QuickReads | A Time of Celebration
Happy Diwali Irvine
Vice Mayor Agran is proud that the City of Irvine is, in fact, the most thoroughly diverse and integrated City in the United States. We live, work, learn, and celebrate one another's cultures together. The Ektaa Center and the South Asian Seniors Association (SASA) welcomed the community at the Lakeview Senior Center and later held a grand celebration at the Great Park Live to honor Diwali. Vice Mayor Agran enjoyed being part of both events, where he was able to observe the outstanding performances and the strong sense of community. Congratulations to Harish Murthy, the Ektaa organizing team, and SASA for these beautiful and successful events!
To all in our community observing Diwali, we wish you a meaningful day of immense joy and happiness!
Addressing E-Bike Safety
Vice Mayor Agran's constituent office hears daily from the community regarding safety concerns and pedestrian conflicts involving E-Bikes in Irvine, particularly due to the unsafe and illegal use of E-Bikes in the City.
In response to a memo Vice Mayor Agran submitted for the October 22, 2024, City Council meeting, the City Council voted unanimously to direct the City Manager and City Attorney to identify options for City regulation of E-Bikes to increase pedestrian, cyclist, and E-Bike user safety.
Without limitation, the City Manager and City Attorney shall:
Survey the practices of other cities and counties in California.
Analyze the limits of state law preemption and determine the extent to which the City may impose additional requirements, restrictions, and enhanced penalties for violations of E-Bike laws.
In coordination with the Chief of Police, examine options for increased enforcement of local and state E-Bike laws.
Working with our state legislators, propose modifications to state law to expand municipal authority over E-Bikes.
Vice Mayor Agran looks forward to addressing this matter and giving the community tranquility and safety in public areas.
Green Business Network
In 2019, the City of Irvine launched a free Green Business Program to help businesses operate sustainably and gain public recognition. Certified Green Businesses implement practices that reduce energy and water use, prevent pollution, divert waste, and promote a healthier environment for employees. The Vice Mayor was honored to attend a reception at Cucina Enoteca at the Irvine Spectrum to recognize local businesses for their commitment to sustainability through the California Green Business Network. Vice Mayor Agran thanks the Irvine businesses for leading and implementing environmentally friendly practices!
Shine the Light Walking Vigil
Human Options held its second annual Shine the Light Walking Vigil at Heritage Park in collaboration with the Irvine Police Department and the City of Irvine. Vice Mayor Agran was delighted to attend and walked in solidarity with victims and survivors of relationship violence. He commends Human Options and all the dedicated professionals working in the field of domestic violence.
Harvest Volunteer Event
On October 19, the Office of Vice Mayor Agran had a fantastic morning at Harvest Solutions Farm in Irvine! Over 15,000 cabbage and cauliflower seeds were planted, which will be harvested in December and distributed to food pantries throughout Orange County to address food security for the community's most vulnerable members.
Harvest Solutions Farm is a partnership with Second Harvest Food Bank of Orange County, UC South Coast Research & Cooperative Extension of Orange County, and Solutions for Urban Agriculture.
Vice Mayor Agran encourages you to volunteer for this great cause at feedoc.org.
To view a fun Reel, CLICK HERE.