Jeff Starke
solutions for irvine
Great Park
Jeff Starke is committed to advancing the numerous projects at the Great Park, many of which have faced delays or have yet to begin. He will serve as a dedicated advocate to ensure these projects are prioritized and moved forward in a timely manner. Jeff will work closely with the Great Park Board and the City Council to make funding and timeline decisions that reflect the community's needs. Recognizing the impact of the delayed retail portion, which has caused overcrowded commercial districts and packed parking lots at Woodbury Town Center, Jeff will ensure that the Great Park Retail Center progresses without further delays. Jeff will also establish monthly town halls to keep residents informed about the state of project development, provide a forum for raising concerns, and answer questions. He believes that residents, having paid significant additional fees for these projects, deserve to see their money spent wisely and promptly, ensuring the Great Park fulfills its promise to the community.
Sustainable Growth
Sustainable growth is at the heart of Jeff Starke's vision for Irvine. He understands the delicate balance between development and maintaining the city's unique charm and quality of life. Any new development has to preserve our cherished open space and the master plan of villages. By prioritizing sustainable practices, Jeff aims to create a thriving community that preserves Irvine's character while accommodating future needs. Jeff will advocate for thoughtful planning that includes housing options for people from all walks of life, including teachers, firefighters, and healthcare workers. Jeff believes people of all income levels should be able afford to live in Irvine, and as a small business owner, he knows that cost-of-living is a serious driver for companies relocating out of Irvine.
Environment
Protecting Irvine's natural beauty is a top priority for Jeff Starke. He is passionate about promoting environmental sustainability through innovative initiatives and policies. Jeff supports the use of green technologies, waste reduction programs, and renewable energy sources to reduce the city's carbon footprint. He will champion efforts to conserve natural habitats, enhance green spaces, and ensure clean air and water for all residents. Jeff believes that a healthy environment is crucial for the well-being of the community and future generations. Efforts such as sustainable housing, more bike transportation, taking cars off the street for school pickup/off, housing near transportation hubs and job centers all reduce traffic and pollution.
Buses
District 2’s neighborhood of Portola Springs does not have a middle school. The village’s middle school is Jeffrey Trail Middle School in Cypress Village. Over 200 students need to travel from Portola Springs to JTMS every school day. This creates a lot of extra traffic on Irvine and Sand Canyon. Finding a bussing solution for these students would benefit our whole district. The city should support a bus program that other areas of the city have lobbied for and received. The city could also expand the Irvine Connect to accommodate school travel.
Sand Canyon
Jeff will take action to reduce traffic on Sand Canyon by creating a better interchange with the 5 Interstate. He’ll work with the county to reduce the number of waste transfer trucks on our local surface streets and build an off-ramp from the 241 so trucks have a more direct route to the landfill. Jeff will also hold CalTrans accountable for its refusal to coordinate traffic signals at highway interchanges, and he’ll advocate for funding to reroute Marine Way.
Bike Lanes and Pedestrian Safety
Bike Friendly infrastructure needs to be expanded throughout Irvine so bike riders have a place to safely navigate Irvine’s streets. Currently, many bike riders use the sidewalks because they feel safer than using the current bike lanes. Providing more robust bike lanes can help get bikes off the sidewalks and decrease negative interactions between riders and pedestrians. The visibility of pedestrians in crosswalks is obscured by parked cars and landscaping. Adjusting the layout of intersections, making pedestrians more visible, will give drivers and bike riders more time to react helping to avoid accidents. Motorists drive much too fast on many of our streets putting pedestrians and bike riders at risk. More traffic calming measures need to be implemented, especially around Irvine’s many schools. There are crosswalks in the middle of blocks that are not controlled by a light or stop sign. These could benefit from a pedestrian activated crosswalk light. These are all measures that should be taken now, not after a tragedy.
Parks and Recreation
Jeff Starke believes that parks and recreational facilities are essential to the quality of life in Irvine. He is dedicated to enhancing and expanding these spaces to provide residents with ample opportunities for outdoor activities and community gatherings. Jeff supports the development of new parks, the improvement of existing ones, and the creation of diverse recreational programs that cater to all age groups. By investing in parks and recreation, Jeff will foster a sense of community, promote healthy lifestyles, and ensure that Irvine remains a vibrant and enjoyable place to live.
Public Safety
Jeff will work with law enforcement agencies to give them the tools, training and support they need to make sure Irvine stays one of the safest cities in the nation. Jeff will work closely with law enforcement, emergency services, and community organizations to implement effective crime prevention strategies and enhance public safety measures. He supports initiatives that improve police-community relations, provide adequate resources for first responders, and promote community-based safety programs. He’ll do more to address theft from porch pirates and reign in irresponsible e-bike riders. Jeff believes that a safe environment is essential for the well-being and prosperity of all residents, and he is committed to making Irvine a secure and welcoming place for everyone.