Community Link Newsletter

 

 

Community Link Header with a dog standing on the sidewalk

April 14, 2023 | Edition 117

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. 

 
Gateway Preserve Logo

Irvine Finalizes Plans to Establish Gateway Preserve

The Irvine City Council unanimously approved plans to acquire and close the All American Asphalt plant, while also establishing the Gateway Preserve, a nearly 700-acre open space preserve located in the hills above North Irvine.

 

Once established, the Gateway Preserve will create a new hub for hiking, biking, and enjoyment of the outdoors, while also serving as an entry point — a gateway — to the vast 20,000-acre Northern Open Space Preserve.

 

Gateway Preserve is made possible, in part, through the acquisition and closure of the All American Asphalt Plant. The 11-acre site will be incorporated into the Preserve and replaced with a park, interpretive area, and staging ground for hikes in the open space.

 

For more information, watch our video and visit cityofirvine.org/gatewaypreserve

 

 
Remove it or Lose it: tips for protecting your property

Remove it or Lose it

The Irvine Police Department is reminding residents to keep valuable items out of your vehicle. As the weather warms up, remember to leave your valuables at home and do not leave them in cars, especially if visiting parks, trails, open spaces, and the gym.

 

Thieves target these areas knowing people leave bulky items such as wallets, laptops, purses, and other valuables in their cars.

 

If you must leave items in your vehicle, hide them or leave them in your trunk before you arrive at your destination. Always be aware of your surroundings and report suspicious activity to the Irvine Police Department. 

 
Irvine Police Department Badge

Attend the Irvine Police Department Open House

The Irvine Police Department is hosting an open house, and you are invited! Join us Saturday, April 22, from 10 a.m. to 2 p.m. at the Irvine Civic Center. 

 

Attendees can see police and fire vehicles along with skill demonstrations from K-9, drone, and motorcycle officers. There will be opportunities to take photos, play games, get a face painting, and receive special giveaways while supplies last. Food will be available for purchase.

 

Free shuttles will be provided from off-site parking lots at Creekside High School and Free Chapel. Residents can also choose to ride their bikes to the Civic Center and take advantage of a complimentary bike valet. Learn more by viewing the event flier. For more information, email crimeprevention@cityofirvine.org

 
Virtual 5K Medal

Lace up for the Virtual 5K

Are you up for a challenge this April? Join the Irvine Animal Care Center's Virtual 5K to support animals in need. 

 

Virtual 5K events can be done at your own pace, running or walking. Complete your race anywhere, any time. Team up with family and friends (two-legged or four-legged)! Remember to monitor your race time, so you can fill it in on your certificate.

 

Submit an entry fee of $35, complete the 5K before April 30, and receive your exclusive medal and certificate. Enter your four-legged friends for an additional $8, and they'll receive their very own medal for accompanying you on the 5K. Proceeds go toward special programs for the animals.

 
Earth Day

Celebrate Earth Day Multiple Ways!

Earth Day Celebration
Join the City of Irvine and our partner agencies for an Earth Day Celebration Saturday, April 15, from 11 a.m. to 2 p.m. at Quail Hill Community Center

 

The event includes guided hikes, a compost demo, and interactive activities offered by the City of Irvine and partner agencies. 

  • Guided hikes with Irvine Ranch Conservancy take place at 11:30 a.m. and 1 p.m. Registration is required on-site, limited space available. 
  • Compost demonstration will take place at noon.

Induction Cooking Workshop

Learn the benefits of induction cooking by attending the workshop April 26, from 6 to 7 p.m. at the Irvine Fine Arts Center. The event will feature award-winning chef Katie Chin, who will demonstrate how to make various ethnically-diverse dishes on an all-electric induction cooktop. Learn more at cityofirvine.org/earthday.

 

Wyland National Mayor's Challenge for Water Conservation

Commit to reducing water and electricity use by participating in the National Mayor’s Challenge for Water Conservation sponsored by the Wyland Foundation. To take part and help Irvine become the most water-wise city, visit mywaterpledge.com.

 

Free Rides
The Orange County Transportation Agency and Metrolink are offering free rides on Earth Day, April 22. Do your part to invest in our planet this Earth Day. 

 

This Week in DE&I  

This week many cultural and religious holidays are celebrated and recognized. Learn more about just a few of the significant dates celebrated in our community below. You can learn more about other recognitions this week by viewing our DE&I calendar

Songkran is a traditional festival in Thailand that marks the beginning of the Thai New Year. It is celebrated from April 13 to April 15 each year, and is also known as the "Water Festival" due to the popular tradition of throwing water on each other. 

 

The origin of Songkran dates back to ancient times when people would pour water on the hands of the elderly and ask for blessings. Over time, this ritual evolved into a full-fledged water fight as people started pouring water on each other as a sign of good luck and purification. 

 

Vaisakhi, also known as Baisakhi, is an important festival celebrated in the northern Indian state of Punjab and other parts of the world. It is celebrated every year on April 13 or 14, and marks the Sikh New Year and the harvest season. The day honors a pivotal moment in the evolution of the Sikh religion more than 300 years ago, when the tenth in a line of Gurus — or spiritual leaders — unified Sikhs and formalized many aspects of the faith.

 

 

Upcoming Meetings & Events 

April 15 | 10 a.m. & 2 p.m. 

Council Districting & Expansion Workshop

 

 

April 17 | 5:30 p.m.

Finance Commission Meeting 

 

April 18 | 5:30 p.m. 
Transportation Commission Meeting

 

April 19 | 5:30 p.m. 
Community Services Commission Meeting

View the City Calendar