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In the heart of Irvine lies a publication that has stirred both intrigue and skepticism among its readers - the Irvine Community News and Views (ICNV). What appears as a conventional newspaper at first glance, is, in reality, a political mailer with a mission that extends beyond mere news reporting. Peeling Back the Layers Irvine Community News & Views has become 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 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. 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. 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 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.

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. ###

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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Join me in shaping a brighter, more inclusive Democratic Party! I will be on the primary ballot as a candidate for Central Committee for the Democratic Party of Orange County. I was elected in 2020 to serve on the Central Committee for Assembly District 68. I am now seeking re-election to represent the newly formed Assembly District 73, encompassing the cities of Irvine, Tustin, and Costa Mesa. I would be honored to earn your vote once again. I will continue to champion policies that promote social justice, economic opportunity, healthcare access, and environmental sustainability. I will advocate for civil rights, equality, and the protection of reproductive rights. Through effective communication and engagement, I will strive to empower individuals and communities, ensuring that everyone has a voice in shaping our collective future. Proven Democratic Leadership California Democratic Party (CADEM) - Executive Vice Chair, Asian Pacific Caucus Democratic Party of Orange County - Central Committee, AD68 Councilmember, City of Irvine Board Member (Ret), Korean American Democratic Committee (KADC) Democrats' Choice For Central Committee! Tammy has been endorsed by Representative Katie Porter, Senator Dave Min , and Supervisor Katrina Foley Workers' Choice For Central Committee! Orange County Labor Federation and Orange County Firefighters endorse Tammy Kim for Central Committee! Vote on before March 5, 2024 Also vote for Naz Hamid, Manual Chavez, and Austin Dick, What Is Central Committee? California State law requires every county to have a Central Committee for each political party who are elected by assembly districts.  Central Committee is the governing body of the Democratic Party of Orange County (DPOC). ​They conduct general business, approves its budget, coordinates Democratic campaign activity, and endorse candidates for local offices.  How to Vote? In Orange County, each assembly district is given six members to vote for. Voting takes place during the presidential primary election.  Vote on or before March 5, 2024 either in person or by mail.  Who Can Vote? You must be a registered to vote as Democrat in order receive a ballot with Central Committee candidates.  If you are not a registered Democrat, the list of candidates will not appear on your ballot.  No Party Preference/Decline to state candidates can request a Democratic Cross-Over ballot at: OCVOTE.GOV Where is AD-73? As of December 2022, Assembly District 73 covers all of Irvine, Costa Mesa, and Tustin (except for the unincorporated North Tustin area). Orange County Labor Federation Endorsed Candidates: AD73 SLATE