Community Link Newsletter

 

Community Link Newsletter

February 4, 2022 | Edition 56

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. 

 
DEI Committee

Serve on our Diversity, Equity, and Inclusion Committee

Join the City's Diversity, Equity, and Inclusion (DEI) Committee by applying for one of two open at-large appointments.

After the City Council voted in December to convert the ad-hoc DEI Committee to a standing committee with expanded roles and abilities, positions are now open to serve. Members provide input on the needs of the community to help ensure that every person living and working within the City is treated with fairness and has access to equitable services and opportunities.

Learn more about our commitment to diversity, equity, and inclusion and apply to serve at cityofirvine.org/dei

 
Free Tax Filing

Free 2021 Tax Preparation Services

The City of Irvine, in partnership with Orange County United Way, is offering free tax preparation services to taxpayers who earned less than $60,000 in 2021.

Qualifying taxpayers who live, work, or attend school in Irvine can receive help filing their taxes from IRS-trained and certified volunteers, who will also assist eligible taxpayers in applying for tax credits, including the state and federal Earned Income Tax Credits (EITC).


The OC Free Tax Prep service is available at Cypress Community Park, 255 Visions in Irvine, through April 6, Wednesdays 12–7 p.m. An appointment is required; no walk-ins will be accepted. Call Orange County United Way at 888-434-8248 for more information on EITC cash-back credits, and to schedule an appointment. For more information, visit cityofirvine.org/freetaxfiling

 

The AARP Foundation Tax-Aide will also provide free tax preparation assistance to adults ages 50 and older with low to moderate incomes. 

Tax services will be offered at Lakeview Senior Center Wednesdays through April 13, from 9 a.m. to 2:30 p.m. For more information or to schedule an appointment, call 949-724-6926. 

 
Venta Spur Bridge

Venta Spur Bridge Construction

Construction began recently on the Venta Spur Bridge, a bicycle-pedestrian bridge crossing over State Route 133 and Marshburn Channel. This east-west route will provide an off-street trail connection between Great Park Trails and Jeffrey Open Space, Venta Spur, and Sand Canyon trails. 

 

Construction will occur during the daytime and in the evenings, and intermittent lane closures and night work are scheduled along State Route 133. Every effort will be made to keep traffic flowing and minimize disruptions to nearby residents during this project, but delays and noise should be expected. Motorists should consider using alternate routes during lane closures along State Route 133. Pedestrian and bicyclists access will be maintained during construction.

 

The Venta Spur Bridge is expected to be complete next winter. For more information, visit cityofirvine.org/publicworks.

 
Lunar New Year

Happy Lunar New Year!

February 1 was Lunar New Year! Also known as Chinese New Year or Spring Festival, Lunar New Year traditionally lasts for 16 days. The date of the Lunar New Year changes every year, decided by the lunar calendar and based on the cycles of the moon and sun. 

This year is the Year of the Tiger. People born in the Year of the Tiger are known to be brave, competitive, unpredictable, and confident. 


Local Events and Celebrations

  • The South Coast Chinese Cultural Center is hosting a Chinese New Year Celebration February 5 and February 6 from noon to 1 p.m. Learn more.
  • Pretend City Children's Museum will also be recognizing Lunar New Year at the museum through bright colors, music, art, and stories. Learn more
  • Pacific Symphony is holding a special concert February 5 at 8 p.m. in honor of Lunar New Year. Learn more
 

Upcoming Meetings & Events 

Feb. 7 | 5:30 p.m.

Finance Commission

 

Feb. 8 | 4 p.m.
 City Council Meeting

 

Feb. 8 | 1:30 p.m.
Fair Housing Workshop

Feb. 9 | 4:30 p.m.

Green Ribbon Environmental Committee

View the City Calendar 

We Are Irvine