Community Link Newsletter: July 25-August 1, 2024

City of Irvine Awarded for Diversity, Equity, and Inclusion Efforts

For the second consecutive year, The City of Irvine has been recognized in the Orange County Business Journal for embracing Diversity, Equity, and Inclusion (DE&I) within the workplace.

The City of Irvine is one of 54 businesses, and the only city featured in the Journal's annual DE&I special report recognizing businesses, that are paving the way for others to further their inclusionary efforts.

Irvine is recognized as one of the most ethnically diverse and fully integrated cities in the country. It embraces and celebrates diversity in all aspects of the community and fosters an environment representing its many different cultures, backgrounds, and perspectives.

View the "Embracing Diversity, Equity & Inclusion" special report at cityofirvine.org/ocbj-dei.

Enjoy a Concert, Food, and Activities at Great Park Live

Get ready for a season of vibrant entertainment under the California Sky! Join the City of Irvine at Great Park Live, where you can experience fun, music, laughter, and community spirit.

This state-of-the-art venue promises an unforgettable experience filled with thriving live music, family-friendly activities, outdoor movies, and more. 

Visit greatparklive.com for a list of upcoming concerts and events, and to purchase tickets. 

Feature your Pet in our Calendar

Start snapping candids of your pet, because the Irvine Animal Care Center's annual Photo Fundraiser is about to begin! Starting August 1, you can submit your favorite photos of your pets online and encourage family and friends to vote. 

Eligible photos with a minimum of five votes by the end of the contest will be included in the 2025 Irvine Animal Care Center wall calendar. The top 13 winners will have their pets featured with a full-page photo in the calendar. 

The entry fee is $25 per photo. Voting is online and open to the general public from August 1 through 31. Votes are $1 each. For more information and to enter pet photos and/or cast a vote, visit irvineanimals.org/photofundraiser. 

Heart of the Park Construction Begins

The City of Irvine is beginning construction in the Heart of the Park to prepare for new amenities identified in the Great Park Framework Plan as the Amphitheater, Full Circle Farm, Great Meadow, North and South Lakes, and portions of the Grand Promenade.

Work will occur July 2024-Summer 2025 between the hours of 7 a.m. and 3:30 p.m. weekdays and 9 a.m. and 3 p.m. weekends. It should not impact Great Park neighborhoods, motorists, or the use of the Great Park sports fields. For more information, view the flier.

Irvine CONNECT gets you to your Summer Destinations

Irvine CONNECT makes it easy to get where you want to go in our City. Whether traveling to shopping centers, schools, the Great Park, or other community parks, you can count on Irvine CONNECT to get you there.

This free shuttle service offers service every 20 minutes, weekdays 6 a.m.-8 p.m., and weekends 8 a.m.-10 p.m. Visit irvineconnect.org for a route map and to track the shuttles in real-time. 

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.

July 26: National Disability Independence Day & Disability Pride Month
This day commemorates the signing of the Americans with Disabilities Act (ADA) in 1990, which prohibits discrimination against individuals with disabilities and aims to ensure their equal rights and opportunities. The ADA provides protection from employment discrimination as well as better access to goods, services, and communications for people with disabilities.  

The City of Irvine is an Equal Opportunity Employer and provides reasonable accommodations to qualified individuals with disabilities. 

Upcoming Meetings & Events

Saturdays and Sundays, 10 a.m.-5 p.m.
Great Park's New Eatery: The Layover 

Road Construction and Capital Improvement Projects