Community Link Newsletter: August 29-September 5, 2024

Enjoy Laughs While Supporting Animals in Need 

What is better than a night out to see a comedy show? How about supporting animals while you are at it? Join us for the eighth annual Comedy Unleashed fundraiser Tuesday, September 17, at the Irvine Improv.

Tickets can be purchased online for $55, which includes dinner and a show with three professional comedy acts: Willie Simon, Eric Freedman, and Felicia Folkes.

All proceeds go toward the Irvine Animal Care Center's Enhanced Care, Foster Care, and Third Chance for Pets programs. Ages 18+. Doors open at 5:30 p.m., and the show begins at 7 p.m. Purchase tickets on the Irvine Improv's website.

Volunteer and Support the Community

Each year, over 600 volunteers come together to take part in Irvine's largest and most popular cultural event, the Irvine Global Village Festival. This year, Irvine Global Village Festival will be held Saturday, October 5, from 10 a.m. to 6 p.m.

Volunteer your time while supporting the diversity of our community. Various volunteer opportunities and shifts are available. Volunteers must be at least 14 years of age. Visit irvinefestival.org for more information.

For questions and to get involved, contact Elicia Chad at 949-724-6733 or echad@cityofirvine.org or David Catalano at 949-724-6736 or dcatalano@cityofirvine.org.

Explore the Great Meadow

Imagine a place where you can gather with friends and family, relax, play, and connect, all while being surrounded by lush trees and lakes. This is the Great Meadow – a prominent feature in the Great Park's Heart of the Park.

The Great Meadow will be unveiled in the next phase of development at the park. Learn more about this feature and others coming to the Heart of the Park by attending the Heart of the Park Showcase Tuesday, September 17, from 1 to 2:30 p.m. 

The project area spans nearly 200 acres and includes world-class amenities. Take a closer look at what’s coming to the Heart of the Park in our video.

Help Alleviate the Blood Supply Crisis

You can help combat the growing blood supply crisis in Orange County by donating to the City of Irvine and UCI Health's blood drive Wednesday, September 11, from 9 a.m. to 3 p.m., at the Irvine Civic Center.

Donations received will help provide critical care for patients at UCI Medical Center. Donors will receive a $10 gift card to either Target, In-N-Out Burger, or Starbucks, or a blood donor T-shirt, and an opportunity to enter a raffle for four passes to Great Park Ice & FivePoint Arena, courtesy of UCI Health.

Appointments are suggested but not required and can be made in advance online at cityofirvine.org/blooddrive. Walk-ins will also be accepted.  

View our Plastics Alternative Guide

Help protect our environment by using reusable or non-plastic items like plates, servingware, cups, and containers. 

View our Plastics Alternative Guide to reduce single-use plastics. Doing this helps protect our environment and community. View the guide online and learn more about the City of Irvine's commitment to environmental stewardship and a more sustainable future at cityofirvine.org/ep. 

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.

September 2: Labor Day
Labor Day is a federal holiday in the United States that honors and celebrates the contributions of workers. Rooted in the the labor movement of the 19th century, the holiday highlights progress made in improving working conditions and rights for American workers.

On June 28, 1894, President Grover Cleveland signed a law making Labor Day a national holiday to be observed on the first Monday of September every year.

Upcoming Meetings & Events

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