Author: Franklin J. Lunding

There is an ongoing FBI investigation into public corruption at Irvine City Hall involving disgraced political consultant Melahat Rafiei.

It should be obvious to everyone that it would be a conflict of interest to have the City investigate itself … with the Council directing and overseeing the investigation. A friend who teaches legal ethics and is an expert witness in these matters told me that any internal investigation by the City that was controlled by the Council would itself be unethical, lack credibility, and viewed as highly questionable.

For most of us, the beginning of the year brings a renewed sense of optimism and hope. When it comes to the Irvine City Council, I am cautiously optimistic that many of the contentious items from last year may be overcome.

We’ll have to watch the next few Council meetings to see if this new Council really will work together on behalf of the City’s residents to deliver on the promises they have made. Stay tuned!

Years ago, I served as Chair of Irvine’s Transportation Commission. Later, I also had the...

Tuesday, November 8th is Election Day!

Before you vote, we encourage voters to take a look at where the candidates stand on the issues.

Ballots for the November 8th election have arrived. In the proud American tradition of local newspapers, Irvine Community News & Views (ICNV) endorses and urges support for those candidates for City office who have earned our community’s trust. 

Recognizing his proven record of faithful and remarkably effective service to the people of Irvine, ICNV endorses Councilman Larry Agran for re-election to the Irvine City Council. Over the years, Agran has remained committed to Irvine’s master-planning.  He has led the way or had a hand in just about every good thing in Irvine — open space preservation, the Great Park (instead of an airport!), an amazing community park system, and our award-winning senior and childcare centers.