The City of Irvine dedicated a sycamore grove within the Bommer Canyon Preserve in memory of former City Councilmember and Planning Commissioner Mary Ann Gaido, whose vision and leadership were a driving force behind the City’s purchase of thousands of acres of open space.
Commissioner Gaido, who passed away in September following a courageous battle with cancer, played a pivotal role in shaping Irvine. Under her thoughtful leadership, Irvine experienced significant accomplishments, including the acquisition of 10,000 acres of open space in Bommer Canyon — the first open space owned by the City. The purchase from the Irvine Company helped pave the way for the passage of the Irvine Open Space Initiative, which permanently protects thousands of acres of land as natural open spaces.
“Today’s dedication of the sycamore grove in Bommer Canyon Preserve is a meaningful tribute to Mary Ann’s remarkable contributions to the City of Irvine and her enduring dedication to public service,” said Mayor Farrah N. Khan. “Mary Ann’s wisdom, compassion, and unwavering commitment to our community left an indelible mark on our City, and I am so pleased we are honoring her legacy in this special way.”
Commissioner Gaido dedicated more than 50 years of service to Irvine. She was appointed to the Planning Commission shortly after Irvine’s incorporation in 1971. She was a member of the City’s first Transportation Phasing Task Force from 1974 to 1976 and went on to serve two terms on the City Council from 1976 to 1984. She returned to the Planning Commission in the mid-1980s, serving a total of 20 years on the commission.
Commissioner Gaido’s legacy includes the approval of Irvine’s first General Plan, a comprehensive, long-range vision of the City’s future development and preservation, and the addition of more than 3,000 affordable housing units. In 2023, she received the prestigious Ralph Kennedy Award in recognition of her tireless advocacy for increasing affordable housing in Orange County.
Among those who spoke about the impact she had on the City were representatives from Families Forward, Irvine Community Land Trust, and Irvine Company, as well as Vice Mayor Larry Agran.
"Mary Ann was not only a local advocate and leader in the City of Irvine, but an amazing mentor for me throughout my career,” said Vice Mayor Larry Agran. “We can all learn from her example and strive to follow her work ethic to continue to make the City of Irvine one of the best cities in America.”
The sycamore grove located within the Cattle Camp at Bommer Canyon Preserve is well established, with fully mature sycamore trees, many of which were planted in the 1960s. The Cattle Camp is a hiking destination, picnic area, and picturesque event rental facility for the community, as well as an important source of native habitat for plant and animal species.
To learn more about Irvine’s Open Space Preserve, including Bommer Canyon, visit cityofirvine.org/openspace.