Reception to Honor Councilwoman

The city will host a reception for outgoing Councilwoman Paula Werner from 4:30 to 5:30 p.m. Tuesday in the lobby of City Hall.

Werner, who did not seek reelection Nov. 5, is moving to Fairfax Station, Va., where she plans to finish her master’s degree in divinity at Wesley Theological Seminary in Washington. Werner, 49, who has been working toward the degree at the School of Theology in the Claremont Colleges for 1 1/2 years, hopes to pursue a career in ministry with the Methodist Church.

She has served on the council since 1988 and has been a resident of Irvine for 15 years.

“It’s bittersweet,” Werner said about her move to Virginia. “I’m very sad to leave the people, the friends, the residents who have been a part of my life and who I worked with on building the city.

“But I also recognize this a wonderful new opportunity for me, and we all need to be open to changes in our lives.”

Werner said she is most proud of the Safe House for Kids and Moms, a battered women’s shelter built during her tenure as a councilwoman.

“I’m also proud of the affordable housing we’ve been able to provide in the city, because I think it’s a real need.”

Werner said she wants the council to continue its fight against an El Toro airport.

A scrapbook is being compiled as a gift for Werner. Residents can make contributions to the book by bringing photos and other memorabilia to the reception or by mailing them to Chris Smiley, 27 Foxhill, Irvine, 92604 by Friday.