By Stacey Lee, Woodbridge High School, Grade 12
February 21, 2011___On Tuesday, February 8, 2011, the first Korean-American mayor of a major United States city – Sukhee Kang of Irvine, California – delivered his 2011 State of the City address, a speech that outlined the successes of the city in the past year and the future goals of the city in the next, to guests gathered at city hall.
The event was preceded by an hour-long reception, where invitees were treated to catered sandwiches and platters by the eatery Boudin and refreshments provided by the children’s foundation Team Kids in the lobby of city hall.
“We are giving out lemonade tonight so we can spread the word about Team Kids, which is a foundation for kids by kids,” Meadow Park fifth grader Megan Phillips said. “Being here at city hall is really exciting. It feels really good to help out my city.”
2011 marks the 40th anniversary of the city of Irvine and Mayor Kang’s third State of the City address. In Kang’s introduction, he thanked mayor pro tem Beth Krom and city councilmembers Larry Agran, Steven Choi and Jeff Lalloway as well as the citizens: “You have blessed me with the opportunity to serve. I am deeply humbled.”
The ceremony began with a flourish – Irvine’s police color guard posted the flags behind the podium, local music group Concordia Brass performed a piece, vocalist Elizabeth Dobbin sang the national anthem and a short film tracing Irvine’s history was played.
Accompanied by a continuous loop of photographs of Irvine, Mayor Kang addressed the city’s accomplishments of 2010.
“We have weathered this economy through prudent fiscal planning. We have maintained core services, encouraged public safety and continued to support education without laying off a single employee,” Kang said. Announcing that Irvine has been voted America’s safest city for six straight years, Kang said, “2010 was the lowest year in violent crime per capita in Irvine’s history.”
Kang shared the city’s aspirations for the new year.
“Irvine will continue to provide an open government, a safe and sustainable community and support high quality education. We will maintain the vibrant community that Irvine is in this year and the years to come. What better time to come together in our vision?” Kang asked. “Our aspiration is clear: to become the most desirable city.”
Kang finished with a simple, “American” statement: “May God bless Irvine, and may God bless America.”
Nice article, Stacey!
I love the ending quote.
There are a few copy mistakes, though–for example, February is abbreviated Feb. (and there’s no need to include 2011, since you’re writing in 2011) and positions placed in front of names are capitalized (so it’d be Mayor Pro Tem Beth Krom.
I also would have liked to know who some of the guests were–was it open to the general public?
Overall, great article!