OC 50: GOVERNMENT & INSTITUTIONS

Orange County Business Journal, Apr 28-May 4, 2008

LAWRENCE ALAN AGRAN

Councilman, city of Irvine

chairman, Orange County Great Park Corp.

Born in Chicago, feb. 2, 1945

Lives in Irvine (University Park)

Resilient politician who has been key player in Irvine's development as progressive urban village. "Larry" a liberal Democrat who has thrived in Republican territory.

Hailed by supporters as smart, strong-willed visionary, slammed by critics as calculating, vindictive. Tough to beat-his Hometown Voter Guide hugely effective. Accused of exploiting his own election, ethics rules-he says it's all legal.

Emotions run highest at Agran-led Great Park, sprawling billion-dollarplus redevelopment of former El Toro Marine base.

Great Park, Agran's alternative to a proposed commercial airportwhich he helped to killis being designed by architect Ken Smith for parks, open space, museums. Rides launched on iconic orange helium balloon but recently grounded due to FAA concerns; $14 million being spent to spruce up the launching area.

Critics allege Great Park is squandering funds. Housing, commercial development by Lennar, which would generate tax revenue for public projects, has stalled. Runway demolition has stopped. Contentious search for permanent park chief executive has been suspended until next January-two years after last CEO quit.

Agran pushing for major public transportation center-favors more trains, buses; weekday shuttle service recently started in John Wayne Airport business district and along Jamboree Road.

On Irvine council from 1978 to 1990. Again since 1998 to now, including five terms as mayor. Devotes full time (and then some) to part-time council job.

Government activist: has led efforts on childcare, affordable housing, recycling, open space preservation that have won Irvine national recognition. Has effectively negotiated with powerful Irvine Co. Ran for president in 1992 Democratic primaries.

Majored in history, economics, graduated Phi Beta Kappa from UC Berkeley, 1966; graduated with honors from Harvard Law School, 1969.

Served as legal counsel to state Senate Committee on Health and Welfare. Taught at UCLA School of Law, UC Irvine's Merage School of Business. During 1990s led nonprofits-Local Elected Officials Project, Center for Innovative Diplomacy, CityVote.

Wife Phyllis, pediatrician. Son, irvine lawyer KenAgran.

-Rick Reiff

JAMES LOUIS DOTI

President, economics professor

Chapman University

Born in Chicago, Sept. 26, 1946

Lives in Villa Park

Mountain climbing economist oversees little university that could.

Private college faced financial crisis in 1975, now boasts OC's largest endowment at some $260 million, up from $18 million 15 years ago.

Enrollment up 15% to 6,545 in 2008.

Last year, lured Nobel Prize winner Vernon Smith to start Economic Science Institute. Says school could raise $20 million with Smith's help. Adding more positions, resources. Could add master's in economic systems design.

Construction boom. Last year opened $41 million, 76,000-squarefoot Marion K.nott Studios, Dodge College of Film and Media Arts. Nearing completion of $22 million Erin J. Lastinger Athletics Complex set to open in fall.

Could transform former Villa Park Orchard Packing Plant building into science building. Some want packing plant preserved as historic landmark.

Doti's strong business ties fuel school. Cultivated bonds with executives, philanthropists, who've become major supporters. Trustees include OC SOers Paul Folino, alums George Argyros and Loretta Sanchez, Hadi Makarechian, Jim Mazzo.

Law school gaining traction after shaky start in 1990s, rejected by American Bar Association, lawsuits from unhappy students. Accepted by ABA before graduating first class; now has nearly 700 students. Started certificate in entertainment law, degree in prosecutorial science. Roger C. Hobbs Institute for Real Estate, Law & Environmental Studies started with $10 million gift from developer Hobbs.

Serves on Gov. Arnold Schwarzenegger's Economic Advisory Council beside two of his heroes: Warren Buffett, George Shultz.

Grew up in Chicago's Little Italy. Mom made hats, dad shoes. Undergraduate degree from University of Illinois, economics master's from University of Chicago, trained under Milton Friedman, George Stigler. Joined Chapman faculty in 1974. Dean of business school in 1985.

Cohosts "Dialogue with Doti and Dodge" interview show on KOCE-TV. Guests have included Salman Rushdie, second lady Lynne Cheney, local chief executives. One of few to have interviewed Osama bin Laden some years ago.

Fitness buff climbing seven of tallest mountains. Already tackled Argentina's Mount Aconcagua, Tanzania's Mount Kilimanjaro, Russia's Mount Elbrus.

Runs Boston Marathon. Listens to books on iPod on 20-mile weekend practice runs. Enjoys cooking, watching Food Network. Favorite shows: "Healthy Appetite with Ellie Krieger," "Rachael Ray's 30 Minute Meals."

Wife Lynne Doti, Chapman economics professor who holds Stone Professorship in Economics. Couple has two grown children, Adam, Cara. Grandfather. Adopted Roxy, seven-year-old German shepherd mix.