COMMUNITY PROFILE
plus an alternative and independent high school, as well as an early childhood learning center. The Irvine Ranch Water District provides water and sewer service.
History Prehistoric man first appeared in Irvine at least 12,000–18,000 years ago, according to archeological research. Gabrielino Indians — one of the original inhabitants of what is now Orange County — moved into the Irvine area 2,000 years ago, establishing villages near present-day San Joaquin Marsh and Rancho San Joaquin Golf Course. The Gabrielinos lived in round, woven huts; ate shellfish, waterfowl, and land animals; and were excellent basket weavers and makers of seashell and stone jewelry. In 1769, Spanish explorers led by Gaspar de Portolá entered the San Joaquin Valley bringing forts, missions, and herds of cattle. The king of Spain began to parcel out lands for missions and private land grants. After gaining independence from Spain in 1831, the Mexican government secularized these missions, assumed control of the land grants, and began distributing ranchos to Mexican citizens.
Gabrielino Indians were the original inhabitants of what is now Orange County. Photograph courtesy of The Irvine Historical Society
In 1846, the Mexican army was defeated in the final battle of the Mexican-American War, and California was annexed to the United States. Landholders were forced to reapply for valid titles to their ranchos, and
one such property was eventually divided among four prosperous sheep ranchers: Benjamin and Thomas Flint, Llewellyn Bixby, and James Irvine. The Irvine, Flint, and Bixby ranches were first devoted to sheep grazing. James Irvine died in 1886 leaving control of the ranch to his son, who incorporated the land holdings as the Irvine Company in 1894. Agriculture intensified during World War I, and by 1918, about 60,000 acres of the Irvine Ranch were used to grow lima beans. During World War II, two Marine Corps air facilities were built on land sold to the government by the Irvine Company. In 1959, the University of California asked the Irvine Company for 1,000 acres for a new campus. The Irvine Company agreed, and the state accepted and purchased an additional 500 acres. The university’s consulting architect, William Pereira, and the Irvine Company planners drew up master plans for a city of 50,000 people surrounding the university. The area would include industrial zones, residential and recreational areas, commercial centers, and greenbelts. The Irvine Industrial Complex West (now known as the Irvine Business Complex) opened, and the villages of Turtle Rock, University Park, Culverdale, the Ranch, and Walnut were completed in 1970.
Fly past parade at the former Marine Corps Air Station at El Toro
Circa 1943 Photograph courtesy of The Flying Leatherneck Aviation Museum
On December 28, 1971, residents voted to incorporate a substantially larger city than originally envisioned by the Pereira plan. The goal was to control the future of the area and protect its tax base. The City of Irvine’s current residential population has grown to more than 277,000 and encompasses 66 square miles, with a sphere of influence area of 74 square miles.
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FY 2019-21 Proposed Budget
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