Community Link Newsletter

 

Community Link October 1

October 1, 2021 | Edition 40

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 about our community, cultural events and celebrations, and news of interest by reading this newsletter, 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. 

 

City of Irvine is Safest City & Best City to Live in

Safest City

For the 16th consecutive year, Irvine has been ranked the Safest City of its size for Part I violent crime, according to FBI data for calendar year 2020. Information released this week shows Irvine has the lowest rate of violent crime per capita of any city in the nation with a population of 250,000 or more. 

The FBI’s Annual Uniform Crime Report measures Part I crime, which includes murder, rape, robbery, aggravated assault, burglary, larceny-theft, auto theft, and arson.

The City of Irvine has also been ranked as the “Best City to Live in” by Orange County Register readers for the sixth consecutive year. Irvine is known as one of the best-run cities in America, best place to start a business, and one of the best cities to raise a family. All of these attributes contributed to the reader’s choice of Irvine as the Best City to Live in.

 
Global Village

Countdown is on to Irvine Global Village Festival 

The countdown is on for the 20th annual Irvine Global Village Festival. Join us as we celebrate 20 years of community fun, in tandem with the 50th anniversary of the City of Irvine's incorporation.

Irvine Global Village Festival is Saturday, October 9, 10 a.m.–7 p.m. at Great Park. This year, admission is free in celebration of the festival's 20th year and the City of Irvine's 50th anniversary of incorporation. General parking is free, but premier parking for $10 is available for those interested.

Learn more at irvinefestival.org. Irvine Global Village Festival is presented by UCI & UCI Health. 

 
Monster Splash

Monster Splash 

Calling all monsters! Dress in your spooky-best and join us at the pool to celebrate Halloween on October 23! In addition to trick-or-treating around the pool decks, we’ll have a floating pumpkin patch and decorating station.  

 

Enter the Halloween costume photo contest before changing to swim in the enchanted lagoon. Work up an appetite in the bounce houses before you purchase a ghoulish snack from gourmet food trucks.  

 

Monster Splash is $10 for children 12 and younger. Learn more and register at cityofirvine.org/monstersplash

 
Hispanic Heritage Month

Hispanic Heritage Month

Hispanic Heritage Month runs from September 15 through October 15. Orange County has a rich history of Hispanic heritage, with Hispanics playing a vital role in leadership roles, labor force, and culture. By 2060, Latinos will account for 43% of the county population.

You can learn more about our county's Hispanic heritage by visiting the Table of Dignity at the OC Fair & Event Center. This display tells the story of the Hispanic workers who persevered to provide sustenance to our nation every day. 

Learn more here, where you can view a presentation about Hispanic heritage in Orange County by the OC Fair & Event Center Board.

 
Clean Air Day

Pledge Today for Clean Air Day!

Have you pledged to improve air quality and reduce your carbon footprint yet? We are proud to support Clean Air Day and invite you to do the same by taking the Clean Air Day pledge.  

 

There are many simple ways you can make a difference in our environment. For example, pledge to plant something, reduce vehicle emissions, or reduce your water use.  

 

Take the pledge today! Forward your confirmation email to environmentalprograms@cityofirvine.org to receive a prize while supplies last.

 
50th Anniversary

Facts for 50 Years of Incorporation 

Irvine Fun Fact

What is Rancho San Joaquin? Nowadays, it’s the name of several locations in Irvine, including a residential village, a golf course, and a middle school. But back in the mid-1800s, it was the name of the 48,803-acre land grant given to Don Jose Andres Sepulveda from the Mexican government.

Sepulveda (pictured above) was one of the richest men in California who thrived on horse racing and gambling. He used the land for cattle and sheep ranching until a drought, and his lavish lifestyle caught up with him. Facing mounting debt, he was forced to sell the rancho in 1864; James Irvine and his partners bought the land. Twelve years later, Irvine owned 110,000 acres of land and 40,000 sheep.

Photo & Information Credit: Irvine Historical Society

 

Upcoming Meetings & Events 

October 5 | 5:30 p.m.

Transportation Commission

 

October 6 | 5:30 p.m.
Community Services Commission

 

October 7 | 7 p.m.

We Are Irvine Lecture Series

October 9 | 10 a.m.-7 p.m.

Irvine Global Village Festival

View the City Calendar 

Best of OC