Quick Reads | December 2, 2022
At its November 22, 2022 meeting, the Great Park Board of Directors received a brief report on Great Park Development from City staff. As staff pushes ahead on several prioritized projects, Councilmember Agran raised questions about the following:
ARDA Demolition and Site Clearance: Since agreed upon in February 2022, Councilmember Agran has asked staff about the expected timeline for the demolition and site clearance. On Tuesday, Councilmember Agran reiterated his firm commitment to seeing the work commence as soon as possible.
Marine Way Realignment — Sand Canyon Ave: As a major bottleneck, Councilmember Agran requested an update on the January 2023 Great Park Board agenda to inform the public on how the City plans to address the traffic concerns and congestion on Marine Way at Sand Canyon Ave.
Great Park Framework Project Expense Tracking: Councilmember Agran requested enhanced transparency of soft cost planning and design expenditures to reassure residents that taxpayer dollars are being spent in a measurable, accountable, and responsible manner.
Annual Toy Drive
Bring cheer to a Military family this holiday season! Join the City of Irvine's adopted Irvine 2/11 Marine Adoption Committee in helping to support the annual Toy Drive. Please consider dropping off an unwrapped toy at the following location through Wednesday, December 14, at City Hall and Irvine Police Department from 8 a.m.–5 p.m. Monday–Friday or at Great Park Visitors Center from 10 a.m.–8 p.m. daily. Gifts should be suitable for infants or children ages 12 and younger.
Councilmember Agran thanks the President of the Flying Leatherneck Historical Foundation, BGen Michael Aguilar (USMC-Retired), Chairman of the Board, LtGen Terry Robling (USMC-Retired), and Gerry Rubin with Siteline Productions for the presentation on the museum's progress at the November 22 Great Park Board meeting. The Office of Councilmember Agran also thanks Glenn R. Roquemore, Ph.D., Retired USMC Col. Thomas O'Malley, Retired USMC Col. Charles Quilter, and his wife for attending the meeting. The Flying Leatherneck Aviation Museum is the only museum in the country devoted solely to Marine Corps aviation. This item will be brought back to the Board in January.
Learn about Irvine's rich heritage! It all began when James Irvine Sr., left Ireland for the U.S. at the age of 19. Irvine Historical Society was founded in 1976 to preserve, research, and promote the legacy of the original Irvine Ranch. The Irvine Historical Museum is housed in the oldest building on the ranch, built circa 1877. The building was used as the cooking wing and bunkhouse of the 1868 Ranch Manager's house built by James Irvine Sr.
The museum is open Sunday and Tuesday from 1 p.m. - 4 p.m. and by appointment. Gail Daniels, President of the Irvine Historical Society, and volunteers are highly knowledgeable and are there to help answer your questions. Please visit them at 5 San Joaquin, Irvine, CA 92612, to learn about Irvine's rich heritage.
“Like everybody else who has testified or spoken – I love live music. We all have our favorite concerts that we have been to and great memories. I see that in my son’s generation and my grandson’s generation. There has always been a commitment by every City Council and by all the leadership of this City, historically, to secure and retain live music here in Irvine. The question is: how do we do that? How do we do it in a way that is consistent with good master planning? ”
At the September 27, 2022, Great Park Board meeting, the Great Park Board members were presented with a report on the permanent amphitheater at the Great Park. As City staff continues to analyze this project, Councilmember Agran's concerns remain regarding traffic, and noise – along with other environmental impacts that will adversely affect residents in the Great Park neighborhoods and other Irvine villages.
Agran is looking forward to continuing public discussion. He firmly believes big projects like this must go through the City commissions - Planning, Transportation, Community Services, and Finance for a thorough review and to hear their recommendations.
‘Tis the season for Holidayz at Great Park! Enjoy family fun and holiday cheer at Great Park until January 1, 2023. Palm Court has been transformed into a winterscape featuring a holiday-themed light display. The holiday decorations include a larger-than-life airplane, paying tribute to the Park’s military roots, playfully taken over by the Grinch.
Explore the various winter-themed backdrops as the Artist Studios transformed into a pop-up museum crafted to delight visitors of all ages. Holidayz Pop-Up is open Fridays from 5 to 9 p.m. and weekends from noon to 8 p.m.