Council to Discuss Plans for City’s 25th Birthday

How much do you spend on a birthday party for a city?

That’s what council members will be discussing tonight as the city prepares for its milestone 25th birthday party this fall.

“I just don’t know what the number is yet,” said City Manager Paul Brady. “We’re trying to keep it as low-cost as possible.”

This fall also will be a milestone for Brady, who joined the city staff in 1971 during Irvine’s incorporation. Brady spent most of his career as assistant city manager under founding City Manager William Woollett, becoming city manager in 1989.

“I’ve seen the city grow from a population of 8,500 to its current population of almost 130,000,” Brady said. “We are a city that has not been afraid to take risks. That’s one thing that sets Irvine apart from many communities.”

The community service department has recommended that celebrations be planned for Oct. 18 and 19, but Councilwoman Christina Shea said the event should be held two weeks earlier, in conjunction with the annual Harvest Festival.

“It’s the perfect venue to bring the community together,” Shea said.

It also would put a little more distance between the celebration and the November council elections, said Shea, who is running for mayor. Former Irvine Mayor Sally Anne Sheridan also recently announced she will run for mayor after a four-year hiatus from the council.

The city also may plan a series of events leading to an October weekend celebration, according to Community Services Commission Chairman Alan Dugard.

“Obviously, we don’t want to overspend,” Dugard said, “but we want to make it an appropriate recognition for the growth of this city.”