The 2010 Irvine City Counciil race kicked-off last week when Beth Krom endorsed Shiva Farivar in a letter to supporters. Shiva is currently Beth's appointee to Irvine Community Services Commission and has been vice-president of the Iranian-American Democrats. She pulled papers in 2006, but did not appear on the ballot. She held her first fundraiser last Tuesday night at Caspian Restaurant. I haven't heard how that went, but if it had been a big success Dan C. would presumably have been crowing about it on his web page.

Lest anyone think Shiva represents a new direction in Irvine politics, note that shivafarivar.com uses the same webhost (netfronts) as Larry Agran, Beth Krom and Sukhee Kang.

At least three, and possibly all five council members will be on the ballot in 2010. Larry Agran has to run again because he only won a two-year seat in the last election. Likewise, Sukhee Kang has to run again because the Mayor is only a two year term. Christine Shea is termed out, but could seek a rematch against Sukhee Kang for Mayor. Irvine Republicans are already seeking a strong candidate to hold Christina's seat. Presumably the Agranistas are hoping that this early start will allow them beat the non-incumbent and expand their majority to 4-1.   Beth Krom and Steven Choi have terms that last until 2012, but Beth is running for US Congress against John Campbell and Steven has formed an exploratory committee for Chuck DeVore's 70th Assembly District.