Candidate Close Up 2024: Jackie Kan
Jackie Kan is running for City Council. Photo credit Jackie Kan
Jackie Kan, a candidate for the Irvine City Council District 1 seat, is bringing a fresh perspective to local governance. With a deep-rooted love for Irvine and a commitment to community service, Kan aims to address the pressing issues facing District 1.
“I truly love Irvine and believe there’s so much to advocate for,” Kan stated in a recent interview. “District 1 has been underrepresented, and it’s time we address the issues that matter to our residents.”
Kan’s connection to Irvine is personal and longstanding; she attended UC Irvine nearly 20 years ago. Witnessing the city’s evolution has equipped her with insights into the challenges and opportunities ahead. “We’re now at a pivotal point where we need the right infrastructure and housing, along with a City Council that can lead us into the future,” she explained.
Professionally, Kan works for a medical device company in Irvine. She also runs a small business, which focuses on creating dolls that represent Asian American girls. She co-founded the project with her sister to provide children with dolls that look like them.
“Growing up, I had many Barbies, but none of them looked like me,” Kan recalled. “We want to highlight the significance of representation, not just in local government but also for our children.”
Public Safety
One of Kan’s key priorities is public safety, particularly in the face of environmental risks.
“District 1 is surrounded by areas defined by CAL FIRE as high fire severity zones,” she noted, referencing the Silverado Fire of 2020. Kan advocates for expanding the Community Emergency Response Team (CERT) program to include multilingual access and increased funding. Kan said she sees a need to empower all citizens in disaster preparedness, regardless of their proficiency in English.
As she contemplates the future of District 1, Kan is particularly focused on the upcoming development of the Gateway Preserve. “It’s critical that we get feedback from residents on what that should look like,” she said. She has already begun soliciting community input, with many residents expressing a desire for community and senior centers, as well as dedicated paths for hikers and cyclists.
Housing
Kan is keenly aware of the ongoing housing crisis affecting Irvine and cities throughout California.
“Irvine has already made significant strides in affordable housing,” she pointed out, noting that the city has built more units than any other in Orange County. She cautioned against complacency, stressing the importance of meeting the state’s Regional Housing Needs Allocation (RHNA) to maintain local control over development.
“We need to protect our open spaces from developers who might want to build more housing,” said Kan. “By maintaining local control, we can plan where to place high-density mixed-use housing, especially around key areas like the Irvine Spectrum, Irvine Business Complex, and Great Park.
By maintaining local control, we can plan where to place high-density mixed-use housing, especially around key areas like the Irvine Spectrum, Irvine Business Complex, and Great Park.”
Transportation
Transportation is another area of focus for Kan. She recognizes the chaos of school drop-offs and the need for better traffic management.
“I want to analyze growth projections and how that impacts school capacity,” she stated, advocating for more transportation options, including the expansion of the Irvine Connect shuttle service.
Corporate Influence
In a political landscape often influenced by corporate interests, Kan stands firm in her commitment to transparency and integrity.
“I completely reject corporate special interest money. I refuse to accept any funding or meet with them,” she asserted. “We need a council that prioritizes residents and makes decisions based on their needs, not for political gain.”
This is Kan's first run for office, but her involvement in various political campaigns reflects her dedication to civic engagement.
“I’m passionate about a variety of issues,” she said, “and I believe it’s crucial to build a pipeline of progressive women for our city.”
Ultimately, Kan's vision for Irvine is rooted in community values and a commitment to inclusivity.
“As an Irvine mom and working professional, I am deeply invested in the growth and future of Irvine,” she concluded. “I am committed to prioritizing residents over special interest groups.”
Irvinite Questions
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Irvinite Questions 〰️
Read Kan’s answer to a question she selected from a thread on the Irvine subreddit.
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I’d love to see some nightlife options as well. It would be important to plan for this in areas away from residential neighborhoods to be mindful of ordinances around noise.