Apply for Housing Choice Voucher Program 

The Orange County Housing Authority (OCHA) will be accepting applications for the Housing Choice Voucher Program (Section 8) waiting list beginning Monday, September 18, at 8 a.m. through Friday, September 29, at 11:59 p.m.

Residents who live or work in Irvine are eligible for this affordable housing opportunity. For information on how to apply, please visit ochousing.org or call OCHA at 714-480-2798. 

OCHA representatives will be available to answer any questions in person for individuals 50 and over Wednesday, September 27, from noon to 2 p.m. at Lakeview Senior Center. Seniors can also schedule an appointment with the Keen Center for Senior Resources by calling 949-724-6926 or emailing keencenter@cityofirvine.org.

Mark your Calendars for Irvine Global Village Festival

We are one month away from the 22nd annual Irvine Global Village Festival!

Join us Saturday, October 14, at the Great Park to celebrate our beautifully diverse community with cuisine from around the world, live music and cultural dance performances, artwork, a Kids Village with family-friendly activities, and much more.

Irvine Global Village Festival admission and parking are free. Learn about all the event’s activities at cityofirvine.org/festival.

Irvine Global Village Festival is presented by UCI & UCI Health.

Tracks are for Trains Only – Be Rail Safe

Do you know how to be safe around our railroad system in Irvine? During Rail Safety Month, residents are reminded to stay alert when crossing at designated public crossings, and otherwise stay off the tracks.

Rail tracks are intended for trains only and should not be used for shortcuts, selfies or photographs, runs, bike rides, or just hanging out. Trespassing is illegal and may be deadly. 

Being rail safe means:

• Crossing only at designated pedestrian or roadway crossings.

• Staying alert around railroad tracks. Avoid texting, wearing headphones, or other distractions. 

• Remembering that it takes about one mile — the length of 18 football fields — for a train to stop.

• Expecting a train at any time. Trains can move in either direction, at any time, day or night.

Pledge to follow these guidelines for rail safety and enter the contest for a chance to win a pair of Metrolink tickets from the Orange County Transportation Authority. 

For more information, visit octa.net/berailsafe. 

Log a Leak with the Irvine Ranch Water District

Help save water in the community with the Irvine Ranch Water District's Log-a-Leak tool.

This reporting system allows you to easily send pictures of outdoor leaks in our community from your smartphone or computer. Visit irwd.com/logaleak to get started. 

If you are experiencing a leak on your own property, contact the Irvine Ranch Water District and learn more about checking for leaks on their website.  

As we continue to experience more frequent and intense drought conditions throughout the year, each act of conservation makes a difference. 

Mid-Autumn Festival

Come celebrate the Mid-Autumn Festival at the Great Park!

The Mid-Autumn Festival, also known as Moon Festival or Mooncake Festival, is a traditional festival celebrated by many East and Southeast Asian communities.

Join the City of Irvine and South Coast Chinese Cultural Center at the Great Park Friday, September 29, from 5 to 9 p.m. for a celebration of the moon with family, food, music, and fun. Whether you’ve celebrated the festival for years or you want to introduce friends to these traditions, all ages are welcome at this free event.

For more information about the event, visit cityofirvine.org/midautumn.

National Hispanic Heritage Month & Mexican Independence Day

September 15-October 15: National Hispanic Heritage Month
National Hispanic Heritage Month is an annual observance in the United States that celebrates and recognizes the contributions, culture, history, and achievements of Hispanic Americans with ancestors from Latin American indigenous communities and those with Spanish, Mexican, Caribbean, Central, and South American roots.

Enacted under federal law, the observance begins September 15 and ends October 15, starting on the Independence Day anniversary for many Latin American countries. It began as a weeklong observance in 1968 under President Lyndon B. Johnson, and was expanded to a 30-day observance in 1988 by President Ronald Reagan. The national theme for 2023 Hispanic Heritage Month is “Latinos: Driving Prosperity, Power, and Progress in America.”

Come and learn more about Hispanic Heritage Month at our Fiesta Latina event Sunday, September, 17 from 11 a.m. to 3 p.m.

September 16: Mexican Independence Day
Mexican Independence Day (Día de la Independencia) is a major national holiday in Mexico that celebrates the country's independence from Spanish colonial rule. It is observed September 16 each year and is one of the most important holidays in Mexico. 

The history behind Mexican Independence Day dates back to the early 19th century. On the night of September 15, 1810, Miguel Hidalgo y Costilla, a Catholic priest, rang the church bell in the town of Dolores (now Dolores Hidalgo) and delivered a passionate speech known as the "Grito de Dolores," calling for rebellion against Spanish rule. This event marked the beginning of the Mexican War of Independence. The holiday is characterized by celebrations, parades, festivals, and patriotic displays across Mexico. 

Sept. 21 | 5:30 p.m.

Planning Commission