"Irvine is an incorporated city in Orange County, California, United States. It is a planned city, mainly developed by the Irvine Company since the 1960s. Formally incorporated on December 28, 1971, the 69.7 square mile (180.5 kmē) city has a population of 202,079 (as of 2007). It has annexed in the past an undeveloped area to the north, and has also annexed the former El Toro Marine Corps Air Station, most of which is to be made into a park called the Orange County Great Park. Currently, Irvine is larger in land area than any other city in Orange County, because when Irvine annexed the southern and eastern unincorporated areas, it surpassed the size of Anaheim and became the county's largest city based on area. In June 2007, it was named The Safest City in the United States (Irvine has held the title since 2005).
Irvine is home to the University of California, Irvine (UCI), the Orange County Center of University of Southern California, and the Irvine Campus of Alliant International University, Concordia University, California State University Fullerton, and Irvine Valley College.
Irvine is also home to a number of corporations, particularly in the technology sector.
History
Evidence of early campsites and rock shelters in the undeveloped parts of the city puts prehistoric man in the Irvine area at least 12,000 years ago. Irvine was inhabited by the Gabrielino Indians about 2,000 years ago. Gaspar de Portola, a Spanish explorer, came to the area in 1769. This brought on the establishment of forts, missions and herds of cattle. The King of Spain parceled out land for missions and private use.
After Mexico's independence from Spain in 1821, the Mexican government secularized the missions and assumed control of the lands. It began distributing the land to Mexican citizens who applied for grants. Three large Spanish/Mexican grants made up the land that later became the Irvine Ranch: Rancho Santiago de Santa Ana, Rancho San Joaquin and Rancho Lomas de Santiago.
In 1864, Jose Sepulveda, owner of Rancho San Joaquin sold 50,000 acres (200 kmē) to Benjamin and Thomas Flint, Llewellyn Bixby and James Irvine for $18,000 to resolve debts due to the Great Drought. In 1866, Irvine, Flint and Bixby acquired 47,000-acre (190 kmē) Rancho Lomas de Santiago for $7,000. After the Mexican-American war the land of Rancho Santiago de Santa Ana fell prey to tangled titles. In 1868, the ranch was divided among four claimants as part of a lawsuit: Flint, Bixby and Irvine. The ranches were devoted to sheep grazing. However, in 1870, tenant farming was permitted.
In 1878, James Irvine acquired his partners' interests for $150,000. His 110,000 acres (450 kmē) stretched 23 miles (37 km) from the Pacific Ocean to the Santa Ana River. James Irvine died in 1886. The ranch was inherited by his son, James Irvine, Jr. who incorporated it into The Irvine Company. James, Jr. shifted the ranch operations to field crops, olive and citrus crops.
In 1888, the Santa Fe Railroad extended its line to Fallbrook Junction (north of San Diego) and named a station along the way after James Irvine. The town that formed around this station was named Myford, after Irvine's son, because a post office in Calaveras County already bore the family name. The town was later renamed Irvine, however, in 1914.
By 1918, 60,000 acres (240 kmē) of lima beans were grown on the Irvine Ranch. Two Marine Corps facilities were built on the ranch during World War II and sold to the government.
James Irvine, Jr. died in 1947 at the age of 80. His son, Myford, assumed the presidency of The Irvine Company. He began opening small sections of the Irvine Ranch to urban development. Myford died in 1959. The same year, the University of California asked The Irvine Company for 1,000 acres (4 kmē) for a new university campus. The Irvine Company gave away the requested land and the State purchased an additional 500 acres (2 kmē).
William Pereria, the University's consulting architect, and The Irvine Company planners drew up master plans for a city of 50,000 people surrounding the new university. The area would include industrial, residential and recreational areas, commercial centers and greenbelts. The new community was to be named Irvine; the old agricultural town of Irvine, where the railroad station and post office were located, was renamed East Irvine. The villages of Turtle Rock, University Park, Culverdale, the Ranch and Walnut were completed by 1970.
On December 28, 1971, the residents of these communities voted to incorporate a substantially larger city than the one envisioned by the Pereira plan. By January 1999, Irvine had a population of 134,000 and a total area of 43 square miles (111 kmē).
Climate
The average January temperature is 56 degrees Fahrenheit, whereas, the average August temperature is 71 degrees Fahrenheit.
Irvine, as well as most of coastal Southern California, generally has a Mediterranean climate. The name derives from its similarity to the climate of areas along the Mediterranean Sea. Summers are warm to hot, and winters are cool, rarely falling below freezing. Precipitation in Irvine occurs predominantly during the winter months.
A Planned City
The layout of Irvine was designed by Los Angeles architect William Pereira and Irvine Company employee Raymond Watson, and is nominally divided into townships called villages. The townships are separated by six-lane streets. Each township includes a spectrum of similar types of dwellings, along with shopping, religious institutions and schools. Commercial districts are checker-boarded in a periphery around the central townships.
Pereira originally envisioned an Atlantis-like circular plan with numerous man-made lakes and the university in the center. When the Irvine Company refused to relinquish valuable farmland in the flat central region of the ranch for this plan, the University site was moved to the base of the southern coastal hills. The design that ended up being used was based on the shape of a necklace (with the villages strung along two parallel main streets, which terminate at UCI, the "pendant"). Traces of the original circular design are visible in the layout of the UCI campus and the two man-made lakes at the center of Woodbridge, one of the central villages.
All streets have landscaping allowances. Rights-of-way for powerlines also serve as bicycle corridors, parks and greenbelts to tie together ecological preserves. The greenery is irrigated with reclaimed water.
The homeowners' associations which govern some village neighborhoods exercise varying degrees of control on the appearances of homes. In more restrictive areas, houses' roofing, paint colors, and landscaping are regulated.
The Irvine Ranch played host to the Boy Scouts of America's 1953 National Scout Jamboree. Jamboree Road, an important street which now stretches from Newport Beach to the City of Orange, was named in honor of this event.
The Villages
Each of the villages was initially planned to have a distinct architectural theme, though many have been clouded by later development.
- College Park
- Deerfield (mixed styles)
- El Camino Real (Spanish/Neo-Eclectic)
- Irvine Spectrum (Contemporary/Moroccan)
- Laguna Crossing (future village)
- Northpark/Northpark Square (Spanish Mission)
- Northwood (Bungalow, Craftsman)
- Oak Creek (mixed styles)
- Orchard Hills
- Portola Springs (Spanish/Tuscan)
- Quail Hill (Spanish/Tuscan)
- Rancho San Joaquin (Shed style)
- Shady Canyon (Tuscan Ranch)
- Stonegate (future village)
- Turtle Ridge (Tuscan)
- Turtle Rock (mixed styles)
- University Park (California Modern)
- University Town Center (mixed styles)
- Walnut (Prairie Style)
- West Irvine (California Modern)
- Westpark (Italian Riviera/Mediterranean)
- Woodbridge (Atlantic Coast)
- Woodbury (Tuscan/Spanish/French)
- Woodbury East (Under construction)
Note: University Hills is subsidized (20-30% below market pricing) for professors and retired professors. It is the first such community of its kind in the nation.
Education
High Schools
- University High School in Irvine
- Irvine High School
- Northwood High School
- Woodbridge High School
All the high schools in Irvine have consistently made Newsweek's list of Top High Schools. In 2003, ranked 58th out of the top 804 high schools in the nation while Northwood High School ranked 404th, Irvine High School ranked 505th, and Woodbridge High School ranked 803rd.
In 2005, University High School ranked 117th out of the top 1000 high schools with Northwood High School ranking 389th, Irvine High School ranking 816th, and Woodbridge High School ranking 1040th.
In Newsweek's current 2006 list, University High School ranks at 156th out of 1,200 top high schools while Northwood High School ranks at 296th, Irvine High School ranks at 1044th, and Woodbridge High School rank at 1156th. All of these schools on the Newsweek's list were in the top 4 percent in the nation.
Also the elementary and middle schools are some of the best in the nation, including two alternative, year round, open enrollment K-8 schools (Plaza Vista and Vista Verde). The district recently constructed a new larger high tech campus for Vista Verde School in the village of Turtle Ridge. The district also has a renowned music program starting in the 4th grade. Parts of the north and west of the city are served by the Tustin Unified School District.
Colleges and Universities
Irvine is home to University of California, Irvine, which is the second-newest campus (established 1965) in the UC system after University of California, Merced. Concordia University and Irvine Valley College are also in Irvine, while Chapman University and Soka University of America are in adjacent cities.
Libraries
Irvine has two libraries: Heritage Park Regional Library and University Park Library. The Heritage Library serves as the regional reference library for Central Orange County and has a strong business focus while the University Park Library has 95,745 books including a substantial Chinese collection.
Economy
The majority of the Irvine's economic development is coordinated through the Destination Irvine program run by the Chamber of Commerce. The program provides information and assistance on business related incentives, demographics, development standards and various services such as affordable housing and childcare, schools.
Irvine is also considered a premier location for film projects due to its expansive areas and state of the art structure and facilities. It offers free or low-cost filming permits, location information and appealing and convenient visual opportunities.
Parks and Recreation
Irvine has Community Parks and Neighborhood Parks. The Community Parks have public facilities located on each site. Neighborhood Parks provide open space and some recreational amenities within the various villages of Irvine.
Community Parks
- Alton Athletic Park
- Colonel Bill Barber Marine Corps Memorial Park
- Deerfield Community Park
- Harvard Athletic Park
- Heritage Park
- Hicks Canyon Park
- Lakeview Senior Center
- Las Lomas Community Park
- Lower Peters Canyon Community Park
- Northwood Community Park
- Oak Creek Community Park
- Quail Hill Community Park
- Rancho Senior Center
- Turtle Rock Community Park
- University Community Park
- Windrow Community Park
- Woodbridge Community Park
- Woodbury Community Park
Neighborhood Parks
- Alderwood Park
- Blue Gum Park
- Brywood Park
- Canyon Park
- Carrotwood Park
- Chaparral Park
- Citrusglen Park
- College Park
- Comstock Park
- Coralwood Park
- Creekview Park
- Dovecreek Park
- Flagstone Park
- Hoeptner Park
- Homestead Park
- Knollcrest Park
- Meadowood Park
- Orchard Park
- Pepperwood Park
- Pinewood Park
- Plaza Park
- Presley Park
- Racquet Club Park
- Ranch Park
- San Carlo Park
- San Leandro Park
- San Marco Park
- Silkwood Park
- Sycamore Park
- Valencia Park
- Valley Oak Park
- Willows Park
Transportation
Transit Services
The Transit Services Program maintains the transit service programs which include the Irvine Transportation Center and the Bus Shelter/Bus Bench programs.
Bikeways
Irvine offers a system of bicycle lanes and trails to encourage the use of bikes as a means of transportation. There are 44.5 miles (71.6 km) of off-road bicycle trails and 282 miles (454 km) of on-road bicycle lanes in Irvine.
Points of Interest
- Ayn Rand Institute
- Boomers! (formerly Palace Park)
- California State University Fullerton, Irvine Campus
- Concordia University, Irvine
- Fashion Institute of Design and Merchandising, Orange County Campus
- Heritage Park
- Irvine Fine Arts Center
- Irvine Ranch Land Reserve
- Irvine Spectrum Center
- Islamic Center of Irvine
- John Wayne Airport
- Mariners Church, 2nd Largest Christian Church in Orange County
- Marymount-Webster University, Irvine Campus
- Mason Park
- Old Town Irvine
- Orange County Great Park
- Pao Fa Temple
- Strawberry Farms Golf Club
- The Market Place (Tustin and Irvine)
- University of California, Irvine
- University of California, Irvine, Arboretum
- Verizon Wireless Amphitheatre
- Wild Rivers
Business
The following companies are headquartered in Irvine:
- Allergan, Inc.
- Arbonne International
- AskMeNow Inc.
- ATEN Technology, Inc. (a division of ATEN International, Inc.)
- BAX Global
- Blizzard Entertainment
- Broadcom Corporation
- Conexant Systems
- Edwards Lifesciences LLC
- Epicor Software Corporation
- Fisker Coachbuild
- GameSpy (a division of IGN Entertainment, Inc.)
- Gateway, Inc.
- iLounge
- Kofax
- In-N-Out Burger
- LA Fitness
- Linksys (a division of Cisco Systems)
- Maruchan, Inc. (a division of Toyo Suisan)
- Meade Instruments Corporation
- O'Neill, Inc.
- Printronix
- Saleen Inc.
- Superformance, LLC
- Taco Bell (a division of Yum! Brands, Inc.)
- Ultimate Ears
- Verizon Wireless
The following international companies have their North American headquarters in Irvine:
- Atlus
- BenQ Corporation
- Kia Motors
- Marukome
- Mazda Motor Corporation
- Samsung Group
- Shimano
- Toshiba Corporation"
Source: http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Irvine%2C_California
If you're new to Irvine, we recommend you visit this website: http://www.ci.irvine.ca.us/about/new_to_irvine.asp
"Education
Irvine is proud to be served by two incredible school districts, which have nationally recognized schools that serve grades K-12. There are also three, well-known institutions of higher education located in Irvine.
Irvine Unified School District
(949) 936-5000
The Irvine Unified School District (IUSD) is comprised of 23 elementary schools, five middle schools and four high schools. Contact the IUSD office to receive more information regarding enrollment, year-round terms and schedules, the District's approach to innovative educational programs, open-style classrooms and team-teaching.
www.iusd.org
Tustin Unified School District
(714) 730-7301
The Tustin Unified School District (TUSD) is located in the central part of Orange County and serves a portion of the Irvine community. The District consists of 17 elementary schools, five middle schools, two high schools, a continuation high school, and alternative and adult education programs. Contact the District for enrollment and attendance information.
www.tustin.k12.ca.us
Concordia University
(949) 854-8002
Concordia University is located in the Irvine community of Turtle Rock. The four-year Christian liberal arts university is comprised of the School of Adult Studies, School of Arts and Sciences, School of Business, School of Education, School of Theology, Christ College and English Language School. Concordia offers 18 undergraduate majors, an adult degree completion program and five graduate degrees. Its first academic year began in 1976.
www.cui.edu
Irvine Valley College
(949) 451-5100
As one of California's leading community colleges and one of Orange County's best-known educational institutions, we provide student's exceptional educational opportunities in outstanding facilities and an extraordinary faculty and staff.
www.ivc.edu
University of California, Irvine
(949) 824-6703
Since its founding in 1965, the University of California, Irvine has combined the strengths of a major research university with the bounty of an incomparable Southern California location. UCI has become internationally recognized for efforts that are improving lives through research and discovery, providing excellence in scholarship and teaching, and engaging and enriching the community.
www.uci.edu
Business Services
Chamber of Commerce
(949) 660-9112
The Chamber, in conjunction with the City, works aggressively towards Irvine's economic development, promoting Irvine as the city of choice. The lead agency working with the City on economic development, the Chamber has established a plan that promotes Irvine as a prime business and residential location. ICC is a non-profit business organization (501C6) that represents the business community and provides benefits and services to the membership.
www.irvinechamber.com
Destination Irvine
(800) 558-4262 or (949) 660-9112 x127
Detailed information for relocating businesses or residents through the City of Irvine's economic development partner 'Destination Irvine.'
www.destinationirvine.com
Business Permits
Development Assistance Center
(949) 724-6308
Planning and Development staff are available at the Planning and Zoning Counter of the Community Development Department, located in City Hall, to answer any of your questions, and to facilitate your development application. The DAC team is equipped to answer questions regarding planning and zoning regulations.
Social and Support Services
Al & Dorothy Keen Center for Senior Resources
(949) 724-6926
Dedicated to improving and maintaining the quality of life for older adults, The Al & Dorothy Keen Center for Senior Resources offers an array of information related to social services, assistance programs and support groups.
www.cityofirvine.org/depts/cs/seniors/
outreach_n_assistance/default.asp
Catholic Charities of Orange County
(714) 347-9600
Catholic Charities of Orange County is a non-profit organization that makes available a broad base of services to all Orange County residents regardless of religious, ethnic, racial, and social backgrounds. Catholic Charities works with individuals to define, design, and implement family-friendly programs that promote economic opportunity, educational achievement, family enrichment, community health, and neighborhood reinvestment.
www.ccoc.org
City of Irvine Disability Services
(949) 724-6633
Provides information and support services to people with disabilities who live or work in Irvine. Disability Services offers social/ recreational opportunities, community awareness events, informational seminars, quarterly newsletter, classes and much more.
www.cityofirvine.org/depts/cs/
familyservices/disability_services
CSP (Community Service Programs, Inc.)
(949) 975-1046
CSP serves youths, adults and families living in Orange County who are involved or at risk of involvement with the justice system.
www.cspinc.org
Families Forward
(949) 552-2727
Assists families in need achieve and maintain self-sufficiency through housing, counseling, education and other supportive services.
www.families-forward.org
FISH (Friends in Service to Humanity)
(949) 642-6060
FISH Harbor Area, Inc. is a non-profit whose mission is preventing hunger and homelessness in our community.
www.fishharbor.org
Human Options
Hotline: (949) 854-3554
(949) 854-0180
Human Options' mission is "to help battered women, their families, and our community break the cycle of domestic violence." Human Options Emergency Shelter, a safe house for women and children, provides a safe, caring environment for up to 45-days. We also offer long-term follow-up counseling, a family healing center, counseling, and social services.
www.safenetwork.net/rd/sn000012.htm
Meals on Wheels
(949) 786-6870
Provides meals to those who are homebound.
Saddleback Community Outreach
(949) 380-8144
The major objective of SCO programs and services (food, housing, utility payments, clothing and transportation) is to help those being assisted become self-supportive.
www.saddlebackoutreach.org
Share Our Selves (SOS)
(949) 642-3451
Medical and Dental Clinics
949-650-0640
Share Our Selves (SOS) provides free emergency assistance to those in need of basic living essentials, including food, clothes, health services, and financial aid.
www.shareourselves.org
Women's Opportunity Center at UCI
(949) 824-3274
The Women's Opportunities Center is a leader in providing career assistance to women and men throughout the community. Serving more than 2,000 individuals annually, WOC provides career and resume counseling, library resources, job listings, career development workshops, and personal support groups.
http://unex.uci.edu/woc
Working Wardrobes
(949) 862-9090
Working Wardrobes®, a non-profit, nonsectarian organization based in Orange County, assists survivors of domestic violence and other adults in crisis to reclaim their self esteem and re-enter the workforce. Working Wardrobes® provides life skills education, career coaching, and professional image enhancement services to over 2000 people each year.
www.workingwardrobes.org
City of Irvine
1 Civic Center Plaza
P.O. Box 19575
Irvine, California 92623-9575
(949) 724-6000"
Source: http://www.ci.irvine.ca.us/
