The Brief

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’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.

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 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.