Community Link Newsletter: March 21-28

You're Invited to the City of Irvine's CicloIrvine Event 

Celebrate community, connection, and clean air through the City of Irvine’s first-ever car-free Open Streets Event along Barranca Parkway and Harvard Avenue.

CicloIrvine will highlight the City’s commitment to community engagement, sustainability, and environmentally conscious means of travel, with nearly two miles of City streets closed to cars and open for people to stroll, bike, and roll! Experience Irvine’s public spaces and local business in a new and reimagined way with live music, art, and engaging activities for all. 

The event will be held Saturday, May 4, from 11 a.m. to 4 p.m. View a route map and street closure information at cityofirvine.org/cicloirvine. 

For questions about the event, please contact specialevents@cityofirvine.org or 949-724-7022.

Ride the Irvine CONNECT Shuttle

Do you need to travel from the northern end of Irvine to the Irvine Station, or anywhere in between? Do so by riding the Irvine CONNECT shuttle. 

Beginning April 1, ride on the Irvine CONNECT shuttle service to travel between the northern end of Irvine to Irvine Station, with stops at parks, schools, hospitals, and shopping centers. 

Shuttle service will operate every 20 minutes during the following schedule:

• Weekdays: 6 a.m.-8 p.m.
• Weekends: 8 a.m.-10 p.m.

Visit cityofirvine.org/irvineconnect to view a route map, and tips for a successful ride. All Irvine CONNECT vehicles are fully accessible by wheelchair and other mobility aids. 

A Resident's Perspective on the Great Park Now and in the Future

The Great Park is a space where community happens. Jocelyn Campbell, a Great Park resident since 2016, enjoys the wide variety of amenities offered at the Great Park that she can share with her family and neighbors. 

From the premier soccer and baseball fields and tennis courts, to the beautiful walking trails adorned with native California flora and fauna, the Great Park provides an idyllic retreat from the bustle of the City. 

As the Great Park continues to grow, with 300 acres currently in the next phase of development, these new amenities will foster community through a focus on joy, wellness, and wonder that will gracefully evolve and enrich the lives of future generations. Hear from Jocelyn about her perspective of the Great Park. 

Come out for Egg-A-Pool-Looza this Weekend

Throw on your swimsuits and join us by the pool this Saturday, March 23, 1-5 p.m. at William Woollett Jr. Aquatics Center to celebrate spring. Activities include poolside egg hunt, family splash time, Easter bunny photos, bounce houses, and more. Treats will be available for purchase. Lifeguards will be on duty. An adult must accompany children 6 and younger one-on-one if they are in the water.

Activities include:

• Poolside Egg Hunt
• Easter Bunny Photos
• Bounce Houses
• Family Splash Time
• Spring Crafts & Games
• Face Painting
•  

Egg-a-POOL-Looza is $12 for children 14 and younger. Registration is required at yourirvine.org

Parking is free. Additional parking is available at Heritage Community Park, 14301 Yale Ave.

Clean Your Dryer Vents

Every year firefighters across the U.S. respond to approximately 15,000 home fires caused by dryers. The leading cause of home dryer fires is failure to clean them. Fires can occur if there is a build-up of lint in the dryer or the exhaust duct, which can block the flow of air and cause excessive heat build-up, resulting in fire.

Follow these dryer safety tips from the Orange County Fire Authority to avoid a dryer fire:

• Do not use a dryer that doesn’t have a lint filter.
• Clean the lint filter before or after drying each load of laundry.
• Be sure to clean behind the dryer where lint can build up.
• If laundry is still damp at the end of the drying cycle, or if
  drying requires a longer time than normal, this may be a sign
  that the lint filter or exhaust duct is blocked.
• Don’t dry items that have come in contact with anything
  flammable, such as alcohol, cooking oils, or gasoline. Dry these items outdoors or in a well-ventilated area away
  from heat.
• Never overload your dryer.
• Turn your dryer off if you leave your house or when you go to
  bed.

For more information on dryer safety, visit ocfa.org.

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.

March 21: World Down Syndrome Day

World Down Syndrome Day is observed annually on March 21. The date symbolizes the 21st day of the 3rd month, which was selected to signify the triplication (trisomy) of the 21st chromosome, which is Down syndrome. The day is dedicated to raising awareness about Down syndrome, a genetic condition that affects approximately 1 in 700 babies born in the United States. 

March 23: Purim 

Purim is a Jewish holiday that commemorates the salvation of the Jewish people in ancient Persia from a plot to destroy them. The holiday is observed on the 14th day of the Hebrew month of Adar, which usually falls in late February or March. 

On Purim, Jews celebrate their salvation by reading the Book of Esther, exchanging gifts of food and drink with friends and family, and engaging in festive meals and other traditions. 

Upcoming Meetings & Events