November 20, 2024 Edition
FIGHTING FOR IRVINE RESIDENTS
During an ABC 7 interview, Councilmember Mike Carroll advocated for Irvine residents concerned about a homeless shelter planned close to townhomes and young families without community input. While a strong proponent for addressing the homeless crisis in Orange County, Carroll noted that the neighboring community had been given no opportunity to provide input and no prior notice of the planned shelter. He emphasized that feedback from residents is essential to the City’s decision-making process.
"It hadn't been seen by the Planning Commission, it hadn't been seen by our Finance Commission, it hadn't been seen by our Transportation Commission, and most importantly, it had not been seen by the actual residents living right next to this potential facility," Carroll said.
In October, the purchase of two buildings on Armstrong Ave was fast-tracked by staff to the City Council, which raised serious concerns among residents about transparency. The City Council voted 4-1 to purchase the buildings where Carroll was the only “no” vote, pointing to the lack of research, community input, and review by the appropriate City commissions.
Irvine residents voiced their concerns during a Special City Council Meeting in November, during which the City Council reversed its decision and voted 3-2 to terminate the purchase agreement. Carroll stood with Irvine residents, citing the lack of transparency that led to the community frustration. He noted that the City had provided far more notice to residents about events of much lesser consequence, such as the CicloIrvine Street event in May.
“This City did more outreach for a street fair in Woodbridge, sending postcards, and letters, and social media, for a one-day street fair," Carroll said.
Championed by the residents of the Irvine Business Complex community and other Irvine neighborhoods, this result ensured their voices were heard by the City Council before outcomes that impact their City were made.
To see Councilmember Mike Carroll’s interview on ABC 7, click here.
HOLIDAY DONATION DRIVE From now until January 15, 2025, the Irvine Animal Care Center is accepting donations for their 2024 Holiday Donation Drive. Donations will go to the Third Chance for Pets Program, the Enhanced Care Program, or the Foster Care Program to help pets in need. These programs directly go to improve the animals’ quality of life, and help them find forever homes. To learn more about the Holiday Donation Drive, click here.
SENIOR CENTER LUNCHEON I had a wonderful time meeting veterans and their families during the Veterans Day Luncheon at the Lakeview Senior Center. Their dedication and service to our country is inspiring and we must remember their contribution and sacrifice. Thank you to the students from Pacific Academy College Prep for volunteering and serving the lunch to our veterans. The Lakeview Senior Center hosts many events for all ages. If you are interested in learning about volunteer opportunities, click here.
LETTERS TO SANTA Your little ones can mail a letter to Santa and receive a response from the North Pole! All letters will receive responses, which can be picked up where the letter was received. Santa's mailboxes are located at Heritage Park Community Center, Turtle Rock Community Center, and Northwood Community Center and are open from November 18 through December 13. Responses take approximately one week. For more information about sending a letter to Santa, click here.
VETERANS DAY CEREMONY RECAP Thank you to all our veterans and active duty military for your service. At this year's Veterans Day Ceremony we heard Concordia University's Brass ensemble perform the "Armed Forces Salute," as well as Dr. Ron Anderson and The Young Musicians Ensemble perform the "Armed Forces Medley." U.S. Marine Corps Lieutenant Colonel Clark-Christopher Unger spoke during the ceremony at Colonel Bill Barber Marine Corps Memorial Park. It was great to see many of our veterans attend and be recognized on such a meaningful day. To learn about available Veterans Resources, click here.
Thank you for reading this edition of my Community Update. I hope you enjoyed it.
Mike Carroll