James Mai

Vice Mayor, City of Irvine @city_of_irvine Entrepreneur 💯 Non-Profit Founder 🧸 Family/Community. Living the American Dream 🇺🇸 Views expressed are my own.

[James Mai @JamesMai]

Today, on Flag Day, we celebrate more than a symbol. We celebrate the values, freedoms, and opportunities that unite us as Americans and as members of one community.

Over the past several weeks, you may have noticed more American flags proudly displayed throughout Irvine. In early May, the City installed 128 American flags across our community as part of an initiative I was proud to champion. Their installation coincided with Military Appreciation Month and Memorial Day, and they will remain through Independence Day as a visible reminder of our shared pride and gratitude.

For me, this initiative was inspired by the spirit of Irvine's beloved Field of Valor. Each year, thousands visit the Civic Center to reflect, remember, and honor those who have served our nation. The additional flags throughout the city serve as an extension of that tradition, bringing that same sense of patriotism, appreciation, and community pride into our neighborhoods and public spaces.

Beginning July 1, the Field of Valor flags will once again be installed on the front lawn of the Civic Center, where they will remain throughout the month. I encourage everyone to take time to visit, reflect, and honor the brave men and women whose service and sacrifice have made our freedoms possible.

As the son of refugees, the American flag has always held special meaning for me. It represents hope, opportunity, freedom, and the promise that people from every background can come together to build a stronger future.

No matter our differences, we are united by our commitment to one another, our love for our community, and our belief in the ideals that make this nation extraordinary.

Happy Flag Day, Irvine.

#FlagDay #FieldOfValor #MilitaryAppreciationMonth #MemorialDay #July4th #IrvineProud #WeAreIrvine #CommunityFirst

[James Mai @JamesMai]

Had the opportunity to stop by and support the Compost Caravan during its visit to Irvine. It was great to meet with the organizers, sponsors, and volunteers who are working to educate residents about composting, waste reduction, and sustainable practices.

I also appreciated the opportunity to tour some of Irvine’s facilities and learn more about the programs and infrastructure that help support these efforts locally.

As someone who believes in local control, community engagement, and practical solutions, I appreciate programs that empower residents with knowledge and provide voluntary opportunities to make a positive impact in their own neighborhoods. Good stewardship of our resources starts at the local level, where communities can develop solutions that work best for their residents.

Thank you to everyone involved in bringing this program to Irvine and for your commitment to education, outreach, and environmental stewardship. Your efforts help build a stronger and more informed community.

#weareirvine #communityfirst #peopleoverpolitics #irvine #orangrecounty

[James Mai @JamesMai]

s I look back on Asian American and Pacific Islander Heritage Month, I am reminded of this photo from six years ago.

This photo was taken while leading a march of hundreds of community members down Culver Drive during a period of significant unrest within the Asian American community, both locally and nationally, in the midst of the COVID-19 pandemic. During that time, I began speaking out more publicly against discrimination and racism, something I had experienced early in my own life. Not as a victim, but as a reminder.

A reminder that we are not just Asians. We are Asian Americans.

Many of us are proud Americans, proud of this country, and proud of what we and our parents have achieved here in the United States. Proud to wave the flag. Proud to serve. Proud to contribute. Proud of the ideals that America represents.

Even during that period, I experienced a level of racism myself. Nothing compared to what I endured as a child, being spit on, having rocks thrown at our family car, and being physically beaten, but it was there, often in more subtle ways.

I remember people moving their children away when they saw us approaching. I heard comments muttered under people's breath such as "go back to China." There were even isolated instances where service was refused. These incidents were not widespread, and they certainly did not define our community, but they were reminders that prejudice still exists.

As Asian Americans, and really as any minority group living anywhere, there will unfortunately be times when we encounter prejudice or discrimination. That reality does not make America any worse than other countries. In fact, I believe America remains one of the most tolerant, welcoming, and opportunity-filled nations in the world. Here in California, and especially in Irvine, we are fortunate to live in one of the most diverse communities in the country.

When COVID-19 struck, many Asian Americans faced harsh discrimination and became victims of hate crimes. In some parts of the country, elderly individuals and those unable to defend themselves were assaulted, and some even lost their lives.

When events like these occur, we must speak out. Not only when they happen in our own backyard, but also to support those in other communities who may not have the means, platform, or comfort level to do so themselves. We must raise awareness, stand in solidarity, and help prevent similar incidents from occurring elsewhere.

For me, becoming more civically and politically engaged was one way to help make a difference. In many ways, it was part of what led me into public service. Engagement is not only about responding when the headlines are loud. It is about ensuring that long after the news cycle moves on, we continue to have a seat at the table, contribute to society, and help shape the future of our communities.

We must also appreciate what we have in this country. The opportunities available to us, the freedoms we enjoy, and the ability to participate in our communities and government are things many people around the world can only dream of. Being engaged is not just about advocating for ourselves. It is about giving back and helping strengthen the nation that has provided so much opportunity for so many families, including my own.

Heritage months, to me, are about far more than food festivals, rallies, and celebrations. They are an opportunity to reflect on who we are as a people, what we have overcome, and what we have contributed to this nation.

They are a celebration of Asian Americans. Proud of our heritage. Proud of our country. Grateful for the opportunities we have been given. Committed to helping build an even stronger future for the next generation.

I am proud to be Asian American. I am proud of my family's journey. And I am proud to be an American.

[OCFA @OCFireAuthority]

There is understandable concern about an explosion as one of the possible outcomes. OCFA Division Chief Nick Freeman and Dr. CK, the Orange County Health Officer, provide an operational and health care perspective on the evacuation zones that account for that possibility.

[James Mai @JamesMai]

Memorial Day and Military Appreciation Month have always meant something deeply personal to me.

My adopted father fought in World War II. He landed at D-Day, survived the horrors of war, and somehow made it home. Growing up, I listened to his stories about the friends and brothers from his unit who never did. Stories about courage, sacrifice, fear, loss, and duty to something greater than yourself.

What impacted me most was what he did after the war was already won.

After they helped liberate the concentration camps, the Nazis were defeated, and the fighting in Germany had ended, he volunteered to stay. He did not want to go home yet. Instead, he chose to go back through the battlefields to collect the dog tags of fallen soldiers so their families could find peace and so their sacrifice would never be forgotten. He used to say it was the least he could do for the men who did not make it home beside him.

He did this despite being wounded, permanently disabled, and deaf from the war.

As a child, I did not fully understand the weight of those stories. As an adult, and now as Vice Mayor, I carry them with me every Memorial Day.

That is why seeing our city proudly display American flags and patriotic banners throughout Irvine fills me with an incredible sense of pride and gratitude. It is also why I pushed for even greater citywide recognition of our military during Military Appreciation Month.

For the first time, our city is celebrating Memorial Day and the lead-up to the 4th of July in a visible and meaningful way, with flags now proudly flying across our community and remaining up through Independence Day.

To some, they may just be flags and banners.
To many families like mine, they are reminders. Reminders that freedom is not free. Reminders of those who gave everything for this country. Reminders that there are names, faces, families, and stories behind every folded flag

It is the very least we can do to honor the sacrifice of our military heroes and remember those who never came home.

This Memorial Day, may we never forget them.

#MemorialDay #NeverForget #America #Patriotism #Irvine

[James Mai @JamesMai]

Always a great time and event with BIAOC PAC and an incredible day in Newport Beach at the Balboa Bay Resort. It was wonderful spending time with friends, both old and new, while also having the opportunity to meet and hear from guests who flew in for the event.

It was especially interesting hearing from former White House Press Secretary Karine Jean-Pierre, who served under President Joe Biden, and former White House Press Secretary Kayleigh McEnany, who served under President Donald Trump. Both shared unique perspectives from their time serving at the highest levels of government and national communications.

It was also great to see and hear from several California gubernatorial candidates, including former Congresswoman Katie Porter and Riverside County Sheriff Chad Bianco.

Thank you to the BIAOC PAC for hosting such a fantastic event and having me 💯

@biaoc @kayleighmcenany #builders #community #orangecounty #housing #newportbeach #irvine

[James Mai @JamesMai]

Arbor Day was an awesome day! 🌳

We celebrated something that truly defines our community, our trees. Irvine is proud to be recognized as a Tree City USA, a designation that reflects our long-standing commitment to preserving and growing a healthy urban forest for generations to come.

Across our city, we are home to over 300,000 trees, with more than 100,000 actively managed by the City of Irvine. These trees do more than beautify our neighborhoods, they improve air quality, provide shade, support our environment, and enhance the quality of life for every resident.

This was my second Arbor Day as Vice Mayor, and it was especially meaningful to celebrate alongside students at Myford Elementary. Seeing their energy, curiosity, and appreciation for nature is a reminder that stewardship starts early, and that the future of Irvine is in great hands.

Thank you to our students, educators, and city staff who continue to invest in a greener, healthier Irvine 💯

#irvine #trees #arborday #treecity #peolpleoverpolitics

[James Mai @JamesMai]

Today, on Vietnam Veterans Day, we honor the men and women who served with courage, sacrifice, and an unbreakable sense of duty.

For me, this day is deeply personal.

I carry a profound gratitude for the American soldiers who fought alongside my family during the Vietnam War, who protected them not just once, but saved my grandmother’s life time and time again. Because of their bravery… my family survived.

Because of them, I am here today.

This moment, this simple act of remembrance, means everything. It represents the lives saved, the sacrifices made, and a gratitude that can never fully be repaid.

Vietnam veterans did not always receive the welcome home they deserved. But today, and every day, we make it clear: we see you, we honor you, and we thank you.

To those who stood beside families like mine in their darkest moments, in the jungles, on the battlefield, and in the difficult return home, you didn’t just serve a country. You saved lives and shaped generations.

I carry that gratitude with me every single day.

Welcome home. And from my family to yours, thank you for your service 🇺🇸

#VietnamVeterans #veterans #VietnamVeteransDay #peopleoverpolitics

[James Mai @JamesMai]

Behind the scenes, those who know me well know just how funny the nickname “Suit and Tie Mai” really is. But this is part of the mission, and I’m all in. Let’s Go! 💯

Shout out to Driscoll's and the crew at Community Action Partnership of Orange County and Bristol & Bates Grateful to be part of the team that makes a real, tangible difference in lives every day 🙏🏼

#purpose #giving #orangecounty #mission

[James Mai @JamesMai]

1983. Amazing

[Jaynit @jaynitx]

Steve Jobs literally predicted the iPhone, the Internet, AI and the next 50 years of technology in a single speech from 1983:

[James Mai @JamesMai]

Transparency and clarity during situations like this are important to me, especially when recent news reports raise understandable questions in our community.

As one of the largest cities on the West Coast, we must communicate clearly with our residents and our neighbors. After hearing from concerned residents, I reached out directly to our public safety leadership to confirm the current situation.

To be clear, the City of Irvine has not been contacted about any specific threats directed at our city. Federal guidance on reports involving Iran classifies these warnings as cautionary only. Federal and state law enforcement agencies have shared that these alerts are precautionary and not tied to any specific location or target in California.

Separately, our public safety leadership also briefed city leadership regarding the incident that occurred earlier today in Michigan involving a vehicle ramming and shooting at a synagogue. Authorities there report that a suspect drove a vehicle into the building before being stopped by security personnel, and the incident remains under investigation. While this event occurred outside of California, our department is monitoring developments and maintaining communication with regional and federal law enforcement partners.

At this time, there is no known threat to the City of Irvine. Our Irvine Police Department continues to monitor the situation closely in coordination with our law enforcement partners, and our Threat Management Unit has been in contact with local community stakeholders.

As a precautionary measure, patrol officers are conducting additional checks at houses of worship throughout the city. We have always maintained a strong presence throughout the community and will continue to do so at locations where residents gather, including religious institutions, shopping centers, and other major activity centers. Out of an abundance of caution, staffing levels have also been increased at various locations, including the Irvine Spectrum Center.

The safety of our residents, businesses, and visitors remains our top priority. I appreciate the residents who have reached out with their concerns, and we will continue to provide updates should any credible information arise.

#irvine #irvinestrong #communityupdate #publicsafety

[James Mai @JamesMai]

Annual Lunar New Year celebration with the Asian Business Association of Orange County at J Zhou at The District at Tustin Legacy.

This is always one of those events I genuinely look forward to. The energy in the room, the celebration of culture, the strength of our local business community, and the chance to reconnect with longtime friends while welcoming new members into the family. It is a powerful reminder of how much can happen when entrepreneurs and community leaders come together with a shared purpose.

Founded in 1992, the Asian Business Association of Orange County has been a steadfast advocate for Asian American businesses, providing the tools, resources, and relationships that help companies grow and thrive. What started as a close-knit association of friends has grown into a true powerhouse of business leaders who continue to contribute meaningfully to Irvine and communities across Orange County.

Thank you to ABAOC for your leadership, your service, and your commitment to lifting others up. Wishing everyone a joyful and prosperous Lunar New Year!

#asianamerican #orangecounty #aapi #smallbusiness #irvine #tustin

[James Mai @JamesMai]

Congratulations to the family-owned and operated Sea Pointe Design & Remodel on celebrating 40 years of excellence here in Irvine.

Founded by Andrew Shore in 1986, Sea Pointe has built a reputation for exceptional custom home remodels, kitchens, baths, and room additions. What sets them apart is their integrated approach, bringing designers, architects, and builders together under one roof to guide clients from vision to completion with craftsmanship, care, and collaboration.

It was an honor to represent the City of Irvine, alongside the Greater Irvine Chamber, at their ribbon-cutting celebration at the showroom. Celebrating this milestone with the Shore family and their extended team was truly special. Hearing the story of humble beginnings, hard work, and a dream realized, now being carried forward to the next generation, is exactly what makes our business community so inspiring.

Congratulations to Andrew and the entire Shore family, and special congratulations to President Lauren Mills as she ushers in the company’s next chapter. Your leadership represents both continuity and forward vision, and our community looks forward to seeing Sea Pointe continue to thrive.

Thank you for four decades of quality, integrity, and commitment to the residents of Irvine and communities across Orange County.

To see their incredible work, visit: https://t.co/k2gcx7Clyz

#smallbusiness #irvine #smallbusinesssupportingsmallbusiness #communityfirst #peopleoverpolitics

[James Mai @JamesMai]

Wishing our Irvine residents and families across the greater Irvine area a joyful and prosperous Lunar New Year. 🧧✨

May this new year bring health, peace, and opportunity to every home in our community. From our neighborhoods and small businesses to our schools and senior centers, may we continue building a city grounded in unity, respect, and shared success. Happy Lunar New Year to all who celebrate. Here’s to a bright year ahead for Irvine!

[James Mai @JamesMai]

To those who celebrate here in Irvine and across our broader community, Ramadan Mubarak.

As Ramadan begins, it is a time of reflection, prayer, fasting, generosity, and deep spiritual renewal. It is a reminder of the power of faith, self-discipline, compassion, and service to others. Families gather, communities come together, and hearts are centered on gratitude and giving.

May this sacred month bring you and your loved ones peace, strength, clarity, and abundant blessings. May your prayers be answered, your fasts be meaningful, and your acts of charity uplift those in need.

Wishing you a peaceful and blessed Ramadan.

[James Mai @JamesMai]

Tết (Tết Nguyên Đán) is the Vietnamese Lunar New Year and the most important holiday in Vietnamese culture. It marks the arrival of spring and is a time for honoring ancestors, gathering with family, and celebrating new beginnings with wishes for health, prosperity, and good fortune.

I'd like to wish everyone a Happy New Year! Wishing you and your family a peaceful year ahead, with every hope fulfilled and every endeavor met with success, we're bringing in the year of the fire horse! 🐴

In Vietnamese: Chúc M���ng Năm Mới. Kính chúc mọi ngườiị và gia đình một năm mới bình an và vạn sự như ý 🧧

#tet #vietnamese #aapi #newyear

[James Mai @JamesMai]

One of my favorite memories: sharing roses and smiles with our seniors on Valentine’s Day.

Love in a community isn’t measured in grand gestures. It’s measured in moments: eye contact, gratitude, conversation, and respect.

These are the moments that matter.

Happy Valentine’s Day. ❤️

[James Mai @JamesMai]

Favorites from when we welcomed the USC Norris Comprehensive Cancer Center (Keck Medicine of USC) to their new treatment center in Irvine, right off Barranca.

For nearly 50 years, USC Norris has led with one mission: to treat and prevent cancer with excellence, compassion, and innovation. Now, that legacy of care is part of our community.

This clinic offers advanced therapies for a wide range of blood disorders and cancers, along with access to infusion centers, prevention services, nutrition support, and multidisciplinary tumor boards in which teams of specialists collaborate on personalized care plans for every patient. That level of coordinated, patient-centered treatment makes a real difference for families walking through some of life’s hardest moments.

It was a pleasure spending time with Dr. Ghani and getting to know Dr. An and Dr. Minh, whom I've decided to name "The Nguyen’ing Team", leaders who are not only highly skilled physicians but deeply committed to delivering care in an emotionally supportive and compassionate environment.

Thank you to our partners at the Greater Irvine Chamber and Dave Coffaro for organizing a wonderful ribbon-cutting and helping us celebrate this important milestone, and addition to our growing healthcare ecosystem, which has seen over 6 billion invested in the last few years.

World-class medicine and USC's choice of Irvine speak volumes. We are proud to support institutions that save lives, advance research, and strengthen the health and hope of our community.

Welcome officially to Irvine. We are honored to have you here.

#usc #cancer #irvine #communityfirst #peopleoverpolitics

[James Mai @JamesMai]

A sneak peek at an intimate sit-down interview produced by four-time Emmy Award–winning filmmaker and director Paul Abbaszadeh. This conversation reflects on a year of historic firsts and shares my personal vision for Irvine and our region....where we’ve been, what we’ve built together, and what’s possible 💯

#irvine #communityfirst #peopleoverpolitics