June 25, 2021 | Edition 26

Welcome to the Community Link Newsletter

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. 

Report Hate Crimes and Hate Incidents to Irvine Police

The Irvine Police Department (IPD) recognizes the importance of protecting Irvine’s diverse community through the vigorous investigation and documentation of all hate crimes and hate incidents that occur within its jurisdiction.

If you are a victim or witness to a hate crime or hate incident, please contact IPD at 949-724-7200, or 9-1-1 in case of emergency. The Irvine Police Department has established an online hate crime and hate incident reporting portal which allows residents to report hate crimes and incidents online and anonymously and in multiple languages. To access the portal, visit the City's website. 

Climate Action and Adaptation Plan 

At the most recent City Council meeting, the City Council directed staff to take steps to develop a Climate Action and Adaptation Plan that will:

• Guide the City on the implementation of measurable actions to meet or exceed the State’s greenhouse gas emissions targets and climate neutrality goal.
• Recommend adaptation measures that build resilience to current and future climate threats, such as drought, extreme heat, and wildfires. 
• Emphasize climate goals for the community, establishing an aspirational, yet achievable path that provides options to realize aggressive emission reduction targets by 2030, 2035, and 2045.

To learn more about the City’s sustainability efforts, and find out how you can participate in the climate planning process, please visit cityofirvine.org/conserveirvine.

Additional Trails Coming to the IBC

The City is planning for the development of additional trails in the Irvine Business Complex (IBC) making it easier to get to work, shopping, restaurants, and home without a car.

Following extensive community input, the Irvine City Council approved the Irvine Business Complex (IBC) Trail Feasibility Study and Implementation Plan. The plan calls for development to begin on two segments – the Barranca Channel and a non-operational railroad spur located north of Main Street near Cartwright. The next phase of development for each will include preliminary engineering and environmental clearance. 

To view the plan and for updates, visit ibcconnects.org. 

Sizzlin' Summer Concerts Return!

The City of Irvine’s favorite annual summer tradition is back and better than ever at Mike Ward Community Park — Woodbridge! Sizzlin’ Summer Concerts return July 16 and run through August 15. Enjoy family-friendly concerts in the park covering a variety of musical tastes – from groovy soft rock and dance hits to classic soul and ’80s tunes. Festivities begin at 5:30 p.m.

General admission is free, with preferred and VIP seating available for $10–20. Ticketholders are encouraged to bring non-perishable and canned food items to support Families Forward in honor of the City of Irvine’s 50th anniversary. Advance registration is required; for more information and to get your tickets, visit yourirvine.org.

Celebrate the 4th of July with the Pacific Symphony 

The Pacific Symphony will kick off its summer season right here in Irvine on the Fourth of July! Performing for the first time at FivePoint Amphitheatre, the Pacific Symphony SummerFest ’21 series brings live music back to Orange County. We’re excited to also announce the Pacific Symphony will return to the City’s Sizzlin’ Summer Concert Series in September. For more information on SummerFest ’21, visit pacificsymphony.org.

Celebrating Service to Our Community

Yesterday, we proudly honored 125 City employees at our 1st annual Above And Beyond employee recognition ceremony.

Over the past year, every staff member from the City of Irvine played a vital role in helping our residents and businesses get through incredibly challenging times, while continuing to provide exceptional service. Teams and individuals were recognized by their peers and department directors for their incredible service. Compassion, kindness, and willingness to help others was a common theme among this group.

Staff from each department was recognized and includes:

Team of the Year: GEM Award

🏆 Youth Outreach Team

🏆 Senior Services Team

🏆 Public Safety Dispatch Team

🏆 Emergency Operations Center Team

Leader of the Year: TRAILBLAZER Award

🏆 Risk Management Administrator

🏆 Purchasing Agent

🏆 Lead Mail Coordinator

Employee of the Year: PEAK Award

🏆 Deputy City Manager/Communications

🏆 Office of Records & Information Management Analyst II

🏆 Superintendent of Facilities Maintenance

🏆 Community Services Senior Management Analyst

🏆 Budget Officer

🏆 Human Resources Analyst II

🏆 IPD Patrol Officer

We are proud of them and thank them for their continued professionalism, compassion, and commitment to delivering exceptional services during extraordinary times and every day.

Fun Fact for 50 Years of Incorporation 

Do you need your cup of coffee every morning? So did Irvine farmers back in 1943. The Irvine Coffee Shop, located near Sand Canyon Avenue, was the social center of the town, where farmers came in every day for a cup of coffee and the latest news. Each farmer had his own coffee mug waiting for him on the shelf and a 35 cent luncheon special was also served every day. On rainy days farmers played a few slot machines that were located in the back of the store, until the local sheriff found out – leading to the disappearance of the slot machines.  

Photo and information credit: Irvine Historical Society

Upcoming Meetings & Events 

View the City Calendar