Branda Lin—co-founder of the nonprofit Irvine Watchdog, a local news source established in 2019—is running to be elected Irvine’s mayor in the Nov. 8 election.
“For the past four years I have dedicated myself to local municipal issues and led a group of dedicated volunteers through Irvine Watchdog because I believe in a strong local government that values transparency, honesty, and accountability, for the betterment of our community,” Lin posted to social media as part of her campaign announcement in August. “I’m passionate about informing residents to empower residents.”
If elected, Lin said she will advocate for change across the city, including replacing Irvine’s two representatives on the board of the Orange County Power Authority, which manages energy distribution in the city. Lin wants to hire a different CEO to lead with better transparency.
She said she’s also concerned about a special tax that homeowners in the Great Park neighborhoods pay and wants more transparency on how those funds are being used.
She also said she believes Great Park needs better plans for existing retail and local amenities, before its residential community is enlarged.
Lin did not respond to a request for an interview. But according to her campaign website she additionally wants to relocate the All-American Asphalt Plant—which has received numerous complaints from nearby residents about odors for the past three years and possibly other pollutants emanating from its location.
She’s also interested in securing Irvine as a cultural hub.
“It’s time we bring back a focus on promoting the arts through outdoor exhibitions, community, performance groups, and festivals,” her campaign website reads.
Additionally, Lin is advocating $28 million in city funds allocated for library construction and improvements to go towards a new library in the Great Park and to update Heritage Park Library in Irvine if she is elected.
Lin was born and raised in Irvine and continues to live in the city now with her husband and two children.
She received two bachelor’s degrees in 2001 from the University of California Irvine, for Music Performance and Political Science and Government.
As an Irvine Community Services commissioner appointed by Mayor Farrah Khan, she helped develop community service programs and facilities from 2018 to 2020. She has also worked as a litigation paralegal for over 15 years.
She resigned as co-chair of the board of Irvine Watchdog in 2022 to concentrate on running for office.
Lin’s endorsements include: Former Irvine City Councilwoman and former president of the Irvine Community Land Trust, MaryAnn Gaido; as well as Diana Jing who is the former co-chair of the Irvine Children Youth and Family Advisory Committee; Sharon Toji, a previous Irvine Community Services Commissioner; and Gene Bedley, an Irvine teacher.
Her opponents are Khan, Tom Chomyn, Katherine Daigle, and Simon Moon.
