Community Link Newsletter: January 16–23, 2025

City of Irvine sent this bulletin at 01/16/2025 03:00 PM PST

Irvine Encourages Support for Los Angeles County Fire Victims

Recent fires in Los Angeles County, including the devastating Palisades and Eaton fires, have destroyed or damaged more than 12,000 structures, leaving countless residents in urgent need of help.

The City of Irvine reached out to our friends at the City of Los Angeles to offer our support and learn the best ways we, as a community, can provide assistance. The City of L.A. has shared a list of approved organizations assisting victims at lacity.gov/LAstrong. Irvine residents can also find donation opportunities and additional resources at cityofirvine.org/IrvineGives.

We are inspired by the outpouring of generosity and deeply grateful to the firefighters and law enforcement officers, including those from the Orange County Fire Authority, who are working tirelessly to protect lives and property.

Community members are encouraged to join the effort to aid fire victims and show solidarity during this challenging time.

Wildfire Safety: Alarms and Preparedness Can Save Lives
The recent wildfires in the greater Los Angeles area serve as a stark reminder of the importance of safety measures like smoke and carbon monoxide alarms. These life-saving devices provide early warnings, giving families precious time to evacuate or act before it’s too late.

To ensure your household is protected, the Orange County Fire Authority (OCFA) recommends the following safety tips:

Install smoke alarms in every bedroom, hallways outside sleeping areas, and on each level of your home.
Test all alarms monthly.
Check the manufacture date and replace alarms older than 10 years.
Create a home escape plan with two ways out of every room and an outdoor meeting place.

For additional resources, visit the Ready, Set, Go! section on the OCFA website.

Emergency Ready: How Irvine is Safeguarding Its Community

The City of Irvine is committed to safeguarding its community through comprehensive emergency preparedness and response efforts.

The City partners with the Orange County Fire Authority (OCFA) to enhance emergency response capabilities. Advanced equipment, well-trained personnel, and robust communication channels enable swift action in the event of an emergency, such as a wildfire.

Emergency preparedness is also a shared responsibility. Irvine residents are encouraged to sign up for the AlertOC notification system to receive real-time updates during emergencies. At any time, community members can access an evacuation zone map online that easily breaks down evacuation zones and types by all neighborhood locations. Additionally, a unique Hi/Lo siren will be used in the case of an emergency to alert residents of the need to evacuate. When emergency alerts are issued, the City will include a link to its real-time evacuation map that provides residents with the locations of the current threat, type of evacuation orders issued, and evacuation routes.

In times of disaster, being prepared can make all the difference. The City of Irvine offers the Prepare Irvine program to educate and empower the community with essential disaster preparedness knowledge. A trained instructor will visit your group for a 60-minute presentation covering topics such as earthquake safety, emergency alert systems, reunification planning, and how to assemble an emergency kit. To schedule a presentation, complete the Request for Presentation Form or email Prepare Irvine for more information.

For more information about the City’s Emergency Preparedness, please visit cityofirvine.org/prepare.

Artist Panel Discussion

Date: Saturday, January 18
Time: 2 p.m.
Location: Irvine Fine Arts Center

Join us for a panel discussion on the exhibition End as Beginning at the Irvine Fine Arts Center. Artists Randi Hokett, Zara Kuredjian, and Patricia Liverman will share insights into their creative processes and explore themes behind the exhibition.

Please visit irvinefinearts.org/exhibitions for more information.

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 20: Dr. Martin Luther King Jr. Day
Martin Luther King Jr. Day is observed on the third Monday in January to honor the civil rights leader's life and legacy. This federal holiday is designated as a National Day of Service to encourage all Americans to volunteer and improve their communities.

He is best known for his "I Have a Dream" speech, delivered at the Lincoln Memorial in 1963, envisioning a world where people are judged by character, not skin color. Awarded the Nobel Peace Prize in 1964, Dr. King was assassinated in 1968, but his impact endures through his writings, leadership, and the millions he inspired.

Upcoming Meetings & Events

January 16, 5:30 p.m.
Planning Commission

January 18, 2 p.m.
Artist Panel Discussion

January 21, 5:30 p.m.
Transportation Commission

View the City Calendar

Road Construction and Capital Improvement Projects

View the Road Construction Map

View the Capital Improvement Projects Map

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