Community Link Newsletter: March 14-21, 2024

Attend the State of The City Address Next Week

Mark your calendars for Tuesday, March 19, as Irvine Mayor Farrah N. Khan will deliver the State of the City Address at the Barclay Theatre. 

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.

Complimentary parking is available at the UCI Student Center Parking Structure adjacent to the Barclay. Register your vehicle in advance with ParkbyPlate. The Barclay Theatre is located at 4242 Campus Drive, Irvine. 

If you are unable to attend, the State of the City Address will be streamed live on Cox Communications Channel 30 in Irvine and on our YouTube Channel at youtube.com/ictv30. 

Draft Environmental Impact Report Available for Review

The City of Irvine is preparing an update to the General Plan, a state-required document representing our vision for Irvine for the next 25 years and beyond.

As part of this effort, we have prepared a Draft Program Environmental Impact Report that evaluates potential environmental effects associated with the General Plan Update.

The draft report will be available for public review and comment Friday, March 15, through Monday, April 29, at 5 p.m. We hope you will take some time to review it and share your feedback.

The draft report can be viewed at the following locations:

• Online at irvine2045.org

• Irvine City Hall

• Heritage Park Library

• Katie Wheeler Library

• University Park Library

Comments can be submitted via mail or email. For more information, please visit irvine2045.org.

Roadway Improvement Taking Place this Weekend

As part of our roadway improvement projects, the City of Irvine will be rehabilitating the asphalt along Sand Canyon Avenue from Barranca Parkway to the I-5 Freeway ramps.

If you plan on driving along Sand Canyon Avenue this weekend, be prepared for some delays. Work is scheduled to begin Saturday, March 16, and be completed Sunday, March 17. The work will involve ramp closures in both directions from 9 a.m. to 3 p.m. in both directions.

Every effort will be made to keep traffic flowing and minimize disruptions during the work, but delays should be expected, and motorists should consider using alternate routes.

If you have any questions or concerns, please contact Farhad Bolourchi, Senior Project Manager, by email at fbolourchi@cityofirvine.org or by phone at 949-724-6689.

Take our All-Wheeled

Plaza Survey

Did you attend the All-Wheeled Plaza Town Hall last month to learn about the development and feasibility for a new all-wheeled plaza at the Great Park? 

The City of Irvine continues to seek feedback on this potential space at the Great Park. Please take our survey by Sunday, March 31. Your input will help direct concept designs for this space, which has the potential to be one of the finest in the country, with multiple amenities to attract wheeled action sports from bikes and skateboards, to scooters and wheelchairs.

To learn more about the All-Wheeled Plaza, visit cityofirvine.org/greatparkframework.

Play a role in reaching Irvine's Sustainability Goals

Have you thought about making the switch to an all-electric induction cooktop? As part of the City of Irvine's sustainability goals, the City is hosting an Induction Cooking Workshop & Demonstration event Wednesday, April 3, at 6 p.m. at the Irvine Fine Arts Center. 

During the event, you will view a demonstration of how to make ethnically-diverse dishes on an all-electric cooktop by local award-winning chef Katie Chin. Sign up at yourirvine.org. Spots are limited and are filling quickly. You can also learn more about why others are switching to induction cooktops. 

Recycle Organics Waste

Recycling organic waste can help reduce methane emissions. Watch our videos to learn more about Senate Bill 1383, what organic material can be recycled, and how to separate food scraps from trash.  

Celebrate Earth Day all Month

For more ways on how to get involved in the City's sustainability goals during Earth Month, visit cityofirvine.org/earthday. 

March 17: St. Patrick’s Day 

St. Patrick's Day is a cultural and religious holiday celebrated annually named after St. Patrick, the patron saint of Ireland. 

St. Patrick's Day has a long history dating back to the early 17th century, and it has evolved into a day of celebration of Irish culture and heritage. The holiday is marked by parades, wearing of green attire, and the consumption of traditional Irish foods and drinks such as corned beef and cabbage, soda bread, and Irish whiskey. 

March 19: Nowruz 

Nowruz, also spelled as Noruz or Nowrooz, is a traditional holiday celebrated by millions of people around the world, particularly in Iran, Afghanistan, Azerbaijan, Uzbekistan, and other countries with Persian or Central Asian cultural influences. Nowruz marks the first day of spring and the beginning of the new year in the Persian calendar. 

The holiday has been celebrated for over 3,000 years and is rooted in ancient Zoroastrian traditions. Nowruz is a time for renewal and rejuvenation, and is celebrated with a variety of customs and traditions, including spring cleaning, the exchange of gifts, and the preparation of traditional foods. 

March 21 | 5:30 p.m.
Planning Commission