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In the heart of Irvine lies a publication that has stirred both intrigue and skepticism among its readers – Irvine Community News and Views  (ICNV). What may appear at first glance to be a conventional newspaper is, in reality, a political mailer with a mission that goes far beyond objective news reporting. Its true purpose is to smear Larry Agran’s political opponents by spreading lies and misinformation, using biased narratives to sway public opinion under the guise of journalism. Peeling Back the Layers Irvine Community News & Views has been a subject of controversy due to its close ties to Larry Agran, current City Council member. The publication, which claims a circulation of 74,000, was started in 2014 by Frank Lunding, a friend of Agran's, with Agran's assistance .  Critics, including other council members and academics, argue that the paper is biased in favor of Agran and lacks transparency about its connections to him. Agran owns a 4% financial stake in the newspaper, previously wrote a column for it, and his family members are involved in its operations .   A Closer Look Behind the Headlines Irvine Community News and Views presents itself as an unbiased source of local information, but a closer examination reveals a hidden political agenda. The newspaper's content shows a clear bias in favor of Larry Agran, current City Councilmember . The publication frequently features negative articles and outright lies about Agran's political rivals while portraying him positively . Additionally, many online articles are attributed to unnamed "ICNV Staff," raising concerns about transparency and journalistic integrity. Lies, Lies, and More Lies The Irvine Community News and Views  (ICNV) embodies yellow journalism at its worst, filled with blatant lies, half-truths, and statements taken entirely out of context. Its pages are a breeding ground for misinformation, designed to deceive readers with sensationalism and distortion, all in the name of political smear campaigns. Under the guise of reporting, ICNV churns out biased narratives, abandoning journalistic integrity for a strategy built on spreading falsehoods and manipulating public opinion. Exploiting Loopholes In Campaign Finance Laws ICNV exploits loopholes in campaign finance laws to avoid disclosing its financial backers, deliberately skirting transparency regulations. By operating online when there are no elections, it evades scrutiny and functions as an unregistered campaign tool. During election season, it switches tactics, distributing printed editions directly to voters’ homes under the guise of legitimate journalism. This operation takes full advantage of the decline in local news, deceiving voters with biased content masked as trustworthy reporting. ICNV manipulates the system to push hidden partisan agendas, undermining transparency and deliberately misleading the public. Who Is Paying For This? The primary revenue streams for most news outlets are advertisers and subscribers. Businesses pay newspapers to place ads, both in print and online, making advertising one of the largest sources of income. Subscribers pay for regular access to the newspaper, whether through physical copies or digital subscriptions. Some newspapers also use paywalls, where readers must subscribe to view certain articles. Additionally, companies may pay for sponsored content, which appears as regular articles but is actually promotional material. But how can a print newspaper afford to send out 74,000 physical copies to each mailbox without A) advertisers, B) subscribers, or C) corporate sponsors? Several attempts were made to try purchase ads via phone and email. No one responded to our request to purchase ads in ICNV. Transparency is Key In a world where transparency is often overshadowed by sensationalism, it becomes imperative for readers to discern between genuine reporting and disguised agendas. Unveiling the truth behind Irvine Community News and Views is not merely an act of skepticism but a call for journalistic integrity and ethical reporting standards. Closing Thoughts As the boundaries between news reporting and advocacy continue to blur, it falls upon the readers to navigate the media landscape with caution and mindfulness. The Irvine Community News and Views may wear the garb of a traditional newspaper, but beneath its facade lies a realm of hidden intentions and covert messaging. In a realm where information is power, being equipped with the ability to distinguish between authentic journalism and political propaganda becomes paramount. The next time you skim through the pages of Irvine Community News and Views, remember to look beyond the headlines and uncover the reality that lies beneath the surface. Stay informed, stay vigilant, for the truth often lies in the spaces between the lines. This issue has been a subject of controversy for many years. Below are additional insightful articles that explore the topic in greater depth: Community newspaper backed by former Irvine mayor and current council candidate draws criticism - LA Times Fake Larry Agran Newspaper Sues City Of Irvine Over Distribution - OCWeekly Opinion: Larry Agran Needs To Come Clean - OCIndependent Irvine political slate mailer looks like a newspaper - OCRegister About the author: Irvine Councilmember Tammy Kim is a candidate running for Irvine Mayor in November 2024. Tammy Kim takes full accountability for the statements laid out in this article.

For Immediate Release April 16, 2025 I have deliberately refrained from commenting on the Irvine City Council District 5 special election, allowing the process to unfold without interference from me or those who have supported our candidacy. Unfortunately, the result was marked by record low voter turnout. It is deeply troubling that a council seat in one of California's most influential cities, with a prominent global profile, could be decided by fewer than 4,000 votes, electing a candidate who emerged from obscurity and demonstrated minimal knowledge or substance on key issues. Clearly, voters in District 5 were motivated not by enthusiasm for their chosen candidate but by a decisive rejection of what they did not want. Anthony Kuo's humiliating defeat in Irvine's District 5 special election isn't merely a political loss—it represents a complete and spectacular implosion, a profound rejection of the disgraceful tactics he and his allies employed to manipulate the election outcome. Despite District 5 being shamelessly engineered specifically for Kuo through Larry Agran’s blatant gerrymandering, Kuo’s severely flawed candidacy failed spectacularly against a virtually unknown opponent. This embarrassing defeat marks a new low, underscoring voters' definitive repudiation of Anthony Kuo and Larry Agran's unethical and manipulative brand of politics. His loss is especially humiliating given the unprecedented level of dirty political maneuvering and massive special-interest spending—over $400,000 dumped into a desperate attempt to prop up his floundering candidacy. Kuo’s defeat epitomizes the absolute rejection of dirty politics by Irvine voters. This result isn't simply an electoral setback; it’s the final nail in the coffin of a career built on entitlement, political arrogance, and a reliance on playing dirty politics rather than genuine leadership or meaningful community connection. Anthony Kuo's political career is finished—not because of circumstances or chance—but because voters finally saw through the charade. His inability to win even when the deck was stacked entirely in his favor underscores just how fundamentally flawed he is as a candidate.  This isn't merely a defeat; it's a well-deserved public humiliation for a candidate who believed dirty tricks could compensate for a lack of character, authenticity, and integrity. Karma's a bitch Larry Agran wrote Anthony Kuo's candidate statement! Larry Agran, Irvine, Irvine City Council, Special Election, Anthony Kuo

IRVINE, CA – March 13, 2023 - Congresswoman Katie Porter, who represents Irvine in Congress, has announced her endorsement of Irvine Vice Mayor Tammy Kim. Kim is running in the open-seat race for Mayor that will be held in November 2024.

In announcing her endorsement, Porter released the following statement: "Tammy Kim is an experienced leader with a proven record of fighting to keep Irvine a great place to live. Tammy cares deeply about the Irvine community, and I trust her to listen to our city’s residents and advance policies to expand housing, combat climate change, and improve city services. Tammy is also the candidate best equipped to ensure transparency and accountability at City Hall. I’m proud to endorse Tammy Kim for Irvine Mayor, and I urge you to join me in voting for her.”

Katie Porter has represented Irvine in the United States House of Representatives since January 2019. She’s a nationally renowned leader in the fight to protect consumers, taxpayers, and middle-class families. Prior to her election to Congress, Porter was a law professor at UC Irvine. Please join Katie by supporting Tammy Kim for Irvine Mayor! ABOUT TAMMY KIM
Tammy Kim is a nonprofit leader, educator, and mother who has served on the Irvine City Council since 2020. Tammy won her election with more votes than any City Council candidate in Irvine’s history. If elected, Tammy will be the first Korean American woman to be directly elected mayor of a “Top 100” city in the United States.

Tammy currently represents Irvine on several regional boards including: the Southern California Association of Governments (SCAG), Orange County Council of Governments (OCCOG), Irvine Community Land Trust, Orange County Public Libraries, Orange County Mosquito and Vector Control, League of California Cities, Orange County Division Board of Directors, the Orange County Power Authority’s Cities Advisory Committee, and the Orange County Fire Authority.

Tammy is the founder of the Korean American Center, an Irvine-based nonprofit that merged with Korean Community Services to become one of the largest social service agencies serving the Asian American community. Her experience in the private sector includes working as an executive in technology firms and running her own small business

Prior to her election to the City Council, Tammy served as a Finance Commissioner for the City of Irvine, as Chair of the Language Access Committee for the Orange County Registrar of Voters, on the Steering Committee of the Irvine Global Village Festival, and on the Education Advisory Council for our local State Assemblymember. ###

For Immediate Release February 7, 2025 Effectively immediately, I have withdrawn from the special City Council election. My decision to withdraw was not due to the baseless legal challenge. I was fully eligible to run. Having moved to Woodbridge, I met the residency requirements for the seat. My withdrawal stems from a deeper issue. I believe that candidates for local office—and their families—should not be subjected to harassment. It has come to light that this harassment and legal challenge were orchestrated and funded by corporate lobbyists from Live Nation . They are targeting me because I prioritized our community's needs over their profit-driven agenda.   A week ago, I attempted to settle this matter to end the harassment and regain focus on my personal life. However, the conditions proposed by the plaintiff were entirely unacceptable and unrelated to my residency qualifications. They demanded I sign an affidavit with: False statements about a 2023 City Council vote regarding Live Nation. They sought to wrongfully accuse Councilmember Treseder, a vocal critic of Live Nation and their lobbyists, of alleged Brown Act violations—claims that are baseless. More about this vote. Attempts to discredit city staff in a blatant effort to pave the way for Live Nation's reentry into Irvine under the new council. My support for Anthony Kuo for Irvine City Council. Non-disparagement clauses that would prevent me from criticizing Live Nation, Patrick Strader , Anthony Kuo, Ron Scolesdang, James Mai, and other figures linked to the Republican Party. I refused to sign such a manipulative and dishonest affidavit. This ordeal has clearly demonstrated that their lawsuit was never about my residency —it was an attempt to buy influence and exert control over our city, driven by corruption and the interests of those they support, including Anthony Kuo.  We are in an era where corporate interests, armed with deep pockets, seek to influence our elections through any means necessary. They have launched a misinformation campaign and have weaponized our justice system to target me and drain my financial resources.  We filed an opposition to the petition and a motion to strike the petition under California's anti-SLAPP law.   Our case was strong and the anti-SLAPP motion put the plaintiff in danger of having to pay me extensive attorneys' fees.  They came back to me wanting to settle and dropped their outrageous demands. I believe that our strong response was a major factor that forced them to settle by allowing me to withdraw as I had sought to do a week earlier.
Although I am withdrawing from this election, I love Irvine. My commitment to serving our community remains steadfast. I will continue to work tirelessly to support and improve our community.  ### "Kim Affadavit" they wanted me to sign in return for withdrawing from city council race. (See below for screenshots if unable to view PDF.) Is Live Nation involved??? It is estimated that $200,000 was spent so far. Would any private person without the support of deep corporate pockets have the ability to fund this? What does anything in this affadavit have anything to do with my residency?

FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE Contact: Overland Strategies December 18, 2024 IRVINE, CA  – Former Irvine City Councilmember Tammy Kim today officially announced her candidacy for the Special Election to represent District 5 on the Irvine City Council, scheduled for  April 15, 2025 , to fill the vacancy created by Larry Agran’s election to Mayor. The newly established District 5 encompasses the vibrant villages of  Westpark, Woodbridge, University Park, and Rancho San Joaquin . Tammy Kim, a dedicated public servant since her historic election in 2020, is stepping forward to continue her proven leadership and advocacy for Irvine’s families, businesses, and communities. During her tenure on the City Council  (Dec 2020 - Dec 2024) , Tammy championed critical priorities, including housing affordability, environmental sustainability, public safety, and economic development. She advanced innovative policies to make housing more accessible, positioned Irvine as a hub for innovation, and reimagined the Great Park as a premier community asset that enhances residents’ quality of life. Notably, Tammy spearheaded the creation of Irvine’s new Public Library System, set to launch in  July 2025 “Irvine is at a pivotal moment, ” said Tammy Kim.  “With our city growing and facing new challenges, we need experienced leadership to safeguard our quality of life while planning wisely for the future. I am committed to building a stronger, safer, and more inclusive Irvine for everyone.” Tammy Kim’s campaign has already earned strong endorsements from leaders across Orange County, underscoring her broad coalition of support. Early endorsers include: Congresswoman Katie Porter Congressmember-Elect Dave Min Assemblymember Cottie Petrie-Norris Orange County Supervisor Katrina Foley Irvine City Councilmember At-Large Dr. Kathleen Treseder Irvine City Councilmember Melinda Liu Irvine City Councilmember William Go Irvine Unified School District President Cyril Yu Irvine Unified School District Trustee Dr. Jeff Kim Irvine Unified School District Trustee (Ret.) Paul Bokoda Irvine Sustainability Commissioner Dr. Steve Allison Irvine Transportation Commissioner Ken Montgomery Irvine Community Services Commissioner Naz Hamid Irvine DEI Committee Member Mary Ann Foo A long-time champion of Irvine’s neighborhoods and villages, Tammy Kim has led initiatives to expand affordable housing opportunities, enhance transportation infrastructure, support small businesses, and maintain public safety without increasing the police budget. Her leadership has also driven sustainability efforts, including water conservation and advancing Irvine’s ambitious Climate Action Plan goals. Tammy Kim’s candidacy focuses on her vision for a city that balances growth with preserving Irvine’s unique charm and quality of life. She remains steadfast in her commitment to championing safe streets, enriching parks and green spaces, and ensuring fiscal responsibility for Irvine’s long-term success. For more information about Tammy Kim’s campaign, visit  http://www.tammykim.com . ABOUT TAMMY KIM Tammy Kim currently serves as a Finance Commissioner and previously served as an Irvine City Councilmember from Dec 2020 to Dec 2024, where she earned more votes than any City Council candidate in Irvine’s history. A dedicated advocate for Irvine’s families, workers, and businesses, Tammy is also a nonprofit leader, educator, and mother who has spent years advancing initiatives to make Irvine a more inclusive, forward-thinking, and livable city.  Tammy has also represented Irvine on several influential regional boards, including the Southern California Association of Governments (SCAG), Orange County Council of Governments (OCCOG), Orange County Housing and Finance Trust, Orange County Public Libraries, Orange County Mosquito and Vector Control, the League of California Cities and the Orange County Fire Authority.  Tammy is the founder and Executive Director of the Korean American Center, an Irvine based nonprofit.  Her professional career includes high-level roles in Fortune 500 companies and venture-backed startups in the technology sector and running her own small business.   ###

Kim Leads Only Competitor by 7 to 1 Margin Original Press Release IRVINE, CA – August 2, 2023 - Vice Mayor Tammy Kim has taken a commanding fundraising lead in the open seat race for Irvine Mayor. Kim’s campaign reported raising over $74,000 for the period ending on June 30, and she reports holding more than $70,000 in cash on hand. The election is in November 2024. The contribution limit for the City of Irvine is capped at $620 per donor, per election cycle. Tammy Kim released the following statement regarding the report:
"With the release of the latest filings, I want to humbly thank all of our campaign’s supporters. Our early fundraising success is a clear sign that Irvine residents are ready for fresh ideas and a bold vision that moves our city forward. I’m grateful for the support we received from both old friends and new supporters, and I’m looking forward to all the work that remains as we head into 2024.”

ABOUT TAMMY KIM
Tammy Kim is a nonprofit leader, educator, and mother who has served on the Irvine City Council since 2020. Tammy won her election with more votes than any City Council candidate in Irvine’s history. When elected, Tammy will be the first Korean American woman to be directly elected mayor of a “Top 100” city in the United States.

Tammy currently represents Irvine on several regional boards including: the Southern California Association of Governments (SCAG), Orange County Council of Governments (OCCOG), Irvine Community Land Trust, Orange County Public Libraries, Orange County Mosquito and Vector Control, League of California Cities, Orange County Division Board of Directors, the Orange County Power Authority and the Orange County Fire Authority.

Tammy is the founder of the Korean American Center, an Irvine-based nonprofit that merged with Korean Community Services to become one of the largest social service agencies serving the Asian American community in Orange County. Her experience in the private sector includes working as an executive in technology firms and running her own small business.

Prior to her election to the City Council, Tammy served as a Finance Commissioner for the City of Irvine, as Chair of the Language Access Committee for the Orange County Registrar of Voters, on the Steering Committee of the Irvine Global Village Festival, and on the Education Advisory Council for our local State Assemblymember.

Tammy's endorsements include Attorney General Rob Bonta, U.S, Representative Katie Porter, Senator Dave Min, Assemblymember Cottie Petrie-Norris, Supervisor Katrina Foley, Irvine Councilmember Kathleen Treseder, PhD, and Orange County Firefighters Local 3631 to name a few.

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한국어 繁體中文 简体中文 I am proud of the work we've done to move the Great Park forward , ending years of mismanagement, corruption, and wasteful overspending by Larry Agran. It’s essential to recognize the real threat Agran poses to the progress of the Great Park. His campaign revealed his plan to move the Cemetery back into the Great Park, undoing decisions made by the City Council, residents, and Veterans groups. Despite Gypsum Canyon in Anaheim being the agreed-upon site for the cemetery, Agran is determined to bring the cemetery into the heart of the Great Park, jeopardizing our vision. This isn’t just about politics— it’s about the future of the Great Park . If Agran succeeds, the Great Park’s development will be disrupted, impacting its purpose and value for families. At risk will be: A world-class Botanic Garden and Veterans Memorial Park, designed as a peaceful sanctuary and educational hub. A state-of-the-art Central Library , positioning Irvine as a hub of innovation, creativity, and intellectual curiosity. A live music amphitheater , bringing arts and culture to the community. A lake and water features offering scenic beauty and recreation. The Cultural Terrace - home to the future Pretend City and the Orange County Asian American History Museum. We cannot afford to let this happen. Let’s keep Irvine moving forward—not backward. Vote for Tammy Kim on or before November 5th to ensure we fulfill the promise of the Great Park.