Give Back by Donating Blood

Join the City of Irvine and UCI Health in addressing the growing need for blood donations in Orange County. Donate blood at the UCI Blood Drive event, Wednesday, December 20, 9 a.m.–3 p.m. at Irvine Civic Center.

The UCI Medical Center is the only Level 1 Trauma Center in Orange County and transfuses over 1,000 units of blood every month. Cancer patients, people who have experienced severe trauma such as an auto accident, and babies in the NICU make up a high percentage of those receiving blood every day.

Appointments are recommended but not required. Walk-ins are welcome.

To learn more about eligibility, safety, common questions, and to book your appointment, visit cityofirvine.org/blooddrive.

Adopt a Pet This Weekend 

Are you looking to add a new furry friend to your family? Just in time for the holidays, the Irvine Animal Care Center will host the 17th annual Home for the Holidays Pet Adoption & Fundraiser event this Sunday, December 10, from 10 a.m. to 2 p.m. at the Irvine Animal Care Center.

Home for the Holidays will feature:

• Gourmet food trucks and a bake sale.
• Opportunity drawing.
• Vendors and services for pets and their humans.
• Hundreds of adoptable pets.

Proceeds from the event support special programs for animals in need. Tickets can be purchased at the door and are $5 for adults; children are free. 

Learn more at irvineanimals.org/homeholidays.

View New Art at City Hall Starting Next Week

Stop by Irvine City Hall beginning Monday, December 11, to view the new art exhibition as part of the Art at City Hall series.

The City of Irvine is pleased to announce Paul Gardner: A Retrospective, which celebrates the contributions and work of the late Paul Gardner, a visionary artist who had a profound impact in cultivating the local art scene in Orange County.

For over two decades, Gardner contributed to the cultural landscape of Irvine by teaching painting at the Irvine Fine Arts Center. Gardner’s artistic creations offer a contemporary and abstract interpretation of our world, capturing the essence of fluidity, forms, and vitality. Whether inspired by water’s graceful flow or the dynamic energy of music, sound, and movement, his work transports viewers to immersive environments.

For more information about the exhibition and the opening reception, visit cityofirvine.org/artatcityhall. 

Send your Letters to Santa!

It's a little hard to type when you don't have fingers, but with the magic of the season, Gus, our official holiday elf makes it happen.

Santa has gone digital and wants to hear from his friends! Have your kids use our online mailbox to send a special message to Santa with some magic help from Gus! All messages will receive email responses. 

Submit your note today at cityofirvine.org/letterstosanta.

Keep Safety in Mind This Holiday Season

Did you know that holiday decorations are responsible for more than $11 million in home fire damage each year?

Ensure your holiday celebrations are fire safe and injury-free by following these safety tips from the Orange County Fire Authority (OCFA):

Lighting and Decorations 

• Check lights for broken or cracked sockets, frayed or bare wires, or loose connections before using.
• Replace burned-out bulbs promptly with the same wattage bulb. 
• Do not overload electrical outlets with too many lights or decorations, and make sure all extension cords are marked for proper use. 
• Plug outdoor electric lights and decorations into circuits protected by ground fault circuit interrupters (GFCIs). 
• Turn off all indoor and outdoor holiday lighting before leaving the house or going to bed.

View OCFA's Holiday Fire Safety flier for more tips on candle and Christmas tree safety.

Hanukkah: December 7-15
This is an eight-day, eight-night celebration in the Jewish faith honoring the triumph of their ancestors over the Syrian Greeks. We wish all who are celebrating a joyous Festival of Lights.

Pearl Harbor Remembrance Day: December 7
Each year on December 7, Americans honor and remember the 2,403 service members and civilians who were killed during the Japanese attack on Pearl Harbor on December 7, 1941. Additionally, 1,178 people were injured in the attack, which permanently sank two U.S. Navy battleships (the USS Arizona and the USS Utah), and destroyed 188 aircraft. On August 23, 1994, the United States Congress designated December 7 as National Pearl Harbor Remembrance Day.

December 13 | 4 p.m.

Sustainability Commission