Yusra Farzan
covers Orange County and its 34 cities, watching those long meetings — boards, councils and more — so you don’t have to.
Published March 27, 2025 10:38 AM
Irvine's District 5 residents are getting ready to vote.
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Erin Hauer / Dan Carino
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LAist
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Topline:
Three candidates are vying for the vacant seat for District 5 on the Irvine City Council. The seat was vacated when Larry Agran won the mayoral election in November, leaving his council position open. The person who wins will serve through the end of 2026.
Where is the district: District 5, which encompasses City Hall and the Woodbridge, Westpark, University Park and Rancho San Joaquin neighborhoods. The councilmember representing this district helps to establish city policy, adopt the city budget approve contracts and more.
Campaign talking points: Hot topics in this race include affordable housing and a $1 billion expansion plan for the city's Great Park.
Read on... for a guide to the race, the candidates — and what they promise to do if elected.
Three candidates are vying for the vacant seat for District 5 on the Irvine City Council. The seat was vacated when Larry Agran won the mayoral election in November, leaving his council position open. The person who wins will serve through the end of 2026.
Keep reading for a guide to the race, the candidates — and what they promise to do if elected.
About the District
All the candidates live in District 5, which encompasses City Hall and the Woodbridge, Westpark, University Park and Rancho San Joaquin neighborhoods.
What does an Irvine councilmember do?
In Irvine, legislative power rests in the hands of the seven-member City Council. They make decisions:
To establish city policy
Approve and adopt the city budget
Hire the city manager
Approve contracts and projects such as those in the Great Park
How to vote
All registered voters within Irvine Council District 5 should have received a Voter Information Guide and a vote-by-mail ballot by now. (If not, reach out to the Orange County Registrar of Voters. There is also an online tool to request a new ballot if one is lost or damaged.)
Completed ballots can be cast in one of the following ways:
After the election, you can confirm your ballot was counted using this online tool.
Meet the candidates and read about their priorities
The candidates appear here in the same order they do on the ballot. We asked all three candidates the same series of questions about some of the key issues facing the district. Answers have been lightly edited for clarity and context.
Franco has been a resident of District 5 for 21 years. She runs a public relations agency and has served as the vice chair of the city’s Diversity, Equity, and Inclusion Committee.
What are three specific and measurable ways you are committed to ensuring the city meets state housing requirements for affordable housing?
I support strategically increasing housing density near transit hubs, shopping centers and job corridors to prevent overcrowding in existing neighborhoods. This approach will create walkable communities where residents have access to amenities while preserving the character of our villages. I will also advocate for projects that include a mix of market-rate and affordable housing to ensure working families, students, teachers, first responders and nurses can live where they work.
Future developments must be energy-efficient and environmentally responsible. I will push for new housing to be equipped with solar panels, EV charging stations and water-efficient infrastructure to align with Irvine’s sustainability goals. Responsible growth should not come at the expense of our environment or residents’ long-term quality of life. Affordable housing should be built with good-paying union jobs to support local workers and maintain high construction standards.
Irvine has been rattled by allegations of lobbyists trying to exert influence on the city. Do you think Irvine’s recent lobbyist regulations are enough? What would you propose to address these concerns?
Irvine’s recent lobbyist regulations are a step in the right direction, but more must be done to ensure transparency, accountability and integrity in our city’s decision-making process. The responsibility to prevent corruption does not rest solely on lobbyists, it also lies with public servants and elected officials who must remain committed to serving the community, not special interests. One of the most critical steps we can take is to require public servants and elected officials to undergo a crash course in public administration, ethics and municipal codes.
Too often, those in positions of power forget the fundamental principles of public service and lose sight of their role as representatives of the people. This training would serve as an essential refresher on ethics, conflicts of interest and the duty to prioritize the public good over private gain. Additionally, I would push for increased transparency in campaign contributions, and public disclosure of meetings between city officials and lobbyists. Sunshine laws exist for a reason and residents deserve to know who is influencing their city government. Finally, as a communications expert, I know that we must create accessible channels for community engagement so that residents have as much influence on city policies as lobbyists do. This means more town halls, public forums and digital tools that allow for real-time feedback on key decisions.
What are your thoughts on the city’s $1 billion expansion plan for the Great Park? Would you make any changes? If so, what? And do you support the city revisiting a collaboration with Live Nation?
The Great Park expansion is an exciting development for Irvine, and I fully support the city’s vision to create a world-class space for recreation, culture and community engagement. However, as a City Council member, I need to take a closer look at the budget to ensure that while we invest in the Great Park, we are not neglecting other parts of our city. District 5 is the oldest district in Irvine, and it has not received the same level of investment as newer areas. While schools and parks in the Great Park are getting major upgrades, many of our neighborhood parks have not been updated in decades, and our schools and libraries still look the same as they did 20 years ago. Our city’s development should be balanced, ensuring that every resident benefits, not just those in one area.
As for a collaboration with Live Nation, I don't think it is going to be brought up again. In the past, that collaboration wasn't well received by the community. What we need to do now is to think about developing a permanent venue to bring entertainment to our city. However, we must ensure that it does not overwhelm our resources, increase traffic, or disrupt the quality of life for residents. If there is a way to develop a smaller-scale entertainment venue that aligns with the needs of our city without creating excessive burdens, I would be open to that conversation.
Irvine has been a leader in addressing climate issues and is currently exploring banning plastic takeout containers and going all electric in new construction. Do you agree with these proposals? Where do you stand on the city’s Climate Action and Adaptation Plan? What do you think are the best ways for the city to achieve its lofty goals?
Irvine has made incredible progress in addressing climate issues, and I fully support moving forward with strong environmental protections. However, we must be realistic in how we implement these policies. Banning something without providing viable alternatives often places a burden on certain groups, whether it be small businesses struggling to stay afloat or low-income communities already facing economic hardships. Our solutions must be comprehensive and equitable, ensuring that the cost of sustainability is not unfairly passed on to those who can least afford it. One thing I know for sure is that we need to protect our open spaces. They provide clean air, protect local wildlife and give residents and visitors a place to enjoy nature. These spaces are essential to Irvine’s identity and quality of life.
When we talk about pollution, we need to take a strategic approach. Without conducting a formal study, I can confidently say that one of the most polluted areas in our city is likely around Jamboree and the 405 Freeway, where thousands of cars sit idle in traffic every day during peak times of the day. A simple but effective solution is to plant more trees in this area, helping to improve air quality while making Irvine greener. Small changes can lead to big impacts. I support Irvine’s Climate Action and Adaptation Plan, but it must be executed in a way that works for everyone. By balancing innovation with practical solutions, we can achieve our sustainability goals without placing unnecessary burdens on businesses and working families.
About our guide: When information is missing
Some candidates did not reply to our requests for images. Some do not have a campaign website and/or list of endorsements available online at the time of publication. We will update this guide if more candidate information becomes available.
We have requested an image from the candidate. If and when it is received, this guide will be updated.
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LAist.com
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Dana Cornelius
HOA board member
The candidate did not reply to LAist's questionnaire.
Cornelius has been an Irvine resident since 1991. She wrote in her candidate statement that her priorities are preserving Irvine’s way of life, prioritizing first responders, supporting mom and pop stores, building connecting bridges between the city’s villages and improving the sound barrier along the 405 Freeway.
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Anthony Kuo
Former Irvine commissioner / business owner Campaign website: AnthonyKuo.org
The candidate did not reply to LAist's questionnaire.
Kuo previously served on the Irvine City Council from 2018 to 2022. He has lived in Irvine for over 30 years. Kuo wrote in his candidate statement that his priorities include taking control of Irvine’s public libraries from county management, building a library in Woodbridge, banning the building of warehouses near residential areas, planting trees within District 5 and ending Irvine’s involvement with the Orange County Power Authority.
Fire department honored with 'Award of Excellence'
Makenna Sievertson
covers the daily drumbeat of Southern California — events, processes and nuances making it a unique place to call home.
Published December 12, 2025 4:30 PM
The "Award of Excellence Star" honoring the Los Angeles Fire Department on Friday.
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Matt Winkelmeyer
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Getty Images
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Topline:
The Hollywood Walk of Fame has a new neighbor — a star dedicated to the Los Angeles Fire Department.
Why it matters: The Fire Department has been honored with an “Award of Excellence Star” for its public service during the Palisades and Sunset fires, which burned in the Pacific Palisades and Hollywood Hills neighborhoods of L.A. in January.
Why now: The star was unveiled on Hollywood Boulevard on Friday at a ceremony hosted by the Hollywood Chamber of Commerce and Hollywood Community Foundation.
Awards of Excellence celebrate organizations for their positive impacts on Hollywood and the entertainment industry, according to organizers. Fewer than 10 have been handed out so far, including to the LA Times, Dodgers and Disneyland.
The backstory: The idea of awarding a star to the Fire Department was prompted by an eighth-grade class essay from Eniola Taiwo, 14, from Connecticut. In an essay on personal heroes, Taiwo called for L.A. firefighters to be recognized. She sent the letter to the Chamber of Commerce.
“This star for first responders will reach the hearts of many first responders and let them know that what they do is recognized and appreciated,” Taiwo’s letter read. “It will also encourage young people like me to be a change in the world.”
LAFD Chief Jaime E. Moore, Eniola Taiwo and LAFD firefighters with the "Award of Excellence Star" Friday.
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Matt Winkelmeyer
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Getty Images North America
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The Award of Excellence Star is in front of the Ovation Entertainment Complex next to the Walk of Fame; however, it is separate from the official program.
What officials say: Steve Nissen, president and CEO of the Hollywood Chamber of Commerce, said in a statement Taiwo’s letter was the inspiration for a monument that will “forever shine in Hollywood.”
“This recognition is not only about honoring the bravery of the Los Angeles Fire Department but also about celebrating the vision of a young student whose words reminded us all of the importance of gratitude and civic pride,” said Nissen, who’s also president and CEO of the Hollywood Community Foundation.
L.A. City Attorney Hydee Feldstein Soto was accused of an ethics breach in a case the city settled for $18 million.
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Carlin Stiehl
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Los Angeles Times via Getty Images
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Topline:
Fallout from allegations of an ethics breach by Los Angeles’ elected city attorney has reached the City Council. Councilmember Ysabel Jurado introduced a motion Friday requesting a closed-session meeting about an allegation that City Attorney Hydee Feldstein Soto improperly contacted a witness days before her office entered into one of the city’s biggest settlements in recent years. The motion came a day after LAist reported about the allegation.
The case: In September, the city settled a lawsuit brought forward by two brothers in their 70s who said they suffered serious injuries after an LAPD officer crashed into their car. Days before the $18 million settlement was reached, lawyers for the brothers said Feldstein Soto called an expert witness testifying for the plaintiffs and “attempted to ingratiate herself with him and asked him to make a contribution to her political campaign,” according to a sworn declaration to the court by the plaintiffs’ attorney, Robert Glassman.
The response: Feldstein Soto did not respond to an interview request. Her spokesperson said the settlement “had nothing to do” with the expert witness. Her campaign manager told LAist the city attorney had been making a routine fundraising call and did not know the person had a role in the case, nor that there were pending requests for her office to pay him fees.
What Jurado says: In a statement to LAist, Jurado said she wants to “make sure that the city’s legal leadership is guided by integrity and accountability, especially when their choices affect public trust, civic rights and the city’s limited resources."
What’s next: The motion needs to go through a few committees before reaching the full City Council. If it passes, the motion calls for the city attorney to “report to council in closed session within 45 days regarding the ethics breach violation and give updates to the City Council."
Topline:
Fallout from allegations of an ethics breach by Los Angeles’ elected city attorney has reached the City Council. Councilmember Ysabel Jurado introduced a motion Friday requesting a closed-session meeting about an allegation that City Attorney Hydee Feldstein Soto improperly contacted a witness days before her office entered into one of the city’s biggest settlements in recent years. The motion came a day after LAist reported about the allegation.
The case: In September, the city settled a lawsuit brought forward by two brothers in their 70s who said they suffered serious injuries after an LAPD officer crashed into their car. Days before the $18 million settlement was reached, lawyers for the brothers said Feldstein Soto called an expert witness testifying for the plaintiffs and “attempted to ingratiate herself with him and asked him to make a contribution to her political campaign,” according to a sworn declaration to the court by the plaintiffs’ attorney, Robert Glassman.
The response: Feldstein Soto did not respond to an interview request. Her spokesperson said the settlement “had nothing to do” with the expert witness. Her campaign manager told LAist the city attorney had been making a routine fundraising call and did not know the person had a role in the case, nor that there were pending requests for her office to pay him fees.
What Jurado says: In a statement to LAist, Jurado said she wants to “make sure that the city’s legal leadership is guided by integrity and accountability, especially when their choices affect public trust, civic rights and the city’s limited resources."
What’s next: The motion needs to go through a few committees before reaching the full City Council. If it passes, the motion calls for the city attorney to “report to council in closed session within 45 days regarding the ethics breach violation and give updates to the City Council."
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Destiny Torres
is LAist's general assignment and digital equity reporter.
Published December 12, 2025 3:38 PM
Luis Cantabrana turns the front of his Santa Ana home into an elaborate altar in honor of La Virgen de Guadalupe.
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Destiny Torres
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LAist
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Topline:
Today marks el Día de La Virgen de Guadalupe, or the day of the Virgen of Guadalupe, an important holiday for Catholics and those of Mexican descent. In Santa Ana, Luis Cantabrana builds an elaborate altar in her honor that draws hundreds of visitors.
What is the holiday celebrating? In 1513, the Virgin Mary appeared before St. Juan Diego, asking him to build a church in her honor. Her image — a brown-skinned woman, wearing a green veil with her hands clasped in prayer and an angel at her feet — miraculously appeared on his cloak. Every year on Dec. 12, worshippers of the saint celebrate the Guadalupita with prayer and song.
Read on … for how worshippers in Santa Ana celebrate.
Every year in Santa Ana, Luis Cantabrana turns the front of his home into an elaborate altar in honor of La Virgen de Guadalupe that draws hundreds of visitors.
Along the front of the house, the multi-colored altar is filled with lights, flowers and a stained-glass tapestry behind a sculpture of the Lady of Guadalupe. Cantabrana’s roof also is lit up with the green, white and red lights that spell out “Virgen de Guadalupe” and a cross.
Visitors are welcomed with music and the smell of roses as they celebrate the saint, but this year’s gathering comes after a dark year for immigrant communities.
Luis Cantabrana stands in front of the stunning altar he built in front of his home in honor of La Virgen de Guadalupe. Every year, his display draws hundreds of visitors.
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Destiny Torres
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Why do they celebrate?
In 1513, the Virgin Mary appeared before St. Juan Diego between Dec. 9 and Dec. 12, asking him to build a church in her honor. Her image — a brown-skinned woman wearing a green veil with her hands together in prayer and an angel at her feet — miraculously appeared on his cloak.
To celebrate in Santa Ana, worshippers gathered late-night Wednesday and in the very early hours Dec. 12 to pray the rosary, sing hymns and celebrate the saint.
Cantabrana has hosted worshippers at his home for 27 years — 17 in Santa Ana.
The altar started out small, he said, and over the years, he added a fabric background, more lights and flowers (lots and lots of flowers).
“It started with me making a promise to la Virgen de Guadalupe that while I had life and a home to build an altar, that I would do it,” Cantabrana said. “Everything you see in photos and videos is pretty, but when you come and see it live, it's more than pretty. It's beautiful.”
The Santa Ana home's elaborate altar in honor of La Virgen de Guadalupe draws hundreds of visitors each year.
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Destiny Torres
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LAist
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Gathering in a time of turmoil
Many also look to the Lady of Guadalupe for protection, especially at a time when federal enforcement has rattled immigrant communities.
“People don’t want to go to work, they don’t want to take their kids to school, but the love we have for our Virgen de Guadalupe,” Cantabrana said. “We see that la Virgen de Guadalupe has a lot of power, and so we know immigration [enforcement] won’t come here.”
Margarita Lopez of Garden Grove has been visiting the altar for three years with her husband. She’s been celebrating the Virgencita since she was a young girl. Honoring the saint is as important now as ever, she said.
“We ask, and she performs miracles,” Lopez said.
Claudia Tapia, a lifelong Santa Ana resident, said the VirginMary represents strength.
“Right now, with everything going on, a lot of our families [have] turned and prayed to the Virgen for strength during these times,” Tapia said. “She's a very strong symbol of Mexican culture, of unity, of faith and of resilience.”
See it for yourself
The shrine will stay up into the new year on the corner of Broadway and Camile Street.
The offices of the Employment Development Department in Sacramento on Jan. 10, 2022.
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Miguel Gutierrez Jr.
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CalMatters
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Topline:
California’s unemployment agency kept paying cellphone bills for 4 1/2 years without checking whether its workers actually were using the devices. That’s how it racked up $4.6 million in fees for mobile devices its workers were not using, according to a new state audit detailing wasteful spending at several government agencies.
The investigation: The Employment Development Department acquired 7,224 cellphones and wireless hotspots by December 2020. State auditors analyzed 54 months of invoices since then and found half the devices were unused for at least two years, 25% were unused for three years and 99 of them were never used at all. The investigation, which auditors opened after receiving a tip, identified 6,285 devices that were unused for at least four consecutive months and said the department spent $4.6 million on monthly service fees for them.
Department response: Officials told auditors they were unaware of the spending, but auditors pointed to regular invoices from Verizon that showed which phones were not being used. The unemployment department began acting on the auditors’ findings in April, when it canceled service plans for 2,825 devices. It has since implemented a policy to terminate service plans for devices that go unused for 90 days.
California’s unemployment agency kept paying cellphone bills for 4 1/2 years without checking whether its workers actually were using the devices.
That’s how it racked up $4.6 million in fees for mobile devices its workers were not using, according to a new state audit detailing wasteful spending at several government agencies.
It acquired 7,224 cellphones and wireless hotspots by December 2020. State auditors analyzed 54 months of invoices since then and found half the devices were unused for at least two years, 25% were unused for three years and 99 of them were never used at all.
The investigation, which auditors opened after receiving a tip, identified 6,285 devices that were unused for at least four consecutive months, and said the department spent $4.6 million on monthly service fees for them.
From the beginning, the department had about 2,000 more cellphones than call center employees, according to the audit. The gap widened over time after the pandemic ended and the department’s staffing returned to its normal headcount.
As of April, the audit said the department had 1,787 unemployment call center employees, but was paying monthly service fees for 5,097 mobile devices.
“Although obtaining the mobile devices during COVID-19 may have been a good idea to serve the public, continuing to pay the monthly service fees for so many unused devices, especially post-COVID-19, was wasteful,” the audit said.
Department officials told auditors they were unaware of the spending, but auditors pointed to regular invoices from Verizon that showed which phones were not being used.
“We would have expected EDD management to have reconsidered the need to pay the monthly service fees for so many devices that had no voice, message, or data usage,” the audit said.
The unemployment department began acting on the auditors’ findings in April, when it canceled service plans for 2,825 devices. It has since implemented a policy to terminate service plans for devices that go unused for 90 days.
The California state auditor highlighted the mobile devices in its regular report on “improper activities by state agencies and employees.” The audit also showed that the California Air Resources Board overpaid an employee who was on extended leave as he prepared to retire by $171,000.
