Author: Roger Bloom

As part of the process, the Council selected the final map that will be implemented if Irvine voters approve the City’s transition to district elections.

After months of citizen-drawn submissions, it came down to two maps: Map 151 and Map 163. The majority of public commenters endorsed Map 151, noting that its districts are more compact, the most contiguous in nature, and are walkable districts with villages kept intact.

Mayor Farrah Khan, along with Councilmembers Larry Agran and Mike Carroll agreed with residents that Map 151 was the most equitable choice. All three voted to support it.

Meanwhile, Councilmembers Tammy Kim and Kathleen Treseder voted against Map 151, saying that Map 163 was better for Asian and Pacific Islander (API) districts and renter-majority districts.

Kim’s request to contribute the money in return for booth space at the World Korean Business Convention was considered at the Council’s September 26th meeting.

The convention is being hosted by the Overseas Koreans Foundation (an affiliate of the Korean Foreign Ministry); Overseas Koreans Economic Organizations; and the Korean American Chamber of Commerce of Orange County.

Kim’s request was criticized by public commenters as subsidizing an event outside of Irvine and with no strong connection to the City.

There, the Tanakas run one of biggest farm stands in the county, complete with its own gift shop. This is where they host some 120,000 children, parents and teachers each year who come to learn about the farm and agriculture. Visitors enjoy the petting zoo, the corn maze, the wagon rides and, this month, a pick-your-own pumpkin patch. The Tanaka Grill provides hot sandwiches, sides and snacks to the public Wednesday through Sunday.

There’s also a U-Pick Vegetable Patch where visitors can get their hands dirty harvesting their own carrots, radishes, green onions and cilantro. “The carrots are the kids’ favorites,” says Ken. “There’s this green plant and they start to wiggle it around and lift it and a whole carrot comes out!”

The new service, which families sign up and pay a fee for, appeared to be an immediate hit. IUSD spokesperson, Annie Brown, reported that the 50-seat bus is fully subscribed, with a 30-name waiting list.

The bus service had long been sought by Quail Hill families, with the school district offering to start bus service if the parents could raise $75,000 to underwrite its cost. The parents asked the Irvine City Council to fund $50,000 of that, with affected families chipping in to raise the rest.