Year: 2021

Through my previous work on the Irvine Planning Commission and Irvine Transportation Commission, I saw firsthand how, with the right leadership, our City can do big things — preserve thousands of acres of open space, ban harmful chemicals in our air, establish thousands of attractive affordable housing units, and build a beautiful Community Parks system.

But, that is no longer the case! As I watch City Council meeting this year, it has become clear that our new Mayor and her Council majority have no interest in hearing from residents, particularly when it comes to a number of critical issues directly impacting thousands of Irvine citizens.

More than 800 north Irvine residents have filed complaints with the South Coast Air Quality Management District regarding the toxic emissions and noxious odors resulting from ongoing operations at the All American Asphalt plant that is located less than a mile away from homes.

With the help of community organizers from Non-Toxic Neighborhoods (NTN) and Stop Toxic Asphalt Pollutants (STAP), Agran hosted his own community hearing at City Hall to allow NTN and STAP representatives, Irvine residents, and volunteer air quality scientists from UCI to provide public testimony.