Community Link Newsletter

 

 

Community Link header with four employees standing next to each other

May 19, 2023 | Edition 122

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. 

 
Great Park logo and Great Park Framework Plan Groundbreaking

Great Park Framework Plan Groundbreaking Ceremony

On Tuesday, May 23, at 10 a.m., the City of Irvine will embark on an exciting new chapter with a groundbreaking ceremony to commence construction on the next phase of development – the Great Park Framework Plan – at the Great Park. The ceremony will signify the start of a highly anticipated project that promises to enhance the park's offerings and further enrich the vibrant and diverse community of Irvine.

 

Please join us at this milestone event, which will bring together local officials, community leaders, project stakeholders, and the community to celebrate the park's evolution and the beginning of this transformative project. 

 

The Great Park Framework Plan brings over 300 acres of innovative and unique public space to the park, including lakes, gardens, live music, museums, wide-open meadows, and space to honor those who served. Grounded in history and driven by community, the new phase of the Great Park will bring an expanding array of recreational and cultural opportunities to Irvine and the region as a park for all.

 
A collage of Public Works staff working

Celebrate Public Works Week with Us

May 21-27 is National Public Works Week, and City of Irvine public works professionals within the Public Works & Transportation and Project Delivery & Sustainability departments invite you to celebrate with us.

 

Irvine’s public works professionals focus on infrastructure, facilities, emergency management, and services that are of vital importance to sustainable and resilient communities and the public health, high quality of life, and well-being of the people of Irvine.  

 

Join us at a free event at Great Park Hangar 244 Wednesday, May 24, from 10 a.m. to 2 p.m. and meet the public works professionals dedicated to improving our quality of life. Learn about careers in public works, see construction equipment, and more.

 

Food will be available for purchase from on-site food vendors. Learn more at cityofirvine.org/publicworksweek.

 
 
Irvine 2045 General Plan Update

Participate in General Plan Update Community Meetings

The City of Irvine is preparing an update to its General Plan, a state-required document representing its vision for the next 25 years and beyond. The 2045 General Plan Update will include goals and policies to help the City reach its long-term vision of preserving and enhancing Irvine’s high quality of life as the City matures.

 

Residents are encouraged to join upcoming community workshops to learn about the General Plan Update with a focus on the land use and circulation element. There will also be an opportunity to ask questions and provide input.

 

Community Workshops

Virtual

Wednesday, May 24, 6 to 8 p.m. via Zoom

Registration is required.

 

Open House

Thursday, May 25, 6 to 8 p.m.

Los Olivos Community Center

 

For more details about the information session and for translation services, please call 949-724-6581 or email gpupdate2045@cityofirvine.org.

 

 
Men and women sitting at tables listening to a man speak at the front of the room

May is Mental Health Awareness Month

May is Mental Health Awareness Month, an opportunity to fight stigmas and shine a spotlight on helpful mental health resources. 

 

The City of Irvine recently established a Health & Wellness Steering Committee as part of our efforts to meet the community’s health and wellness needs. 

 

The committee is made up of City staff and a diverse group of subject matter experts from education, healthcare, and nonprofit organizations. It is assessing the programs and services that currently exist in Irvine, with a goal of obtaining input and guidance on wellness assets that are missing and need to be developed locally.

 

If you or someone you know needs help, confidential support is available. The Suicide & Crisis Lifeline has crisis counselors available 24/7 every day:

📱Call or text 988

💻 Chat online at 988lifeline.org/chat

 

Find additional resources on the City website.

 
An outline of a soldier saluting in front of the American flag

Honoring Fallen Service Members at Memorial Day Events

The City of Irvine is hosting two Memorial Day events to honor and remember the sacrifice of fallen American service members.

 

Northwood Memorial Candle Lighting Ceremony
Sunday, May 28, at 4 p.m.

Northwood Community Park

 

A special candle-lighting ceremony will be held at the Northwood Gratitude and Honor Memorial at Northwood Community Park. Guests are encouraged to bring lawn chairs or blankets for seating.

 

Memorial Day Ceremony

Monday, May 29, at 10 a.m.

Col. Bill Barber Marine Corps Memorial Park

 

The City of Irvine's annual Memorial Day Ceremony will feature remarks by an officer from Irvine’s adopted 2/11 Marine Battalion. Guests will have the opportunity to honor family and friends who died in service to the nation by posting a brief remembrance on a memory board at the event. For those wishing to express gratitude to members of Irvine’s adopted 2/11 Marine Battalion, cards will be available to send a message of appreciation and support.

 

This Week in DE&I  

There are many cultural and religious holidays celebrated and recognized throughout our community this month. Learn about some of the significant dates being observed in Irvine below and on our DE&I calendar.

a graphic of diverse people

Monday, May 22, is Harvey Milk Day, honoring the first openly gay politician to be elected to public office in California. 

 

Harvey Milk served on the San Francisco Board of Supervisors from 1977 to 1978. His life and political career embody the rise of the LGBTQ+ civil rights movement. While in office, Milk advocated for the rights of the LGBTQ+ community. Milk was assassinated in 1978 by Dan White, a former colleague on the Board of Supervisors.

 

In honor of Harvey Milk Day and June Pride Month, the City of Irvine will host the second annual Pride in Irvine event Monday, May 22, from 5 to 7 p.m. at the Irvine Civic Center Piazza. Come stand together as the City raises the Progress Flag in front of City Hall in recognition and support of our LGBTQIA+ community.

 

 

Upcoming Meetings & Events 

May 23 | 2 p.m.

Great Park Board Meeting

 

 

May 23 | 3:30 p.m.

Children, Youth and Family Strategic Plan Outreach Event

 

May 23 | 5 p.m. 
City Council Meeting

 

May 27 | 10 a.m. 

Council Districting and Expansion Community Workshop

View the City Calendar