September 2, 2022 | Edition 86

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. 

Stay Heat-Safe This Weekend

The National Weather Service has issued an excessive heat warning through Tuesday, September 6. City of Irvine cooling centers are open to provide a safe, comfortable, and air-conditioned space for residents and their pets to beat the heat during the heat wave.  

View our cooling center locations and hours. Please note: Only two cooling centers will be open during the Labor Day holiday Monday, September 5:

• Great Park Visitors Center: 10 a.m.–9 p.m.
• Lakeview Senior Center: noon–5 p.m. 

Pets are allowed at all City cooling centers, but owners must follow City guidelines. 

Prevent Heat Illness

Recommended precautions to prevent heat-related illnesses include:

• Drink plenty of water; do not wait until you are thirsty.
• Wear light, loose-fitting clothing.
• Stay out of the sun if possible, and when in the sun, wear a wide-brimmed hat and use sunscreen.
• Avoid strenuous activities if you are outside or in non-air-conditioned buildings. If you are working outdoors, take frequent rest and refreshment breaks in a shaded area. 
• Never leave children, elderly people, or pets unattended in closed cars or other vehicles.
• Check on people who are at high risk to make sure they are staying cool — especially neighbors, seniors who live alone, people with heart or lung disease, and young children.

For more information on heat-related illnesses, visit the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention website.

Laugh the Night Away at Comedy Unleashed

Ready for a laugh? Support animals in need while enjoying a comedic night out on the town at the sixth annual Comedy Unleashed fundraiser. The event takes place September 20 at the Irvine Improv, and features John Hastings, Solomon Georgio, and other comedians.

Tickets include dinner and a show for $39. All proceeds benefit the Irvine Animal Care Center. This year, a silent auction will further support our Enhanced Care, Foster Care, and Third Chance programs. Comedy Unleashed is open to adults 18 and older only. 

Doors open at 5:30 p.m., and the show will begin at 7 p.m. Purchase tickets online here. 

Participate in Citywide Serve Day

The City of Irvine has partnered with Love Irvine to connect people who want to help those in need with volunteer opportunities at various nonprofit service providers, faith-based organizations, government entities, and schools.

Love Irvine's second annual Citywide Serve Day is Saturday, September 24, from 8 a.m. to noon. For more information about Love Irvine and to sign up for the Citywide Serve Day or other volunteer opportunities, please visit loveIrvine.org.

Mid-Autumn Festival is September 9

The Mid-Autumn Festival is approaching quickly! The community is invited to celebrate an honored tradition Friday, September 9, from 5 to 9 p.m., at Great Park.  

The Mid-Autumn Festival is the second-most important holiday after Lunar New Year and dates back over 3,000 years, when the Emperor of China worshipped the moon for bountiful harvests. 

Celebrate with family and friends at the free festival, which will feature musical, dance, and poetry performances; cultural and educational exhibits; and a festive atmosphere. The event is free, open to all ages, and no registration is required. Learn more at cityofirvine.org/midautumn.  

Labor Day Celebrates American Workers

Labor Day is a holiday celebrated in the U.S. on the first Monday in September to honor and recognize the social and economic achievements of American workers. The holiday got its roots in the late 19th century, when labor activists expressed their interest in a federal holiday to recognize the many contributions workers have made to America’s strength, prosperity, and well-being. The first Labor Day holiday was celebrated Tuesday, September 5, 1882, in New York City, in accordance with the Central Labor Union.

Non-emergency City of Irvine offices will be closed in recognition of this holiday. We hope everyone has a safe and healthy Labor Day weekend.

Upcoming Meetings & Events 

View the City Calendar