Irvine News Blog

CA announces most Counties can now reopen barbershops and hair salons with modifications

Posted on May 26, 2020 by Editor Posted in Disease, Emergencies, Health Care, Irvine, Public Safety Leave a comment

SACRAMENTO – The California Department of Public Health today announced that counties that have attested to meeting the criteria for accelerated re-opening may re-open hair salons and barbershops with modifications such as mandatory face coverings for both barbers or stylists and clients. State public health leaders noted that Californians staying at home and exercising caution when out helped flatten the COVID-19 curve. Public health leaders acknowledge that today’s announcement is also possible based on statewide indicators such as PPE, testing capacity, hospital surge capacity and hospitalizations.

Permitted activities include services that can be provided with both the worker and customer wearing face coverings throughout the service. These include haircuts, hair coloring, blowouts, weaves and extensions, braiding, lock maintenance, wig maintenance and hair relaxing treatments.

Salon activities that cannot be done with face coverings on both the worker and client – or that require touching the client’s face – such as shaving, facial waxing, threading, eyelash services and facials – remain prohibited at this time in all counties. Likewise, nail salons remain closed.

“Together, Californians have limited infections in our state, and because of that work, many counties may make a decision to restart modified hair and barber services,” said Dr. Sonia Angell, State Public Health Officer and Director of the California Department of Public Health. “However, COVID-19 is still present in our communities and we are still at risk. As we venture outside our homes, it is critically important to keep physical distance, wear face coverings in public, and wash hands frequently to help protect yourself and those around you.”

Under the new guidance to reopen, salons and barbers must:

Implement measures to ensure physical distancing of at least six feet between and among workers and customers, except when providing haircutting and other close contact services.
Provide temperature and/or symptom screenings for all workers at the beginning of their shift and any vendors, contractors, or other workers entering the establishment.
Encourage workers and customers who are sick or exhibiting symptoms of COVID-19 to stay home.
Screen customers upon arrival and be prepared to cancel or reschedule customers who indicate they have any signs of illness.
Require workers and customers to use face coverings during the entire haircutting and other close contact hair services.

More information about the state’s COVID-19 guidance is on the California Department of Public Health’s Guidance web page.

More information about reopening California and what individuals can do to prevent the spread of COVID-19, visit Coronavirus (COVID-19) in California.

1,995 people have recovered from COVID-19 in Orange County

Posted on May 26, 2020 by Editor Posted in California, Disease, Emergencies, Health Care, Irvine, News, OC Health Care, Public Safety Leave a comment

The Orange County Health Care Agency (HCA) has finally announced that 1,995 people have allegedly recovered from the COVID-19 virus here in Orange County.

The HCA did note however that while every case of the new coronavirus that causes COVID-19 is reported to HCA, there is no practical way to find out if they’ve recovered. Moreover, many people may have experienced some symptoms of COVID-19, but were have not been tested, making it impossible to know the exact number of COVID-19 infections and recoveries.

The HCA finally came up with an estimate by taking the difference between the prior 28-day cumulative case count and current day mortality to determine the current day recovered total. They also asked that we consider this data to be only an estimate and it should be interpreted with caution.

There are currently 5,578 COVID-19 victims in Orange County including 131 fatalities. There are 180 cases in Irvine. A total of 131 new O.C. cases were announced today. There are currently 269 victims in local hospitals and 106 of them are in Intensive Care Units.

Here is how other major cities in Orange County are faring:

Santa Ana reports 1,032 cases
Anaheim reports 904 cases
Huntington Beach reports 329 cases
Garden Grove reports 286 cases
Orange reports 258 cases
Buena Park reports 160 cases
Newport Beach reports 139 cases
Fullerton reports 184 cases
Westminster reports 108 cases
Tustin reports 89 cases
Costa Mesa reports 104 cases
Fountain Valley reports 53 cases

The California Department of Public Health announced on May 25 the most recent statistics on COVID-19. California now has 94,558 confirmed cases and 3,795 deaths.

The CDC reports these nationwide cases:

TOTAL CASES: 1,662,414
24,958 New Cases
TOTAL DEATHS: 98,261
592 New Deaths

Health Care Worker Infection Rates

As of May 24, local health departments have reported 9,328 confirmed positive cases in health care workers and 50 deaths statewide.

Your Actions Save Lives

Every person has a role to play. Protecting yourself and your family comes down to common sense:

Staying home except for essential needs/activities.
Practicing social distancing.
Washing hands with soap and water for a minimum of 20 seconds.
Avoiding touching eyes, nose or mouth with unwashed hands.
Covering a cough or sneeze with your sleeve, or disposable tissue. Wash your hands afterward.
Avoiding close contact with people who are sick.
Staying away from work, school or other people if you become sick with respiratory symptoms like fever and cough.
Following guidance from public health officials.

What to Do if You Think You’re Sick
Call ahead: If you are experiencing symptoms of COVID-19 (fever, cough or shortness of breath) and may have had contact with a person with COVID-19, or recently traveled to countries with apparent community spread, call your health care provider before seeking medical care so that appropriate precautions can be taken.

For more information about what Californians can do to prevent the spread of COVID-19, visit Coronavirus (COVID-19) in California.

California continues to issue guidance on preparing and protecting California from COVID-19. Consolidated guidance is available on the California Department of Public Health’s Guidance web page.

Irvine’ restaurants and retail stores can open now with modifications

Posted on May 24, 2020 by Editor Posted in Business, Disease, Emergencies, Irvine Leave a comment

The County of Orange’s plan to move into Stage Two has been approved by the State of California. Certain businesses with adaptions, such as in-person dining reservations and retail shopping with social distancing and curbside pickup, will be allowed to re-open. Learn more at https://bit.ly/OCStageTwo(link is external).

Additionally, the County Health Officer today issued a new Health Officer’s Order(link is external) and additional strong recommendations to help slow the spread of COVID-19 in Orange County as more businesses move toward re-opening.

Since its incorporation in 1971, Irvine has become a nationally recognized city, with a population of 276,176 that spans 66 square miles and is recognized as one of America’s safest and most successful master-planned urban communities. Top-rated educational institutions, an enterprising business atmosphere, sound environmental stewardship, and respect for diversity all contribute to Irvine’s enviable quality of life. This family-friendly city features more than 16,000 acres of parks, sports fields and dedicated open space and is the home of the Orange County Great Park. For more information, please visit cityofirvine.org.

City of Irvine ranked 7th in the nation for public park access

Posted on May 22, 2020 by Editor Posted in Irvine, News, Parks and Recreation Leave a comment

The City of Irvine has been ranked seventh in the nation by the Trust for Public Land annual ParkScore Index, which ranks the nation’s 100 largest cities based on factors including park access, acreage, investment, and amenities. Irvine is the top-ranked city in California, and this is the third consecutive year the City’s parks have ranked in the top 10 nationally.

Irvine earned perfect scores in park spending per resident and basketball hoops per 10,000 residents; the City also earned high marks in community centers and playgrounds. The ParkScore Index noted that 82 percent of Irvine parks are within a 10-minute walk of each residence, well above the national median of 72 percent. The ParkScore ranking includes parks, facilities, and amenities managed by the City, either through ownership or joint-use agreements.

“We are pleased to have one of the top 10 park systems in America for the third consecutive year,” stated Mayor Christina L. Shea. “Our parks are essential to our mental and physical health – that has never been more evident than during the coronavirus pandemic. Not only do we have thousands of acres of parkland and open space available in Irvine, they are maintained using an organics first approach to land management. So whether our residents are kicking a soccer ball on a field or walking a dog, they can be assured of a safe environment.”

The full ParkScore Index is available at tpl.org/parkscore(link is external), including score details and demographic information for each city. Learn more about Irvine parks at cityofirvine.org/parks(link is external).

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Burglary suspects who targeted Irvine homes arrested in multi-county sweep

Posted on May 20, 2020 by Editor Posted in Crime, Irvine, Irvine Police Department, News Leave a comment

SANTA ANA, Calif. – Five men accused of running a multi-county burglary ring responsible for stealing $1.9 million in designer watches and purses, jewelry, guns, purses, and cash in 44 residential burglaries in Orange and San Bernardino counties were arrested by SWAT teams on Friday.

The District Attorney’s AB109 Task Force, along with the Fullerton, Anaheim, and Buena Park Police Departments, the Orange Sheriff’s Department, and the Bureau of Alcohol, Tobacco, Firearms, and Explosives, executed simultaneous search warrants on Friday, May 15, 2020 in Los Angeles County.

Jurandir Endnilson Penate, 24, Erick Daniel Soria, 27, Alvaro Ramos, 37, Eugene Yi, 35, and Sergio Soto, 33, all of Los Angeles, were arrested in the multi-agency operation.

Felony criminal charges were filed against the five defendants Monday, May 18, 2020 in connection with the rash of burglaries that began in Chino Hills in August 2019 and continued in Fullerton, Anaheim Hills, Villa Park, Lake Forest, Yorba Linda, Buena Park, and Irvine through February. Four of the burglaries occurred when residents were home.

“This case underscores law enforcement’s resolve to effectively collaborate, across jurisdictions, to bring criminals to justice,” said Fullerton Police Chief Bob Dunn, who spoke at a Monday morning press conference at the District Attorney’s Office to announce the arrests.

Orange County Assistant Sheriff Jeff Hallock, Buena Park Police Chief Corey Sianez, Anaheim Police Chief Jorge Cisneros, Orange County District Attorney Bureau of Investigation Chief Paul Walters, and Assistant Special Agent in Charge Stephen Galloway of the Bureau of Alcohol, Tobacco, Firearms, and Explosives were also in attendance at Monday’s announcement.

Soria, who is currently on parole for residential burglary, is facing 83 years and 8 months in state prison if convicted on all charges. Soto, is a third striker with prior convictions for residential burglaries and assault with a deadly weapon, is facing 35 years to life in state prison if convicted on all charges. Ramos, who is currently on parole for residential burglary and evading police, is facing 125 years in state prison if convicted on all charges.

Yi, who has one prior strike for a 2005 great bodily injury conviction, is facing 19 years and 8 months in state prison if convicted on all charges. Penate is facing 55 years and 4 months in state prison if convicted on all charges.

“Ongoing efforts to decriminalize felonies and release state prisoners and jail inmates back into our communities has resulted in an increase in property crime. These are the people who are sneaking into our backyards to steal designer purses, shoes, cash, and guns,” said Orange County District Attorney Todd Spitzer. “This case exemplifies why I started the AB109 Crime Impact Task Force last year to identify parolees who commit new crimes and assist police agencies in their investigations to get these criminals off the streets and back in prison where they belong.”

In order to support the efforts of probation which is now responsible for supervising AB109ers and to further protect the residents of Orange County, the Orange County District Attorney’s Office created a dedicated task force to identify and arrest AB 109ers who commit new crimes.

The AB 109 Crime Impact Task Force, which is housed at the Santa Ana Police Department, is made up of five District Attorney Investigators, one Santa Ana Police Officer, one Orange County Probation Officer, and an Investigative Assistant and a Research Analyst from the District Attorney’s Office.

Since July 2019, the AB 109 Task Force has arrested 128 AB109ers on new crimes, including five attempted murder suspects, four stolen car suspects, and 73 suspects arrested on felonies.

The task force has done 5,840 compliance and reporting checks on AB 109ers and revoked Post Release Community Supervision on 71 convicted felons since July 2019.

The AB 109 Task Force has located wanted subjects in other states, and coordinated their arrests and extradition back to Orange County to face charges.

Penate, Soto, Soria, Yi and Ramos are all being held on no bail at the Orange County Jail. This is an ongoing investigation.

The Irvine City Council approves a four-phase reopening plan and drive-through testing program

Posted on May 13, 2020 by Editor Posted in Business, Civic Affairs, Disease, Emergencies, Health Care, Irvine, News, Public Safety 1 Comment

IRVINE, Calif. (May 12, 2020): At its meeting on May 12, the Irvine City Council approved a four-phase plan for reopening City facilities, services, and programs that is guided by the State’s Resilience Roadmap.

The plan allows for tennis and pickleball courts to reopen now as the State moves into Stage 2 of its roadmap. Courts will be open for singles play and one-on-one City-led instruction with safety guidelines in place.

When the State moves into Stage 3, City playgrounds can reopen. City athletic fields, basketball and volleyball courts, and stadiums can also reopen for practices and games in Stage 3. Facilities, including Senior Centers will open with strict social distancing and sanitization protocols in Stage 4. The complete four-phase plan is available at cityofirvine.org.

The Council decided to maintain compliance with state directives regarding swimming pools, which are not yet permitted to open. The City will offer online aquatics safety courses, in addition to expanded online classes in arts and recreation.

“We know that residents are anxious for City facilities and amenities to reopen,” stated Mayor Christina Shea. “We all look forward to the day when our fields and courts are busy with athletic events and our senior centers and community centers are full, but we must carefully reopen in a way that protects the health and well-being of our residents and City staff. This plan meets that goal and falls in line with California’s Resilience Roadmap.”

The City’s reopening plan calls for traditional summer programs and all-day summer camps that were scheduled to begin in June to be restructured. The City will incrementally phase in lower risk site-based activities at Community Parks and the Irvine Fine Arts Center, focusing first on outdoor activities. No field trips, excursions, or transport will be allowed.

The Irvine Ranch Conservancy can resume docent-led tours with groups of less than 10 people, following proper protocols, as well as open access days in the Irvine Open Space Preserve, with staggered, monitored attendance. Advance registration, social distancing, and PPE required.

The Sizzlin’ Summer Concerts and Movies on the Lawn will continue with modifications. The Sizzlin’ Summer Concert series is tentatively scheduled to begin July 12 at the Orange County Great Park. The five-concert series will be presented in drive-in format. Attendees can park their cars and enjoy a picnic from home or purchase food from a gourmet food truck. Social distancing protocols will be in place.

Movies on the Lawn will also be held in drive-in format at the Great Park beginning August 1.

To assist reopening of restaurants, the City Council voted to allow expanded outdoor dining for restaurants. Patios, common areas, and parking areas will be utilized to provide dispersed seating and queuing, maximizing social distancing in an open air environment.

Also, the Irvine City Council unanimously voted to implement a COVID-19 drive-through testing program. Beginning the week of May 26, the City of Irvine will provide testing for its residents in a drive-through format. Free antigen testing will be available to all Irvine residents, even if they are asymptomatic. Antibody testing will be available as an “add-on” at a cost of $10 per person.

“As the Councilmember that brought this initiative forward, I am proud to say that we will be able to free offer testing to our community” said Vice Mayor Mike Carroll. “We want to extend testing to as many people as possible; adding antigen and antibody testing will reinforce the expansive health and safety efforts we have put in place since day one.”

The testing site will be located at the Orange County Great Park, and will also accommodate pedestrians and bicyclists. Additional information will be provided in the coming days, including details about how to register for an appointment.

View the Four-Phase Reopening Plan.

Since its incorporation in 1971, Irvine has become a nationally recognized city, with a population of 281,707 that spans 66 square miles and is recognized as one of America’s safest and most successful master-planned urban communities. Top-rated educational institutions, an enterprising business atmosphere, sound environmental stewardship, and respect for diversity all contribute to Irvine’s enviable quality of life. This family-friendly city features more than 16,000 acres of parks, sports fields and dedicated open space and is the home of the Orange County Great Park. For more information, please visit cityofirvine.org.

Third striker charged with attacking an Irvine police officer after he was released from jail

Posted on May 1, 2020 by Editor Posted in Crime, Irvine, Irvine Police Department Leave a comment

ANTA ANA, Calif. – A third strike convicted felon has been charged with multiple felonies for attacking an Irvine police officer while burglarizing a business just days after he was released from the Orange County jail on his own recognizance by an appointed court commissioner.

Russell Paul Parsons, 39, of Los Angeles, was released from jail on April 14, 2020 after Orange County Court Commissioner Joseph Dane ordered him released on his own recognizance after Parsons pleaded not guilty to one felony count of 2^nd degree burglary and one felony count of felony theft with prior theft of a vehicle.

At that time, Parsons had appeared before Commissioner Dane three times since April 8, 2020 to plead not guilty to a total of seven felonies in connection with three separate burglary and theft cases.

Five days later, on April 19, 2020, Parsons attacked an Irvine Police Officer who was attempting to arrest Parsons for another 2^nd degree burglary at a commercial business. The officer was responding to a silent alarm where he encountered a man later identified as Parsons coming out of the business with property. The officer was forced to use a taser to subdue the 6’ 2” 250 lb Parsons in order to arrest him. A sharpened axe head and a combat style knife were recovered.

“We cannot let a global pandemic defy common sense,” said Orange County District Attorney Todd Spitzer. “It is not the court’s responsibility to manage the jail population by letting these career criminals out the front door of our jails and back into our neighborhoods. This officer had to fight for his life against a dangerous criminal who should have been behind bars and not free to commit more crimes. Thank goodness this officer wasn’t seriously hurt or killed by a criminal who shouldn’t have even been let out.”

In connection with the April 19 attack, Parsons has been charged with one felony count of 2^nd degree burglary, one felony count of receiving stolen property, one felony count of resisting an executive officer, one felony count of felony vandalism, and one misdemeanor count of being in a place where there are controlled substances.

Parsons is now facing a total of 13 felonies and two misdemeanors in connection with burglaries that occurred on March 29, March 31, April 2, and April 19, 2020 as well as an April 4, 2020 theft case.

Parsons is currently being held on $250,000 bail at the Orange County Jail.

Irvine Animal Care Center to offer adoptions by appointment

Posted on April 30, 2020 by Editor Posted in Civic Affairs, Irvine, Irvine Animal Care Center, News Leave a comment

On Tuesday, the Irvine City Council authorized City staff to begin scheduling in-person adoptions by appointment only at the Irvine Animal Care Center. The Center will remain closed to the public for all drop-in services. Appointment requests will be accepted by phone starting April 30 for appointments starting May 2, and application documentation will be completed online.

“We want to support adoptable animals by allowing the process to take place in a manner that would be safe for the community,” said Mayor Christina Shea. “Making adoptions available by appointment minimizes risk to our staff and the community, while helping pets find forever homes.”

The Irvine Animal Care Center was closed to the public at the end of March, and center staff have been on-site caring for animals during this time. To maintain safety of the community and City staff while encouraging safe placement of adoptable pets, potential adopters can request an appointment to meet animals in person.

“Our staff will work closely with residents and visitors to ensure a great fit – for both the person and the pet,” stated Vice Mayor Mike Carroll. “We have created a process that will be safe, welcoming, and efficient.”

To further reduce the time potential adopters need to be away from their homes, staff will conduct pet matching interviews while making appointments, to ensure a good fit for both the pet and the adopter. The potential adopter will be able to complete adoption paperwork online, in advance, prior to arriving for their appointment. During the appointment, potential adopters should comply with precautionary measures such as wearing cloth masks.

Staff will begin taking appointment requests beginning at noon on Thursday, April 30, with the first appointments scheduled for Saturday, May 2. Center hours are Noon–6 p.m. weekdays and 10 a.m.–4 p.m. on weekends (closed Tuesdays). Visit irvineanimals.org/adopt(link is external) for information on pets available for adoption. For general questions or to begin the appointment process, call the Irvine Animal Care Center at 949-724-7740.

Irvine City Council votes to extend emergency measures and modify existing resolutions

Posted on April 30, 2020 by Editor Posted in Civic Affairs, Disease, Emergencies, Irvine, News Leave a comment

At its meeting on April 28, the Irvine City Council voted to extend Executive Orders and resolutions pertaining to the COVID-19 pandemic.

The City Council deliberated to confirm the continuing existence of a local emergency as well as confirm the need for emergency measures.

“The changes in work and home life caused by COVID-19 are significant and evolving,” stated Mayor Christina Shea. “Measures the City Council put in place have been appropriate and forward-thinking at each particular time frame. But as we know, the depth of the emergency continues to change daily and as such, we must make adjustments to maintain the health and well-being of our community.”

After careful consideration and following the State directive, the City Council voted to allow golf courses to open, based significantly upon the guidance set forth by the County of Orange, with additional City requirements in place for the protection of public health. Furthermore, the Irvine Animal Care Center will reopen for appointment only adoptions beginning Saturday, May 2, with appropriate safety measures in place.

April 28 actions by the Irvine City Council include:

City Facility Closures: All City facilities will remain closed to the public, with the exception of the Irvine Animal Care Center, until further notice. Limited City staff will remain available to maintain essential services online, via telephone, and/or via video conference. This measure will be subject to monthly evaluation by the Irvine City Council.
Irvine Animal Care Center: The Irvine Animal Care Center will reopen for pet adoptions on an appointment basis starting Saturday, May 2. For full details, visit our website.
City Sponsored Events: All City-sponsored community events through the end of June will be postponed or modified. A list of events being impacted will be published on the City’s website.
Golf Courses: Golf courses in the City of Irvine may reopen for business, based significantly upon the guidance set forth by the County of Orange.
Face Coverings: The use of face coverings by retail and commercial services personnel and patrons will continue until further notice. This measure will be subject to monthly evaluation by the Irvine City Council.
Evictions, Foreclosures, Rent Increases: City Council Resolution No. 20-29 was extended until further notice. The resolution mandates that landowners and landlords refrain from evicting or foreclosing on Irvine residents and businesses where non-payment is a result of loss of income or increase in expenses cause by COVID-19.
Building Permits and Permit Applications: One additional extension of 180 days is now available for permits and permit applications.

Additionally, the City Council formed a subcommittee comprised of Mayor Christina Shea and Councilmember Farrah N. Khan to create a workforce policy assuring that local jobs are offered to local workers and veterans. The subcommittee will work with City staff and will return to the City Council with an update at a future meeting.

Finally, the City Council directed staff to explore a partnership with a local certified lab to establish a drive-through COVID-19 testing program for the Irvine community. Additional details will be provided as more information becomes available.

For more information about the City of Irvine’s response to COVID-19, please visit cityofirvine.org/covid19.

Irvine reports 127 COVID-19 cases as of April 26

Posted on April 26, 2020 by Editor Posted in Disease, Emergencies, Health, Irvine, News, OC Health Care, Orange County Health Care Agency, Public Safety Leave a comment

The O.C. Health Care Agency is reporting 127 COVID-19 cases in Irvine as of today, April 26, 2020 and 2,074 cases Countywide. One death was reported today and 39 have died to date. A total of 105 new cases were also reported today. There are 148 victims currently in local hospitals and 55 are in Intensive Care Units.

Here is how other major cities in Orange County are faring:

Anaheim reports 285 cases – just ahead of Santa Ana’s 281 cases, for the County lead
Huntington Beach reports 181 cases
Newport Beach reports 94 cases
Garden Grove reports 85 cases
Buena Park reports 75 cases
Orange reports 72 cases
Fullerton reports 67 cases
Tustin reports 37 cases
Westminster reports 36 cases
Costa Mesa reports 37 cases
Fountain Valley reports 28 cases

The California Department of Public Health today announced the most recent statistics on COVID-19. California now has 42,164 confirmed cases and 1,710 deaths.

The CDC is reporting 928,619 total cases and 52,459 deaths as of April 25.

Health Care Worker Infection Rates
As of April 25, local health departments have reported 4,593 confirmed positive cases in health care workers and 24 reported deaths statewide.

How People Can Protect Themselves
Every person has a role to play. Protecting yourself and your family comes down to common sense:

Staying home except for essential needs/activities.
Practicing social distancing.
Washing hands with soap and water for a minimum of 20 seconds.
Avoiding touching eyes, nose or mouth with unwashed hands.
Covering a cough or sneeze with your sleeve, or disposable tissue. Wash your hands afterward.
Avoiding close contact with people who are sick.
Staying away from work, school or other people if you become sick with respiratory symptoms like fever and cough.
Following guidance from public health officials.

For more information about what Californians can do to prevent the spread of COVID-19, visit Coronavirus (COVID-19) in California.

California continues to issue guidance on preparing and protecting California from COVID-19. Consolidated guidance is available on the California Department of Public Health’s Guidance web page.

Irvine News Blog

Irvine YouTube twin pranksters arrested after two fake bank robberies

August 5, 2020 - Banks, Crime, Irvine, Irvine Police Department, News, OCDA - No Comments

Burglar who targeted a medical group arrested in Irvine

August 3, 2020 - Crime, Fountain Valley, Huntington Beach, Irvine, Irvine Police Department, News - No Comments

A kidnapping suspect arrested in Irvine died at the O.C. jail yesterday

July 17, 2020 - Irvine, News, Orange County Sheriff - No Comments

A man and his dog carjacked a Caltrans truck and crashed it at John Wayne Airport

July 17, 2020 - Crime, Irvine, Irvine Police Department, John Wayne Airport, News - No Comments