Community Link Newsletter: April 10–17, 2025

You're Invited: State of Great Park

The State of Great Park is taking place May 6, and you're invited.

With a budget of over $1 billion, the Great Park is America's largest under-development municipal park. Join the City of Irvine for a one-of-a-kind, interactive community experience at the State of Great Park, where residents, neighbors, and visitors can explore the past, celebrate the present, and envision the exciting future of one of the nation’s most ambitious public park projects. 

Enjoy interactive exhibits from Great Park partners, a unique virtual reality (VR) experience that immerses guests in the present and future of the Great Park, a look at the updated walkable timeline at the Great Park, live music, refreshments, and more. The event is free, family-friendly, and open to the entire community.

Join us Tuesday, May 6, 2025, from 4 to 7 p.m. at Great Park Live, 8000 Great Park Blvd. (Parking Lot 2).

Vote in the April 15 Special Election for Council District 5

Early voting is underway for the April 15 Special Municipal Election.

Registered voters in Woodbridge, University Park, Rancho San Joaquin, and parts of Westpark south of Barranca Parkway can elect a Councilmember to represent District 5 through 2026.

There are three ways to vote:

• By mail — no postage required
• At a Ballot Drop Box:
  • Rancho Senior Center
  • University Park Library
• At a Vote Center:
  • Irvine City Hall (open now)
  • University Community Center (opens April 12)

Vote Center hours:

• April 5–11: 8 a.m.–5 p.m. (City Hall only)
• April 12–14: 8 a.m.–8 p.m. (both locations)
• Election Day, April 15: 7 a.m.–8 p.m. (both locations)

To check if you live in District 5 and learn more about the election, visit cityofirvine.org/election.

A New Chapter Begins for Irvine Public Libraries

This summer, connect, explore, and read with the City of Irvine as we continue offering engaging programs for all ages through the Irvine Library system.

Library events will take place throughout the summer and include children’s pajama storytime sessions, teen study halls, and programs for adults. Whether you are looking to keep your child reading, support your teen’s learning, or enjoy a good book yourself, there is something for everyone.

The summer also marks an exciting milestone — Heritage Park and University Park Libraries are anticipated to reopen August 4 as part of the new Irvine Public Library system.

Stay connected with Irvine Libraries on Facebook, Instagram, and X (@IrvineLibraries) for updates, event information, and behind-the-scenes content. Plus, sign up for our new e-newsletter, Off the Shelf, launching soon.

Learn more at cityofirvine.org/library-events.

High School Art on Display at Irvine City Hall 

Celebrate the creativity of our young artists at the High School Art Exhibition on view Monday, April 7, through Friday, May 23, at Irvine City Hall.

Featuring work from students at Beckman, Crean Lutheran, Irvine, Northwood, Portola, University, and Woodbridge high schools, the show includes paintings, drawings, photography, ceramics, and mixed media.

Join us for a free opening reception Thursday, April 24, from 4:30 to 6:30 p.m. at City Hall. Guest juror Marinta Skupin, former Curator of Education at Laguna Art Museum, will recognize standout student pieces.

City Hall hours:

• Monday–Thursday: 7:30 a.m.–5:30 p.m.
• Friday: 8 a.m.–5 p.m.

Admission and parking are free.
Learn more at cityofirvine.org/artatcityhall.

Take the Pledge: Help Irvine Save Water This April

The City of Irvine is joining cities across the country in the Wyland National Mayor’s Challenge for Water Conservation, happening April 1–30.

Mayor Larry Agran is asking residents to take part by making simple online pledges to use water wisely, reduce pollution, and save energy at mywaterpledge.com.

By taking the pledge, you’ll help Irvine compete to become the most water-wise city in the country — and you’ll have a chance to win eco-friendly prizes and up to $3,000 toward your home utility bills.

The Wyland Foundation also offers a tool called the MyVolunteer Water Project, which lets you take on fun projects at home or in your community that support water conservation and sustainability.

“I encourage every household in Irvine to take the pledge,” said Mayor Agran. “Together, we can make a big difference for our environment.”

Learn more about the City’s sustainability efforts and Earth Month events at cityofirvine.org/earthday.

Celebrate Irvine’s Open Space

Join the City of Irvine, Irvine Ranch Conservancy, and Irvine Company for a community Open Space Celebration on Saturday, April 19, at the Quail Hill Trailhead, starting at 9 a.m.

Enjoy a free pancake breakfast, family-friendly activities, and a guided hike along the 1.8-mile Quail Hill Loop Trail. The hike begins at 10:30 a.m. and is open to all ages. Please wear comfortable, closed-toe shoes.

Space is limited for the pancake breakfast and registration is required. Reserve your spot at yourirvine.org.

Community Bike Ride

Join the City of Irvine and the Orange County Cycling Business Coalition for a Community Bike Ride on Friday, April 25. Choose a 5-mile or 25-mile ride along Irvine’s bikeways — perfect for all ages and experience levels.

Start and end location:

• Irvine Station
  15215 Barranca Parkway
  Check-in: 2–2:30 p.m.
  Ride time: 2:30–4:30 p.m.

Register at yourirvine.org to reserve your spot.
Helmets are required for riders 17 and under and recommended for all.

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.

April 13–15: Songkran — Songkran marks the Thai New Year and is widely known as the “Water Festival.” Celebrated with water-splashing traditions, the holiday symbolizes renewal and cleansing. People also visit temples, offer food to monks, and take part in cultural activities.

April 14: Vaisakhi — Vaisakhi, or Baisakhi, is the Sikh New Year and commemorates the founding of the Khalsa in 1699. Celebrated with parades, devotional music, and community meals (Langar), it is a time of joy and reflection in Sikh communities worldwide.

April 14: Ambedkar Jayanti — Ambedkar Jayanti honors the birth of Dr. B.R. Ambedkar, architect of India’s Constitution and champion for social justice. Observances include tributes, public events, and renewed calls for equality and human rights.

April 14: Mesadi / Vaisakhadi — Celebrated in parts of India, particularly Bengal, Mesadi marks the Bengali New Year. Traditions include wearing new clothes, temple visits, and festive meals. In some regions, rituals like Charak Puja are performed to mark spiritual renewal.

April 14–16: Pi Mai (Lao New Year) — Pi Mai is Laos’ most celebrated festival. Over three days, families clean their homes, offer prayers at temples, and participate in parades and water celebrations. The holiday promotes blessings, renewal, and community togetherness.

April 14–16: Choul Chnam Thmey (Khmer New Year) — Cambodia’s New Year celebration includes temple visits, community giving, and symbolic rituals such as releasing birds and fish. Traditional games, music, and dancing mark the festive atmosphere.

April 13: Palm Sunday — Palm Sunday marks the start of Holy Week in Christianity. It commemorates Jesus’ entry into Jerusalem, often celebrated with processions and the waving of palm branches.

Upcoming Meetings & Events

Road Construction and Capital Improvement Projects