Tag: irvine

Irvine to Welcome Cosmic-Themed ‘Universal Playground’

IRVINE, Calif.—Assemblywoman Cottie Petrie-Norris (D-Irvine) recently secured $2.8 million for the renovation of a STEM and outer space-themed park for people with cognitive and physical disabilities. To be located at Sweet Shade Park in Westpark, the city’s first “universal playground” is designed to allow children and adults with special needs to play alongside others without…


Man Arrested, Accused of Sexually Assaulting Woman in Irvine Elevator

IRVINE, Calif.—Police arrested a 26-year-old man Sunday for alleged felony sexual battery. Rafael Cortez was arrested at his residence without incident and transferred to the Orange County jail, where he was booked on suspicion of felony sexual battery, assault and battery, and false imprisonment. The alleged sexual assault happened on June 25 at an Extra…


Man Allegedly Kills Roommate Inside Irvine Home

IRVINE, Calif.—A 39-year-old Irvine man was arrested for allegedly shooting his roommate to death Monday, but not before pointing a gun at his own head, prompting a response from crisis negotiators and a SWAT team, authorities said. Police received a 911 text at about 2:20 a.m. Monday requesting that they respond to a home on…


Irvine’s Wild Rivers Waterpark Postpones Opening to July 10

IRVINE, Calif.—Many Orange County residents have been waiting for a splash at the Wild Rivers Waterpark on hot summer days, but its reopening date has been rescheduled to July 10 because of supply chain issues. “We are committed to building Southern California’s best-in-class water park experience, but have been severely impacted by supply chain issues causing…


Huntington Beach Councilman Kalmick Officially Sworn Into OC Power Authority Board

HUNTINGTON BEACH, Calif.—Huntington Beach City Councilman Dan Kalmick was officially sworn in this week as the city’s primary representative in the Orange County Power Authority (OCPA) after Mike Posey resigned from the position. City councilors voted 6–0 to approve the appointment at the June 21 city council meeting, with Councilman Erik Peterson absent. Mike Posey, the city’s…


Man Charged in Killing of Irvine Scientist Sentenced for Attacking Deputies

LOS ANGELES—A man accused of murdering a research scientist in Malibu Creek State Park was sentenced on June 21 to three years and eight months in jail for attacking two Los Angeles County sheriff’s deputies while he has been in custody. Jurors found Anthony Rauda, 45, guilty June 9 of two felony counts of battery…


Irvine Honors Amateur Radio Operators

IRVINE, Calif.—The City of Irvine declared the week of June 20 to 26 as “Amateur Radio Week,” to honor the city’s reported 800 amateur radio operators—or hams—who maintain lines of communication during an emergency. “We are truly grateful for your service,” Irvine Mayor Farrah Khan said at the June 14 city council meeting. The city…


Irvine and Huntington Beach Order Investigation Into OC Power Authority

Following allegations of corruption, price increases, “broken promises,” and ensuing public outrage, both Irvine and Huntington Beach city councils voted almost unanimously to audit the Orange County Power Authority (OCPA) June 14. After private session deliberations, Huntington Beach voted 5 to 0 authorizing possible legal action against OCPA (Councilors Kim Carr and Erik Peterson absent), with Irvine…


Authorities Destroy 60 Pounds of Explosives in Irvine

IRVINE, Calif.—Authorities destroyed 60 pounds of confiscated homemade explosives June 8 at the Frank R. Bowerman landfill, according to the Orange County Sheriff’s Department. Sheriff spokesman Sgt. Scott Steinle told The Epoch Times that the explosive material was seized over the last year. Prior to destroying the explosives, Steinle said, they were used for training…


California Man to Plead Guilty for Stealing Over $5 Million in COVID Loans

IRVINE, Calif.—A 35-year-old Orange County man, who is accused of fraudulently obtaining more than $5 million in COVID-19 relief loans on sham companies, agreed to plead guilty to federal criminal charges, a U.S. attorney said in a June 3 statement. Raghavender Reddy Budamala, of Irvine, confessed to one count of bank fraud and one count…