Community Link Newsletter: September 26-October 3, 2024

Your Passport to Global Fun 

Join us Saturday, October 5, from 10 a.m. to 6 p.m. at the Great Park for a vibrant celebration of cultures at Irvine Global Village Festival.

Let your imagination soar as you discover the world through art, music, and dance. Savor the flavors of global cuisine from our diverse food vendors. Shop for unique treasures at the Global Marketplace, supporting local artisans and crafters while finding one-of-a-kind gifts.

New this year, in celebration of the Olympics, we’re bringing the world of sports to you with interactive games and challenges. Discover diverse athletic talents from around the world and ignite your competitive spirit.

Don't miss this opportunity to create unforgettable memories with your family and friends.

Admission and general parking are free! Learn more and plan your visit at irvinefestival.org.

We are the Best City to Live in!

For the ninth consecutive year, the City of Irvine has been voted the "Best City to Live in" by The Orange County Register readers in its annual Best of OC publication. 

Register readers selected winners in 81 voting categories in the Best of Orange County poll. Irvine was voted No.1 and was recognized for our Irvine CONNECT bus transit system, our music and entertainment hub, Great Park Live, and the vast open space and recreational opportunities coming to the Gateway Preserve and the Great Park.

Read the full issue on the Orange County Register's website.   

Let us Take you There!

Do you find yourself driving all over town to accomplish errands, attend appointments, or go to school? Let us take you there! Take Irvine CONNECT and ditch your personal vehicle. 

Irvine CONNECT provides free shuttle service for community members – making it easier than ever to get around the City of Irvine. 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 frequency is every 20 minutes and operates weekdays from 6 a.m. to 8 p.m. and weekends from 8 a.m. to 10 p.m. Learn more at irvineconnect.org. 

Music and Dance Coming to the Great Park 

In 2026, Orange County Music & Dance (OCMD) will move to the Great Park and be one of four educational and cultural organizations. A new facility will be built, offering best-in-class programming — now with an expanded footprint.

San Diego Creek Channel Maintenance

Beginning next week, the San Diego Creek Channel will be cleaned up to remove vegetation and sediment build-up. 

Bike trails will be intermittently closed and lane closures will take place on University Drive between MacArthur Boulevard and Campus Drive weekdays from Monday, September 30, through Tuesday, November 5, between 7 a.m. and 4 p.m. One lane of the road will be open at all times; however, motorists and road users may experience delays when traveling through the project area. 

For more information, visit ocpublicworks.com or email projectinfo@ocpw.ocgov.com

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.

All September: National Recovery Month
National Recovery Month is an observance held in the United States every September to raise awareness about substance use and mental health disorders, celebrate individuals in recovery, and promote the understanding that recovery is possible. It is an initiative that aims to reduce the stigma associated with addiction and mental health issues and to encourage individuals to seek help and support. 

The Substance Abuse and Mental Health Services Administration, a branch of the U.S. Department of Health and Human Services, is a major supporter of National Recovery Month and provides resources, information, and tools to help communities, organizations, and individuals participate in and promote the observance.

To learn more, visit our DE&I calendar.

Upcoming Meetings & Events