Farrah Khan publicly said she cut ties with Melahat Rafiei after news broke she was arrested by the FBI, but city records show Rafiei continued speaking to city staff, indicating it was on the mayor’s behalf.
Category: Irvine
Irvine, home to UC Irvine and the Great Park, has about 318,000 residents. We cover the City Council’s votes, its budget, the Great Park and development.
Posted inGovernment
Irvine Delays Controversial Great Park Olympic Aquatics Center
While the Olympic aquatics center is moving ahead, it’s now unclear when exactly it’ll be built in the park.
Posted inOutdoors
Irvine to Buy Out Asphalt Plant Despite Environmental And Cost Concerns
The $285 million purchase will end what’s been a years-long thorn in city leadership’s side, but staff warned there are multiple potential problems with the deal that could end up costing the city money.
Posted inHousing & Homelessness
Orange County Residents Get a Rare Look at Affordable Housing Rents
State officials are pressuring local leaders to zone for tens of thousands of affordable homes – but just how affordable is it to reside in Orange County?
Posted inOutdoors
Irvine Delays Several Great Park Projects for Olympic Aquatics Center
The delays came after city council leaders said they wanted to focus on ensuring the aquatics center would be built in time for the 2028 Olympics.
Posted inOutdoors
Irvine Looks to Buy Out Controversial Asphalt Plant for $285 Million
While city leaders have praised the new plan, an extensive staff report shows it is not without its risks.
Posted inOutdoors
Irvine Moves Forward With $1 Billion in New Great Park Debt for Development
The money is slated for the city’s new plan for the park, including an amphitheater, aquatics center, botanical gardens and a series of other projects.
Posted inOutdoors
Irvine To Approve Over $1 Billion in New Great Park Debt to Finance New Projects
The Great Park’s total bond debt is now over $1.5 billion, and is set to be paid off by special taxes on homes surrounding the park over the next several decades.
Posted inPolitics & Elections
Should City Councils Draw Their Own Election Districts? Irvine Discusses Bucking The Trend
Most city councils in Orange County control their own district lines, but one Irvine city councilwoman is looking at changing that process.
Posted inOutdoors
Irvine Guts Great Park Plan In Favor Of Olympic Aquatics Center
City council members voted to expedite the long-promised aquatics center, despite warnings from staff it would mean cutting out or delaying other park projects.
