Year: 2025

The retail center — scheduled to open late next year — will include a specialty grocer, sit-down and fast-casual restaurants, and other shopping options for nearby residents and Great Park visitors.

Guests were treated to interactive displays, live music performances, and light refreshments while learning about new amenities coming to the Great Park.

The Great Park is currently home to world-class sports fields; a professional soccer stadium; a professional ice rink; Wild Rivers Waterpark; the Great Park Balloon & Carousel; a Visitors Center; the Palm Court Arts Complex; the Great Park Gallery; the Walkable Historical Timeline; the Farm + Food Lab; walking trails; and playgrounds & themed play areas.

In addition to building a new school, the Irvine Company would provide an array of other public benefits — notably a unique and ambitious effort to create “instant affordability” in 200 existing apartment units throughout the City.

The action came on a 7-0 vote at the Council’s May 13th meeting, following three hours of staff reports, public comment, and Council discussion.

The Mayor announced two major public-private partnerships — with Hoag Hospital and the Irvine Company — that could have generational impacts on healthcare and affordable housing.

Agran began the speech with the expected report that the state of the City is “excellent,” saying: “Our financial underpinnings are strong, our budgets are balanced, and our reserves are extraordinarily large.”

“My thought wasn’t to run against anyone,” Martinez says. “I saw it as an opportunity for me to run and put myself forward. It was something I’ve wanted to do for a long time, and the special election was an opportunity for someone without a lot of money behind them.”

When former Councilmember Tammy Kim withdrew from the race in February, Franco saw her chance.