Orange County!
Registering to volunteer will take less than 5 minutes.
Training will be provided!
City of Irvine Wins National Awards for Budgeting and Fiscal Transparency!
I am proud to announce that the City of Irvine has been awarded the Distinguished Budget Presentation Award by the Government Finance Officers Association of the United States and Canada (GFOA).
The award is the highest form of recognition in government budgeting for a city.
It is a significant achievement by the City of the Irvine. The award reflects the commitment of the Irvine City Council, our City Manager, and City staff to meeting the highest principles of governmental budgeting.
In order to receive the budget award, the City had to satisfy nationally recognized guidelines for effective budget presentation. These guidelines are designed to assess how well an entity’s budget serves as: a policy document, a financial plan, an operations guide, and a communications device. Budget documents must be rated “proficient” in all four categories, and the 14 mandatory criteria within those categories, to receive the award.
In addition, the City received the Excellence Award for Fiscal Year 2018-19 Operating Budget from the California Society of Municipal Finance Officers.
There are more than 1,600 participants in the Budget Awards Program. The most recent Budget Award recipients, along with their corresponding budget documents, are posted quarterly on GFOA’s website. Award recipients have pioneered efforts to improve the quality of budgeting and provide an excellent example for other governments throughout North America.
These awards come at a crucial time as the City of Irvine begins to apply several increases in fiscal responsibility and government transparency that I strongly urged and supported — a two-year budget in the context of a comprehensive five-year financial plan and an Irvine Sunshine Ordinance that expands review time of all regular agenda items to 12 days.
Last year, the City of Irvine received the Certificate of Achievement for Excellence in Financial Reporting for the Comprehensive Annual Financial Report from the Government Finance Officers Association , as well as two other prestigious awards: The GFOA Distinguished Budget Presentation Award representing the City’s commitment in meeting the highest principles of governmental budgeting, and the California Society of Municipal Finance Officers Award for Excellence in Operational Budget.
I also received the Orange County Taxpayers Watchdog Award from Orange County Auditor-Controller Eric H. Woollery, along with Mayor Don Wagner and Councilmember Christina Shea.
As a member of the Irvine City Council, I am extremely proud of these awards. But much more important to me is the fact that our City is truly serving its residents with fiscal responsibility and transparency.
I ran for City Council on a platform of using my skills as a business attorney to safeguard every public dollar, and I have kept that promise by making sure that Irvine is financially transparent and doesn’t spend more than it can afford.
These awards reflect the commitment that I and my colleagues on the Irvine City Council, as well as our Finance Commissioners and our professional City staff, have made to the taxpayers and residents of Irvine, and to the principles of government transparency and fiscal responsibility.
Government transparency and fiscal responsibility should be neither a conservative nor a liberal idea, but appeal to both, as we strive to address increasing social needs with limited resources.
Join Councilmember Melissa Fox at an Irvine Traffic Safety Town Hall!
Join me on Saturday, January 26, 2019, from 2:00 p.m. to 3:00 p.m. at Woodbury Community Park, for a Town Hall Meeting on Traffic Safety.
Please Note: This is a new time — 2:00 p.m. to 3:00 p.m. (but the same date)!
Irvine residents are very concerned about traffic safety, especially for their children.
Based on these concerns, I recently met with Irvine Police Department (IPD) Chief Mike Hamel to discuss ways to improve stop sign compliance and overall traffic safety in Irvine.
As a result of our meeting, the IPD is taking the following steps:
- increasing educational outreach to the public about the importance of compliance with stop signs and overall traffic safety rules, including increased outreach in Mandarin.
- Increasing traffic enforcement and IPD visibility at all Irvine schools during pick-up and drop-off.
- Increasing traffic enforcement and IPD visibility at Cypress Village, Northpark, Woodbury, and other locations throughout Irvine.
- Adding crossing guards at intersection of Arborwood and Canyonwood in Northwood Point (near Canyon View Elementary School).
In addition, the Irvine Police Department has created a new Facebook page specifically related to the traffic law enforcement and traffic safety. IPD will post information and notices about traffic enforcement activity and residents are welcome to respond and comment about their concerns regarding traffic enforcement and safety.
As a result of IPD’s Heightened Visibility Enforcement operations, hundreds of citations — primarily for moving violations have been issued.
Just this week, more than 50 citations were issued as the result of a Heightened Visibility Enforcement operation in Northpark.
IPD explains that “the goal of any enforcement operation from IPD’s Traffic Bureau is to encourage safe driving, which means fewer accidents. We want everyone to get to their destination safely!”
To continue this important community discussion, I will be holding a Town Hall on Traffic Safety on Saturday, January 26, 2019, from 2:00 p.m. 3:00 p.m. at Woodbury Community Park, located at 130 Sanctuary, Irvine, CA 92620.
Traffic Commissioner Ken Montgomery and members of the Irvine Police Department will participate in the Town Hall on Traffic Safety.
Residents are encouraged to attend and participate in the Town Hall on Traffic Safety with their concerns, questions, and suggestions.
I am looking forward to a Town Hall meeting focused on traffic safety and making Irvine an even safer place to live and raise a family. In Irvine, we’re proud that community engagement is an essential element of our approach to law enforcement.
You can find a Facebook Event Page for the Town Hall here. Please invite your neighbors!
Important Parking Information: Please park in either Woodbury Community Park at the intersection of Sanctuary and Long Meadow or on Sanctuary adjacent to the park.
What: Councilmember Melissa Fox Town Hall on Irvine Traffic Safety
When: Saturday, January 26, 2019, from 2:00 p.m. to 3:00 p.m.
Where: Woodbury Community Park, 130 Sanctuary, Irvine, CA 92620.
See you there!
Celebrating Korean American Day!
Councilmember Melissa Fox with her father, Stan, and Korean-American veterans of the Korean War.
This Sunday, January 13, has been designated by the City of Irvine as Korean American Day.
Melissa Fox’s Irvine Senior Council Representative Juno Kim
On January 13, 1903, a group of 102 Korean laborers arrived in Honolulu from Japan aboard the steamship RMS Gaelic to work in the Hawaiian sugar cane fields. In the next few years, they would be followed by more than 1,000 Koreans entering the mainland from Hawaii through San Francisco.
This date is traditionally regarded as marking the first Korean immigration to the United States and celebrated as Korean American Day — although several individual Koreans had immigrated to the United States earlier, including Philip Jaisohn (Seo Jae-pil), a journalist and medical doctor and a noted champion for Korea’s independence, who in 1890 became the first Korean to become a naturalized U.S. citizen.
From these humble beginnings, a large and vibrant Korean American community has grown, now numbering nearly 2 million people of Korean descent in the United States, including nearly half a million people in California.
Irvine is proud to celebrate our thriving Korean American community each year in our annual Irvine Korean Cultural Festival, designed to share Korean culture with the entire community by showcasing its customs, heritage, cuisine, and arts.
Our city has adopted the South Korean city of Seocho-gu as one of Irvine’s four “Sister Cities.”
Irvine is also the home of the King Sejong Institute and the Korean American Center of Orange County, dedicated to promoting Korean language and culture.
As the daughter of a Korean War combat veteran and proud recipient of the Republic of Korea Ambassador for Peace Medal, the cousin of a United States Marine who was killed in action in the Battle of the Chosin Reservoir fighting for freedom for the Korean people, and as a resident of Irvine, I feel a deep appreciation for the vital contributions that Korean Americans have made to our city, our state, and our country.
I am proud to live and serve on the City Council in a city that celebrates and treasures our Korean American community and I join my many Korean American friends and neighbors in celebrating Korean American contributions to our shared American heritage and way of life.
Happy Korean American Day!
Irvine Rated Among Top Ten Safest Cities in the World!
Irvine is not only the safety city in America, it is among the safest cities in the world, according to a recent article in CEOWorld magazine.
The safety index ranked 338 cities. The crime index is an estimation of the overall level of crime in a given city.
Abu Dhabi in the United Arab Emirates was ranked as the safest city in the world, with Doha in Qatar in 2nd place. The remaining top 10 safest cities in the world were Osaka, Singapore, Basel, Quebec, Tokyo, Bern, Munich, and Irvine, CA.
According to the article, the next safest city in the United States is Madison, Wisconsin, at number 35 overall.
Irvine’s top ten world ranking is in accord with Irvine’s number one national ranking by the FBI.
Each year the FBI ranks the public safety levels of U.S. cities according to population and considers a number of factors including murder, rape, assault, burglary, arson and auto theft. Irvine has held the top spot as America’s Safest City among cities with a population of 250,000 or more for 13 years in a row.
As a resident of Irvine and a member of the Irvine City Council, I am extremely grateful to the outstanding work of our Police Chief Mike Hamel and the brave men and women of the Irvine Police Department.
We are America’s safest city because the men and women of the Irvine Police Department continue to perform their duties at the very highest levels of professionalism and integrity. Our community knows that our police officers treat everyone with fairness and respect, and are dedicated to ensuring the safety of our residents and defending the Constitution of our country.
I am also extremely proud of my neighbors and fellow Irvine residents, who care deeply about the safety of our City and look after each other. In Irvine, we’re proud that community engagement is an essential element of our approach to law enforcement.
As Irvine Chief of Police Mike Hamel has said, “The safety of our City is truly a collaborative effort. The dedicated men and women of the Irvine Police Department work tirelessly every day to keep our community safe. Our residents and members of the business community partner with IPD to prevent and help solve crime. Our City leaders have always made public safety a top priority, ensuring IPD has the resources necessary to provide only the highest level of service to the public. It is this comprehensive effort that has allowed Irvine to preserve the safety and quality of life our residents have long enjoyed.”
Of course, even in Irvine, we can do better.
In particular, we can, and must, do better when it comes to obeying traffic signs and overall traffic safety.
Please attend my Irvine Town Hall on January 26, 2019, focused on traffic safety and making Irvine an even safer place to live and raise a family.
You can find a Facebook Event Page for the Town Hall here. Please invite your neighbors!
What: Councilmember Melissa Fox Town Hall on Irvine Traffic Safety
When: Saturday, January 26, 2019, from 10:30 a.m. to 11:30 a.m.
Where: Woodbury Community Park, 130 Sanctuary, Irvine, CA 92620.
See you there!
Great Park Ice Arena Opens for Public Skating! Official Grand Opening Set for March 7!
As Vice Chair of the Great Park, I’m pleased to announce that the new 270,000-square-foot Great Park Ice Area — the largest ice skating facility in California and one of the largest in the United States — opened today, January 2, 2019, for public skating.
Hundreds of people showed up for the opportunity to be the first to skate on the new Irvine ice!
Skaters enjoying the Great Park Ice Arena on January 2, 2019. Photo by Ken Montgomery.
Although only one rink is now open, the Great Park Ice Arena will have three National Hockey League-standard ice rinks and one Olympic size rink, and include seating for more than 2,500 spectators. The Great Park Ice Arena will also have a restaurant and a Ducks team store.
Located near the Great Park’s Palm Court and adjacent to the Festival Site parking area, the Community Ice Arena will be open daily from about 5 a.m. to midnight, with most of the time reversed for public use.
Ice sports and recreation activities available to the public at the Arena will include youth and adult hockey programs, regional and national tournaments, figure skating, and open public skating.
Also, the Anaheim Ducks are expected to practice occasionally at the 13.5-acre site.
The Arena is owned by the Irvine Ice Foundation, a nonprofit organization, which will be made up of locally, based civic leaders, and operates on a 50-year lease with the City of Irvine.
The $100 million plus facility will be LEED (Leadership in Energy and Environmental Design) Silver certified as part of the NHL Green initiative.
All proceeds will go to further the growth of ice sports and activities locally.
Additionally, the new facility will create 15 full-time and 150 part-time positions while serving more than 10,000 local youth each year.
An exciting official Grand Opening is scheduled for March 7, 2019!
See you there!
Making Affordable Housing a Reality: My Remarkable Year with the Irvine Community Land Trust!
In 2018, I was elected to serve as Chair of the Irvine Community Land Trust, guiding its mission of providing secure, high-quality affordable housing for the benefit of income-eligible families. Like all Irvine Community Land Trust Board Members, I serve as a volunteer, without compensation.
I am very proud of what we accomplished at the Irvine Community Land Trust (ICLT) this year!
As we all know, Irvine is among the most expensive real estate markets in the nation; for this reason there is a tremendous need for, and tremendous obstacles to, affordable housing.
Finding solutions to the housing and homelessness crisis has been a priority for me, both as a member of the Irvine City Council and as Chair of the Irvine Community Land Trust. Irvine has been a model in this area and the Land Trust concept, now being adopted by Orange County and many other cities, is something that Irvine has pioneered. No other city has a Land Trust like we have, and other cities are working to copy ours.
Here is a short video that explains the work the Irvine Community Land Trust does to create more affordable housing in Irvine:
2018 was truly a remarkable year for the Land Trust.
In 2018, we opened Parc Derian, which brings 80 new units of housing for working families, veterans, and special-needs residents of Irvine. Located in the Irvine Business Complex, Parc Derian is a beautiful multifamily community with a pool, tot lot, private parking, exercise center, computer lab, and onsite resident services.
Designed to bring employees closer to work, it is a short walk to many jobs as well as Irvine Unified Schools, public transportation, dining and shopping options. Apartments range from one- to three bedrooms and include walk-in closets, energy-efficient appliances, assigned parking and balconies. Parc Derian is the result of a public/private partnership between the Irvine Community Land Trust, C&C Development, Innovative Housing Opportunities (IHO), Lennar Corporation, and the City of Irvine.
Also in 2018, we began work on Salerno, a new 80-unit rental community. Like Parc Derian, Salerno will provide permanent affordable housing for working families, veterans, and special-needs residents of Irvine.
Significantly, in 2018 we began to develop our first homes for ownership with help from a new partnership with Habitat for Humanity of Orange County. This new Irvine community, called Chelsea on Native Spring, located north of Irvine Boulevard, will include 68 affordable home for sale to income-eligible veterans, working families, and young professionals.
Homes will be sold to first-time homebuyers who earn up to 120 percent of the area’s medium income. In an area where the median home price is $727,000 and average annual income is around $80,000 for a family of four, many people are priced out of the market and face housing and financial uncertainties while trying to build a life in Irvine. The Chelsea on Native Spring project aims to keep those people in Irvine, especially military veterans, teachers, nurses, and young professionals. It is expected to begin construction in 2019.
In addition to these new projects, we continued in 2018 to provide quality housing and services to 238 households living at Alegre Apartments and Doria Apartment Homes.
In all, that’s 466 households, and more than a thousand people, who can comfortably live, work and raise families in Irvine directly because of the work of the Irvine Community Land Trust.
In 2018, I traveled to Pittsburgh, Pennsylvania, to represent the Irvine Community Land Trust at a national conference on affordable housing and traveled to Sacramento, where we moved forward to convince the California Legislature to remove tax barriers to creating permanent affordable housing, meaning that more affordable housing could be built in California. We expect that this year we will have the support we need to pass the legislation and I am again making the trip to Sacramento to secure more affordable housing in our state.
It should also be noted that in 2018, the Irvine Community Land Trust became an independent 501(c)(3) nonprofit corporation. This development was envisioned as eventual in the City’s initial 2006 plan for the Land Trust, which states that the trust shall become self-sustaining and independent after it attains 200 affordable housing units. That threshold was crossed in 2017, and the Irvine Community Land Trust now owns more than 200 homes in three Irvine communities.
The move to become independent from the City of Irvine is designed to make it easier for donors and strategic partners to contribute materials, services, and funds on a tax-free basis, therefore increasing the resources that the Irvine Community Land Trust has to create more affordable housing.
The City of Irvine and its residents also benefit from the separation due to the financial savings in regard to staff salary and office space, which will no longer be provided by the City.
As ICLT Executive Director Mark Asturias explained, becoming legally independent from the City “is a tremendous win-win for both the Land Trust and the citizens of Irvine. We can operate more efficiently and with less reliance on taxpayers, and we can apply a greater focus on our core mission – to provide high-quality affordable housing to the community.”
Moreover, in the interest of maintaining transparency and community engagement, the Irvine Community Land Trust, on my motion, has voluntarily opened all meetings to the public. The open session format will allow members of the community to come, hear and be heard on programs and projects being implemented by the Land Trust Board.
Through this meeting format the Land Trust Board hopes to generate community interest and support for its programs, and foster collaboration on its mission to build quality affordable housing for Irvine residents.
Accordingly, for the January 8, 2019 City Council meeting, I have requested a presentation from City staff followed by discussion and direction from the City Council, regarding the application of the City’s Sunshine Ordinance to all non-profit entities in the community that receive significant funding from the City. Please come to the Irvine City Council meeting on Tuesday, January 8, 2019, to discuss this important matter.
Stay tuned to this blog, as well as the Land Trust’s newly launched Facebook and Linkedin pages, for more information on our progress in creating affordable housing.
2019 promises to be even more positive and exciting!
Join Councilmember Melissa Fox at an Irvine Traffic Safety Town Hall!
Please join me on Saturday, January 26, 2019, from 10:30 a.m. to 11:30 a.m. at Woodbury Community Park, for a Town Hall Meeting on Traffic Safety.
Irvine residents are very concerned about traffic safety, especially for their children.
Based on these concerns, I recently met with Irvine Police Department (IPD) Chief Mike Hamel to discuss ways to improve stop sign compliance and overall traffic safety in Irvine.
As a result of the meeting, the IPD is taking the following steps:
- increasing educational outreach to the public about the importance of compliance with stop signs and overall traffic safety rules, including increased outreach in Mandarin.
- Increasing traffic enforcement and IPD visibility at all Irvine schools during pick-up and drop-off.
- Increasing traffic enforcement and IPD visibility at Cypress Village, Woodbury, and other locations throughout Irvine.
- Adding crossing guards at intersection of Arborwood and Canyonwood in Northwood Point (near Canyon View Elementary School).
In addition, the Irvine Police Department has created a new Facebook page specifically related to the traffic law enforcement and traffic safety. IPD will post information and notices about traffic enforcement activity and residents are welcome to respond and comment about their concerns regarding traffic enforcement and safety.
To continue this important community discussion, I will be holding a Town Hall on Traffic Safety on Saturday, January 26, 2019, from 10:30 a.m. to 11:30 a.m. at Woodbury Community Park, located at 130 Sanctuary, Irvine, CA 92620.
Traffic Commissioner Ken Montgomery and members of the Irvine Police Department will participate in the Town Hall on Traffic Safety.
Residents are encouraged to attend and participate in the Town Hall on Traffic Safety with their concerns, questions, and suggestions.
I am looking forward to a Town Hall meeting focused on traffic safety and making Irvine an even safer place to live and raise a family. In Irvine, we’re proud that community engagement is an essential element of our approach to law enforcement.
You can find a Facebook Event Page for the Town Hall here. Please invite your neighbors!
What: Councilmember Melissa Fox Town Hall on Irvine Traffic Safety
When: Saturday, January 26, 2019, from 10:30 a.m. to 11:30 a.m.
Where: Woodbury Community Park, 130 Sanctuary, Irvine, CA 92620.
See you there!
The Spirit of Christmas
“For the spirit of Christmas knows no race, no creed, no clime, no limitation of time or space.
Yes, the spirit of Christmas breathes an eternal message of peace and goodwill to all men.”
President Franklin D. Roosevelt
Dear Friends and Neighbors,
During this special time of the year, I am filled with joy and gratitude for all of our blessings.
Michael, Max, Chief and I wish you a Merry Christmas and a joyous holiday season!
Melissa
[Illustration by Melanie Hope Greenberg]
Connect to the New Irvine Police Traffic Department Facebook Page!
I am pleased to report that the Irvine Police Department has created a new Facebook page specifically related to the traffic law enforcement and traffic safety.
You can find the page — Irvine Police Department Traffic — here.
IPD will post information and notices about traffic enforcement activity and residents are welcome to respond and comment about their concerns regarding traffic enforcement and safety.
Our residents are very concerned about traffic safety, especially for their children. Chief Hamel immediately followed through on his commitment to me to increase the visibility and frequency of traffic enforcement.
This new IDP Traffic Department Facebook page is another positive step in the right direction.
As IPD Chief Mike Hamel has said, “Traffic safety is of the utmost importance to the Irvine Police Department.”
I also want to remind residents that I will be holding a Town Hall Meeting on Traffic Safety on Saturday, January 26, 2019, at 10:30 a.m. at Woodbury Community Park.
Residents are encouraged to attend and participate in the Town Hall on Traffic Safety with their concerns, questions, and suggestions.
A Facebook event page for the Traffic Safety Town Hall has been posted here. Please invite your Irvine friends and neighbors!
Together, we can make Irvine an even safer place to live and raise a family.
Now Available: The 2019 Irvine Animal Care Center Calendar!
The 2019 Irvine Animal Care Center Calendar is on sale now for $15.
Proceeds from calendar sales go toward shelter and care for animals at the center.
You can purchase your calendar at the center during regular business hours, weekdays from noon to 6 p.m., and weekends from 10 a.m. to 5 p.m. The Center is closed on Tuesdays and holidays.
Each year, the Irvine Animal Care Center provides shelter, care, and enrichment for approximately 3,000 animals. Support from the community helps the center provide high-quality daily care and enhanced medical treatment to animals in need.
Visit the Center’s Programs and Services webpage to learn more about how your contributions and support allow the Animal Care Center to help the animals in our care find the new adoptive homes they deserve.
There is still time to get the perfect holiday present for your loved one (person or pet)!
The mission of the Irvine Animal Care Center is to provide a safe, clean, caring and enriching environment that meets the high standards of our community and provides the community a resource of trained and knowledgeable staff and volunteers; place all adoptable animals into permanent, loving, responsible pet homes and reunites owner-identified animals with their owners; and promote human responsibility for companion animals.
Click here to learn more about the Center’s adoption program and to see the dogs, cats, rabbits and other animals available for adoption.
We are so fortunate to have the Irvine Animal Center in our community!
For questions about the Irvine Animal Care Center Calendar, call 949-724-7740.
Help Shape the Future of Irvine’s Community Programs! Take Our Resident Activity Survey Today!
The City of Irvine, through the Community Services Department, is conducting a Resident Activity Survey about recreational activities offered to the community.
Results from the survey will be used to assess how City activities and programs meet the needs of the community, and how the City can continue to accommodate future needs.
We value input from the community and welcome you to take this important survey.
Questions cover City activities that you and members of your household may have participated in, and those you might want to see offered in the future.
The survey may be taken in English, Chinese, Korean, Persian, Spanish or Vietnamese.
Share your feedback and take the online survey here!
For questions, contact 949-724-6156.
Help shape the future of Irvine programs and take our survey today!
Irvine Police Department Wins $400,000 Traffic Safety Awareness and Enforcement Grant!
I am very pleased to report that the Irvine Police Department has been awarded a $460,000 grant from the California Office of Traffic Safety (OTS) for a yearlong enforcement and public awareness program.
The traffic safety program aims to educate the public on safe roadway habits and deter people from violating traffic laws or practicing other unsafe behaviors that lead to injuries and fatalities. Funding for this program is provided by a grant from the California Office of Traffic Safety, through the National Highway Traffic Safety Administration.
“Traffic safety is of the utmost importance to the Irvine Police Department,” said Irvine Police Chief Mike Hamel. “Our comprehensive traffic safety program includes educational presentations in our schools and our neighborhoods. Efforts such as high-visibility enforcement and sobriety checkpoints aim to stop dangerous behaviors and keep our streets safe. We are grateful to the Office of Traffic Safety for its continued partnership. This grant will bolster our traffic safety efforts,” Hamel said.
“The timing of the award could not be better,” Irvine City Councilmember Melissa Fox said.
“Chief Hamel and I met just this past week to discuss stop sign compliance and overall traffic safety in Irvine. Our residents are very concerned about traffic safety, especially for their children. Chief Hamel immediately followed through on his commitment to me to increase the visibility and frequency of traffic enforcement, and this grant will really help.”
The grant from OTS will fund various education and enforcement activities through the end of the federal fiscal year, Sept. 30, 2019. Initiatives funded by the grant include:
- DUI checkpoints and saturation patrols to take suspected alcohol/drug-impaired drivers – and those unlicensed or with a revoked/suspended license – off the road.
- Traffic safety education presentations for youth and community members on distracted, impaired and teen driving, and bicycle/pedestrian safety.
- Patrols at intersections with increased incidents of pedestrian and bike collisions.
- Seat belt and child safety seat compliance.
- Motorcycle safety operations in areas with high rider volume and where higher rate of motorcycle crashes occur.
- Speeding, red light and stop sign enforcement.
- Warrant service operations targeting multiple DUI offenders.
- Compilation of DUI “Hot Sheets” identifying repeat DUI offenders.
- Specialized DUI and drugged driving training to identify and apprehend suspected impaired drivers.
In 2016, 3,623 people were killed in collisions across the state, a 7 percent increase from 2015, according to the National Highway Traffic Safety Administration. Particularly alarming is the rise in pedestrian deaths, with 867 pedestrians killed on California roadways in 2016, a nearly 33 percent increase from 2012. This grant funding will provide opportunities to combat dangerous and illegal behaviors such as distracted and drug-impaired driving.
“Almost all crashes are preventable,” OTS director Rhonda Craft said. “Education and enforcement go hand in hand, helping change behaviors that cause devastating crashes.”
Councilmember Fox will hold a Town Hall Meeting on Traffic Safety on Saturday, January 26, 2019, at 10:30 a.m. at Woodbury Community Park. Residents are encouraged to attend and participate in the Town Hall on Traffic Safety with their concerns, questions, and suggestions.
“I am looking forward to a Town Hall meeting focused on traffic safety and making Irvine an even safer place to live and raise a family,” Councilmember Fox said. “In Irvine, we’re proud that community engagement is an essential element of our approach to law enforcement.
A Facebook event page for the Traffic Safety Town Hall has been posted here. Please invite your Irvine friends and neighbors.
Today, December 14, 2018, is the Last Day to Donate to Irvine’s Holiday Toy Drive for Marine Corps Families!
Today, December 14, 2018, is the last day to contribute to the Holiday Toy Drive benefiting families of Irvine’s adopted 2/11 Marine Battalion. Help bring joy to these families during the holidays by donating a new, unwrapped gift suitable for infants or children ages 12 and younger.
Donations can be dropped off today during the following hours at the locations below:
- Irvine Civic Center, 1 Civic Center Plaza: 8 a.m.-5 p.m.
- Irvine Police Department, 1 Civic Center Plaza: 8 a.m.-5 p.m.
- Orange County Great Park Visitors Center, 8000 Great Park Blvd., Irvine: 10 a.m.-10 p.m.
For more information, call 949-724-6606.
Thank you and have a great holiday!
“Should Donald Trump Have a Twitter Account?”: An Amazing Class on Tackling Controversial Topics at Plaza Vista School!
This Thursday, I had the honor of participating in an amazing class on tackling controversial topics at Plaza Vista School in Westpark.
The class was Ms. Natalie Elliott’s “Scholars’ Writing Celebration.”
The fifth-grade students were required to present their written opinions on a controversial topic.
To do so, they were first required to research a controversial topic, organize their facts, and write a five paragraph essay with an introduction, three reasons in support of their claims, and a conclusion.
Wow! I was impressed!
The controversial topics chosen by the students included “Is kneeling during the National Anthem disrespectful?,” Are the oceans over-fished?,” “Is heath care a right or a privilege?,” Should museums be free to the public?,” “Should the U.S. amend the 2nd Amendment?,” “Is climate change really happening?,” “Should school uniforms be mandatory?,” “Should professional athletes get paid less?,” “Should the U.S. government spend more on arts or on STEM?,” and “Should Donald Trump have a Twitter account?”
Each of the students orally presented their position paper, then took questions from other students, parents, and me. Every one of the position papers was well argued and ably defended! Every one of the presenters was impressive in their passion and their poise.
Leaving the classroom, I felt extremely positive about the future — knowing that these Irvine young people will soon be running the world!
Councilmember Melissa Fox Details Results of Meeting on Traffic Safety with Irvine Police Chief Mike Hamel and Announces Traffic Safety Town Hall
Press Release
FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE
Contact: Allison Binder 949-724-6226
IRVINE CITY COUNCILMEMBER MELISSA FOX DETAILS RESULTS OF MEETING ON TRAFFIC SAFETY WITH IRVINE POLICE CHIEF MIKE HAMEL AND ANNOUNCES TRAFFIC SAFETY TOWN HALL
Irvine, CA (December 12, 2019) – On Monday, December 10, 2018, Irvine City Councilmember Melissa Fox met with Irvine Police Department (IPD) Chief Mike Hamel to discuss ways to improve stop sign compliance and overall traffic safety in Irvine. Councilmember Fox also announced a Town Hall Meeting on Traffic Safety to be held on Saturday, January 26, 2019, at 10:30 a.m. at Woodbury Community Park.
“Chief Hamel and I take this issue very seriously,” Councilmember Fox said. “We hear residents’ concerns and are committed to improving traffic safety across the city.”
In addition to Councilmember Fox and Chief Hamel, IPD officers Lt. Kyle Turner and Sgt. Tom Goodbrand also participated in the meeting.
Lt. Turner heads the Traffic Unit, which is responsible for enforcing the traffic laws, investigating traffic collisions, and assisting the Public Works Department in finding solutions to traffic related challenges. The Traffic Unit also oversees the Parking Enforcement Unit, Commercial Enforcement and the Crossing Guards at or near the local schools.
Sgt. Goodbrand supervises IPD’s School Resource Officers, who work in partnership with the Irvine and Tustin Unified School Districts to provide safe school campuses throughout the Irvine community. Through enforcement of the law and education, the School Resource Officers are a direct link between the Irvine youth community and the Irvine Police Department.
As a result of the meeting, Councilmember Fox is pleased to announce that the IPD is taking the following steps:
- Increase educational outreach to the public about the importance of compliance with stop signs and overall traffic safety rules, including increased outreach in Mandarin.
- Increase traffic enforcement and IPD visibility at all Irvine schools during pick-up and drop-off.
- Increase traffic enforcement and IPD visibility at Cypress Village and Woodbury.
- Add crossing guard at intersection of Arborwood and Canyonwood in Northwood Point (near Canyon View Elementary School).
Councilmember Fox and Chief Hamel also invited residents to contact their representatives with concerns, questions, and suggestions regarding traffic safety:
Lt. Kyle Turner, IPD Traffic Unit, kturner@cityofirvine.org, 949-724-7217.
Allison Binder, Councilmember Fox’s Lead Executive Council Assistant, abinder@ci.irvine.ca.us., 949-724-6226.
Commissioner Ken Montgomery, Councilmember Fox’s appointee to the Irvine Traffic Commission, kenmontgomery@cityofirvine.org.
Councilmember Fox also announced that she will be holding a Town Hall on Traffic Safety on Saturday, January 26, 2019, from 10:30 a.m. to 11:30 a.m. at Woodbury Community Park, located at 130 Sanctuary, Irvine, CA 92620.
Councilmember Melissa Fox, Traffic Commissioner Ken Montgomery, and members of the Irvine Police Department will participate in the Town Hall on Traffic Safety.
Residents are encouraged to attend and participate in the Town Hall on Traffic Safety with their concerns, questions, and suggestions.
“I am looking forward to a Town Hall meeting focused on traffic safety and making Irvine an even safer place to live and raise a family,” Councilmember Fox said. “In Irvine, we’re proud that community engagement is an essential element of our approach to law enforcement.”
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Note: A Facebook Event Page for the Irvine Town Hall on Traffic Safety has been posted here. Please invite your friends and neighbors. See you there!
UPDATE: Following up on the commitment made in my meeting on traffic safety with Chief Mike Hamel, the Irvine Police Traffic Bureau conducted a high visibility enforcement detail on the loop in Woodbridge. In 90 minutes, traffic personnel issued 50 citations for cell phone use, stop sign and other traffic violations. Thank you, Irvine Police Department! #DriveSafeIrvine
Press Release: Irvine Transportation Commission Adopts Councilmember Melissa Fox’s Initiative for Comprehensive “Stop Sign Compliance Study” to Increase Safety of Irvine’s Streets
Press Release
FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE
Contact: Allison Binder 949-724-6226
IRVINE TRANSPORTATION COMMISSION ADOPTS COUNCILMEMBER MELISSA FOX’S INITIATIVE FOR COMPREHENSIVE “STOP SIGN COMPLIANCE STUDY” TO INCREASE SAFETY OF IRVINE’S STREETS
Irvine, CA – On December 4, 2018, the Irvine Transportation Commission unanimously adopted Councilmember Melissa Fox’s initiative for a comprehensive “Stop Sign Compliance Study” for the purpose of increasing the safety of Irvine streets.
Based on the motion of Councilmember Melissa Fox’s appointee, Commissioner Ken Montgomery, the Transportation Commission voted 5-0 to support Councilmember Fox’s request to direct the staff to conduct a comprehensive “Stop Sign Compliance Study.”
Several members of the public spoke at the meeting to support Councilmember Fox’s request for this intensive study. They spoke of accidents and near misses caused by people running stop signs. The individual Transportation Commissioners all had personal experiences with stop sign runners causing accidents and even fatalities in their neighborhoods.
Irvine Police Department (IPD) Officer Brian Smith told the Commission that IPD issued 2000 stop sign violation citations this year-to-date; there have been 139 vehicular collisions involving stop-sign noncompliance; five of these collisions have resulted in an injury; IPD conducts high-visibility enforcement in areas during rush hour; and that high-visibility enforcement can net 50-55 citations over a two hour morning rush period.
City staff was directed to study how extensive “rolling stops” are at stop signs in Irvine; how many accidents result from “failure to yield” violations at stop controlled intersections; determine whether electronic enhancements to stop signs, like flashing beacons, improves compliance; review the current and best thinking from the nation’s police, traffic engineers, and public safety professionals on increasing stop sign compliance and traffic safety; determine whether other cities are achieving better stop sign compliance and, if so, what are they doing differently from Irvine; and to work with the Irvine Police and Public Safety to determine whether the current strategies used for stop signs compliance are as effective as can be.
City staff will determine whether the study can be performed in-house or whether an outside consultant familiar with this type of work is needed to do the study. When the study is completed, the Transportation Commission will develop recommendations for the City Council.
“Residents of Irvine are very concerned — and rightfully so — about their safety and the safety of their children because of the consistent failure of drivers to come to a full and complete stop at our stop signs,” Councilmember Fox said. “Irvine is world-famous as a safe place to live and raise our families. But it won’t stay that way unless Irvine’s motorists obey the stop signs and respect pedestrians’ right-of-way. It’s not just our reputation as America’s safest city that is on the line. Our lives, and the lives of our children, are at stake.”
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Happy Hanukkah! Let the Lights of Hanukkah Inspire the Spirit of Love in Each of Us!
The Jewish Holiday of Hanukkah, also known as the Festival of Lights, lasts eight days and commemorates the re-dedication of the Holy Temple in Jerusalem in 165 BCE by the Maccabees after its destruction by an invading force that prohibited the practice of the Jewish religion.
It is marked by the successive lighting of eight candles on the menorah.
Sadly, now, as then, Jews and others are targeted for violence because of their faith.
Now, as then, let us celebrate the lights of Hanukkah overcoming the darkness of bigotry and hate.
Let us recommit to the promise that President George Washington made in 1790 to the Jews at Toro Synagogue in Newport, Rhode Island, that that the United States “gives to bigotry no sanction, to persecution no assistance.”
Let the lights of Hanukkah inspire the Spirit of Love in each of us during this Holiday Season and the coming year!
Irvine Councilmember Melissa Fox Puts Stop Sign Safety on the Next Transportation Commission Agenda
Residents of Irvine are very concerned — and rightfully so — about their safety and the safety of their children because of the consistent failure of drivers to come to a full and complete stop at our stop signs.
Many of you have expressed your concerns to me and I have read what you have posted on social media.
I share you concerns.
As I’ve said before, Irvine is world-famous as a safe place to live and raise our families. But it won’t stay that way unless all Irvine’s motorists obey the stop signs and respect pedestrians’ right-of-way.
It’s not just our reputation as America’s safest city that is on the line. Our lives, and the lives of our children, are at stake.
In response to these concerns, my appointee to the Transportation Commission, Ken Montgomery, has placed the lack of compliance with stop signs in Irvine on the agenda of the next Transportation Commission meeting on Tuesday, December 4, 2018, at 5:30 PM at the Conference and Training Center Room, One Civic Center Plaza, Irvine, California 92606
Please attend!
Commissioner Montgomery has also asked that our Irvine Transportation Director Mark Linsenmayer and City staff be prepared to answer the following questions:
- How widespread is the problem of drivers not stopping at stop signs in Irvine?
- Are there any visibility problems with our stop signs?
- Would center-mounted stop signs help with compliance?
- Would advanced warning stop signs help with compliance?
- Would lights around stop signs, or flashing beacons, increase compliance and public safety?
- Are other local cities seeing better stop sign compliance? If so, what are they doing differently from Irvine?
- What measures have the Irvine Police Department undertaken to increase stop sign compliance, and what recommendations does the Irvine Police Department have to increase stop sign compliance and better driver behavior?
- What is the current and best thinking from the nation’s police, traffic engineers and public safety professionals on increasing stop sign compliance and traffic safety?
Of course, you may bring your own questions and suggestions for the Commissioners and City staff to the meeting.
You can also contact Transportation Commissioner Ken Montgomery with your concerns, questions, and suggestions. Send him an email at kenmontgomery@cityofirvine.org.
Commissioner Ken MontgomeryTraffic is a retired Civil Engineer with more than 40 years of experience in managing public works and traffic and transportation issues as Director of Public Works for three Southern California Cities: Norwalk, Redondo Beach, and Laguna Niguel. Ken retired from the City of Laguna Niguel in 2009 after 18 years as that City’s first Director of Public Works/City Engineer. He holds a degree in civil engineering from the University of Wisconsin, Madison. Ken and his wife Judy have resided in Irvine for 39 years and have lived in the same Woodbridge home since 1980. He been closely following transportation issues in Irvine for decades and was appointed to the Irvine Transportation Commission by Councilmember Melissa Fox in May 2017.
He is looking forward to seeing you and hearing from you at the Transportation Commission meeting!
What: Stop Sign Safety Discussion at Irvine Transportation Commission Meeting
When: Tuesday, December 4, 2018, at 5:30 PM
Where: Conference and Training Center Room, One Civic Center Plaza, Irvine, California 92606
Have a Safe, Happy, and Crime-Free Holiday: Crime Prevention Tips from the Irvine Police Department!
As your Irvine City Councilmember, it is important to me that you and your family have a safe, happy, and crime-free holiday season.
Here are some Holiday Crime Prevention Tips from the Irvine Police Department to help ensure that your holidays are safe, happy, and crime-free: 
- If you’re out shopping for holiday meals or gifts, be sure to lock your car and roll up your windows.
- Don’t leave your purse, wallet, cellphone or other valuables in your vehicle in plain view.
- When possible, keep your purchases on you while shopping instead of leaving them in your car. If you need to leave these things in your car, the best place is in a secure, locked trunk.
- If you are having packages sent to your home, bring them inside as soon as possible. If you won’t be home to receive your deliveries, consider having items delivered to your workplace, or ask a friend or trusted neighbor to pick it up for you. Use tracking numbers and delivery notifications to track your shipments.
- Be mindful when displaying gifts at home. Try not to leave them in places where they will be visible from the outside.
- After holiday dinners and parties, always make sure you have a sober, safe ride home.
- If you are traveling out of town, make sure your house appears occupied by using timers on lights and televisions, and exterior motion detectors outside. Ask a friend or trusted neighbor to check on your house and collect your mail and newspaper.
- Be careful what you post on social media. Avoid posting your holiday travel plans or pictures of you and your family while you’re away, so that your absence isn’t exploited by untrusted social media followers.
Important Telephone Numbers for the Irvine Police Department:
- Non-Emergency: 949-724-7000
- Emergency: Dial 9-1-1 for Emergencies and crimes in progress.
An Irvine Guide and Thank You for Giving Tuesday
Today is Giving Tuesday.
The City of Irvine’s website provides Irvine Gives, a comprehensive online resource to help locate the giving opportunities you seek. If you want to donate time, money or materials, this is the place to start.
Donating online is as easy as clicking a button. Select blue “Donate Now” button on the right side of this page to link directly to the area of your choice. All donations to City programs are tax-deductible
The City of Irvine’s website also provides information on many volunteering opportunities.
I also want to take a moment to suggest some charitable organizations that our family supports.
Our family supports Families Forward, an Irvine-based organization that assists Orange County families in financial crisis to achieve and maintain self-sufficiency and helps these families to once again become independent, productive residents of the community. During the holidays, Families Forward also provides in-need families with festive food baskets and personalized holiday gifts.
We also support the California Association of Food Banks, founded in 1995 to help hungry people throughout California, including our local Second Harvest Food Bank of Orange County and the Community Action Partnership of Orange County Food Bank.
Our City of Irvine proudly and gratefully supports the Irvine 2/11 Marine Adoption Committee, which provides charitable and educational activities and support for the benefit and welfare of the United States Marines and their families assigned to Camp Pendleton, California, with special emphasis on the Marines and families of the 2nd Battalion, 11th Marines.
Donations of toys can be made to the 2/11 Marines Holiday Toy Drive benefiting families of Irvine’s adopted 2/11 Marine Battalion. Help bring joy to these families during the holidays by donating a new, unwrapped gift suitable for infants or children ages 12 and younger. Donations can be dropped off through December 14 at the Irvine Civic Center, Irvine Police Headquarters, and the Great Park Visitors Center.
We support ClothingDonations.org, a service of Vietnam Veterans of America. ClothingDonations.org will pick up your used clothes and household goods at your convenience and use them to support programs that address the needs of all our veterans.
We also endorse giving to Socks for Heroes, which ships socks along with other essentials to United States Marine Corps combat infantry units, provides Marine children the ability to take advantage of swimming lessons, sports, and camps, and provides other programs for single Marines and Marine families during deployments. Socks for Heroes was founded by friends of ours from Orange County whose son, Lance Corporal Donald Hogan, 20, was killed by a roadside bomb while his unit was on foot patrol in southwest Afghanistan’s Helmand province. LCpl Hogan noticed a command detonated, pull-string IED being activated and hurled his body into the Marine next to him, throwing him out of harm’s way. He then yelled to his squad, warning them of the impending blast and giving them the split second needed to move to relative safety. For his heroism and sacrifice, LCpl Hogan received the Navy Cross, our nation’s second highest military honor.
We are a firefighter family and the needs of firefighters and other first responders are often on our minds during the holiday season. Gift cards for Firefighters can be mailed or delivered to the OCFA Firefighter’s Benevolent Association for Firefighters in need. Monetary donations can be made to Firefighter organizations such as the OCFA Foundation and the Wildland Firefighter Foundation.
Donations can also be made to the California Fire Museum and Safety Leaning Center, a local organization dedicated to preserving our California firefighter heritage and advancing community knowledge of fire safety.
Of course, not all giving is through monetary donations. Irvine is fortunate to have so many residents who give their time and their personal efforts to support our many community events and organizations. Thank you all!
Take a Sneak Peek at the New Anaheim Ducks’ Community Ice Arena at the Great Park in Irvine! Updated with New Video!
Last December, I was privileged to take part in the groundbreaking for the new 270,000-square-foot Anaheim Ducks’ Community Ice Arena at the Great Park, which will be the largest ice skating facility in California and one of the largest in the United States.
Now, the Great Park Ice Arena is nearly ready to open!
Click here to watch a new video of the progress at the Great Park Community Ice Arena!
Click here to watch a video of the progress at the Great Park Community Ice Arena!
The Ice Arena will have three National Hockey League-standard ice rinks and one Olympic size rink, and include seating for more than 2,500 spectators.
Located near the Great Park’s Palm Court and adjacent to the Festival Site parking area, the Community Ice Arena will be reserved most of the time for public use.
Great Park Community Ice Arena groundbreaking.
Ice sports and recreation activities available to the public at the Arena will include youth and adult hockey programs, regional and national tournaments, figure skating, and open public skating.
Also, the Anaheim Ducks are expected to practice occasionally at the 13.5-acre site.
The Arena is owned by the Irvine Ice Foundation, a nonprofit organization, which will be made up of locally, based civic leaders, and operates on a 50-year lease with the City of Irvine.
The $100 million plus facility will be LEED (Leadership in Energy and Environmental Design) Silver certified as part of the NHL Green initiative.
All proceeds will go to further the growth of ice sports and activities locally.
Additionally, the new facility will create 15 full-time and 150 part-time positions while serving more than 10,000 local youth each year.
A grand opening of the Community Ice Arena is expected in early February 2019.
Join Irvine Senior Services for a Twilight Holiday Social!
Join Irvine Senior Services at Trabuco Senior Center on Thursday, December 13, 2018, from 2:30pm – 4:30pm for an evening of holiday cheer, including hor d’oeuvres, entertainment, and pictures with Santa.
Event fee is $7 per person; register online at yourirvine.org.
For more information, visit irvineseniors.org or call 949-724-7300.
We all know that Irvine is a great city for young families, but Irvine is for seniors, too!
Irvine’s strategic plan addresses the needs of all our community members — children, youth, families — and seniors.
Irvine’s Senior Centers — Lakeview Senior Center, Rancho Senior Center, and Trabuco Senior Center — provide a tremendous variety of social, recreational, and wellness programs for seniors, including health, nutrition and outreach services through community collaborations.
For more information on assistance programs, support groups, transportation services and more, visit the Senior Services Resources & Services page.
Join Me at the 12th Annual Home for the Holidays Pet Adoption Event!
Join me for Irvine’s 12th Annual Home for the Holidays Pet Adoption Event on Sunday, December 9, 2018, from 10:00 a.m. to 4:00 p.m. More than 30 pet rescue groups and animal shelters will bring some 600 homeless dogs, cats, rabbits and small animals for adoption.
The Home for the Holidays Pet Adoption Event also features dozens of vendors, gourmet food trucks, a silent auction, low-cost microchipping and an opportunity drawing.
Each animal available for adoption is spayed or neutered, microchipped and evaluated by a veterinarian. Cats and dogs are vaccinated appropriate to age.
The suggested donation for the event is $2 per person or $5 per family. Parking is free. Event proceeds benefit the Irvine Animal Care Center in its efforts to provide care and support to thousands of homeless, neglected and abused animals each year.
What: Irvine’s 12th Annual Home for the Holidays Pet Adoption Event
Where: 6443 Oak Canyon, Irvine, CA 92618
When: Sunday, December 9, 2018. 10:00 a.m. to 4:00 p.m.
Visit cityofirvine.org/animals to see a list of participating rescues, shelters, vendors, and food trucks.
For more information, call 949-724-7740.
I hope to see you there!
Happy Thanksgiving from the Fox Family!
We have much for which we are grateful.
We are grateful for this great nation, for our freedoms, and for those whose sacrifices, past and present, have made those freedoms endure for generations.
We are grateful for our families and friends, and for the love that makes life worthwhile.
We are grateful for our beautiful City of Irvine.
We are grateful for the blessings of our beautiful planet and our beautiful state of California.
We are grateful for our Police and Firefighters, our Soldiers, Sailors, Marines, Coast Guardsmen and Airmen.
We are grateful, too, for everyone in our community and our nation who protects us and serves those in need.
We are grateful for the volunteers who comfort the sick, care for the young and the aged, share their knowledge and skills, and keep us moving forward.
We are also grateful that we are fortunate enough to be able to help others.
Our family, especially during the holidays, supports ClothingDonations.org, a service of Vietnam Veterans of America. ClothingDonations.org will pick up your used clothes and household goods at your convenience and use them to support programs that address the needs of all our veterans.
We also support Families Forward, an Irvine-based organization that assists Orange County families in financial crisis to achieve and maintain self-sufficiency and helps these families to once again become independent, productive residents of the community. During the holidays, Families Forward also provides in-need families with festive food baskets and personalized holiday gifts.
Another worthy organization is the California Association of Food Banks, founded in 1995 to help hungry people throughout California, including our local Second Harvest Food Bank of Orange County and the Community Action Partnership of Orange County Food Bank.
Our City of Irvine proudly and gratefully supports the Irvine 2/11 Marine Adoption Committee, which provides charitable and educational activities and support for the benefit and welfare of the United States Marines and their families assigned to Camp Pendleton, California, with special emphasis on the Marines and families of the 2nd Battalion, 11th Marines.
Donations of toys can be made to the 2/11 Marines Holiday Toy Drive benefiting families of Irvine’s adopted 2/11 Marine Battalion. Help bring joy to these families during the holidays by donating a new, unwrapped gift suitable for infants or children ages 12 and younger. Donations can be dropped off through December 14 at the Irvine Civic Center, Irvine Police Headquarters, and the Great Park Visitors Center.
We also endorse giving to Socks for Heroes, which ships socks along with other essentials to United States Marine Corps combat infantry units, provides Marine children the ability to take advantage of swimming lessons, sports, and camps, and provides other programs for single Marines and Marine families during deployments.
Gift cards for Firefighters can be mailed or delivered to the OCFA Firefighter’s Benevolent Association for Firefighters in need. Monetary donations can be made to Firefighter organizations such as the OCFA Foundation and the Wildland Firefighter Foundation. Donations can also be made to the California Fire Museum and Safety Leaning Center,
Many other worthy non-profit organizations that provide assistance to the residents of Irvine and surrounding areas can be found on the Charity Directory of the City of Irvine’s website.
Each year at Thanksgiving, we remember our friend Michael Kinslow and his beautiful Prayer of Thanksgiving for those who protect and those who serve:
Thank you God for every woman and man who risks their life for my freedom and safety.
Please bless their families with peace.
Thank you God for every child, woman, and man who volunteers in my community. All of those who feed the hungry, provide shelter, and all who put their hearts, minds, and souls into building up others and caring for all of your creatures.
Please bless them in their own time of need.
Amen.
Melissa
Let the Sunshine In! Apply Irvine’s Sunshine Ordinance to All Non-Profits Receiving Significant City Funding!
Let the sunshine in!
As an Irvine City Councilmember, I am proud of my record regarding increasing government accountability, openness, and transparency.
In 2017, I received the Orange County Taxpayers Watchdog Award for “demonstrating dedication to the protection of taxpayer funds and for the advocacy of government transparency and fiscal responsibility.”
In February 2018, I was the only member of the Irvine City Council to oppose Measure D, because I believe that Irvine residents must continue to have a strong voice in determining how our city grows.
This year, I enthusiastically supported the City’s adoption of the Irvine Sunshine Ordinance, which expands public notice to four times longer than California law requires and will prevent government action without full and informed participation and input from the community.
In addition, I have supported approval of a two-year budget cycle, up from the present one-year budget, along with a five-year financial planning program, to bring more accountability to government spending.
We need to do more.
This week, on my motion, the Irvine Community Land Trust, which I chair, has voluntarily opened all future meetings to the public.
The Irvine Community Land Trust intends the open meeting format to allow members of the community to come, hear, and be heard on programs and projects being implemented by the board. Through this meeting format, the Land Trust hopes to generate input, interest, and support for its projects and funding programs from the community. All Irvine Community Land Trust board meetings will be open to the public beginning the next regularly scheduled meeting.
I have also called for a City Council vote to apply the City’s Sunshine Ordinance to all non-profit agencies that receive significant funding from the City of lrvine.
Accordingly, for the January 8, 2019 City Council meeting, I have requested a presentation from City staff followed by discussion and direction from the City Council, regarding the application of the City’s Sunshine Ordinance to all non-profit entities in the community that receive significant funding from the City.
Please come to the Irvine City Council meeting on Tuesday, January 8, 2019, to discuss this important matter.
You can find more information about speaking at our Irvine City Council meetings here.
See you there!
Irvine Will Deliver Your Letters to Santa Claus!
Irvine will deliver your letters to Santa Claus!
Santa is busy getting ready for the holidays, and he would love to hear from his friends in Irvine!
Heritage and Turtle Rock community parks will be accepting and sorting Santa’s mail this holiday season. All letters will receive responses, which can be picked up where the letter is dropped off. Allow one week for individual responses; for classrooms, allow two weeks.
A drop-off and pick-up box will be located at both parks.
Send letters to:
| SANTA CLAUS | SANTA CLAUS |
| c/o Heritage Park Community Center | c/o Turtle Rock Community Park |
| 14301 Yale Ave., | 1 Sunnyhill |
| Irvine, CA 92604 | Irvine, CA 92603 |
For more information, call Heritage Community Park at 949-724-6750 or Turtle Rock Community Park at 949-724-6734.
Also, join me for Irvine’s Winter Wonderland Celebration on Sunday, Dec. 2 from 3:00 to 7:00 p.m. as “snow” falls over the Irvine Civic Center and the community gathers for games, crafts, entertainment, food, and a Christmas tree-lighting ceremony!
And don’t forget to join the City of Irvine and the Irvine 2/11 Marine Adoption Committee to support the Irvine 2/11 Marines Holiday Toy Drive, brightening the season for military families by donating a new, unwrapped gift suitable for infants or children ages 12 and younger.
Remembering Traffic Victims — and Preventing Them in Irvine
Sunday, November 18, 2018, is the World Day of Remembrance for Road Traffic Victims.
This day is dedicated to remembering those killed or injured in road crashes, as well as to pay tribute to the dedicated emergency crews, police, fire and medical professionals who daily deal with the traumatic aftermath of road death and injury.
Unfortunately, this Day of Remembrance has increasing significance for the City of Irvine.
At our most recent City Council meeting, residents told us about witnessing extremely dangerous driving behavior and very close calls involving their children.
I am sure you also witnessed close calls or have heard similar frightening stories from your neighbors.
I am very concerned — as are others — that we will see an increase in serious injuries and deaths in Irvine because a motorist did not obey a stop sign, respect a pedestrian’s right of way, or pay attention.
I have set a meeting with our Chief of Police to step up traffic enforcement and to make sure that our police have every resource they need to ensure that our city is safe for children, other pedestrians, and bicycle riders.
I will be discussing numerous ways to increase pedestrian and bicyclist safety, especially for children, including stepped-up enforcement, more illumination of crosswalks, and better lighting and visibility at stop signs. Your suggestions are invited.
The truth is, we can greatly improve the safety of our streets simply by being better and more respectful drivers, and by all of us — drivers, bicyclists and pedestrians — following the rules of the road.
The most common cause of vehicular accidents is driver behavior, especially distracted driving. In fact, distracted driving accounts for an astonishing 95 percent of all auto collisions. According to the National Safety Council, using a mobile phone while driving now the most prevalent cause of a traffic collisions.
Globally, road traffic crashes are the leading cause of death for people aged 15-29 and claim more than 1.25 million lives each year. In the United States, motor vehicle fatality is the leading cause of accidental death among teenagers, representing over one-third of all teenager deaths.
It’s not just our reputation as America’s safest city that is on the line. Our lives, and the lives of our children, are at stake.
Join Me to Celebrate Irvine’s Winter Wonderland!
Celebrate Irvine’s Winter Wonderland with me on Sunday, December 2, as “snow” falls over the Irvine Civic Center and the community gathers for games, crafts, entertainment, food, and a Christmas tree-lighting ceremony!
Irvine’s Winter Wonderland Celebration includes a Joyful Jingles program and a visit from Santa Claus.
At 5 p.m., there will be a festive tree-lighting that includes “snow” falling over the Civic Center Plaza.
This year, for the first time, the City will also showcase traditional Hanukkah, Kwanza, and Winter Solstice displays to celebrate our diversity and honor the various faiths traditions that make up our diverse community.
Guests to Winter Wonderland are encouraged to bring a new, unwrapped gift suitable for infants or children up to age 12. Toy donations aid the Irvine 2/11 Marine Adoption Committee Holiday Drive, which benefits the families of Irvine’s adopted 2/11 Marine Battalion. Help bring joy to these families during the holidays by donating a new, unwrapped gift suitable for infants or children ages 12 and younger. Donations can be dropped off at the Civic Center.
Admission is to Irvine’s Winter Wonderland Celebration is free; registration is not required.
For more information, call 949-724-6606.
What: Irvine Winter Wonderland Celebration
Where: Irvine Civic Center Plaza
When: Sunday, December 2, 2018 – 3:00 p.m. – 7:00 p.m.
Don’t miss this wonderful community event!
See you there!
Irvine History Happy Hour: “A Traditional Irvine Ranch Thanksgiving”
You are invited to join the Irvine Historical Society this Sunday, November 18 from 3:00 p.m. – 5:00 p.m. for an engaging and timely “Let’s Talk History” Happy Hour.
The topic this month is “A Traditional Irvine Ranch Thanksgiving.”
Come share your holiday traditions and a favorite recipe!
Light refreshments will be served. A $5 donation is requested.
The Irvine Historical Society is located in the San Joaquin Ranch House, commissioned by James Irvine in 1868 and considered the oldest standing structure within the original boundaries of Irvine Ranch.
Standard hours of operation are Tuesday and Sunday from 1 to 4; closed holidays. Members are free; a $1.00 donation per non-member is appreciated.
One-hour walking tours of Old Town Irvine are available on the first Sunday of each month at 11:30 a.m. Free for members; $5 for non-members.
Donate Toys to Support Irvine’s 2/11 Marine Corps Families During the Holiday Season!
Irvine’s 2/11 Marines Holiday Toy Drive!
Join the City of Irvine and the Irvine 2/11 Marine Adoption Committee in brightening the season for military families!
The Holiday Toy Drive benefits families of Irvine’s adopted 2/11 Marine Battalion. Help bring joy to these families during the holidays by donating a new, unwrapped gift suitable for infants or children ages 12 and younger.
Donations can be dropped off through December 14 during the following hours at the locations below:
Irvine Civic Center, 1 Civic Center Plaza: 7:30 a.m.-5:30 p.m. Monday-Thursday, and 8 a.m.-5 p.m. Friday.
- Irvine Police Department, 1 Civic Center Plaza: 7:30 a.m.-5:30 p.m. Monday-Thursday, and 8 a.m.-5 p.m. Friday.
- Orange County Great Park Visitors Center, 8000 Great Park Blvd., Irvine: 10 a.m.-10 p.m. Thursday and Friday, and 9 a.m.-10 p.m. Saturday and Sunday.
For more information, call 949-724-6606.
Volunteers Needed!
Volunteers are needed to sort the toys into age and gender categories and wrap the toys.
When: Saturday, December 1st, December 8th and December 15th. 9:00 a.m. to 12:00 noon.
Where: Irvine Civic Center parking lot.
We will also need strong volunteers to help load boxes of toys and gifts into our storage container at that location on those days.
Student volunteers can earn community service hours for their time!
About the Irvine 2/11 Marine Adoption Committee
The 2nd Battalion, 11th Marine Regiment, 1st Marine Division (2/11) from Camp Pendleton, was officially “adopted” by the City of Irvine at the Irvine Civic Center on September 15, 2007.
The City of Irvine and the 2/11 Marines made a pledge to encourage mutually beneficial interactions between the community and the battalion.
The Irvine 2/11 Marine Adoption Committee, a 501(c)(3) non-profit organization, encourages the community to support our adopted Battalion by participating and donating to a variety of activities, including charitable and educational activities and support, such as holiday and pre-deployment events, care packages, toy drives and more. for the benefit and welfare of the United States Marines and their families.
The 1st Marine Division is oldest, largest and most decorated division in the United States Marine Corps. The 2d Battalion, 11th Marines (2/11) is a 155mm howitzer battalion based at Camp Pendleton, California. Its primary mission is to provide artillery support to the 5th Marine Regiment in time of conflict. At any time, the command has roughly 750 Marines and Sailors assigned to it.
The battalion’s exemplary service ranges from France in World War I to the Battles of Guadalcanal and Okinawa in the Pacific in World War II to Inchon and the Chosin Reservoir in the Korean War to Hue and Phu Bai in Vietnam to Operations Desert Shield and Desert Storm in the Gulf War to Operation Enduring Freedom in Kuwait to the more recent and still-ongoing campaigns in Iraq and Afghanistan.
Contact the 2/11 Marine Adoption Committee:
Mail: Irvine 2/11 Marine Adoption Committee, Inc.
17595 Harvard Ave., Suite C2270, Irvine, CA 92614
Email:contact@irvine211marines.org.
“Donald McKayle: Dancing for All Time” Exhibition Opens at UC Irvine
UCI Libraries is proud to present “Donald McKayle: Dancing for All Time,” a retrospective exhibition on the life of the late Distinguished Professor of Dance, focusing on four components of McKayle’s life: dancer, choreographer, teacher, and activist.
The exhibition opens with a presentation and reception on Wednesday, November 7, 2018, at Crystal Cove Auditorium, UCI Student Center and Roger C. Holden Faculty and Graduate Student Reading Room. 5:30 p.m. to 7:45 p.m.
The event is free and open to the public. Refreshments and wine will be served.
You can rsvp to the event here.
Donald McKayle (July 6, 1930 – April 6, 2018) was an American modern dancer, choreographer, director and writer, and a long-time member of the UC Irvine faculty. He was among the first black men to break the racial barrier by means of modern dance. McKayle was the first black man to both direct and choreograph major Broadway musicals, including the Tony Award-winners Raisin (1973) and Sophisticated Ladies (1981). As a young man he appeared with some of the twentieth century’s most important choreographers, including Martha Graham, Anna Sokolow, and Merce Cunningham, and in some of Broadway’s landmark productions, including West Side Story (1957), where he served for a time as the production’s dance captain.
A Tony Award and Emmy Award nominee, McKayle held an endowed chair for the last decades of his life in the Dance Department at UC Irvine, where he was the Claire Trevor Professor of Dance.
My husband received his M.A. and Ph.D from UCI Claire Trevor School of the Arts and I had the pleasure of meeting Professor McKayle several times. In addition to being a great artist, he had an extremely warm and generous personality. I am glad that UCI is offering this exhibit and retrospective of his life and work.
Vote for Lauren Johnson-Norris for Irvine City Council!
Please join me in voting for Lauren Johnson-Norris for Irvine City Council!
I’m voting for Lauren because she will fight along side me for more child care, less traffic, and for bringing great improvements like Wild Rivers, museums, and botanical gardens to the Great Park.
Lauren is also strongly committed to keeping Irvine America’s Safest City — that’s why Lauren is the only Irvine City Council candidate endorsed by both the Irvine Police Association and Orange County Firefighters!
She is a respected lawyer, the mother of twin five-year-old girls, the wife of a veteran, and has served our community with dedication for nearly two years as a Community Services Commissioner, fighting for better parks making sure that our children and families experience the highest quality recreation.
Lauren has earned bipartisan support from the most trusted voices in our community.
Now she needs your vote!
Irvine needs Lauren Johnson Norris — a smart, strong and independent council member fighting for our values and our future!
Find your polling place and see a sample ballot here.
You can learn more about Lauren here.
Vote for Lauren Johnson-Norris for Irvine City Council!
Press Conference on Recent Anti-Semitic Vandalism in Irvine (Updated with Video)
The City of Irvine, in partnership with the Irvine Police Department and the Anti-Defamation League (ADL), will hold a press conference on Friday, November 2, 2018, beginning at 10:00 a.m. on the recent anti-Semitic vandalism at Beth Jacob Synagogue in Irvine.
The press conference will be held at the Irvine Civic Center Plaza, 1 Civic Center Plaza, Irvine, CA 92606.
Among those who will speak: Mayor Wagner, Police Chief Hamel, Rabbi Yisroel Ciner, Beth Jacob Congregation, and Peter Levi, Regional Director, ADL.
City staff has also reached out to other community and faith leaders.
Irvine will always stand strong against intolerance and stand up for our neighbors. We are committed to preserving the peace in our wonderfully diverse community and keeping every resident of Irvine safe and secure.
For more information, contact Craig Reem, Director of Public Affairs and Communications, City of Irvine at 949-724-6077.
RELATED:
Irvine Will Stand Strong Against Intolerance and Stand Up for Our Neighbors
UPDATE:
The Anti-Defamation League announced a $5,000 reward for information that leads to the arrest of the hate crime criminal or criminals.
Video of the Press Conference:
Veterans Day: Join Me as Irvine Honors All Who Served
Veterans Day is a time to honor America’s veterans for their patriotism, love of country, and commitment to serve and sacrifice for the common good.
In honor of our veterans and in support of their families, the City of Irvine will host a special Veterans Day Ceremony on Sunday, November 11th from 11 a.m. to 12:30 p.m. in the formal garden area at the Colonel Bill Barber Marine Corps Memorial Park.
The ceremony will honor all our service members – past and present Honor Guards from the Irvine Police Department and Irvine’s own adopted 2/11 Marines from Camp Pendleton will lead the opening and closing ceremonies.
As the daughter of a combat veteran, I know the tremendous value of veterans’ service, their core principles of honor, courage, and commitment.
As a member of the Irvine City Council, I am proud that Irvine truly appreciates the commitment and sacrifice of our military veterans. It is always an honor to celebrate the service of our men and women of the Army, Navy, Air Force, Marines, and Coast Guard, and to thank them for what they’ve given to keep our nation free.
Please join me in honoring our veterans on this Veterans Day.
You can find the Facebook event page here.
Colonel Bill Barber Marine Corps Memorial Park is located at 4 Civic Center, Irvine CA 92606
For more information, call 949-724-6606.
See you there!
Irvine Will Stand Strong Against Intolerance and Stand Up for Our Neighbors
October 31, 2018
FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE
Contact: Allison Binder (949) 724-6226
STATEMENT OF IRVINE CITY COUNCILMEMBER MELISSA FOX ON THE RECENT HATE CRIMES IN IRVINE: IRVINE WILL STAND STRONG AGAINST INTOLERANCE AND STAND UP FOR OUR NEIGHBORS
This morning, Irvine Police officers were called to Beth Jacob Synagogue where offensive, anti-Semitic graffiti was spray painted on an exterior wall. In response, Irvine Police Chief Mike Hamel himself went to the scene and Irvine Police detectives are aggressively investigating this crime and are asking the public to report any suspicious activity surrounding this or any other of our religious or cultural institutions to our Police Dispatch Center at 949-724-7200. Police presence and patrols have been increased at all Jewish institutions in Irvine.
Last week, I learned that restrooms at Irvine Valley College had been defaced with anti-Semitic graffiti (swastikas) and that fliers for a Muslim group were defaced. I immediately relayed this information to Irvine Police Chief Mike Hamel. I am grateful to Chief Hamel and the men and women of the Irvine Police Department for their swift and serious response to these incidents.
It should go without saying that anti-Semitism and other forms of hatred have no place in our community. We are proud of the fact that Irvine is one of the most multicultural and harmonious cities in the world. There are no ethnic, linguistic, religious, or cultural enclaves in Irvine; every neighborhood reflects Irvine’s harmonious ethnic, linguistic, religious, and cultural diversity. A quarter of our residents were born outside the United States. A non-English language is spoken in more than half of Irvine homes, with more than 70 different languages spoken in residences throughout Irvine. Irvine is also home to more than 80 different churches, mosques, synagogues and other places of worship, serving Irvine’s wonderful cultural and religious diversity. Irvine celebrates this diversity and difference in numerous cultural, ethnic, and religious festivals throughout the year, including our world-famous showcase of Irvine’s cultural richness, the Irvine Global Village Festival.
But even here in Irvine, there are incidents where hateful actions are directed toward people because of racism and bigotry.
As a member of the Irvine City Council, I echo Irvine Police Chief Mike Hamel’s statement that we denounce, in the strongest terms, this type of hateful act.
I also echo Irvine Mayor Donald Wagner’s statement that these acts of hatred “are both enraging and unacceptable. They will not go unchallenged by the good people of Irvine. An attack on anyone in Irvine of any faith is an attack on us all. These two local acts of hate, and even more so the senseless, wanton murder of 11 innocent people in Pittsburgh, remind us that historical prejudices remain alive in evil people. It is for the good to work tirelessly against them, their hatred, and their evil. Anti-Semitism cannot be acceptable in this country; it will not be ignored in Irvine.”
Irvine will always stand strong against intolerance and stand up for our neighbors. We will never take lightly hate crimes or threats fueled by hate. We will find, arrest, and punish those who committed this despicable crime.
Irvine is committed to preserving the peace in our wonderfully diverse community and keeping every resident of Irvine safe and secure.
Melissa Fox
Member, Irvine City Council
You can see a video of the incident here. If you have any information, contact the Irvine Police Department at contact Irvine Police Department Detective Dave Tran at 949-724-7098.
RELATED:
Learn How to Keep Your Family and Your Community Ready for Wildfires!
Do you know how to protect against wildfire? Are you prepared for an emergency?
On Monday, November 5, 2018, you can learn how to keep yourself, your family, and your community safe at a free informational meeting on wildfire preparedness from 6:30 p.m. to 8:00 p.m. at Orange County Fire Authority (OCFA) Fire Station 27, located at 12400 Portola Springs, Irvine CA 92618.
A plane drops fire retardant in the Cleveland National Forest behind homes along Crystal Ridge Court in Lake Elsinore as the Holy fire burned near homes on Wednesday afternoon, August 8, 2018. (Photo by Mark Rightmire, Orange County Register/SCNG)
The outreach focuses on the “Ready, Set, Go” strategy championed by OCFA and will include a Question and Answer Session.
The wildfire outreach campaign emphasizes these key messages:
Ready: Protect your home ahead of time by taking steps to mitigate wildfire risk.
Set: Prepare for an emergency by assembling a bag of important items that you would need in the event of emergency. This includes clothes, medication and other personal items. Develop a family emergency plan that details escape routes and reunification plans.
Go: Leave early in the event of an emergency. Avoid traffic congestion and other complications by evacuating at the earliest opportunity. In the event of evacuation, all City of Irvine emergency shelters will have options available for pets.
Irvine neighborhoods most at risk of wildfire include Turtle Rock, Shady Canyon, Quail Hill, Orchard Hills and Portola Springs.
Irvine residents are further encouraged to sign up to receive emergency notifications at AlertOC.org.
Visit cityofirvine.org or ocfa.org/rsg for more information on wildfire preparedness.
You can visit the Facebook event page here.
Join Me to Celebrate Diwali at the Great Park!
Diwali is one of my very holidays celebrated in Irvine.
One of the most popular festivals of Hinduism, Diwali symbolizes the spiritual victory of light over darkness, good over evil and knowledge over ignorance. It is celebrated with spectacular light displays and colorful garlands, and the exchange gifts and sweets. It is a time for rejoicing and renewal, and ridding oneself of hate, anger, and jealousy.
This year marks the fifth annual Diwali Fest in Irvine, and the very first to be held at the Great Park!
Diwali Fest is November 3, 2018, from 3:00 to 9:00 p.m. at the Orange County Great Park, 6950 Marine Way, Irvine, CA 92618.
This is a free event open to all. No tickets are required.
Diwali Fest 2018 will feature Indian music and dance performances, food booths, vendors, and a traditional lamp-lighting ceremony.
Featured performers include Ada Dance Academy, Amna Dance, Arpana Dance Company, Bhakti Bhav, Dhwany Academy, Indian Dance Center, Ishwara Dance Academy, Kannada Kali, Mumbai Madness, Nityashtra Dance School, NDM Bollywood Dance Productions & Studio, Prance and Dance, RRB Dance Company, Shivam Arts Kathak School, and Vicek Arya.
For more information, contact the Ektaa Center at (949) 809 9605 or info@ektaacenter.org.
We need light and love now more than ever.
See you there!
Irvine Police Respond Quickly to Anti-Semitic Graffiti and Other Hate Vandalism at Irvine Valley College
Two days ago I learned that restrooms at Irvine Valley College had recently been defaced with anti-Semitic graffiti (swastikas).
I immediately relayed this information to Irvine Police Chief Mike Hamel.
Irvine Police Chief Mike Hamel
Chief Hamel assured me that the Irvine Police Department would investigate and get back to me ASAP.
Here is the email about the incident that the Irvine Police Department sent today to the Mayor and the City Council:
Mayor and City Council,
Recently, the Irvine Police Department became aware of an incident at Irvine Valley College (IVC) in which anti-Jewish sentiments were the subject of graffiti on campus. Additionally, there was an incident in which fliers for a Muslim group were defaced.
The Irvine Police Department is working closely with IVC campus police and administration to investigate these incidents. To address concerns on campus related to these incidents, IVC will release the following statement from Chief Hamel today.
The statement will be distributed to students, faculty and staff.
There have been no media inquiries related to this incident.
The Irvine Police Department has been made aware of recent incidents of graffiti vandalism on campus, as well as the defacing of college club fliers. IPD is working closely with the Irvine Valley College Police Department to thoroughly investigate these incidents. The Irvine Police Department has long supported IVC campus police in the goal of providing a safe campus for staff, students and visitors. As partners in law enforcement, IPD provides additional resources in support of campus police whenever we are called upon, including these recent incidents.
The Irvine Police Department stands with President Roquemore, the Irvine Valley College Administration, Chief Meyer and IVC campus police in condemning any acts of vandalism or defacement on campus, especially those that may appear to be directed at specific groups. We recognize that Irvine Valley College is committed to providing an academic and work environment that respects the dignity of all individuals in the spirit of a diverse, vibrant and all-inclusive campus community.
I am committed to continuing IPD’s close collaboration with IVC campus police to maintain the highest levels of safety on campus. Remember that we rely on you, the members of the IVC community, to be our eyes and ears on campus. If you see something suspicious, please immediately report it to campus police at 949-451-5234. You can also call the Irvine Police Department at 949-724-7000. In an emergency, always dial 9-1-1.
The Irvine Police Department and IVC campus police will provide updates on these incidents in the event of any new developments that we are able to share. If you have further concerns about this case and wish to communicate with IPD directly, please contact Operations Commander Noelle Smiley at 949-724-7025 or nsmiley@cityofirvine.org.
Please rest assured that while these recent incidents are disturbing, we are not aware of any imminent danger to the IVC community or the City as a result of this activity.
Yours in partnership,
Chief Mike Hamel
Irvine Police Department
Contact:
Kim Mohr, Communications Manager, Irvine Police Department
949-724-7112 (o) 949-299-6887 (c) | 1 Civic Center Plaza, Irvine, CA 92606 | kmohr@cityofirvine.org
Thank you, Chief Hamel and the Irvine Police Department, for your swift response and commitment to keeping all of Irvine safe.
RELATED:
Irvine Will Stand Strong against Intolerance and Stand Up for Our Neighbors
Irvine Harvest Cup Tournament is a Great Success at the Great Park Soccer Stadium!
The Irvine Harvest Cup is an annual inter-school soccer tournament that gives kids the opportunity to represent their school, learn to play, have fun and complete against other Irvine schools as part of the Irvine Tournament of Champions.
The proceeds from the Tournament of Champions benefit the Irvine Public Schools Foundation.
A Stonegate player battles for possession during the 38th annual Harvest Cup Soccer Tournament at Great Park in Irvine on Sunday. (Photo by Bill Alkofer, O.C. Register).
This year on Sunday, October 21, the 38th annual Harvest Cup was held on our new Great Park Sports Complex soccer fields and in the beautiful new Great Park Championship Soccer Stadium.
Almost 1,500 Irvine boys and girls from 35 Irvine schools competed.
Harvest Cup winners were:
Girls (3rd/4th): Vista Verde Elementary School
Boys (3rd/4th): Canyon View Elementary School
Co-Ed (3rd/4th): Deerfield Elementary School
Girls (5th/6th): Woodbury Elementary School
Co-Ed (5th/6th): Oak Creek Elementary School
Girls (7th/8th): Venado Middle School
Boys (7th/8th) Vista Verde Middle School
Watching hundreds of young Irvine athletes smiling and enjoying the competition reminds me of why I love serving on the Irvine City Council and as Vice Chair of the Great Park — so our children have the very best places to learn and play.
For far too many years, the Great Park was a symbol of gross mismanagement and government gone very wrong, with allegations of corruption and massive waste, and with little to nothing to show for the expenditure of hundreds of millions of public dollars except a balloon, a carousel, and great expanses of dirt, dust, and debris.
Now the Great Park is home to thousands of smiles!
Meet Your Irvine Police Officers at Coffee with a Cop!
Join Irvine Police Department personnel on Thursday, November 8, 2018, for a cup of coffee at Starbucks in the Los Olivos Marketplace.
Our Police Department not only keeps us the Safest City in America, it also helps to keep us among most welcoming to diversity.
As our Police Chief Mike Hamel has said, “One of the best things about Irvine is that we are dynamic and diverse. We are made up of people from cultures and countries all over the world, but this also means that various community groups may have specific and unique needs. We are here to do all we can to help address your needs. It doesn’t matter where you come from, your lifestyle, what language you speak or what religion you practice, we are your police department and we are here for you.”
“Coffee with a Cop!” is a chance to meet our Irvine police officers and get your public safety questions answered in a relaxed environment.
Kids are welcome! Stop by any time between 7:30 a.m. and 9:00 a.m.
WHAT: Coffee with a Cop!
WHERE: Starbucks in the Los Olivos Marketplace, 8539 Irvine Center Drive, Irvine, California 92618.
WHEN: Thursday, November 8, 2018, 7:00 a.m. to 9:00 a.m. Join us at any time during this two-hour event.
WHO: This is a kid and family-friendly event. All ages are welcome!
COST: Free.
See the “Coffee with a Cop?” Facebook event page here.
Irvine Needs You: Irvine Sports Committee Seeks Applicants for Two Volunteer Positions!
The City of Irvine is accepting applications to fill two volunteer member-at-large vacancies on the Irvine Sports Committee.
The Irvine Sports Committee, which meets quarterly at Irvine City Hall, serves in an advisory capacity to the Community Services Commission, conveying the needs of the community pertaining to youth sports programs and ensuring equitable allocation of athletic facilities and maximum participation for all.
The Committee is composed of representatives from Irvine’s youth sports organizations. While most committee members represent a specific program and sport, members-at-large are selected through a public recruitment process to provide general perspective and guidance.
Applicants must reside in the City of Irvine and be willing to commit to a two-year term of active service. Committee meetings are held quarterly on Tuesdays at 7 p.m. at the Irvine Civic Center.
The City of Irvine offers adult sports leagues (softball, soccer and basketball); tennis lessons, leagues and tournaments for all ages; provides athletic fields (including more than 40 soccer fields, more than 40 baseball diamonds, and more than 85 tennis courts) for more than 25 Irvine-based non-profit youth sports organizations; and facilitates several world-class events and elite sports tournaments.
Applications are available at the Irvine Civic Center, 1 Civic Center Plaza, on the second floor in the Community Services Department, and online at irvineathletics.org.
Completed applications must be submitted by 5:00 p.m. Friday, November 9, 2018, to:
City Clerk’s Office
City of Irvine
P.O. Box 19575
Irvine, CA 92623-9575
For more information, contact Community Services Manager Dena Diggins at 949-724-6155 or ddiggins@cityofirvine.org.
Irvine Ready to Expand iShuttle by 50% to Cut Commuter Traffic Congestion!
One of my primary policy objectives — a major expansion of iShuttle routes and a significant increase in Irvine commuter transportation choices — will soon be realized.
For the past year, Irvine City Staff has been working with the Orange County Transportation Authority (OCTA) to create new iShuttle routes and obtain new vehicles.
I’m excited to announce that two new iShuttle routes have now been established and six new iShuttle vehicles have been procured!
Route testing is being conducted, schedules are being developed, and signage is ordered.
OCTA will market the new routes and oversee the drivers.
Route E will operate out of the Irvine Train Station, providing service to the east and west, including the Irvine Spectrum.
Route F will operate out of the Tustin Train Station and provide service in the west, including the Irvine Business Complex.
Ninety percent of the funding for the new routes and vehicles will be covered by Orange County Measure M2, Project V. City Transportation Management funding and City partners will also provide funds.
The new routes will bring the total number of iShuttle routes to six, a 50% increase.
The iShuttle expansion will make it more convenient for employees and visitors to move around Irvine’s two large business districts without a car and is expected to have a significant positive impact on Irvine’s commuter traffic congestion.
Service is expected to begin in late fall 2018 or early 2019.
Going forward, I’d like to see more iShuttle service added. For example, a route that would like people from UCI to the Spectrum would be good for both Irvine traffic reduction and for UCI students and Sprectum businesses.
Commissioner Lauren Johnson-Norris: My Commitment to Irvine’s High Quality Parks and Recreation
Guest Post by Irvine Community Services Commissioner Lauren Johnson-Norris
[Note: Lauren Johnson-Norris has served Irvine for nearly two years as my appointee to the Community Services Commission. She recently wrote a blog post describing her work on the Commission, particularly her efforts to renovate the beautiful and rustic Bommer Canyon Cattle Camp and to ensure high quality recreational park space in the urban-feeling Irvine Business Complex. I am proud of the work that she has done what she has accomplished as my appointee to the Community Services Commission and I want to share her post with you. — Melissa]
As an Irvine Community Services Commissioner for the past year and 10 months, my number one priority has been making sure that our children and families experience the highest quality recreation. With over 90 unique parks, Irvine has won awards for being one of the best places to live and raise a family. As a Commissioner, I am proud of the work I have done making sure that our parks live up to Irvine’s high standards.
That is why I am so proud to have voted to begin improvements to Bommer Canyon’s Cattle Camp.
Bommer Canyon has been surveyed to be Irvine’s most loved and used community park space for excellent reasons. Bommer Canyon is a quintessential example of Irvine’s successful weaving of open space with world-class recreation. What was once an active cattle camp only 30 years ago is now a cherished, rustic hiking area.
However, the structures have been out of code and out of ADA compliance for many years. Termites and rodents have made these structures home and there is no real restroom in this community park. I am excited to have been able to vote to approve the beginning of a rehabilitation project that will make this space safer, and ADA compliant, without sacrificing its rustic feel and aesthetic. I am also happy to share that I fought to make sure that the final design plans and materials will come back for approval in front of the Community Services Commission before they go to the City Council.
All of the Commissioners want to make sure that we preserve the unique character of the cattle camp for residents to enjoy a true piece of Irvine’s history.
I love how Irvine’s parks are as diverse as the members of our community. During my term as a Commissioner, I have fought for park space in the Irvine Business Complex and approved several parks that met Irvine residents’ high standards in this uniquely urban-feeling space.
Unfortunately, not all park proposals from developers that come before the Commission are up to Irvine’s high standards. Some have to be voted down because their design is faulty and fails to meet the standards that Irvine requires for a park.
This year, all five Commissioners voted not to approve a proposed park in the Irvine Business Complex that would have been on the roof of a building, with a swimming pool and tot lot, that the public would have had to access by taking the building’s elevators.
In reality, this proposal was not a feasible park plan and putting park space on the roof is not consistent with the character of any Irvine neighborhood. Rejecting this faulty plan was a unanimous decision of the Community Services Commission and one we made with the best interest of Irvine residents in mind.
It has been a privilege to work to make sure Irvine’s parks and recreation are of the highest quality and live up to our residents’ standards. Careful planning and sound decision-making is critical to preserve and protect Irvine’s excellent quality of life and I am proud of my work to contribute in this way.
Melissa Fox, Esq. 
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