Voice of OC (https://voiceofoc.org/tag/irvine-veterans-cemetery/)
While the governor’s original proposal took the funds back to help address the state government’s coronavirus-driven deficit, negotiations saw the full amount restored.
After approving construction following eight years of discussion, the council is now disagreeing over whether to start construction or turn the land over to the state.
After over seven years of debate, the body could choose to begin the process of preparing a veterans cemetery without confirmed state financial backing.
Nick Berardino, Vietnam Combat Veteran and President of VALOR (Veterans Alliance of Orange County) writes that the Irvine City Council is violating the spirit of Voting Rights Act.
Veterans groups have been attempting to build a cemetery on the former El Toro Marine Corps Air Station for nearly seven years.
The state senate’s Veteran Affairs chair is looking to examine multiple sites for the cemetery weeks after the Irvine City Council chose a location.
In honoring veterans, Governor Newsom said, “it was time to reflect and remember” and his, “deep respect and admiration” for their sacrifices. Yet, he cut the funds necessary to begin a veteran’s cemetery in Irvine. He forgot that veterans had already paid for the cemetery with their sacrifice…much more.
In an effort to handle the loss in tax revenue, the money allocated to the cemetery by the state could be revoked to help the projected $54 billion deficit.
With nearly 13,000 verified signatures, the initiative now moves to the Irvine City Council, who can approve the motion as written or place it on the November ballot.
Jeanne Baran, Irvine resident and Irvine Watchdog member, writes that on July 23rd the Irvine City Council will consider their preferred site recommendation for the Southern California State Veterans Cemetery.