October 28, 2022 | Edition 94

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. 

Universal Playground Coming to Sweet Shade Neighborhood Park

The City of Irvine is a step closer to bringing a universal playground to Sweet Shade Neighborhood Park thanks to the support of Assemblywoman Cottie Petrie-Norris!

On Tuesday, October 25, Assemblywoman Petrie-Norris presented City leaders with a check for $2.8 million to transform the existing playground into one that will meet the needs of all residents regardless of ability. The playground will include multigenerational play components, an adaptive swing, sensory garden, and more. Construction will begin in spring and is expected to be completed in spring 2024.

This project supports our efforts to ensure Irvine is an inclusive City that offers everyone access to equitable services and opportunities. Our thanks go out to Assemblywoman Cottie Petrie-Norris for her support of this project and our community. We look forward to seeing the new playground in full swing!

Read the press release to learn more. 

Deliver Meals to Homebound Seniors

Volunteer drivers for Meals on Wheels are needed to help deliver nutritious meals to homebound seniors in the Irvine community.

Shifts are available for volunteers ages 21 and older Monday through Friday, 9:15 a.m. to 12:30 p.m. Time commitments are as little as two days per month. Learn more at irvineseniors.org or by emailing volunteer@cityofirvine.org.

Vote Centers Open; Pop-up Voting in Irvine Wednesday

Two Vote Centers open in Irvine Saturday, October 29:

• Irvine City Hall (Drive-thru Ballot Drop-off Option), 1 Civic Center Plaza

• Los Olivos Community Center, 101 Alfonso

Vote Centers will be open 8 a.m. to 5 p.m. through Friday, November 4, with expanded hours November 5-8. 

Twelve additional Vote Centers open Saturday, November 5. Check hours and locations. 

In addition, the Orange County Registrar of Voters will have a mobile pop-up voting unit at the Lakeview Senior Center parking lot Wednesday, November 2, from 8 a.m. to 5 p.m.

Voters can also bring their ballots to a Ballot Drop Box (there are 10 in Irvine) or mail their ballots at any U.S. mailbox through Election Day.

For more information, including Ballot Drop Box locations, visit cityofirvine.org/election or ocvote.gov.

Don't Miss Out on Holiday Faire

Join us next Saturday, November 5, for the Irvine Fine Arts Center's 40th annual Holiday Faire.

Holiday Faire will take place from 10 a.m. to 4 p.m. throughout the Great Park Palm Court Arts Complex. More than 100 local and regional artisans will showcase unique handmade gifts for purchase, including holiday decorations, hand-blown glass, ceramics, jewelry, folk crafts, clothing, and more. View a list of vendors and an event map.

Admission is free and open to the public. Learn more at irvinefinearts.org/holidayfaire.

Irvine Sports Committee Applications Due Monday

Time is running out to submit applications for two vacancies on the Irvine Sports Committee. The committee provides the City Council and the Community Services Commission with input and feedback on policies, programs, facilities, and the needs of the Irvine youth sports community. 

Visit cityofirvine.org/sportscommittee to learn more and apply by the deadline Monday, October 31, at 5 p.m.

Celebrating Diverse Heritages

October offers many opportunities to recognize our diverse heritages. Not only is it Global Diversity Awareness Month, but we also celebrate the following:

• Filipino American Heritage Month

• German American Heritage Month

• Hindu Heritage Month

• Hispanic Heritage Month (September 15-October 15)

• Italian American Heritage Month

• Polish American Heritage Month

As a City, we embrace our diversity and celebrate each culture’s contributions to our community and our nation. Nowhere is that more evident than at the annual Irvine Global Village Festival. This year’s event, held October 8, brought together approximately 25,000 people at Great Park for a day of food, art, music, and fun. View festival images and watch a video of the event.

To learn more about these and other observances and celebrations of our diverse community, go to cityofirvine.org/deispotlight.

Upcoming Meetings & Events 

View the City Calendar