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Orange County House Members Land Key Committee Roles

Wednesday, January 27, 2021

(Orange County Register) Orange County’s seven-member congressional delegation is settling into committee assignments for the upcoming session, with freshmen members getting word of their appointments from House leadership. The diverse committee appointments — ranging from Foreign Affairs to Transportation to Natural Resources — could play major roles in shaping what representatives do for their constituents over the next two years in office. Partisanship and the close political divide of the House of Representatives combine for a “national lawmaking environment (that) makes it incredibly difficult to get things done,” said UC Irvine political science professor Matthew Beckmann. But Beckmann added that gridlock isn’t a given...

Nominations Open for Greater Irvine Chamber 2021 Women of Influence Awards Recognizing Women in Eight Categories

Tuesday, January 26, 2021

The Greater Irvine Chamber’s 2021 Women of Influence virtual event on Wednesday, March 24 at noon, will recognize an outstanding woman in each of eight categories who have positively impacted their industries and the business community in Orange County. In honor of International Women’s Day, a special Lifetime Achievement Award is included in the lineup, recognizing a woman whose history, contributions, and achievements have had a profound impact, inspiring the next generation of women leaders. Eligible nominees must lead, serve, or work for an active business or nonprofit located or operating in Orange County, or attend a high school, college, o...

Record-Breaking Half-Year for Leads Groups with $25 Million in Closed Business Referrals; David Feldberg Earns Q2 2020 FY Rainmaker Title with $10.3 Million

Tuesday, January 26, 2021

The previous (2019-2020) fiscal year was a record-breaking year for Greater Irvine Chamber Leads Groups. With more than 2,200 leads exchanged, the six leads groups generated $22,247,720 in closed business referrals during the period, surpassing any figure during the history of the program. But despite the limitations of COVID-19 related shutdowns, the groups were even more productive this fiscal year with a combined $25,035,558 in closed business in just the first six months of reporting for the 2020-2021 fiscal year. The top-performing members by closed business referrals for the first half of the fiscal year 2020-2021 are: $10,383,500– David Feldberg $4,200,290 – Mel Ray $1,445,923 – Jammi...

City of Irvine Cares Campaign

Thursday, January 21, 2021

The City of Irvine launched Irvine Cares, the first initiative of Mayor Farrah N. Khan’s newly assembled COVID-19 Task Force. The campaign invites the public to slow the spread of COVID-19 by pledging support of mitigation measures which includes acting as an advocate to ensure the health and safety of Irvine’s most vulnerable. Through Irvine Cares, community members pledge to protect one another by wearing a mask, washing their hands frequently, practicing social distancing, and staying home when sick. They commit to practicing kindness and good judgment by being respectful of others, especially those who are at increased risk for severe illness, and to be an advocate by promoting best practices in preventing COVID-19. Community members can take the pledge online at cityofirvine.org/irvinecares or download a pledge card and mai...

Irvine Launches Third District Small Business Support Program

Tuesday, January 19, 2021

The City of Irvine received $722,000 from the County of Orange to assist small businesses affected by COVID-19 within the Irvine portion of Orange County’s Third Supervisorial District. One-time grants up to $5,000 are available to eligible small businesses to help cover the costs of business interruption caused by the COVID-19 pandemic and related stay-at-home orders. To qualify, the business must be in the 3rd District of Irvine and employ 10 or fewer full-time-equivalent employees. Additionally, businesses must not have received grant funding through the City of Irvine Small Business Support Program from June 2020, and must have an active City of Irvine Business License tha...

Mayor Farrah N. Khan’s COVID-19 Task Force Launches First Initiative

Saturday, January 09, 2021

Irvine Ranked the Top Five Cities to Ring in the New Year

Monday, December 21, 2020

Irvine has been ranked as the fifth Best City to Ring in the New Year. After exiting one rollercoaster of a year, ringing in a new year will be something to celebrate, even if with less gathering. Celebrating the new year should still be fun, but it’s only fun if you make it into the next year safely. And if you want to go into 2021 without a scratch, it’s best to know where to go. Irvine is also the #1 Southern California city in which to safely countdown to 2021 on New Year’s eve. Along with Irvine and other California cities, th...

Mayor Farrah N. Khan Announces COVID-19 and Business Reopening Task Forces

Tuesday, December 15, 2020

In response to the coronavirus pandemic, Irvine Mayor Farrah N. Khan has announced the formation of COVID-19 and Business Reopening task forces to guide the city in 2021 and beyond. The City, in partnership with key business leaders, will coordinate establishment of the Business Reopening Task Force to assist the Mayor in her efforts to help promote small business growth, support local entrepreneurship, target industry relocation within City boundaries, and assist the City in remaining responsive to the business community. Additionally, it advises the Mayor on topics where the City has the ability to shape issues affecting the business community. The Taskforce provides a foru...

John Wayne Airport Once Again Ranked Among Nation’s Best

Friday, December 11, 2020

John Wayne Airport ranked #2 among large airports in North America by J.D. Power’s 2020 North America Airport Satisfaction Study, continuing its record of top-rankings since it was elevated to the large airport category in 2017. John Wayne Airport ranked #1 among large airports in 2017 and 2018. “We are pleased that our efforts to continually elevate the guest experience are reflected in the customer satisfaction survey,” said Airport Director Barry Rondinella. “I am proud of our entire team for rising to the unique challenges we encountered this year. It is through their dedication and commitment that we continue to hold ‘favorit...

Bryan Starr Introduces Holiday Shopping Guide in Irvine Standard

Wednesday, December 09, 2020

Residents and visitors alike enjoy Irvine’s open-air shopping centers during the holidays. The lights, sights, and sounds create an outdoor experience unlike anywhere in Southern California. This year, Irvine Standard has made the experience even easier by providing a gift guide with ideas, from fitness to fashion, at dozens of shops throughout the city – all just a short walk or drive from home. Shopping local not only supports local businesses, but it also strengthens Irvine’s economy. The sales tax from these centers helps to maintain Irvine’s top-rated park system and the city’s modern police department, which has kept Irvine as America’...

Amazon Plans New Irvine Logistics Hub

Wednesday, November 18, 2020

(Orange Country Business Journal) Amazon has made its largest reported real estate investment in Orange County, for a site in the Irvine Spectrum area that’s expected to see development of a new distribution facility. The e-commerce giant, which has been on a buying and leasing spree that’s added more than 1.5 million square feet of industrial space to its local portfolio in the past two years, recently closed on a 31-acre site in Irvine formerly belonging to the motion and control division of aerospace firm Parker-Hannifin. Amazon paid $112.5 million for the vacant site, property records indicate. It’s the most paid to dat...

Destination Irvine Earns Smart Meetings’ Platinum Choice Award

Tuesday, November 17, 2020

Destination Irvine has earned a Platinum Choice Award by Smart Meetings, the nation’s leading meetings industry publisher and voice of inspiration for meeting professionals. Smart Meetings readers nominate hotels, conference centers, convention and visitors bureaus (CVB), and destination marketing organizations that consistently exceed expectations and help planners deliver on their goals. Destination Irvine is only one of five organizations in California to earn the distinction. “I am extremely proud of the Destination Irvine team and beyond grateful to all of our hoteliers for their continued support of our sales and marketing efforts,” said Wendy Haase, the organization’s vice president. “While COVID-1...

More Airlines to Add John Wayne Airport Stops in 2021

Tuesday, November 03, 2020

(Orange County Register) If the coming of Spirit Airlines later this month wasn’t enough, travelers looking for budget flights into and out of Orange County should have even more options in 2021. Allegiant Air is expected to be the next to arrive, with service to start in February, followed by Sun Country Airlines in April, and in May, Air Canada should begin international service, according to a report from airport Director Barry Rondinella. The Orange County Board of Supervisors is expected to vote on John Wayne Airport’s 2021 seat allotments on Tuesday, Nov. 3. Why so many newcomers in such a short span o...

The Toll Roads Fully Open Following Closures Prompted by Silverado Fire

Monday, November 02, 2020

Closures to The Toll Roads that were in place last week due to the Silverado Fire have been lifted. All portions of the 133, 241 and 261 Toll Roads that were impacted by the fire have been reopened after diligent work by partner Caltrans (owner of The Toll Roads) in close coordination with Toll Roads staff. Portions of the 133, 241 and 261 were closed by the California Highway Patrol beginning Nov. 2, when the Silverado Fire gripped Orange County and prompted the evacuation of tens of thousands of residents in Irvine, Lake Forest, and surrounding cities. The Orange County Fir...

Bryan Starr Presents on the State of Business, Coronavirus Response to Irvine City Council

Wednesday, October 28, 2020

Bryan Starr, President and CEO, Greater Irvine Chamber, presented on the state of business in Irvine to the Irvine City Council. The Oct. 27 presentation, made by telephone in consideration of COVID-19 safety measures, covered Irvine’s workforce, businesses that are doing well despite the crisis. Starr mentioned Edwards Lifesciences, Johnson & Johnson, Masimo, Medtronix, and others, which are developing COVID-related technology from testing, monitoring, and PPE, to vaccines. “Irvine is leading the way for the state of California when it comes to dealing with how we move forward through COVID,” he said. The hotel and tourism industry and small businesses are most at ris...

Police Chief Mike Hamel and City of Irvine Employees Honored for Years of Service

Monday, October 26, 2020

The Irvine City Council recognized six employees for 25, 30, and 35 years of dedicated service to the City. City of Irvine employees work to keep the community safe, reduce Irvine’s carbon footprint, keep traffic flowing, and support events and activities for residents and visitors. Police Chief Mike Hamel, Irvine Police Department 25 Years of Service Irvine Police Chief Mike Hamel is a 27-year law enforcement veteran who has been with the Irvine Police Department since 1995. He is the first Irvine Police Chief to rise through the ranks from police officer to Chief. Chief Hamel began his law enforcement career in 199...

Irvine Ranks Second Fittest City in America

Wednesday, October 21, 2020

Independent research by True People Search Insights found Irvine to be the second fittest cities in America. California dominates the list overall, with eight of its cities making the top ten: Boulder, CO Irvine, CA Sunnyvale, CA Fremont, CA Bellevue, WA Milpitas, CA Santa Clara, CA Newport Beach, CA San Ramon, CA Mountain View, CA With its 16,500 acres of preserved natural habitats and wildlands offering more than 60 miles hiking and biking trails, and its 270+ parks Irvine is differentiated from other Orange County cities, providing outdoor enthusiasts an alternative to surfing and beach activities. Amid social distancing measures to curb the spread of COVID-19, Irvine’s permanently preserved open space and extensive park system, including its gem the Orang...

Visit California Offers Travel Code for Responsible/Respectful Travelers

Tuesday, October 20, 2020

(CalChamber) As some Californians choose to venture cautiously outside amid closures and restrictions due to COVID-19, travel patterns have shifted and highlight the need for visitors to show respect toward local communities. Visit California offers the Responsible Travel Code as a quick resource on how to explore the Golden State responsibly and safely. A new video on Visit California’s Travel Matters website describes the code with stunning California images. The code speaks to both preserving California and to the safety of our communities as cities and counties continue toward recovery. It is part of Visit California’s new Responsible Travel Hub, which provides clear, fact-base...

Where to Eat in Orange County in 2020: A Map of the Best Places

Tuesday, October 20, 2020

(Orange County Register) For the previous five years, this guide has served as an adventurous scavenger hunt, a bucket-list ranking of the 75 best places to eat in Orange County. But 2020 changed the way we eat, so this year’s installment is a bit different. This moment calls for a more utilitarian approach. We’re all hungry for normalcy. But as much as we might crave a normal restaurant routine, that’s not happening. Not yet. Takeout still feels like the smartest solution for many people right now. And while many others may be eager to dine out again, that doesn’t mean we’re ready to be lingerin...

How to Vote in California

Tuesday, October 06, 2020

(Los Angeles Times) The general election is approaching fast, with presidential, congressional, state legislative, and local races on the Nov. 3 ballot. This year, Gov. Gavin Newsom is encouraging voters to vote by mail in order to protect them from the coronavirus. Everyone will get a mail-in ballot, but if you prefer to vote in person, you still can. Here’s everything you need to know to make sure your vote is counted. Register to vote by Oct. 19 The California secretary of state’s website has a few handy tools to make sure you’re ready to vote. To register online, visit RegisterToVote.ca.gov. If you’re not sure if you’re registered &mdash...

Irvine is Safest City of its Size for 15th Year

Tuesday, September 29, 2020

For the 15th consecutive year, Irvine is the Safest City of its size for violent crime, according to FBI data for 2019. Information released on Sept. 28 shows Irvine has the lowest rate of violent crime per capita of any city in the nation with a population of 250,000 or more. Irvine is also the Safest City of its size for violent crime for the first half of 2020, according to preliminary FBI data released earlier this month. The FBI’s Annual Uniform Crime Report measures crime, which includes murder, rape, robbery, aggravated assault, burglary, larceny-theft, auto theft, and arson. Irvine Mayor Christina Shea congratulated the Irvine Police Departmen...

Best of Orange County 2020: Irvine Voted Best City to Live In

Saturday, September 26, 2020

(Orange County Register) For the past 24 years, Best of Orange County voters have been asked to name the county’s best city to live in. Irvine has never failed to place in the top 3, and it has been the top vote recipient for 13 of those years and ranked second for 10 more. Many reasons are cited for Irvine’s livability. It routinely ranks among the nation’s safest cities—including being ranked "America's Safest Big City" by the FBI crime ranking of cities over 100,000 in population every year since 2005—and has recorded the lowest per capita crime rate for cities with 250,000 o...

City of Irvine to Participate in California Clean Air Day on October 7

Friday, September 25, 2020

The City of Irvine is joining the statewide effort to improve air quality by encouraging residents, businesses, and organizations to participate in California Clean Air Day on Oct. 7. Established in 2018 by the Coalition for Clean Air, California Clean Air Day brings individuals, businesses, local governments, and nonprofit organizations together to take actions that will clear the air and improve the health of residents and communities. Irvine residents, businesses, and organizations are invited to take the Clean Air pledge and make a commitment to do their part through actions big and small such as: using natural all-purpose cleaners, buying produce locally...

Destination Irvine’s Work Contributes to Millions of Dollars in Economic Impact for the City

Wednesday, September 16, 2020

As many Orange County hotels compete for business, Destination Irvine—the destination marketing division of the Greater Irvine Chamber—is distinguishing the city as a preferred location for overnight visitors. The Destination Irvine team focuses on bringing business and sports groups to Irvine, matching them with properties that offer sought-after amenities and access to Irvine and Orange County facilities and locales. “The economic impact of visitor spending in Irvine contributes millions of dollars to local and state taxes, which offsets these costs for residents, said Wendy Haase, vice president, Destination Irvine. “Destination Irvine’s marketing and sales initiatives play a strategic role in generating trave...

Marianna Marysheva Appointed Interim City Manager

Wednesday, September 09, 2020

The Irvine City Council voted to appoint Marianna Marysheva as Interim City Manager, effective Sept. 9. Marysheva has served as Assistant City Manager since July 2018. An innovative and creative leader with more than two decades of municipal government experience, Marysheva has a track record of implementing programs that promote transparency and open governments; building partnerships and encouraging collaboration; and accomplishing projects with multiple cross-pressures and competing priorities. “As Assistant City Manager, Marianna Marysheva has proven to be an excellent leader,” Mayor Christina Shea said. “She has skillfully managed our multi-faceted response to the COVID-19 pandemic and addressed the $16 million budget defici...

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