Betty Martinez Franco Joins the Irvine City Council

Betty Martinez Franco was sworn in on May 13, becoming the newest member of the Irvine City Council and the first Latina and Mexican immigrant to hold the position. She emphasized her commitment to inclusivity, stating, “I am here for everyone,” and celebrated Irvine's diverse cultural offerings. The Council's agenda included presentations on a Water Safety Program and an Urban Forest Master Plan, followed by Martinez Franco's first vote on a consent calendar that passed 7-0. The meeting escalated when the Council discussed a controversial proposal to redevelop the Oak Creek Golf Club into a 3,100-unit residential village, which attracted over 80 public comments. Council members engaged in a lengthy discussion with city staff and representatives from the Irvine Company, reflecting the complexity of the project.

Ultimately, the Council voted unanimously to continue discussions and conduct further environmental and traffic studies. Mayor Agran remarked on the collaborative spirit of the newly complete seven-member Council. Martinez Franco expressed confidence in her role, stating, “I thought it went fine,” after the lengthy session.