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James Mai

@jamesmai

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Vice Mayor, Irvine 🇺🇸
CEO, Bristol & Bates • Board Director ×10
Serving 320K residents 🎡 @vicemayormai
Founder of @jamesmaifoundation 🧸 & @aapiofficial

POSTS STORIES REELS

I made a promise as a young, hungry child, I’m grateful to be able to deliver on it now.

Bristol & Bates/James Mai Foundation OC Food Box Program
2025 Program Statistics 📈

Guided by a mission to uplift, serve, and strengthen our community, this program delivered more than food we delivered care, stability, and dignity. No spotlight, no fanfare, just service.

🧑‍🧑‍🧒‍🧒 15,000+ families served across 30+ Orange County cities.
From Irvine to Santa Ana, Anaheim to San Clemente, and beyond, we delivered directly to homes, workplaces, schools, community hubs, and trusted partners.

That’s 290 families every week, 1,250 every month, equal to feeding an entire neighborhood, week after week, all year long.

What moves me most is remembering who we served: restaurant and service workers stretched to their limits, educators giving more than they ever received, families quietly trying to hold it together, seniors struggling in isolation, veterans, students juggling far too much, and neighbors facing homelessness. Many we reached would never ask for help, yet quietly carry the weight of rising costs, health issues, or hardship. Through community leaders, food banks, schools, churches, and neighborhood partners, support was delivered with privacy, dignity, and care, to the unseen, the hardworking, and the resilient 👍🏼

This was 100% community-powered 💪🏼 3,500+ volunteer hours, in many cases, carried forward by the very people we once served… who then turned around, joined us, and began serving others.

To every volunteer, partner, food bank, farm, manufacturer, restaurant, church, and community connector, thank you. This was love in motion, without agenda or recognition.

One food box feeds a family, a community feeding each other changes generations. In 2025, we delivered more than meals, we delivered hope, dignity, and the message that no one stands alone.

#OCFoodBox #CommunityFirst #Volunteer #OrangeCounty #FeedFamilies #ServiceOverSelf #BristolAndBatesFoundation #JamesMaiFoundation #irvine #santaana #tustin #gardengrove #jamesmai #foodismedicine #NeighborsHelpingNeighbors #CommunityImpact #PeopleOverPolitics #missiondriven #livingwithpurpose @bristolbates by @jamesmai

I don’t mind putting my neck out there for the people. After all, what’s the point of serving if you’re not willing to take a stand?

Some people disagree with my approach, and that’s okay. Healthy debate is part of good government. But if you don’t stand for your principles, values, and convictions, what are you standing for?

I’ve always taken a philosophical approach to public service. My decisions are guided by my morals, my values, and the trust residents placed in me to represent them. I also believe empathy matters. To me, empathy means considering the impact our decisions have on others and striving to put people first, without pride or prejudice.

A few clips from this week’s City Council meeting and an excerpt from the Orange County Register:

“But councilmembers say they fear the deficit’s potential to grow to $47 million by 2030 if nothing is done. More moves taken Tuesday included the council deciding to dip into city reserves to balance its general fund for this fiscal year and some councilmembers saying they’d tighten their own spending.”

I was the most vocal opponent of increasing fees at this time.

“We don’t have a revenue problem. The big elephant in the room that has not been addressed tonight is workforce...”

The city has added nearly 250 positions over the past five years. That growth has real financial consequences, and I don’t believe the answer is simply charging residents more through permits, fees, and transaction costs. We must first get control of our cost structure, evaluate staffing growth, and carefully review discretionary spending.

That’s why I supported waiting until August, when we receive a comprehensive report on the City’s finances, before making additional long-term decisions.

If you disagree with me, that’s okay. If you want to question my decisions, criticize my positions, or point out my shortcomings, that’s okay too. Public service comes with accountability, and I welcome it. But none of that changes the facts before us, and it certainly won’t deter me from advocating for the residents I was elected to represent.

#Irvine #OrangeCounty #CityCouncil #Taxpayers #PeopleOverPolitics by @jamesmai

I had an incredible time walking in my first parade this weekend—the Tet Parade in Westminster (Little Saigon). The City of Irvine is home to over 160,000 Asian-Americans, of which over 12,000 are Vietnamese, and it was an honor to represent our city in style with a Lamborghini and McLaren alongside members of local non-profits and our amazing sponsors and partners. I was also joined by my city staff, Irvine Commissioner Ron Scolesdang, and my two boys who had a blast! 💯

A huge thank you to First Class Exotics, Sunset Drip Coffee, Bristol & Bates, AAPI United, Operation Be Kind and Hidden Hills Club Clothing for your support in making this such a memorable experience.

Grateful to the City of Westminster and Tammy Huynh/Vanessa Johnson for the invitation to be part of this incredible annual tradition, which draws over 15,000 attendees and reaches hundreds of thousands of viewers worldwide.

Wishing everyone a Happy Lunar New Year! 🎉🐉

#TetParade #LittleSaigon #WestminsterCA #Irvine #CityOfIrvine #IrvinePride #TetFestival #LunarNewYear #HappyLunarNewYear #VietnameseNewYear #Tet2025 #ChúcMừngNămMới #CommunityFirst #GivingBack #littlesaigon #FirstClassExotics #vietnamese #viet #cargram #mclaren #CulturalCelebration #supercars #suprercar #lamborghini #OrangeCounty #weareirvine #irvineunited #irvinestrong #irvineproud 🤙🏼 @cityofirvine @aapiofficial @operationbekind @bristolbates @1stclassexotics @cityofirvine by @jamesmai

It was a true honor to receive a personal invitation from the Consul General of India, Dr. K. J. Srinivasa, to attend a special international and interfaith celebration bringing together the Hindu and Jewish communities in recognition of Diwali and Hanukkah.

This was my first visit to Sinai Temple in Los Angeles, and I was deeply moved by the messages of unity, hope, and celebration throughout the evening.

It was especially meaningful to hear from my fellow speakers, including federal, state, and local elected officials, philanthropists, and community advocates whose leadership and service are making a positive impact across communities and beyond borders.

I also enjoyed seeing many familiar faces and residents from Irvine in attendance. These gatherings remind us how connected our local communities are to the broader world and the importance of building relationships across cultures and traditions.

I was humbled to share a message reflecting on the importance of unity, mutual respect, and understanding across faiths and cultures. In an increasingly interconnected world, meaningful relationships are built not only between governments and institutions, but between people and communities. While our traditions may differ, our shared aspirations for peace, opportunity, and a brighter future bring us together.

One of the most memorable moments was participating in the ceremonial lighting of the menorah and the diyas. Two beautiful traditions, each with its own significance, sharing a universal message of light over darkness, hope over despair, and the enduring power of faith and humanity.

My sincere appreciation to Sinai Temple and Rabbi Erez Sherman for welcoming us into your house of worship, and to Consul General Dr. K. J. Srinivasa for the personal invitation and for bringing communities together through cultural exchange, dialogue, and friendship.

Different faiths. Different traditions. One shared humanity. And a brighter future built together. 🪔🕎

#Indian #Irvine #Diwali #Hanukkah #jewish by @jamesmai

An old school Irvine Halloween in Greentree with friends, family, neighbors, and our community 🎃👻💯

#greentree #oldschool #irvine #cowboy #halloween by @jamesmai

I was honored to attend Latino Health Access’s 33rd Anniversary Gala, “The Stories That Unite Us”, representing the City of Irvine and Orange County Power at the event.

Although Latino Health Access is based in Santa Ana, its partnerships, reach, and services have positively impacted the region, including many Irvine residents and organizations. For more than three decades, LHA has supported historically underserved families through culturally and linguistically appropriate health education, mental health support, youth leadership, advocacy, asthma remediation, housing navigation, and its community food bank.

It was especially meaningful to connect with Dr. America Bracho, the organization’s founder, and hear about how far Latino Health Access has grown since she established it in 1993. I also enjoyed connecting with Consul Maxaira Baltazar of the Consulate of Mexico in Santa Ana, a proud Irvine resident.

Thank you to Dr. Bracho, the Latino Health Access team, and all the event sponsors and community partners for helping make the evening special and supporting this important work.

Visit them here for more info www.latinohealthaccess.org and here on @latinohealthaccess

#santaana #irvine #latino #mexican #healthcare by @jamesmai

Hand in hand, under the same moon. 🌕🤝 CDCSC dancers, Irvine community leaders, and new and familiar faces came together once again at the Great Park Mid-Autumn Festival for a tradition we hold close to our hearts. At the heart of CDCSC are not only the connections we build within our team, but also the connections we build with our community as we share and celebrate the beauty of Chinese culture together. 🫶

For three years now, our “Under the Moon” tradition has invited the audience to become part of the dance. Rather than simply watching from the sidelines, community members join our dancers in movement, turning a performance into something we create together.

When we gather under the same moon to dance and celebrate our cultural heritage, we lift one another up and strengthen the connection between our dancers, our community, and our culture. 🏮

This year marked the City of Irvine’s sixth annual Mid-Autumn Festival, and we’re honored to continue being part of a celebration that has grown into such a meaningful gathering for thousands across our community. From the stage to the crowd, every shared movement reminds us that cultural traditions stay vibrant when people have the chance to experience them together.

For CDCSC, what happens onstage is only one part of the story. Every chance to interact, laugh, move, and connect with our community means so much to us, and it always warms our hearts to see people so excited to dance alongside us. 💛

Thank you @cityofirvine for another year of celebration, connection, and culture. Until we’re dancing under the moon together again! 🌙

Photography: @cityofirvine
Video: @shutterfoo
Choreography/Instruction: @snowhanxue , @cheryl_y_dance

#ChineseDance #CDCSC #UnderTheMoon #MidAutumnFestival #CityOfIrvine by @jamesmai

It was my pleasure to recognize Voices of a Heart and its founder, Mari Dagher, and award them a grant through my office.

Voices of a Heart supports people leaving abusive relationships as they navigate divorce and other difficult life transitions. Through advocacy, mentorship, emotional support, guidance, and connections to resources, the organization helps people feel less alone as they work toward safety and stability.

A grant recipient from my office is an organization we have identified as a valuable resource to our community. Voices of a Heart has also completed the City’s vetting and verification process and is now a verified City grantee 💯

Thank you, Mari, for turning compassion into meaningful support for people facing abuse and domestic violence. Learn more about their work at voicesofaheart.org ❤️

#domesticviolence #support #nonprofit #grant #irvine by @jamesmai

What an amazing celebration! 50 years of Concordia University Irvine! 🎉

It was an honor to represent the city at the ribbon-cutting for Concordia’s new concert venue and hall, and to share remarks at the opening of the university’s new athletic center. This exciting new facility will serve not only Concordia’s athletes, but students throughout the university community 🦅

These special occasions were part of a memorable weekend celebrating Concordia Irvine’s 50th anniversary! For five decades, Concordia has been one of Irvine’s original universities and a premier institution of higher learning. This milestone belongs to the generations of students, alumni, faculty, staff, donors, friends, and community members who have helped build its remarkable legacy.

I was also honored to meet Concordia system leaders who traveled here for this special celebration, along with so many of the individuals who worked behind the scenes to make it all possible. It is always a pleasure spending time with President Michael Thomas and Tim Jaeger, Vice President of University Advancement, who are always such gracious hosts.

Congratulations to Concordia University Irvine on 50 years of educating and serving our community. Here’s to the next chapter! ✝

#concordia #irvine #celebration #university #education by @jamesmai

This week, history reached new heights at the Great Park in Irvine.

At the former Marine Corps Air Station El Toro, we placed the final and highest beam atop the new Flying Leatherneck Aviation Museum, marking a major milestone in bringing this extraordinary museum to life.

It was an honor to sign the beam and represent Irvine’s city leadership alongside my friend, USMC Brigadier General Michael Aguilar, museum board members, donors, and dedicated Marines who served at this base.

The structure is rising, and we’re one step closer to opening the doors. We can’t wait to welcome our community and visitors to a museum that will honor Marine aviation and the men and women who served right here in our city.

A proud day for Irvine. A lasting tribute to the Marines.

Semper Fidelis. 🇺🇸

#usmc #marines #irvine #military #history @flyingleathernecks by @jamesmai

🇺🇸 WELCOME TO IRVINE! Celebrating Taiwan and International Friendship! 🌏✈️

It was my pleasure to welcome a delegation from Taiwan to Irvine for the official launch of Taiwan Tourism’s #100WaysToWonder campaign at the Irvine Spectrum Center.

More than 1,000 attendees joined us for a day filled with Taiwanese culture, entertainment, and activities, showcasing the many wonderful experiences Taiwan has to offer.

I was honored to join Vivian Lin, Director of the Taiwan Tourism Administration’s Los Angeles Office, along with distinguished guests and international business leaders for this special occasion.

✈️ It was also a pleasure to meet executives and representatives from China Airlines, EVA Air, and STARLUX Airlines, who help connect Taiwan with the United States and destinations around the world.

🎭 From traditional Taiwanese puppetry and cultural performances to interactive games, family activities, and refreshments, there was something for everyone to enjoy. I even had a chance to join in on the fun myself.

🇹🇼 Our connection with Taiwan is especially meaningful, as Taoyuan, Taiwan, is an official Sister City of Irvine. Through this partnership, we continue to foster cultural exchange, strengthen relationships, and create opportunities for our communities to connect.

As one of America’s most diverse cities, Irvine is proud to host events that celebrate the many cultures and traditions that make our community so special.

A big thank you to the Taiwan Tourism Administration, Director Vivian Lin, the visiting delegation, participating airlines, sponsors, performers, and organizers for bringing this wonderful event to our city.

Here’s to continued friendship between Irvine and Taiwan and many more opportunities to celebrate together! 🇹🇼🇺🇸

#taiwanese #tourism #Irvine #Taiwan by @jamesmai

📢 Looking for your next career opportunity?

We are hosting a job fair at City Hall! Whether you’re looking for a new job, exploring a career change, or taking the next step in your professional journey, this is a great opportunity to connect directly with local employers and discover new possibilities!

📅 Friday, November 13, 2026
⏰ 10:00 AM – 2:00 PM
📍 Irvine City Hall
1 Civic Center Plaza, Irvine, CA 92606

🤝 Meet employers, explore employment opportunities, and make valuable professional connections.

✅ RSVP: https://tr.ee/ijob

Walk-ins are also welcome, so bring your resume and come ready to make connections!

Building a stronger community starts with creating opportunities for everyone. Hope to see you there! 💯

#Irvine #JobFair #career #community #jobs by @jamesmai