Library Advisory Board (LAB) of Orange County Library System

Irvine has three libraries that are managed through in agreement with Orange County Public Libraries. These are the Katie Wheeler Library, the Heritage Park Library, and the University Park Library. Irvine taxpayers pay for the maintenance and operation of these libraries.

As the daughter of a librarian, a member of the Irvine City Council, and as Irvine’s representative on the Library Advisory Board (LAB) of Orange County Library System, I have been very concerned about the conditions and quality of the public libraries in Irvine.

This past summer, I assigned my interns to research our public libraries and make a report on the status of libraries. Among the many problems noted in the report were overcrowding, inadequate work space, and lack of amenities.

Something must be done.

Irvine residents need and deserve a public library system that is modern, well-maintained and inviting, with a multitude of amenities and programs for students, seniors, and the entire community.

Going forward, I would like your input.

Do you use the public libraries in Irvine?

What problems do you see?

What suggestions do you have?

Please let me know at mefox@cityofirvine.org.

Please forward this post to others who are interested in improving our public libraries in Irvine.

Thanks!

UPDATE:

I made this blog post partly to test whether Irvine residents really want improved libraries, with awareness that every improvement has a cost and that financial realities must always be taken into account. What I’ve found is that there is tremendous interest in improving our libraries, and that — like me — residents believe that our relationship with the County regarding our libraries is not positive for Irvine. I have also been impressed with the ideas that residents have put forward regarding the kinds of libraries and library services we need in the digital age. Please keep your comments coming — preferably to my City Council email address at mefox@cityofirvine.org (even if you’ve also commented online). Thanks!

I am pleased to report that I have been appointed by Irvine Mayor Don Wagner and my City Council colleagues to serve as Irvine’s representative on the Board of Directors of the Orange County Fire Authority and other regional and local agencies and committees.

Below is a complete list of my appointments to regional and local agencies and committees. I am particularly pleased with my energy, watershed, wildlife, environmental, childcare and infrastructure appointments, since I have a longstanding interest in moving forward in these areas of policy. I am also particularly pleased to join the Library Advisory Board, since my mother was a librarian and taught me the importance of community access to literature and information.

Appointments to Outside Agencies

Community Energy Partnership (Aspen Accord)

Established to forge effective strategies and programs to foster smart energy management, build positive relationships between cities, energy consumers and their serving utilities and to educate communities about sustainable energy efficiency in Southern California.

Irvine Child Care Project (NonProfit JPA between City and Irvine USD)

Non-profit joint powers agency that provides after school care at all elementary schools in the City. Note: Alternate for Lynn Schott.

Library Advisory Board (LAB) of Orange County Library System (Formerly County-Wide Library Task Force, name-change in 2006)

Participating cities appoint members to attend and represent the City’s interests.

Laguna Canyon Foundation

Reflects a unique partnership between community and environmental activists, civic and municipal leaders, and private property owners and developers. Note: Irvine is no longer a voting member and only participates on a semi-annual or quarterly basis in large stakeholders meetings only.

Newport Bay Watershed Executive Committee

An agreement with the County of Orange to monitor sediment discharge within the watershed, with the costs shared by all parties, except the Department of Fish and Game.

One Water One Watershed (OWOW) Steering Committee

(Santa Ana Watershed Project Authority “SAWPA”)

Next generation of integrated regional watershed planning is under development to solve water issues on a regional scale and give all water interests a voice in the planning process. Note: Appointee will be considered for vacancy subject to final approval by OCCOG

San Joaquin Marsh Wildlife Sanctuary

Committee coordinated by the Irvine Ranch Water District to manage the Sea and Sage contract for the marsh program.

Santa Ana River Flood Protection Agency Commission

The purpose of this commission is the dissemination of flood hazard information; unanimity among the citizens of Orange, San Bernardino, and Riverside Counties on flood protection alternatives; and promotion of federal project authorization.

Orange County Fire Authority

Serves 22 cities in Orange County and all unincorporated areas. The OCFA protects over 1,300,000 residents from its 60 fire stations located throughout Orange County. Stipend: $100 per meeting per day; maximum of $300 per month for voting member in attendance (No mileage).

Appointments to Irvine Commissions and Committees

Irvine Green Ribbon Environmental Committee

Seeks to increase public participation in energy conservation and sustainable practices, helping the City serve the community through advancing environmental policy initiatives and programs. I am glad to work on this Commission with my appointee, Krishna Hammond, and others.

Industrial Development Authority (IDA)

Functions in accomplishment of the purpose provided in the California Industrial Development Financing Act (Title 10, commencing with Section 91500 of the Government Code of the State of California) and to carry out and complete projects and perform and exercise derivative obligations and powers as set forth in the Act.

Irvine Community Land Trust (ICLT)

Created by the City of Irvine to provide secure, high-quality affordable housing through the operation of a non-profit community land trust, securing and retaining title to land on which permanently affordable rental, ownership and special needs housing will be constructed and maintained for the benefit of income-eligible families.

Irvine Child Care Project (NonProfit JPA between City and Irvine USD)

Non-profit joint powers agency that provides after school care at all elementary schools in the City. Note: Alternate for Lynn Schott.

Irvine Public Facilities and Infrastructure Authority (IPFIA)

Provides for the financing and refinancing of public capital improvements of the City, through the Purchase by the Authority of obligations of the City pursuant to a bond purchase.

Note: There is no additional pay or stipend for service on any of these agencies and committees except as specifically indicated.

If you have questions or concerns regarding any of these agencies and committees, or on any matter regarding the City of Irvine, please do not hesitate to contact me at my official Irvine City Council email at mefox@cityofirvine.org. All correspondence is public record.