Community Link Newsletter: January 9–16, 2025

Building Bridges, Connecting Communities – JOST Expansion Update

Construction is progressing on the Jeffrey Open Space Trail (JOST) bicycle and pedestrian bridge, which will span the I-5 Freeway, the Caltrans Park & Ride, and Walnut Avenue.

Set to open in mid-2026, the bridge will be Irvine’s largest, measuring 1,200 feet long and 15 feet wide. It will connect the JOST/Cypress Village Trail to the north and the JOST extension to the south, linking trails from the Pacific Ocean to the Santa Ana Mountains.

Learn more at cityofirvine.org/jostextension.

Meet the Artists

Don’t miss out on these upcoming artist talks at the Irvine Fine Arts Center!

"For Me and You"— Walkthrough with Ann Phong and Gloria Gem Sánchez
Saturday, January 11, at 3 p.m.

"End as Beginning"— Panel with Randi Hokett, Zara Kuredjian, and Patricia Liverman
Saturday, January 18, 2 p.m.

Learn more at irvinefinearts.org/exhibitions.

Your Road Construction Map Just Got Better

The Road Construction Map has been updated to provide residents with easier access to important project details.

The map is now live and features a splash screen that highlights key information about ongoing and upcoming projects. Residents can check:

• Project Dates — Start and end dates for construction.
• Project Descriptions — Details about the work being done.
• Notices — Updates on road closures and other impacts.

The map is updated every month when the latest construction report is released, ensuring residents have the most current information available.

Check out the map today to stay informed and plan ahead!

Survey Ends February 2025!

The City of Irvine is committed to becoming designated as a Clean California Community. Please take a moment to share your feedback about the cleanliness of Irvine and needed areas of improvement in our Clean California Survey.

Take the survey at cityofirvine.org/cleancaliforniasurvey.

Irvine Animal Care Center Holiday Donation Drive Ends Soon!

Your support empowers the Irvine Animal Care Center to care for the pets that need it most. Thanks to your generosity, the center is able to make merry, happy outcomes for pets and other animals in challenging situations through its Enhanced Care, Third Chance for Pets, and Foster Care programs.

Through January 15, you can donate to the center's annual Holiday Donation Drive and help make a difference in the lives of pets in need. Click here for more information and to donate.

UCLA & UCI College Campus Tours

Students are invited to take college campus tours of UCLA and UCI Tuesday, January 21, from 7:30 a.m. to 3 p.m. This is a non-school day for IUSD. The tour includes transportation, supervision, privately guided campus tours from university students, admission discussions, brochures, and more. Space is limited; register today at yourirvine.org for course #120951. Open to high school students only.

"More Than You Can Chew" opens at the Great Park Gallery!

Join us for the opening reception of the Great Park’s newest art exhibition Sunday, January 26, 1-3 p.m., and dive into Friendly Felt Fruit — a free, hands-on Pop Art soft sculpture activity for all ages. Craft playful felt fruit and explore the fun of fabric sculpture.

Exhibit runs January 26 – April 20. No registration needed — materials provided. Bring scrap fabric to upcycle! Kids under 10 must be with an adult.

Learn more at yourgreatpark.org/arts.

DE&I

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.

January 13 — Korean American Day
Korean American Day honors Korean Americans in the U.S. and marks the arrival of the first Korean immigrants to Hawaii in 1903.

January 14 — Makar Sankranti or Maghi
Makar Sankranti is a Hindu festival celebrated in India and Nepal. It marks the sun’s northward shift and the start of spring. 

January 14 — Mahayana New Year
Mahayana New Year is observed by Buddhists January 14. Mahayana is one of the two main branches of Buddhism, practiced in countries like China, Japan, Tibet, Taiwan, Mongolia, and Korea.

Upcoming Meetings & Events

Road Construction and Capital Improvement Projects