Trustees Urging Council to Uphold Bonita Canyon Pact
School trustees will urge the Irvine City Council to stand by an agreement that would make a new housing development part of Newport Beach.
“We really do feel that it’s in the best interest of kids for this land to go to Newport-Mesa,” Irvine school board member Margie Wakeham said.
Irvine Mayor Christina L. Shea recently called for a halt to the Bonita Canyon annexation deal, angered by Newport Beach’s efforts to promote a commercial airport at El Toro Marine Corps Air Station.
Irvine initiated the annexation last fall, saying Newport Beach schools could better accommodate students in the development. Board members said that ending annexation proceedings would put the Irvine Unified School District in a bind, including the need to buy land for a new school.
Board President Hank Adler will represent the district when the Irvine City Council meets Tuesday to consider the annexation plan.
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