Community Link Newsletter: February 1-8, 2024

Mark Your Calendars for the State of the City Address

Irvine Mayor Farrah N. Khan will deliver the State of the City Address Tuesday, March 19, at the Irvine Barclay Theatre at 6 p.m. 

This City event will begin with a free public reception at 5 p.m., followed by the 2024 State of the City Address at 6 p.m., where Mayor Khan will reflect on accomplishments from 2023 and share initiatives and highlights for 2024. This year’s event, hosted at the Irvine Barclay Theatre, will also include performances by community organizations. 

The Irvine Barclay Theatre is located at 4242 Campus Drive, Irvine. Visit cityofirvine.org/stateofthecity to learn more.

Be Rain Ready with help from the City of Irvine

An atmospheric river is expected to bring heavy amounts of rain to the area. A flood and wind advisory has been issued for Thursday, February 1, and Friday, February 2, due to the excessive rainfall predicted. 

If you need sandbags, they are available upon request at the City’s Operations Support Facility (OSF), 6427 Oak Canyon Road, from 7 a.m. to 3:30 p.m., Monday through Friday. Up to 10 sandbags are available per household on a first-come, first-served basis. Please note residents will need to check in at the office and show proof of residency to obtain sandbags. 

The Orange County Fire Authority (OCFA) has a limited supply of sand and bags available at several locations throughout the county. In Irvine, pick up free sand and bags at Station 36, 301 E. Yale Loop. Be sure to bring a shovel in order to fill your bags.

Report downed trees, flooding, and rain-related issues by using our Access Irvine app, or by visiting cityofirvine.org/howcanwehelp. 

Natural Language: Contemporary Book Art

The City of Irvine is pleased to present the upcoming exhibition, Natural Language: Contemporary Book Art, at the Great Park Gallery, opening Sunday, February 11, and concluding Sunday, May 5. A free, opening reception will be held Sunday, February 11, from 1 to 3 p.m. 

Artists’ books are widely considered intimate, expressive works of art. These complex, visual mediums challenge the traditional book format and become sculptural objects —inviting audiences into the unique world of the artist. This collection features the work of contemporary artists who have creatively reinterpreted the medium of the book to visualize forms found in nature through poetic and thought-provoking ways — inspired by themes that include, exploring nature through air, forest, and sea, language, history, environment, and ecology. 

This exhibition is curated in collaboration with UCI Special Collections and artists from around the world — bringing together cross-cultural perspectives through artistic excellence. 

Travel Free on

Transit Equity Day

Do you have travel plans this Sunday, February 4? In recognition of the birthday of civil rights activist Rosa Parks, Orange County Transportation Authority (OCTA) will offer free rides all day, February 4, on fixed-bus routes. 

In 1955, Parks refused to give up her seat on the bus, which led to the U.S. Supreme Court ruling that segregation on transit was unconstitutional. 

Every day, OCTA is committed to offering equitable, reliable, and balanced transportation for all.

Visit OCTA's website for more information. 

Black History Month

Black History Month is an annual observance in the United States and Canada in February to recognize and celebrate the contributions and achievements of African Americans throughout history. The month-long celebration originated in 1926 as "Negro History Week" by historian Carter G. Woodson and was expanded to a month-long observance in 1976. The goal of Black History Month is to educate the public about the rich history and cultural heritage of African Americans, and to recognize their vital role in shaping the world as we know it today.

February 7 | 5:30 p.m.
Community Services Commission