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May 14, 2021 | Edition 20
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Welcome to the Community Link Newsletter
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Our weekly newsletter aims to keep residents and businesses connected to us and all that is going on in and throughout the City. You can connect with us and learn more by visiting our website at cityofirvine.org, and following us on our social media channels, listed at the bottom of this email. We look forward to connecting with you.
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COVID-19 Testing & Vaccinations in Irvine
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Community members can get tested for and vaccinated against COVID-19 right in the City of Irvine.
COVID-19 Testing: The City of Irvine in partnership with operator 360 Clinic is providing free COVID-19 testing at five City facilities. Pre-registration is recommended but walk-ins are welcome as availability permits. Visit cityofirvine.org/360clinic to learn more.
COVID-19 Vaccine: Through a partnership with Providence Health System, a convenient drive-thru mass vaccination clinic is open at the Orange County Great Park to provide access for community members to receive the COVID-19 vaccine for free. First and second dose vaccinations are available even if you received your first dose elsewhere. No appointment is necessary. The Moderna and Johnson & Johnson vaccine are being distributed at this site for those 18 and older, and the Pfizer vaccine is now available for children 12 and older. If you wish to schedule an appointment, visit myturn.ca.gov and search "Great Park" or call 833-422-4255. For more information, visit cityofirvine.org/vaccine.
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Map it Out
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Are you a visual learner? At the City of Irvine, we are too! That is why our Geographic Information Systems (GIS) team is tasked with creating a variety of maps to help you navigate daily life in Irvine. Examples of available maps include City bikeways, road construction, utilities and services, parks, and capital improvements projects. To view all of these maps, plus more GIS tools, visit cityofirvine.org/gis.
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Emergency Broadband Benefit Program
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As part of the COVID-19 federal stimulus package passed by Congress in December, qualified residents can enroll in the Emergency Broadband Benefit Program, which offers discounts of $50-70 on your broadband service. Eligible households can also receive a one-time discount of up to $100 for a laptop, desktop computer, or tablet purchased through a participating provider. Visit fcc.gov/broadbandbenefit to see if you qualify and for more information like which providers are participating in the program.
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Inside Irvine Summer 2021
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The summer issue of Inside Irvine is here! Learn how City staff are working to ensure residents can safely enjoy aquatic centers during COVID-19, get tips on keeping kids safe around the water, read up on what the Housing Element Update means for Irvine, and find out what new, fun features await kids at the renovated Plaza Park playground. Plus, browse summer programs, camps, and events available in the Activity Guide. Learn more at cityofirvine.org/insideirvine.
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Park Plaza Reopening
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Plaza Neighborhood Park will officially reopen to the public May 21 after undergoing renovations to upgrade its playground equipment, signage, shade structures, and walkways. The playground at the park now includes amenities that pay tribute to the agricultural legacy of Irvine Ranch, such as a tractor slide, farmers market storefront, and sand diggers. Other improvements include adding more shade structures, benches, barbecues, and ADA accessibility improvements. The park is located at 610 Paseo Westpark. Learn more about all of Irvine’s parks at cityofirvine.org/parks.
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Commemorate Memorial Day
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Join the City of Irvine as we host our annual Memorial Day Ceremony virtually Monday, May 31, at 10 a.m. A prerecorded video presentation will feature a welcome by Irvine Mayor Farrah N. Khan, tributes to military fallen by commanding officers Lieutenant Colonel David Tumanjan and Sergeant Major David Caero from Irvine’s adopted 2/11 Marine Battalion, and presentations from former ceremonies. The Memorial Day Ceremony video will be available to the public online at cityofirvine.org.
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Fun Facts for 50 Years of Incorporation!
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In 1889, long before Irvine was known as a bike-friendly city, James Harvey Irvine and his friend Harry Bechtel rode high-wheeled velocipedes through the Irvine Ranch to San Diego. The three-month journey wasn't easy — the roads they traveled were rough and rutted, but the experience gave 19-year-old Irvine a unique chance to survey the ranch he had inherited from his father and take in the beauty of the land.
Today, our City has more than 364 miles of on-street and off-street bikeways connecting residents to nearby offices, shopping, entertainment, and parks, and has been designated as a Bicycle Friendly Community by the League of American Bicyclists.
Take a bit of inspiration from James Harvey Irvine and consider using the trails to get around next week during Bike to Work Week or Bike to Work Day Friday, May 21. For more information on the City's bike trails, how to protect your bike from theft, and bicycle safety tips, visit cityofirvine.org/transportation/biking. Photo & information credit: Irvine Historical Society
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Upcoming Meetings & Events
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