LAWRENCE ALAN AGRAN
Councilman, City of Irvine
Chairman,
Orange County Great Park Corp.
Born in Chicago, Feb. 2, 1945
Lives in Irvine (University Park)
One of OC’s smartest, most resilient politicians.
Visionary who sees Irvine enhancing its park-like character even as it becomes more urbanized.
Liberal Democratic activist who has thrived in Republican territory.
“Larry.” Driving force at Great Park, former El Toro Marine base being designed by architect Ken Smith into a park nearly twice as big as New York’s Central Park, alongside homes, commercial development.
Estimated price of public improvements $1.1 billion; some concerned by costs. Agran says anticipated revenue will cover.
Great Park planning directly under City Council, where Agran, allies Mayor Beth Krom, Sukhee Kang form 3-2 majority. Chairs nine-member park corporation, now in advisory role.
Lennar (see real estate OC 50ers Jon Jaffe, Emile Haddad) masterplanning private development at El Toro, with first home sales targeted for 2009.
Great Park is successor to proposed airport, which was killed by grassroots effort in which Agran played key role.
Pushing for major public transportation center next to Great Park; wants trains, more buses, including along Jamboree Road in Irvine Business Complex, where condo, office towers continue to sprout.
Believes in activist government: Recent initiatives include higher fees on IBC developers, smoking ban, expanded “living wage.”
Has been described as prickly. Political foes include some former allies. Hugely effective Hometown Voter Guide seen by critics as Agran’s way to skirt his own election rules. He says he’s done nothing illegal.
On Irvine council from 1978 to 1990. Again since 1998 to now, including five terms as mayor. Devotes full time (and then some) to part-time council job.
Has led efforts on childcare, affordable housing, recycling, open space preservation that have won Irvine national recognition. Has negotiated effectively with powerful Irvine Co. (see real estate OC 50er Donald Bren). Occasionally quixotic: Ran for president in 1992 Democratic primaries.
Majored in history, economics, graduated Phi Beta Kappa from UC Berkeley, 1966; graduated with honors from Harvard Law School, 1969.
Served as legal counsel to state Senate Committee on Health and Welfare. Taught at UCLA School of Law, UCI’s Merage School of Business. During the 1990s led nonprofits,Local Elected Officials Project, Center for Innovative Diplomacy, CityVote.
Wife Phyllis, a pediatrician. Son, Irvine lawyer Ken Agran.
,Rick Reiff
JAMES LOUIS DOTI
President, Economics Professor
Chapman University
Born in Chicago, Sept. 26, 1946
Lives in Villa Park
Gone Hollywood.
President of county’s most well known private college recently opened $41 million, 76,000-square-foot Marion Knott Studios. Houses Chapman’s Dodge College of Film and Media Arts. Studio’s “premier” drew Gov. Arnold Schwarzenegger, who got honorary degree, star on school’s “Walk of Fame.”
Cultivated ties to executives, philanthropists, who’ve become major supporters. Trustees include OC 50ers Paul Folino, alums George Argyros and Loretta Sanchez, Hadi Makarechian, Jim Mazzo.
Trustees are “most philanthropic people and stewards that really care about us,” Doti says. “The amazing thing is some of them aren’t even Chapman graduates.”
Donors have helped bring profs through endowed chairs. School has 45, up from one endowed chair when Doti started 16 years ago.
If not for donors giving millions for chairs, “It would just be a dream of mine,” he says.
Last year, assets of $421 million. Endowment fund at $231 million, up from $18 million 15 years ago.
Oversees school with more than 5,700 students, including nearly 570 law students. Growing campus, selectivity adding students.
Law school gaining traction after startup challenges. Started Roger C. Hobbs Institute for Real Estate, Law & Environmental Studies with $10 million gift from developer Roger Hobbs. Started certificate in entertainment law, degree in prosecutorial science.
Nearing completion of big projects. School raised $22 million for Erin J. Lastinger Athletics Complex.
Plans to transform school’s former citrus packing plant into student housing, food court, stores, or extra studio space for film school.
This summer, set to start construction on student dorms with 300 beds, 50 underground parking spaces, conference rooms, tower with a rock-climbing wall inside.
Plans to create College of Performing Arts for the School of Music and departments of theater, dance.
Serves on Schwarzenegger Economic Advisory Council beside two of his heroes, Warren Buffett, George Schultz.
Grew up in Chicago’s “Little Italy.” Mom sold hats, dad shoes. Undergraduate degree from University of Illinois, master’s in economics from University of Chicago, trained under Milton Friedman, George Stigler. Joined Chapman faculty in 1974, appointed dean of School of Business and Economics in 1985.
Hosts “Dialogue with Jim Doti” interview show on KOCE-TV. Guests have included Chris Matthews, second lady Lynne Cheney, British Journalist Robert Fisk, numerous local CEOs. One of few to have interviewed Osama bin Laden some years ago.
Fitness buff climbing “seven summits” of tallest mountains in the world. Already tackled Argentina’s Mount Aconcagua, Tanzania’s Mount Kilimanjaro, Russia’s Mount Elbrus.
Runs Boston Marathon. Listens to books on iPod when he runs 20-mile practice runs on weekends. Enjoys cooking, watching Food Network. Favorite shows: “Healthy Appetite with Ellie Krieger,” “Rachael Ray’s 30 Minute Meals.” Likes cooking with good olive oil. Makes a mean pizza, ravioli.
Wife, Lynne Pierson Doti is Chapman economics professor who holds Stone Professorship in Economics. Couple has two grown children, Adam, Cara. Grandfather of Parker James. Expects another grandchild soon. Recently adopted Roxy, seven year-old German shepherd mix.
,Jessica C. Lee
MICHAEL VINCENT DRAKE
Chancellor
University of California, Irvine
Born in New York, July 9, 1950
Lives in Irvine
Nearing two-year mark as UCI chancellor, school’s fifth leader in 42 years.
Seen gains. Government, other funding of $311 million in 2005-06 school year, up 18%. Funding from private sources hit record $101 million. Endowment now at about $200 million. Awarded 250 doctorates last school year, most ever. Applica-tions up 11%.
Ranked No. 44 among all universities by U.S. News & World Report. More than 25,000 students, 1,800 professors, nearly 12,000 workers in all. Yearly budget of $1.6 billion.
A lot going on. School in midst of biggest growth spurt yet, designed to accommodate 30,000 students by 2010. More than $1 billion in design, construction phase.
Among key projects: five-story engineering, social, behavioral sciences buildings, six-story Bren Hall, renovated Rowland Hall, biological sciences building.
The biggie: $370 million expansion of UCI Medical Center in Orange.
Has to raise estimated $1 billion in next decade to meet the campus’ strategic plan goals.
Planning for law school. Board of Regents OK’d school in November. Last month, advisory body California Postsecondary Education Commission recommended against it, arguing against need for more lawyers. UCI pressing ahead.
No stranger to challenges. Soon after arriving, had to tackle blowup of UCI Medical Center’s liver transplant program, which closed after regulators pulled certification because of mismanagement, poor care,32 patients died waiting for transplants.
Late last year, hired David Bailey, previously interim dean of UC San Diego School of Medicine, as vice chancellor for health affairs. New post oversees UCI’s healthcare education, medical center.
Got healthcare coverage extended to university employees, families who previously were uncovered.
Served as VP of health affairs for UC system for five years before taking UCI post. Responsibilities included oversight of UC health sciences academic, research programs.
Associated with UC for more than 30 years, starting as medical student at UC San Francisco in 1971. Holds two undergraduate degrees: bachelor’s in African, African-American studies from Stanford, bachelor’s in medical sciences from UC San Francisco. Ophthalmologist by training.
Some UCI professors initially balked at lack of experience running big campus.
Won over many with handling of liver crisis, likeable style.
Belongs to several national scientific, scholarly societies. On task force trying to fix problems at Martin Luther King Jr./Drew Medical Center in L.A.
Father also a physician. Grew up in Englewood, N.J. Later moved to Sacramento with family. Wife Brenda is public interest lawyer, foundation executive who he counts as key adviser. Two grown sons. Took road trip to baseball Hall of Fame with them. Enjoys cycling (rides Italian-made bike with lightweight carbon frame), travel, music, track, field, stargazing.
,Vita Reed
MILTON ANDREW GORDON
President
California State University, Fullerton
Born in Chicago, May 25, 1935
Lives in Fullerton
Now in 16th year as president of most populated campus in Cal State system at more than 35,000 students, up 37% since 1990. Second largest university in state by students.
Seeing record enrollment, number of degrees offered. In past year, hired 93 professors, brought in more than 10,000 students in fall. Wants to hire 100 profs a year through 2010. Hiring focusing on women, minorities. Wants profs working directly with students.
Celebrating school’s 50th anniversary this year. CSUF created in 1957, got start in borrowed classrooms at Fullerton’s Sunny Hills High School. In December, formed committee to plan events this year, next.
Convocation, concert under stars planned. Big open house in works, expects 4,000 to 5,000 people to visit during anniversary weekend.
Faces fundamental dilemma: too many students, lack of funding. Cal State University trustees this year voted to raise student undergrad fees by 10%.
Started reaching out to alums, businesspeople for donations. Early successes, though school still in fund-raising infancy.
Big construction projects: $87.5 million College of Business & Economics building set to open next year; $42 million Student Recreation Center, set to finish late this year.
New business school intended to turn out better-prepared graduates, offer executive MBA program.
Last year, accepted $4.5 million from Inter-Tel founder, business graduate Steven Mihaylo, who will see name on business building. Sparked campus debate as former CEO Mihaylo has tried to buy back telecom company. Business students brought up Inter-Tel’s $8.7 million in mail fraud, antitrust fines under Mihaylo, who wasn’t accused of wrongdoing.
Last year, entrepreneur, graduate Dan Black gave $4.2 million. Gift renamed science lab.
In 2006, finished $48.5 million, 102,000-square-foot Performing Arts Center. Along with business school, other projects, part of masterplan Gordon had approved in 2003.
2006 Princeton Review’s Best 237 Business Schools highlighted College of Business and Economics as largest accredited business school in California, fourth largest in the country. School ranked No. 1 on West Coast for musical theater, ranked among top eight in nation. Ranked eighth in “top public Western universities-master’s” by U.S. News & World Report. Ranked eighth nationally for bachelor’s awarded to minorities, tops in 23-campus CSU system.
Enrollment at El Toro satellite campus continues to grow. Facility at former Marine base counts more than 3,000 students. School looking to acquire more land at El Toro.
Grew up few blocks from old Comiskey Park in Chicago’s rough South Side. As child, saw Satchel Paige, Jackie Robinson play. School’s dynasty Titan team a source of pride for longtime baseball fan.
Lived in poor, integrated neighborhood. Gave him perspective for multicultural setting in Fullerton. Father worked for old Santa Fe railroad, mother, high school graduate, pushed three kids to college. Two brothers taught in Chicago public schools. Gordon taught kindergarten while working on doctorate in Illinois.
Chairs American Association of Colleges and Universities Committee on International Education. Member, governing board of Hispanic Association of Colleges and Universities. Serves on National ROTC Program Subcommittee.
Locally, is charter member of Orange County Workforce Investment Board. Other directorships include Orange County Business Council, Pacific Symphony Orchestra. Participates in “Super Sunday,” CSU Chancellor Charles Reed’s African-American higher education outreach program.
Honored in November by local Asian Business Association. Last year, elected vice chairman of Hispanic Association of Colleges and Universities. Member-at-large, executive committee of Coalition of Urban and Metropolitan Universities.
Doctorate in mathematics from Illinois Institute of Technology.
Wife, Margaret Faulwell Gordon, dean of colleges of extended, international education at Cal State Dominguez Hills. Couple lives at El Dorado Ranch, hillside Fullerton estate once home to city pioneer C. Stanley Chapman Sr., donated to CSU in 1989. Couple has blended family of grown sons: Patrick, Vincent Gordon, Michael Faulwell. Enjoys traveling, dining out, walking, movies, photography and sports.
,Jessica C. Lee
CURTIS LAYNE PRINGLE
Mayor
City of Anaheim
Born in Emmetsburg, Iowa, June 27, 1959
Lives in Anaheim
Chummy, visionary mayor with big-city ambitions. Drawn attention for “freedom friendly,” pro-business tack to government; even a new verb in policy circles,”Pringle-ize.”
“Curt” has engineered innovative deals providing wireless Internet access throughout city, online City Hall access, more telecom choices for residents. Spearheaded business-tax holiday, home-improvement fee waiver, Santa Ana river restoration, “green” building initiative.
Pushing for Anaheim to become regional transportation hub, sees city as future check-in point for air travelers who would be whisked on high-speed train to Ontario airport.
Has championed re-development throughout city without use of eminent domain.
Pushed market incentives to spur affordable housing. Sweeping zoning code changes most evident in Platinum Triangle, area around Angel Stadium being converted by Lennar, others into mini-city of high-rise condos (see real estate OC 50ers Jon Jaffe, Emile Haddad).
Critics complain about traffic, noise, blight, crime in some older neighborhoods.
Skilled political tactician, consensus builder, but defeat of ally Richard Chavez last November cost Pringle a key vote on five-member council.
Biggest challenge of moment: faces prospect of ballot-box war after council majority granted OC developer SunCal permission to put 1,500 homes on site zoned for hotel in Anaheim Resort District. Disney has sued city and launched a ballot drive to stop the rezoning (see Industry & Services OC 50er Ed Grier). Pringle backing Disney ballot bid.
Loves sports, but they’ve been a headache. Still appealing court loss to Angels owner, fellow OC 50er Arte Moreno, who won right to call team “Los Angeles.” NFL inaction on proposed SoCal franchise has prompted city to consider other proposals for land next to Angel Stadium. Long-awaited NBA franchise remains just that. Bright spot: Good relations with Ducks hockey team, owner, fellow OC 50er Henry Samueli.
On boards such as Orange County Transportation Authority, gives talks around country. Recently appointed by buddy Gov. Arnold Schwarzenegger to commission studying public employee pensions, benefits, as well as to California High Speed Rail Authority. Politically conservative but pragmatic. Friends include Democrats Willie Brown, John Burton, L.A. Mayor Antonio Villaraigosa. Backs Rudy Giuliani.
Four terms in Assembly, including 11 months as speaker in 1996.
Elected mayor in 2002, easily re-elected to second, final term last fall. Guessing game over next career move.
Grew up in Garden Grove. Bachelor’s in business, master’s in public administration from Cal State Long Beach. Runs government consulting firm, Curt Pringle & Associates. Teaches government course at UCI.
Wife Alexis, daughter Katie, son Kyle, new daughter-in-law Sarah.
,Rick Reiff
LORETTA LYDIA SANCHEZ
47th District of California
U.S. House of Representatives
Born in Lynwood, Jan. 7, 1960
Lives in Santa Ana (Floral Park)
OC’s highest-ranking Democrat. Newly em-powered with her party winning Congress last fall.
Sits on House Homeland Security Committee, now chairs important Subcommit-tee on Border, Maritime, Global Counterterror-ism.
Member of moderate Blue Dog Democrats, New Democrat Coalition in Congress. Close politically, if not ideologically, to liberal House Speaker Nancy Pelosi.
Outgoing, photogenic, playful; often tapped for TV interviews. Brief exchange with President Bush moments before his 2007 State of the Union: “Hola, chica.” “Hello, George.” Sometimes accused of being less than statesmanlike. At center of rift among members of Congressional Hispanic Caucus; quit group to protest leadership of fellow Democrat Rep. Lee Baca of Rialto, who has fended off accusations he called Sanchez “whore.”
Represents part of Little Saigon, has spoken against human rights violations in Vietnam. Recently got into a row with Vietnamese authorities when Hanoi police blocked family members of political dissidents from joining Sanchez for tea at U.S. ambassador’s house.
She, Rep. Linda Sanchez (south Los Angeles County) are Congress’ first “sister act.”
Symbol of county’s growing ethnic, political diversity. Deposed “B-1” Bob Dornan in 1996. Despite much talk from GOP, has yet to face a formidable challenger. Now in fifth term.
Touts finance, business background. Was a financial manager with Orange County Transportation Authority, assistant VP at Fieldman Rollap & Associates, associate at Booz Allen Hamilton. Also had own consulting practice.
Trustee (along with fellow OC 50er George Argyros) of her alma mater, Chapman University, where she earned bachelor’s in economics, was voted “Business Student of the Year.” MBA from American University. Belongs to the Hispanic Caucus, Women’s Congressional Caucus. Past president, National Society of Hispanic MBAs.
Divorced. Her Christmas card, sometimes spicy, always features her cat Gretzky. Seasonal hit on Capitol Hill.
,Rick Reiff
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HONORABLE MENTION
DICK ACKERMAN
State Senator, District 33, Senate Republican leader
WYLIE A. AITKEN
Partner, Aitken, Aitken & Cohn
SCOTT BAUGH
Chairman, Republican Party
Central Committee
Chairman, CEO, President, Scott Baugh & Associates
JOHN CAMPBELL
48th district of California,
U.S. House of Representatives
CHRISTOPHER COX
Chairman, Securities and
Exchange Commission
LUCETTA “LUCY” DUNN
CEO, President
Orange County Business Council
GARY HUNT
Partner
California Strategies LLC
ANDY POLICANO, PAUL MERAGE
Dean, Paul Merage School of Business,
University of California, Irvine;
Chair, Dean’s advisory board
MIGUEL A. PULIDO
Santa Ana Mayor
MICHAEL J. SCHROEDER
Lawyer, Republican adviser
