A government that wants less transparency is a government that cannot be trusted. As the saying goes, “Democracy dies in darkness.” The proposal by Vice-Mayor Tammy Kim and Council Member Mike Carroll to eliminate Irvine’s Sunshine Ordinance is a radical departure from the city’s unanimous position in favor of the ordinance just three years ago. […]
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When I hear the word “trust” in the name of an entity, it resonates with me. “Trust” is a strong word which speaks of confidence, reliability, and uprightness. It brings to mind honorable custodians of a sacred charge: people sworn to protect and advance interests beyond their own. Perhaps the City of Irvine had something […]
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Photo: The Original Plan for the Great Park, 2005-2006 “Entitlements are legal rights conveyed by approvals from governmental entities to develop a property… . Entitlements can be a major factor in the ultimate use, viability, and value of your property.“—Urban Land Institute In the previous article in this series, I wrote about the defeat of […]
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This Tuesday, October 26, 2021, Vice Mayor Tammy Kim and Councilmember Mike Carroll seek to rescind City Council ordinance 18-10, which is Irvine’s Sunshine Ordinance. On October 23, 2018, the Irvine City Council made the first of two votes toward approving a Sunshine Ordinance that would enhance government transparency by making agendas available 12 days […]
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On October 21, 2021, the Irvine City Planning Commission voted 3-2 to postpone making a decision on the Irvine Company’s tract map and master plan proposal for Neighborhood Four of Orchard Hills, a neighborhood situated a half-mile away from an asphalt plant. In what normally takes place with little fanfare at planning commission meetings, Irvine […]
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This Thursday, October 21, 2021, the Planning Commission will be deciding whether or not to approve an additional 520 homes, two private neighborhood parks, and a day care site, near the All American Asphalt plant despite years of resident concerns over emissions and odors. According to the staff report, there are currently 3,439 units entitled […]
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My Grandpa Dan had a rule: only one person was allowed to get up from the dinner table at a time. He was adamant about it. The story goes that there would come a point during dinners when Granny and their four kids would leave the dining room and dart about after seconds, for dessert, or to clear the table. […]
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Orange County Power Authority Unable to Properly Manage Basic Duties The Orange County Power Authority (OCPA) has faced public scrutiny in the last few months and that scrutiny remains well deserved. Let’s recap some of the concerns: The OCPA’s Implementation Plan which is less ambitious than the state’s target of 60% renewables by 2030. The […]
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On October 12, at 4pm, Irvine City Council will receive a proposed plan for how to spend $56 million dollars in COVID-19 relief funds given to Irvine to respond to areas negatively impacted by the pandemic. However, the city of Irvine is taking almost no steps to encourage public discussion on the matter. On September […]
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