Community Link Newsletter: January 23–30, 2025

Library Community Meeting 

The City of Irvine is transitioning Library services from the County of Orange to a new Irvine Public Library system, allowing for a more personalized, local approach to library services. 

With this transition, the City is committed to creating dynamic library spaces that foster civic engagement and community growth along with equitable access to education resources. 

Join us Thursday, January 30, 6–6:45 p.m. at Quail Hill Community Center to provide input on the future of your library system and help ensure library services meet the needs and desires of our community. 

Learn more by visiting cityofirvine.org/libraries. 

Learn More about Your Community through District Videos

The City of Irvine invites residents to explore their neighborhoods through a series of videos that provide an overview of each district — highlighting key amenities, services, and community programs.

Whether you're a longtime resident or new to the area, the videos offer valuable insights into what makes each district unique.

Friendly Felt Fruit: Pop Art Soft Sculpture

Join the Friendly Felt Fruit: Pop Art Soft Sculpture workshop Sunday, January 26, 1–3 p.m. at Palm Court Arts Complex.

Explore soft sculpture techniques like gluing, weaving, and stuffing to create playful, fruit-inspired art. Materials are provided, but participants are encouraged to bring clean scrap fabric to upcycle. Open to all skill levels and abilities.

This activity is part of the “More Than You Can Chew” exhibition opening Sunday, January 26, 1–3 p.m., at the Great Park Gallery.

For details, visit cityofirvine.org/events.

Fair Housing Workshop

The Fair Housing Foundation will host a free Fair Housing Workshop Thursday, February  13, from 2–4 p.m. at Irvine City Hall.

Attendees will learn about tenant and landlord rights, fair housing laws, discrimination protections, and dispute resolution.

The Fair Housing Foundation serves Irvine residents through education, mediation, and counseling. For more information, visit FHFCA.org or call 1-800-446-FAIR (3247).

Free Tax Preparation Services Available in Irvine 

The City of Irvine, in partnership with Orange County United Way, is providing free tax preparation for residents earning under $67,000 in 2024. IRS-certified volunteers will help eligible taxpayers file returns and apply for tax credits, including the Earned Income Tax Credit (EITC).

Services run January 28–April 8 at Harvard Community Center by appointment only. Call 211 or visit cityofirvine.org/freetaxfiling for details.

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 27: International Holocaust Remembrance Day 

International Holocaust Remembrance Day, observed on January 27, marks the anniversary of the liberation of Auschwitz-Birkenau and honors the victims of the Holocaust. The day serves as a time to reaffirm our commitment to preventing future genocides and promote human rights and dignity.

January 29: Lunar New Year

Lunar New Year, also known as Chinese New Year or the Spring Festival, is a major holiday in many East Asian countries. Based on the lunar calendar, the date varies each year but typically falls between January 21 and February 20. The holiday is marked by family gatherings, feasts, gift-giving, and traditional rituals to honor ancestors and welcome good fortune for the year ahead.

Upcoming Meetings & Events

Road Construction and Capital Improvement Projects