District to Meet on Bonita Canyon Annexation Plan
Irvine Unified School District board members have called an emergency meeting tonight to discuss a proposal to halt annexation of Bonita Canyon to Newport Beach.
“It just shows that it’s never over until it’s over,” board member Mike Regele said.
Irvine Mayor Christina L. Shea recently proposed halting the annexation after learning that Newport Beach had hired former Orange County Supervisor Don Saltarelli as a consultant. Shea said she believes Saltarelli was hired to thwart Irvine’s battle against a commercial airport at El Toro Marine Corps Air Station.
Newport Beach officials denied the mayor’s allegation.
Irvine initiated the annexation last fall, saying Newport Beach schools could better accommodate students in the development.
Ending annexation proceedings would put the school district in a bind, Regele said, adding that he sympathizes with the mayor’s concerns.
The board meets at 6:30 p.m. at district headquarters, 5050 Barranca Parkway. Information: (714) 651-0444.
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