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Irvine City Council Newsletter
July 2018
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Join Me for Irvine's Free Sizzlin' Summer Concerts!
The community is invited to a series of six free family-friendly concerts out in the park covering a variety of musical tastes - from modern country and classic rock to classical symphony and '80s new wave. Festivities include a children's play area and gourmet food trucks.
2018 Sizzlin' Summer Concert Series
- Sunday, July 8, 5:30 p.m.: Smith Band (Modern Country)
Smith Band is a six-piece group that will rock your favorite country and Top 40 hits. Grab your boots and be ready to bust a move.
- Sunday, July 15, 5:30 p.m.: The Reflexx ('80s New Wave)
The Reflexx performs the greatest hits of '80s alternative and new wave. Get ready for a flashback to the '80s classics we know and love.
- Sunday, July 22, 5:30 p.m.: Tijuana Dogs (Dance Party Rock)
The Tijuana Dogs are a popular Orange County band. This high-energy party rock band will have you up and dancing the entire time. At 6:30 p.m., enjoy an intermission performance by Sara Peyton King, the Irvine High School Youth Action Team Akustikoff winner.
- Sunday, July 29: Pacific Symphony in the Cities
- 5:30 p.m.: Musical Playground for Children
- 7 p.m. Pacific Symphony Concert
Enjoy a must-do summer tradition: a free outdoor concert by Pacific Symphony, led by Music Director Carl St.Clair.
- Sunday, Aug. 5, 5:30 p.m.: Undercover Live (Pop Variety)
This dynamic and energetic band will be sure to fill the park while they perform the best of pop, funk, R&B and Top 40.
- Sunday, Aug. 12, 5:30 p.m.: The Emperors (Classic Rock)
The Emperors have performed together for more than 20 years playing classic rock music from legendary artists.
Guests should bring chairs and blankets; layered clothing is recommended.
For more information, call 949-724-6606.
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Join Me and the Irvine Police Association for Fireworks and Music on July 4th!
It's our 34th year for the 2018 July 4th Concert on the Green and Fireworks Festival at the Irvine High School football stadium!
This year we will be featuring:
- Live music by the Derek Bordeaux Group.
- A Pyro Musical sky concert & Fireworks extravaganza by Pyro Spectaculars.
- Professional Field Entertainers with Field Games and Activities.
What: 34th Annual Irvine Police Association July 4th Fireworks and Concert
Where: Irvine High School Stadium, 4321 Walnut Ave. Irvine CA, 92604.
Date: Weds., July 4, 2018
Time: Gates open at 3:00 p.m. Fireworks start at 9:00 p.m.
Tickets: Admission at the door is $15 for ages 14 and older, $10 for children age 13 and younger and for seniors age 60 and older. Advanced purchase of family passes (good for two adults and up to four children) is $50.
You may purchase tickets at City Hall, 2nd Floor, Community Services. Family tickets are pre-sale only, and will be available until July 3rd. You may also purchase adult, children or senior tickets from the Irvine High School stadium box office on the 4th of July.
Special Notes: The Irvine H.S. football field is available for picnics (blankets and chairs recommended). Bleacher seating will be available on a first come first served basis. EZ-Ups will be permitted, but no stakes or any objects may penetrate the turf! No pets, barbecues, bikes or personal fireworks. No smoking (except in designated smoking areas).
Thank you to the
Irvine Police Association for putting on this event, and for your continued dedication and professionalism in service to the residents of Irvine.
For more information, call 949-724-0488.
I hope to see you there!
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Keep Your Pets Safe on July 4th!"
More pets run away on July 4th than any other day. Taking these simple steps will help keep your pets safe and secure.
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Why Did Measure B Lose? What Should Irvine Do Now?
The voters in Irvine recently rejected Measure B.
The issue now is what, in rejecting Measure B, did the voters really decide.
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Current view of original veterans cemetery site.
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Some argue that the rejection of Measure B means that the voters said that the proposed veterans cemetery should be located at the ARDA site that was originally selected by the City Council in July 2014.
But the actual language of Measure B said nothing about the original ARDA site, except that the development previously zoned for the strawberry fields site would be moved there.
Looking at the specific language of Measure B, what the voters said No to was "allowing the previously planned development for the Bake Parkway Site to be relocated to the intersection of Pusan and Irvine Blvd and allowing the development of a veterans cemetery near the intersection of I-5 and Bake Parkway."
Thus, by its express language, the no vote on Measure B rejects that zoning decision, but does not authorize the city to place a veterans cemetery on the ARDA site.
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Sign used by Measure B opponents warning of thousands more cars on Irvine roads if Measure B passed.
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In addition, the City Council's approval of the ARDA site in 2014 was based on the belief that the City would provide the land for the veterans cemetery, but the costs of construction and subsequent maintenance of the cemetery would be wholly paid by state and federal government.
Crucially, the City Council's approval of the ARDA site also came several years before we learned that construction of the veterans cemetery at the ARDA site would cost nearly $80 million, mostly due to the need for decontamination of the soil and the decontamination and removal of numerous existing structures, and that in addition to providing the land, the City would have to bear a significant portion of these construction costs.
In particular, Measure B said nothing at all about approving the spending of tens of millions of dollars that are now earmarked for creating the features of the Great Park that residents have said they want - such as museums, botanical gardens, a new Wild Rivers Water Park, and a permanent amphitheatre for live music - and, instead, using that money for a veterans cemetery.
My belief is that the rejection of Measure B means that the voters did not want a zoning change that, as the No on B campaign said, would have allowed "massive development projects" at the ARDA site, add "812,000 square feet of development," and "bring 10,000 more cars and trucks to Irvine streets and neighborhoods every day."
For me,
the lesson of Measure B is that the voters did not want to risk the possibility that the land exchange would lead to more development and more traffic congestion, as well as the voters believing that it was too favorable a deal for the developer.
In other words, I see the rejection of Measure B as a vote against more development and traffic congestion, and not a vote in favor of spending $40 - $80 million dollars on a veterans cemetery rather than building other popular features of the Great Park.
In a survey of Irvine voters I conducted from my blog and through email, the great majority said that they voted against Measure B because they did not want more development and traffic.
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Current view of original veterans cemetery site.
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This site would provide a larger veterans cemetery for Orange County veterans, at no cost to Irvine, and be free from the divisive politics that has characterized the veterans cemetery debate in Irvine.
As the Irvine City News noted, "It sounds noble when Lalloway, [Larry] Agran and their followers hold up the service of our veterans. But when you understand that the veterans still can't get what they were promised without taking away the gardens, the museums, the music, the culture and the future of the Great Park, it puts Lalloway's political power move in perspective."
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Another 48 Acres of Amenities are Now Open at the Great Park Sports Complex!
New soccer/lacrosse fields, basketball courts and more!
As Vice Chair of the
Orange County Great Park, I'm very pleased to announce that
all-new amenities for tennis, volleyball, soccer and more are now open.
On June 15, an additional 48 acres of amenities at the Great Park Sports Complex opened to the community, featuring basketball courts and more soccer fields. They add to the mix of 53 acres opened in August 2017 as part of the developing Sports Complex that enhances the Great Park's 1,300 acres.
From the whimsical playground to the 25 tennis courts and Championship Soccer Stadium, the Sports Complex is sure to become Orange County's premier recreation destination!
An additional 139 acres will open this year, including seven baseball fields with a 1,000-seat stadium, five softball fields with a 500-seat stadium, a new children's play area and more.
Visit the Sports Complex in person today!
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Join Us for Free Movies on the Lawn at the Great Park in Irvine!
Bring low-back chairs, blankets, and a picnic, or purchase items from gourmet food trucks.
As Vice Chair of the
Orange County Great Park, I invite you to join is
on Fridays and Saturdays, June 22 - July 14, for
family-favorite movies on the outdoor big screen!
Bring low-back chairs, blankets, and a picnic, or purchase items from gourmet food trucks.
Arrive at 6:30 p.m. to get a seat. Food trucks arrive at 6:30 p.m. Movies begin at dusk.
Movies are weather permitting. Admission is free.
Here is the complete movie schedule for
Movies on the Lawn:
Flashback Fridays (at the Palm Court)
Fri. June 22 - Stagecoach, a western tale of travelers who journey through Apache territory, starring John Wayne in his breakout role, and Clare Trevor, namesake of UCI's Clare Trevor School of the Arts and step-mother of the Irvine Company's owner Donald Bren; rated by the American Film Institute as one of the greatest westerns ever made (released 1939, not rated, 96 minutes long).
Fri. June 29 - Brigadoon, a musical starring Gene Kelly about two American hunters who discover a mystical village that only materializes once every century in Scotland (released 1954, not rated, 108 minutes long).
Fri. July 6 - Clambake, a classic Elvis Presley movie in which Elvis plays the role of an oil fortune heir who trades places with a water ski instructor, hoping to find a girl to like him for himself rather than his father's money (released 1967, not rated, 100 minutes long).
Blockbuster Saturdays (at the Terraced Lawn)
Sat. June 23 - Ferdinand, animated comedy-drama adventure film based on beloved children's book about a bull with a big heart, who is determined to return home after being captured and mistaken for a dangerous beast (released 2017, rated PG, 106 minutes long).
Sat. June 30 - The LEGO Ninjago Movie, animated adventure film about a teenage ninja, as he attempts to accept the truth about his villainous father, while a new threat emerges to endanger his homeland (released 2017, rated PG, 90 minutes long).
Sat. July 7 - Peter Rabbit, animated film about the famous Peter Rabbit, as Peter and his friends attempt to raid Mr McGregor's vegetable garden, leading them on an exciting adventure to London and back (released 2018, rated PG, 100 minutes long).
Sat. July 14 - The Greatest Showman, musical film with a star-studded cast inspired by the story of P. T. Barnum's creation of the Barnum & Bailey Circus and the birth of show business (released 2017, rated PG, 105 minutes long).
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Make Your Pet a Star! Enter the 2019 Irvine Pet Calendar Contest!
Is your dog, cat or rabbit ready for their close-up?
Support animals in need by submitting a photo by Aug 31.
All pictures that meet
entry guidelines will be included in the calendar, and each entrant will receive a print calendar.
Entry Fee is $25 per photo, or $100 for five photos.
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Irvine's Pacific Symphony Performs "Ellis Island: A Dream of America."
Nationwide broadcast on PBS highlights Pacific Symphony and celebrates the American immigrant experience.
A few years ago, I visited Ellis Island in New York harbor with my son. It was a tremendously moving experience to t
he gateway where over 12 million
immigrants entered
the United States
from 1892 until 1954.
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Irvine City Councilmember Melissa Fox with Ellis Island Medal of Honor Awardee Charles Zhang.
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One of the lines that stood out for me was spoken by the actor portraying immigrant
Lazarus Salamon, who came to the U.S. from Hungary in 1920. "This is the only country where you're not a stranger, " he said. "Because we all are strangers. It is only a matter of time, who got here first."
Thank you to PBS for the broadcast and thank you to the
Pacific Symphony for your commitment to presenting great music in Irvine and Orange County.
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Irvine City Councilmember Melissa Fox Thanks Irvine Rotary for Outstanding Service to the Community
Councilmember Fox thanks Irvine Rotary for its 3,000 plus hours of community service!
On July 27, 2018, Irvine City Councilmember visited the
Irvine Rotary Club to thank them for being a vital part of our community and for their more than 3,000 hours of community service in 40 different projects.
"The Irvine Rotary is a vital part of our community and I want to commend you on all the good you do in Irvine, Orange County, and internationally," Councilmember Fox said. "You play a big part in making Irvine an outstanding place to live, work, and play."
Rotary International
is an international
service organization
whose stated purpose is to bring together business and professional leaders in order to provide
humanitarian services
, encourage high ethical standards in all vocations, and to advance goodwill and peace around the world. It is a non-political and non-sectarian organization open to all people regardless of race, color, creed, religion, gender, or political preference.
Those interested in joining the Irvine Rotary should attend a weekly meeting. Meetings are Wednesdays from
7:30 am to 9:00 am at
Rancho Community Center,
3 Ethel Coplen Way,
Irvine, CA 92612.
For more information, call
(714) 202-6812.
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Irvine City Councilmember Speaks to Future Chinese Leaders of America
Councilmember Fox talks about her own experience and how young people can become more involved in politics and public service.
Irvine City Councilmember Melissa Fox spoke on July 1, 2018, members of the group Future Chinese Leaders of America about her own experience and about how young people can become more involved in politics and public service.
"I love helping young people " Councilmember Fox said. "Telling them about
my experience running for office, and how they can get involved in politics and public service. It is especially wonderful to see so many young people give up part of their weekend to hear about serving their community."
The group seeks to "
train young Chinese Americans in politics and inform the Chinese American community of the political issues it faces. During meetings, local leaders/elected officials will speak about a topic of their choice. Then, the students will have a discussion/debate where they are encouraged to think critically and to formulate their own arguments about American politics and society."
There are now several chapters across California.
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Irvine Global Village Festival Needs Volunteers!
The City of Irvine is seeking volunteers to assist in all areas of the City's largest and most attended cultural event.
The festival is Saturday, Sept. 22, at its new location, in the Orange County Great Park. Volunteer shifts are available 7 a.m.-8 p.m. on Friday, Sept. 21, through Sunday, Sept. 23.
Volunteer opportunities include event set-up and break-down, parking control, guest and vendor assistance, entertainment and demonstration coordination, and exhibits and children's activities.
Volunteers must be at least 14 years old and can work as many shifts as available.
Lunch and a commemorative T-shirt will be provided to all volunteers.
Volunteer registration is now open.
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Join Councilmember Melissa Fox as "Race for the Rescues" Comes to Irvine!
The City of Irvine along with Councilmember Melissa Fox are proud to host "Race for the Rescues" on September 8, 2018, at the Great Park!
Race for the Rescues is a "professionally timed" sporting event; not your typical dog walk in the park! You can choose to run the 5k with your dog companion or participate in the 1k Dog Walk.
The race will be held at the Orange County Great Park on Saturday, September 8, 2018.
The mission of the event is to raise awareness and funds for local animal non-profits. A number of non-profits that rescue a variety of animals, from dogs to horses, will be participating in this event to help keep their doors open.
There will be pet adoptions, face painting, a pet psychic, giveaways, unique vendors, food trucks, and more. Prizes will be awarded to those who raise money for rescues along with finishers' medals, t-shirts, for registered racers, and special prizes for race winners and top fundraisers. The highlight of the day is the "Rockin' Adoption Show." During the show, rescue dogs will be dressed and walked down a fashion runway in hopes of finding their "furever" home.
We hope that you will join Irvine City Councilmember Melissa Fox and be a part of this fun and life-saving event for animal rescues!
You can register for the race
here
and use the special Promo Code
IRVINE for a special discount.
If you would like information on sponsorship and vendor booths please contact
[email protected] for more information.
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Free Summer Transportation Services to the Beach + Angel Stadium and the OC Fair
Take advantage of free shuttle running from Irvine to Laguna Beach this summer, along with direct trips to Angel Stadium and the OC Fair
from the Irvine Train Station.
Irvine, CA -- Irvine residents and visitors going to Laguna Beach this summer can take advantage of a free shuttle beginning June 30 and continuing through Sept. 2. The Summer Breeze shuttles will run on Saturdays and Sundays from 11 a.m. to midnight.
Convenient stops will be at the Sawdust Art Festival, Laguna Art-A-Fair, Festival of the Arts, Pageant of the Masters, Laguna Playhouse and the Laguna Beach Station. At the Station, visitors can connect with the free Laguna Beach Trolley for shopping and food destinations. Also, the Laguna Station is only one block from the beach.
Also this summer:
Take the train from Irvine Station or Tustin Metrolink Station for July and August games hosted by the Angels that start at 7:07 p.m. For a schedule visit:
AngelsExpress.net
For those attending the Orange County Fair, the OC Fair Express shuttle conveniently leaves regularly from Irvine Station on Saturdays and Sundays. Get more information from the
OC Fair Express website.
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Upcoming Events
What's up in Irvine!
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Melissa Fox
Irvine City Council
Staff and Commissioners
Allison Binder, Lead Council Executive Assistant
Daniel Robertson, Council Executive Assistant
Eliana Liss, Council Executive Assistant
Lauren Johnson Norris,
Community Services Commissioner
Dustin Nirschl,
Planning Commissioner
Roger Sievers,
Finance Commissioner
Kenneth Montgomery, Transportation Commissioner (Chair)
Zhihai Li,
Children, Youth and Families Committee
Dawn Antis,
Childcare Committee
Juneu Kim,
Senior Council
Krishna Hammond,
Green Ribbon Environmental Committee (Vice Chair)
Richard Cody Prince, Green Ribbon Environmental Committee
Fred Judd,
Investment Advisory Committee (Chair)
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