Tag: Irvine Ranch

A Must-Read for Irvine Ranch History Aficionados

Growing up in Orange County, I can still remember the trip in my high school years with my father to see the new University of California in Irvine. I saw barren rolling hills with newly built structures and minimal vegetation or trees. Decades later, as a State Senator representing the 37th District, which includes UCI,…


Who Were the Irvines? The History of Irvine Ranch

The City of Irvine received its name from the Irvine family, who established the company that designed the city known today. California was originally part of Mexico, and after the country gained its independence from Spain in 1810, land was given as grants to eligible citizens. Three large Mexican grants—Rancho Santiago de Santa Ana, Rancho…