The Global Recognition Awards, a premier platform for celebrating entrepreneurial excellence, has announced the addition of the Entrepreneur of the Year Award to its program. This category acknowledges and celebrates the most revolutionary entrepreneurs who are changing industries and fostering global economic growth.

Candidates for the award will undergo a comprehensive evaluation focusing on four main areas: their business models’ originality, their strategies for environmental, social, and economic sustainability, their companies’s impact on industries and the broader market, and their financial performance and growth over the past year.

Jethro Sparks, CEO of the Global Recognition Awards, remarks, “The Entrepreneur of the Year Award strengthens our dedication to elevate entrepreneurs who are reshaping the future of business and driving change through creativity and persistence.”

With entrepreneurship increasingly recognized as a global economy driver, innovative business leaders’ impact is more significant than ever. Entrepreneurs are set to drive economic advancement by generating approximately $6.4 trillion in global revenue by 2024.

“Entrepreneurship is important for a thriving economy, and celebrating them is our mission,” Sparks adds. “This award inspires and showcases the achievements of the next generation of innovators on a global stage.”

Notably, of over eight billion people worldwide, about 582 million are business leaders, emphasizing the growing entrepreneurial spirit across cultures and economies.

Interested entrepreneurs and business leaders are invited to visit the organization’s website for more information on eligibility criteria and the application process.

About Global Recognition Awards

Global Recognition Awards is the world’s leading platform for recognizing entrepreneurial excellence across various industries and sectors. Through its prestigious awards programs, the organization celebrates the achievements of entrepreneurs who drive positive change and shape the business’s future.

Contact Information:

Contact Person’s Name: Jethro Sparks, CEO

Company: Global Recognition Awards

Company Website: https://globalrecognitionawards.org/

Contact Email Address: jethrosparks@globalrecognitionawards.org

Advertising disclosure: We may receive compensation for some of the links in our stories. Thank you for supporting Irvine Weekly and our advertisers.

The post Entrepreneur of the Year Award Joins the Prestigious Global Recognition Awards Lineup appeared first on Irvine Weekly.

Introduction The strategic merger between Triller and AGBA, initially valued at approximately $4 billion, appears significantly undervalued when dissecting the associated assets and strategic relationships. This analysis provides a more detailed exploration of the combined entity’s intrinsic value, influenced by the extensive business networks of Richard Tsai and Fubon Financial, and proposes that the adjusted stock price for AGBA should be closer to $20.

Triller’s Diverse Digital Ecosystem Triller has evolved significantly, and its component entities provide a strong basis for valuation reassessment:

1. Triller.TV’s Broadening Horizons
   • As a leader in digital broadcasting, particularly in combat sports, Triller.TV has potential standalone valuation of approximately $2 billion, mirroring competitors with similar market caps like Rumble which publicly has been trading between 1.8billion and 5 billion with similar user base and financials.
2. Bare Knuckle Fighting Championship (BKFC)
   • With its explosive popularity and high-profile partnerships, BKFC could be valued at or above $1 billion, considering its viewership often rivals that of the UFC. BKFC is unquestionably the fastest growing combat sport in the world, and has far exceeded the PFL which most recently announced a purported $ 1billion valuation.
3. Amplify.AI’s Industry Impact
   • Handling over 500 million interactions quarterly, Amplify.AI is positioned alongside firms valued between $1 and $10 billion, making it a critical component of Triller’s valuation. Amplify’s AI has been around since 2016 and embedded into virtually every major social media platform including: Facebook, Instagram, Snapchat, Youtube and many others and empowers over 500 million interactions between brands and users quarterly for some of the worlds most recognized brands.
4. Influencer Marketing: Julius and Fangage
   • Julius connects 25,000 brands with 2.2 million influencers, and alongside Fangage, this sector significantly enhances Triller’s valuation, given the booming influencer marketing industry.

Richard Tsai’s Influence and Fubon Financial’s Extensive Portfolio Richard Tsai, through his leadership roles in Fubon Financial and related entities, brings substantial financial and strategic resources. Filings show that ABGA is essentially largely controlled by Tsai and affiliates, one of the most prolific businessmen in the world. Holdings include:

• Fubon Financial Holdings
  • One of Asia’s largest financial services companies, with extensive holdings in insurance and banking sectors. It reported assets under management exceeding $200 billion in recent filings, underscoring its financial strength.
• Taiwan Mobile and Taiwan Telecom
  • These companies collectively serve millions of users, with Taiwan Mobile reporting over 7 million subscribers and significant annual revenues exceeding several billion dollars.
• E-Commerce Dominance MOMO
  • Perhaps one of the most hidden and important parts of this partnership is The Tsai family’s holding and control of NASDAQ traded Ecommerce giant MOMO. MOMO currently has a 102 Billion (Taiwan) dollar market cap,  and has over 105 million Monthly Active Users (“MAU”) and dominates the regional market with millions of active users and annual transaction volumes in the billions. Although speculating, it seems a MOMO and Triller JV could be a scenario where Triller could transition up to an additional 105 million active users and there is a tremendous overlap and synergies  between these two companies.

Additional Strategic Assets and Market Positioning Triller’s shareholder base includes a substantial portion of the world’s top 100 TikTok influencers, enhancing its brand value and market reach. This unique positioning leverages direct access to a vast audience, crucial for digital content platforms.

Valuation Synthesis: The Sum of Parts Analysis An expanded valuation consideration includes:

• Triller.TV: ~$2 billion
• BKFC: ~$1 billion (or more)
• Amplify.AI: $1 to $10 billion (considering the broad range due to the growth potential in AI interactions)
• Influencer Marketing Platforms (Julius and Fangage): Potentially over $1 billion, given the scale of connections and the growth trajectory of influencer marketing.
• Triller App (1 Billion—$40 Billion (based on TikTok Ban)) and Momo JV.

This comprehensive analysis suggests that the sum of the parts associated with the Triller-AGBA merger far exceeds the initial $4 billion valuation. The strategic assets held by Triller, combined with the financial and business influence of Richard Tsai and Fubon Financial, justify a revised stock price of around $20 for AGBA. This merger is not only strategically advantageous but also poised for significant growth, leveraging synergies across digital content, influencer marketing, AI technology, and telecom sectors.

Advertising disclosure: We may receive compensation for some of the links in our stories. Thank you for supporting Irvine Weekly and our advertisers.

The post Reevaluation of AGBA-Triller Merger: Comprehensive Valuation Insights. Is AGBA going to $20 dollars? appeared first on Irvine Weekly.

Get ready to enjoy an R-rated “graphic” masterpiece that intertwines political discourse and satire by the celebrated but reclusive Julia Verne. Her newest publication, Trump’s Hot Bot, contains sharp wit and vivid illustrations — both of which pack a punch in a nuanced narrative that takes a deep dive into a society obsessed with power, greed, sex, and the quest for control.

In Trump’s Hot Bot, readers are introduced to former president Donald Trump and Petra, an emotionless sex robot. At their first meeting, they fall in lust with each other; suddenly, the stage is set for a laugh until-you-cry narrative of strap-ons, deception, power struggles, and an unexpected twist of sentient artificial intelligence.

“Turn off the politics, and turn on the mocking, biting, sexy satire that ‘relieves’ stress like a Trump hotel stay in Russia.” Verne suggests. “This book is not just a comedic escape but a reflection on the power dynamics and societal norms that continue to shape our world.”

Readers of all types will get a kick out of Verne’s new novel. Trump’s Hot Bot is the sharp stick poking fun at our shared political circus that Baby Boomers to Millennials can appreciate. Join Julia Verne on this uproarious journey that promises to be as enlightening as it is entertaining.

Trump’s Hot Bot is available for purchase online at Alpha XR and Barnes and Noble.

About the Author
Author Julia Verne, great-granddaughter of the illustrious Jules Verne, is renowned for her incisive wit, insights into the latest scientific advances, and her ability to weave dark humor with biting political commentary. Her works have captivated readers worldwide, but this is the first time she set her formidable sights on America, and the results are mesmerizing. Read Trump’s Hot Bot and discover why Verne already is a staple of European comedic satire and literature, and why she’ll hit the best seller lists in America.

Media Contact
Trump’s Hot Bot Media Relations
Julia Verne, Author
Email: info@trumpshotbot.com
Phone: 302-580-9295

Review copies and interviews available.

Advertising disclosure: We may receive compensation for some of the links in our stories. Thank you for supporting Irvine Weekly and our advertisers.

The post Decisive Voice, Hilarious Satire, and Relevant Commentary Combine With Power, Sex and Deception In Celebrated Satirist’s Newest Release appeared first on Irvine Weekly.

Irvine Mayor Farrah Khan and Vice Mayor Larry Agran will lead a discussion on Tuesday, Feb. 27, that will introduce action items in response to the local impacts of the Israel-Palestine conflicts. 

Despite rising tensions in the chamber and hundreds of public demands for a ceasefire, this will become the first time the council has addressed Middle Eastern conflict on a council agenda. 

A memo, co-signed by Khan and Agran, introduces a four-step roadmap that focuses on building understanding between communities and eliminating divisiveness and hatred within Irvine. The memo also acknowledged the concerns of community members who say they are experiencing discrimination because of religious or ethnic identity.    

“Specifically, many communities within Irvine have reported and publicly commented that they are feeling threatened and unsafe. We have heard reports that children are being harassed at Irvine schools based on their heritage, religion, attire, and their individual beliefs regarding the current war in the Mideast,” the memo read. “And members of the broader Irvine community have reported similar toxic interactions.”

Recent statistics on hate crimes and hate incidents in Irvine, provided by Irvine Police Chief Mike Kent, shows that Jewish residents have reported four hate incidents so far in 2024. There were a total of ten in 2023.

In terms of actionable items, the memo indicates that the city would work with the Irvine Unified School District to ensure “all members of the community are made to feel safe and respected.”

Since the conflicts began in October, Irvine leaders have grappled with hundreds of public commenters addressing the Israel-Palestine war, and urging the council to adopt a ceasefire resolution.

According to the memo, the approach will also work to ease grievances between community members through the assistance of human relations organizations including Groundswell and the Interfaith Council. 

This is a developing story. 

Advertising disclosure: We may receive compensation for some of the links in our stories. Thank you for supporting Irvine Weekly and our advertisers.

The post Irvine Leaders to Address Action Items For Mideast Response appeared first on Irvine Weekly.

The Irvine City Council continues to combat rising tension during its public meetings as altering viewpoints over the Middle Eastern conflicts continue to clash locally. 

Inside City Hall, a division between supporters of Israel and supporters of Palestine has created a sometimes hostile atmosphere that continues to be the source of noticeable disruption to council business.

Members of Irvine’s Jewish community have come forward during council meetings with concern over the environment that is developing inside City Hall, claiming there has been hate speech against Jewish community members from supporters of a ceasefire.

Jewish residents in Irvine have also voiced frustration and fear, adding that members of their community are being targeted because of their religion, as Israel continues to attack Gaza.  

Recent statistics on hate crime and hate incidents provided by Irvine Police Chief Micheal Kent show that a total of 46 anti-Jewish hate incidents have occurred in Irvine since 2018.

For context, the California Penal Code defines a hate crime as a crime committed based on factual or assumed characteristics including gender, disability, race or ethnicity, and religion of the victim.

Contrarily, a hate incident is not a crime, according to the California Department of Justice. A hate incident involves an act that includes hateful speech, or displaying or distributing hateful material. The U.S. Constitution does not suppress hate speech until it impacts the victim’s constitutional rights.  

The report also revealed that 10 anti-Jewish incidents were reported in 2023. An additional four anti-Jewish hate incidents have been reported to the Irvine Police Department since January.

The report also showed that five anti-Jewish hate crimes occurred in 2023, with a total of 11 since 2018. 

Irvine’s Arabic community has not reported a hate incident since 2023 and has reported a total of 13 anti-Arab hate incidents since 2018. 

This year, the Irvine Police Department has received two reports of anti-Arab hate crimes, while none were reported in 2023. 

Since October, heated verbal exchanges between members of the audience have become commonplace in Irvine’s City Council chambers. Outbursts riddled with xenophobic and antisemitic exchanges between members of the public have also caused Irvine Mayor Farrah Khan to call for a recess. 

Hundreds of public speakers over the past several meetings have urged the Irvine City Council to adopt a ceasefire resolution. While the council has not placed a ceasefire resolution on the agenda, council members have individually denounced the violence.

The council has also denounced hate speech within the chamber. 

However, the council’s inaction on a ceasefire resolution has sparked debate from members of Irvine’s Jewish community over the council’s responsibility to control hate speech and antisemitism within the chamber. 

Moreso, residents in Irvine have also voiced concern over the council’s ability to discuss non-municipal issues during council meetings. Last year, residents filed an ethics complaint against Irvine Mayor Farrah Khan and Vice Mayor Larry Agran.  

The ethics complaint alleged that despite the absence of a ceasefire resolution, both Agran and Khan voiced their opinions about the international conflict, which is against city policy.  

Irvine City Attorney Jeff Melching reported finding no ethical missteps by either council member. 

On Tuesday. Feb. 17, Melching reported that an additional ethics complaint was filed against the council alleging that the council violated the city’s Rules of Decorum and Rules on Subject Matter Jurisdiction by allowing public speakers to continuously address the Israel-Palestine conflict. 

Addressing the atmosphere at meetings over the last several weeks, Melching said the behavior he has witnessed in the chamber is unprecedented. He also noted that despite opposing viewpoints, speaking at a city council meeting is a constitutional right, regardless of subject matter. 

“People coming to speak at a public meeting are exercising their constitutional right, and the city does not have the tools to stop somebody from speaking just because their speech is hateful,” he said.

Melching explained that there was little the city could do to prevent members of the public from speaking on non-agendized items. 

“The city has attempted to maintain order. This is a highly charged environment with a lot of people that have extremely strong opinions about this subject and there have been a number of outbursts,” he said. “There has been an effort to control those outbursts both through the conduct of the mayor, and through the presence of the police.”

While he found no ethical wrongdoing, Melching noted that the city has the responsibility to provide a platform for all members of the public who wish to speak the ability to do so. 

“I haven’t found any attempt to be unfair or biased on one side or another in these public comments,” he said. “What I’ve found is an effort of the city to recognize these unique circumstances and adapt, and is designed to ensure that people have the ability to speak.”
 
Given the tense environment at previous meetings, Khan, on Tuesday, Feb. 13, announced modifications to the meeting’s schedule that would allow the council to conduct business without disruption while still honoring public comments. 

“Those of you here this evening know that during the past several months we have continued to hear from hundreds of public speakers who have shared their opinions with the council regarding the tragic events unfolding in the Middle East,” Khan said. “No matter what you think about the situation, and no matter what side you represent, I want to reiterate my belief that all of us in Irvine should be heartened that here in our community we’ve been able to let everyone’s opinion be heard.”

Advertising disclosure: We may receive compensation for some of the links in our stories. Thank you for supporting Irvine Weekly and our advertisers.

The post Tension Continues to Rise Over Middle Eastern Conflicts Inside Irvine City Hall appeared first on Irvine Weekly.

If you’re still trying to plan your Valentine’s Day itinerary, here are some casual ways to celebrate the special day in Irvine and Orange County. 

From bright red Valentine’s Day-themed tortillas to heart-shaped pizzas, here are some local eats that will surely swoon your Valentine.   

Puesto

With more than 20 million tacos sold, it’s safe to say Puesto is a favorite of many locals in Orange County. This year, Puesto is celebrating Valentine’s Day with a limited-time red tortilla, which is made in-house with fresh beet juice. 

With two locations in Irvine — Puesto Park Place and Puesto Los Olivos, the chain has become familiar with its warm plates and welcoming vibes. 

Puesto Park Place is located at 3311 Michelson Dr, Irvine. 

Puesto Los Olivos is located at 8577 Irvine Center Dr, Irvine

www.eatpuesto.com 

Postino WineCafe
For those looking to stay in this year, Postino Wine Cafe wants you to “Takeout and Make Out” with their Valentine’s Day to-go dining option. The “Takeout and Make Out” to-go package includes One item from the Snacky Things menu, two bruschetta boards, and a salad for $55. A bottle of Postino wine can be added for an additional $20 charge.

View this post on Instagram

A post shared by Postino WineCafé (@postinowinecafe)

Postino expanded out of Arizona in 2021 and is located inside Irvine’s Park Place. At 5,200 square feet, the space offers both indoor and outdoor seating.

This year Postino announced that it will be taking Valentine’s reservations until Feb. 18. 

Call (949) 336-2600 or visit www.postinowinecafe.com.

Postino Park Place is located at 2981 Michelson Dr Suite E, Irvine

Sgt. Pepperoni’s

In addition to its beloved garlic knots, Sgt. Pepperoni’s Pizza is dishing out another fan favorite with Heart-shaped pizzas during the entire month of February. 

https://www.instagram.com/p/C3LnhANuBhO/

Established in 1976, Sgt. Pepperoni’s is now known as Orange County’s longest-standing pizza company, with locations in Irvine, Aliso Viejo, and Newport Beach. 

Sgt. Pepperoni’s Irvine is located at 4533 Campus Dr, Irvine

Sgt. Pepperoni’s Aliso Viejo is located at 26601 Aliso Creek Rd Suite D, Aliso Viejo

Sgt. Pepperoni’s Newport Beach is located at 2300 SE Bristol St Ste F, Newport Beach

www.sgtpepps.co

Bosscat Kitchen & Libations 

Designed like a modern whiskey room, Bosscat Kitchen & Libation’s new Lakeshore location in Irvine features more than 5,000 square feet of restaurant space and a 1,200 square foot outdoor patio. 

This year, Bosscat Kitchen & Libations is has is kicking off Valentine’s Day in Irvine with a dessert for two. The Decadent Chocolate Love Affair features a berry-filled chocolate-shaped bowl, on top of a mousse-topped chocolate cake, then drizzled with a “sensual chocolate heat”, according to its Instagram page.  

View this post on Instagram

A post shared by Bosscat Kitchen & Libations (@bosscatkitchen)

Bosscat Kitchen & Libations is located at 18101 Von Karman Ave.

Benny & Mary’s

Recently opened at an eclectic space inside the Irvine Towers, Benny & Mary’s is offering a three-course Prix Fixe Dinner starting at $120 per person. 

View this post on Instagram

A post shared by Benny and Mary’s (@bennyandmarys)

The Valentine’s Day special features a starter menu consisting of Pork Belly over cauliflower chive puree served with rainbow roasted carrots and pork au jus. Jumbo lump crab cakes paired with an herb salad and pickled shallots with Bernaise. The starter menu also includes a fennel salad with candied pecans, goat cheese fennel pollen, and muscatel vinaigrette.

The main course includes jumbo scallops over saffron risotto, butternut squash, asparagus tips, and fresh shaved Grana Padano.

The second course is followed by filet and South African Lobster Tail over pommes puree and finished with hollandaise sauce. 

The final main course consists of salmon over a bed of lentils with heirloom tomato confit and salmon jus.

The Prie Fixe menu is capped off with a strawberry champagne panna cotta. 

Benny and Mary’s is located in Irvine Towers at 18420 Von Karman Avenue.

https://www.bennyandmarys.com

Advertising disclosure: We may receive compensation for some of the links in our stories. Thank you for supporting Irvine Weekly and our advertisers.

The post Tips for a Tasty, Fun and Memorable Valentine’s Day in Irvine appeared first on Irvine Weekly.

Established in 2018, Moongoat Coffee Roasters has developed a cult-like following in just a few short years. With locations in Costa Mesa, Garden Grove, Laguna Beach, and a roasting facility in Santa Ana, Moongoat has become well-recognized in Orange County and recently announced its newest location in Irvine.

Moongoat hinted at the idea of opening an Irvine location earlier this year in January, when the company announced its pop up cafe collaboration with The Irvine Company at 4 Park Plaza.

While the Moongoat and Irvine Company pop-up is expected to end in March, the coffee company confirmed via Instagram it would be launching a new location near the UC Irvine campus. 

View this post on Instagram

A post shared by MoonGoat Coffee Roasters (@moongoatcoffee)

Officially launched as of Monday, Feb. 12, Moongoat’s Irvine location will be open seven days a week from 6 a.m. to 6 p.m.

Moongoat Coffee Roasters is located at 5171 California Ave unit 100, Irvine. 

Advertising disclosure: We may receive compensation for some of the links in our stories. Thank you for supporting Irvine Weekly and our advertisers.

The post Local Favorite Moongoat Coffee Roasters Launches Irvine Location appeared first on Irvine Weekly.

The Greater Irvine Chamber of Commerce announced the appointment of a new Interim Chief Executive Officer in January. In a statement, the Chamber introduced Dave Caffaro, who served as the interim CEO at the Irvine-based Second Harvest Food Bank between 2018 and 2019.

As a graduate of Peter F. Drucker Graduate School of Management at the Claremont Graduate University, Caffaro has built a reputation as a strategic advisory, keynote speaker and author.

Currently, Caffaro serves as the Principal of Strategic Advisory Consulting Group and the co-founder of the fintech firm Atticus.

Lisa Thomas, Chair of the Greater Irvine Chamber Board of Directors, expressed her excitement for the addition of Caffaro’s financial expertise to Chamber operations. 

  “Dave’s strategic approach, financial leadership and experience in Irvine will be instrumental in

leading the Chamber forward,” Thomas said. “We have great confidence in Dave’s ability to serve the needs of our membership and positively impact the overall business community in the greater Irvine area.”

  In terms of experience, Caffaro has also worked as the head of International Trade Strategy for Bank of America and as well as a professor of Strategic Management and Business Policy at California State University, Fullerton.

Caffaro said he plans to facilitate growth within Irvine’s business community and continue Irvine’s reputation as the number one city to launch a company.

“Irvine’s economy is the envy of all California cities. I’m honored to help guide this vital organization and help our members and the city continue to thrive,” he said. “One of my first tasks — one I’m really excited about — is to meet with as many members and stakeholders as possible to understand the value the Greater Irvine Chamber brings to this community. That starts Day One.”

The appointment of Caffaro follows the abrupt departure of former Chamber President and CEO Bryan Starr in December.

Advertising disclosure: We may receive compensation for some of the links in our stories. Thank you for supporting Irvine Weekly and our advertisers.

The post Greater Irvine Chamber of Commerce Names Interim CEO appeared first on Irvine Weekly.

The termination of 1,900 employees within Blizzard Entertainment’s video gaming division in January has caught the attention of the Federal Trade Commission.

The FTC, on Wednesday, Feb. 7, filed a complaint with the U.S. Court of Appeals for the Ninth Circuit alleging that the layoffs at Blizzard contradicted Microsoft’s previous promise to continue the independent operation of Blizzard post-merger.

The commission is now seeking an injunction on Microsoft’s $69 billion merger of Blizzard Activision, which was completed in October.

In the letter to the court, FTC attorney Imad D. Abyad wrote, “This newly-revealed information contradicts Microsoft’s representations in this proceeding, which seeks to temporarily pause Microsoft’s acquisition of Activision pending the FTC’s evaluation of the merger’s antitrust merits.”

In response to the letter filed by the FTC, a Microsoft spokesperson provided Irvine Weekly with the following statement — “In continuing its opposition to the deal, the FTC ignores the reality that the deal itself has substantially changed. Since the FTC lost in court last July, Microsoft was required by the U.K. Competition Authority to restructure the acquisition globally and therefore did not acquire the cloud streaming rights to Activision Blizzard games in the United States. Additionally, Sony and Microsoft signed a binding agreement to keep Call of Duty on PlayStation on even better terms than Sony had before.”

In July, Microsoft won an antitrust lawsuit filed by the FTC, in which the commission alleged that the blockbuster merger would lessen competition in the cloud, console and subscription gaming markets.   

In the FTC case ruling, U.S. District Judge Jacqueline Corley referred to the merger as “the largest in tech history,” adding that “scrutiny has paid off.” However, in her denial of the FTC lawsuit, Corley wrote that the FTC failed to prove how the merger would substantially lessen competition — “To the contrary, the record evidence points to more consumer access to Call of Duty and other Activision content. The motion for a preliminary injunction is therefore DENIED.”

On Thursday, Feb. 8, lawyers for Microsoft responded to the FTC’s request for an injunction, emphasizing that the cause behind the reductions at Blizzard could not be attributed to the recent merger with Microsoft. 

“Consistent with broader trends in the gaming industry, Activision was already planning on eliminating a significant number of jobs while still operating as an independent Company,” the letter read. “The recent announcement thus cannot be attributed fully to the merger. More importantly, Microsoft continues fully to stand behind its representations to this Court.”

The recent layoffs at Blizzard were announced via an internal memo from Xbox CEO Phil Spencer on January 15. In the letter, Spencer explained that the company would be “committed to aligning” with a “sustainable cost structure.”  

“As part of this process, we have made the painful decision to reduce the size of our gaming workforce by approximately 1,900 roles out of the 22,000 people on our team,” Spencer wrote. “The Gaming Leadership Team and I are committed to navigating this process as thoughtfully as possible.”

Advertising disclosure: We may receive compensation for some of the links in our stories. Thank you for supporting Irvine Weekly and our advertisers.

The post FTC Files Complaint Over Blizzard Layoffs Post Microsoft Merger appeared first on Irvine Weekly.

The Irvine City Council, on Tuesday, Jan. 23, unanimously approved a $1.8 million contract for the removal of abandoned underground utilities that once powered portions of the former Marine Corps Air Station El Toro. The contract, awarded to Cerritos-based abatement and demolition contracting firm Resources Environmental, Inc., was the lowest responsive bid for the project and is expected to begin this spring.   

Officially known as the Northern Sector Utility Removal, the project is located near the ARDA site between Cadence and Great Park Boulevard. A staff report indicated that the area is rich in subterranean utility infrastructure once used to power support buildings, runways, hangars, and administrative offices at the former MCAS El Toro. 

Irvine City Manager Oliver Chi said that while this project might not seem significant in terms of a dollar amount, he explained that the completion of the Northern Utility Removal will prepare the northern area of the Great Park for the phases of the city’s $1 billion Framework plan, which includes the topographical shaping of the park’s central lake and great meadow.    

“This contract, it’s not a big dollar amount, but it’s the start of our mass grading effort. This actually kicks off the construction process that’s going to span the next five years, to transform what is currently just mounds and mounds of dirt, into the next great metropolitan park on the west coast, right here in Irvine,” he said.

Council member Larry Agran echoed Chi’s comments regarding the importance of this work while touching on the historical significance of the site.   

“This is an important project – ripping up ancient utility lines, it’s tough, difficult, unglamorous work, but it’s essential to the transformation of the former military base and to the great metropolitan park that we’re now well along with,” Agran said.   

The utility removal project is expected to be completed by Fall 2024. 

Advertising disclosure: We may receive compensation for some of the links in our stories. Thank you for supporting Irvine Weekly and our advertisers.

The post Base-Era Utility Removal Set to Kick Off Great Park Transformation appeared first on Irvine Weekly.