About the Irvine Tattler

Why We Exist

The Irvine Tattler was founded to provide a single-source outlet for events in Irvine politics. As the resources of mainstream media dwindle, there's less and less coverage of local news.

We love newspapers, but they're not geared to be an archive of government and other documents. The Irvine Tattler intends to be that resource. Here you will find what you need to make your own judgments about Irvine issues and those elected officials governing your life and your investment in Irvine.

This is a new site, so it's a work in progress. We'll add more atories and more research documents as time permits.

Who We Are

The Irvine Tattler is written and published by Stephen C. Smith, an Irvine resident since 1996 who worked for the City for ten years. From 1978 through 1985, Stephen was a non-sworn employee in the Police Department. After receiving his Masters Degree in Public Administration, Stephen was hired as a management analyst in the City Manager's Office, where he worked on the city budget and legislation analysis.

In 1988, Stephen left city employment full-time but remained active in Irvine politics. He was hired as a City Council Aide (today known as an "Executive Assistant") to councilman Cameron Cosgrove, a political ally of then-Mayor Larry Agran.

After Agran and Cosgrove were defeated for re-election in 1990, Stephen joined Agran's campaign for the Democratic presidential nomination in the 1992 election. Stephen was the Issues Director, writing the position papers for the campaign.

In 1994-95, Stephen was Issues Director for CityVote, an Agran project to create a non-binding nationwide urban presidential primary.

In 1995, Agran named Stephen the Deputy Director for Project '99, which fought the proposed international airport at the former El Toro Marine Corps air base. Together they wrote In Defense of Our Community, a manifesto declaring their resolve to stop the airport.

Stephen also played an important role in exposing Irvine's involvement in the 1994 Orange County investment pool collapse and bankruptcy. He found that Irvine had used its entire General Fund operating budget as collateral for a risky "borrow and bet" scheme with the pool. His research led to the first city council recall effort in Irvine's history.

After Agran returned to elective office in 1998, he appointed Stephen as an Executive Assistant. Stephen resigned the position in September 1999 to protest Agran's connection to a political "dirty trick" played on then-Mayor Christina Shea and her daughter.

In the years since then, Stephen has remained active in Irvine politics. He has served as an Executive Assistant to Ms. Shea in 2003 and as her Finance Commissioner in 2006. Stephen currently holds no city office and will not work on any candidate's 2008 campaign. His opinions are his own.

Frequently Asked Questions

Are you running for office?

No. I have a full-time job like most of you. It's been a long time since a City Council member had a full-time day job. But there are other ways to participate in your local government. This web site is one of them.

Who's paying for all this?

I am. I'm more than happy to take donations, but be aware that all donations will be made public. No secrets here.

Are you a member of a political party?

No. I was a registered Democrat until 1992, then changed to non-partisan. I believe organized political parties put too much emphasis on maintaining party power and not enough emphasis on doing what's right. I've voted for Democrats, Republicans, whomever I think is the best person for the job. (I even vote Green Party once in a while ...)

Do you have a grudge against Larry Agran?

Actually, I feel sad about Larry. We spent eleven years together. I stood by him when few others would during his darkest hours. The man who's now at the nexus of slush funds and dirty politics is not the man I believed in. My personal feelings are irrelevant, though. What's important is that the people of Irvine be educated about what's happened to their city government, so they can take action as they feel is best.

Have others renounced Agran?

Yes. I was the first. Many others have done so since then. That's why I've started the Former Friends of Larry (FFOL) page. If you want to add your name to the list of former Agran supporters who wish to publicly repudiate him on this site, please e-mail me at info@irvinetattler.com.

Are you afraid of retaliation?

I expect it, but I'm not afraid of it. That's what they want, that you'll be afraid and not speak up. If enough of us speak out and demand clean government, we can change the culture at City Hall. And never be afraid again.

What can I do to help?

Tell your friends and neighbors about the Irvine Tattler. Refer them to this web site. Inform them about what you read here. Remember, the goal is to have an informed public. The best way you can help is to spread the word.

You can also help by becoming a citizen activist yourself. Write letters to the editor. Contact your local elected officials to let them know you support or object to their actions. Donate to the candidates who you believe would best serve Irvine. Talk to your neighbors about what's happening at City Hall.

Put another way ... Don't expect me or anyone else to express your opinion for you. The more active Irvine voters become, the more likely we can restore clean government to Irvine.

So-and-so told me you're doing this because ... (fill in whatever rumor or baseless allegation you heard)

I can't control rumors and falsehoods. I certainly expect lies, smears and false allegations will be circulated about me in the months ahead. That's why I post links and documents to back up what I've written. Ask those making the allegations if they can do the same. If they can't ... well, you have your answer.

Last Updated April 27, 2008