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City of Irvine Announces Executive Appointments
Irvine City Manager Sean Crumby has announced several executive appointments that will support key projects and help guide the City’s future.
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Steve Torelli has been named Director of the Great Park. With more than 20 years of service to Irvine, he will oversee planning and development across the Great Park campus.
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Kavita Deepak will lead the City’s new Information Technology Department. Deepak has served as Chief Information Officer since 2023, helping modernize systems and improve citywide technology.
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Luis Estevez has been appointed Director of Public Works & Sustainability. Since joining Irvine in 2024, he has held several leadership roles supporting major infrastructure and sustainability efforts.
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Karin Koch is the City’s new Economic Development Director. She brings extensive experience in regional economic development, technology commercialization, and workforce programs.
Torelli, Deepak, and Estevez will begin their new roles November 22. Koch joined the City earlier this fall.
 Irvine Gives Back: Emergency Food Drive Surpasses Expectations
Thanks to the outstanding generosity of Irvine residents and the business community, the November 15 Emergency Food Drive: Operation Bridge the Gap collected 3,300 pounds of food and $33,000 in monetary donations to help five Irvine food banks restock their pantries for local families in need.
We are grateful to our community for their support, and we offer a special thanks to our project partners, the Greater Irvine Chamber of Commerce and South County Outreach. We also want to extend our sincere appreciation to the sponsors: American Lending Center, Bank Irvine, C&C Development, City of Hope, Corner Bakery Cafe, Cox, FivePoint, Garden Communities, Irvine Ranch Water District, P3 Foundation, PSQ Productions, SoCalGas, SoCal Edison, Sunstone Management, and Zion Enterprises.
The City of Irvine remains steadfast in its mission to build a caring, resilient, and food-secure community. Continued support is encouraged to help sustain local food assistance programs and ensure every resident has access to the nutritious food they need. Monetary donations are being accepted through November 21 at ochungeralliance.org/irvinesnaprelief.
For community members looking for a meaningful way to give back, the City of Irvine welcomes volunteers to its free Food Box Distribution events. To learn more about how to get involved or to receive a free food box, visit cityofirvine.org/foodbox.
View images from the event.
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Irvine Earns Perfect Score on 2025 Municipal Equality Index
The City of Irvine has once again earned a perfect score of 100 — plus 15 bonus points — on the 2025 Municipal Equality Index (MEI), marking the fourth year in a row the City has received this national recognition for its commitment to LGBTQ+ inclusion.
The annual MEI, published by the Human Rights Campaign Foundation, serves as a benchmark for assessing how extensively cities have embraced LGBTQ+ inclusivity within their laws, policies, and services.
Irvine earned top scores across all rated categories, including:
- Non-Discrimination Laws
- Municipality as an Employer
- Municipal Services
The City of Irvine has long been dedicated to fostering a welcome and inclusive community. To learn more about City programs that promote unity and inclusivity, visit weareirvine.org.
The full 2025 MEI report is available at hrc.org/mei.
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Household Hazardous Waste Center Closure Update
The County of Orange is permanently closing the Irvine Household Hazardous Waste Collection Center December 31.
Orange County Waste & Recycling (OCWR) will continue to provide safe and reliable disposal options for the community. Residents may drop off household hazardous waste at the Anaheim, Huntington Beach, or San Juan Capistrano collection centers, open Tuesday–Saturday from 9 a.m. to 3 p.m.
OCWR is also looking to host periodic pop-up events throughout the City.
For details, visit OClandfills.com/notice.
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Cultivate a Season of Care: Support the Irvine Animal Care Center Holiday Donation Drive
The Irvine Animal Care Center invites the community to support its annual Holiday Donation Drive underway through January 15, 2026. Donations provide vital medical care, safe shelter, and compassionate support to animals in need.
Community contributions help fund:
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Urgent medical care for animals requiring specialized treatment.
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Safe shelter for abandoned pets and those transferred from overburdened facilities.
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Dedicated foster care, giving orphaned, injured, or recovering animals a warm and nurturing temporary home.
All donations directly benefit the animals at the Irvine Animal Care Center, ensuring they receive the care, enrichment, and opportunities they need to heal and find loving forever homes.
For details and ways to give, visit irvineanimals.org/holidaydrive.
The Irvine Animal Care Center, located at 6443 Oak Canyon, provides housing, care, and enrichment for homeless, neglected, abused, or unwanted animals. The center also offers pet adoptions, events, and licensing services for Irvine residents. Learn more at irvineanimals.org or by calling 949-724-7740.
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The Canopy at the Great Park: Construction Update
Almquist Development + Investment — the owner and operator of the new food and retail center coming soon to the Great Park — continues to progress. The Canopy, a much anticipated venue, will provide residents of the surrounding neighborhoods as well as the millions of visitors the park receives annually with much-needed food, beverage, and retail options, including a T&T Supermarket.
Follow along with Aaron Fry, Senior Director of Construction for Almquist Development + Investment, as he explains the current progress and provides a status update on The Canopy.
Watch the video.
Stay up to date on Great Park projects at greatparkframework.org, and find the latest updates on The Canopy at canopygreatpark.com.
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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.
November 20: Universal Children’s Day
Established in 1954, Universal Children’s Day promotes international togetherness, raises awareness of children’s rights, and supports global efforts to improve the well-being of children everywhere.
November 20: Transgender Day of Remembrance
Observed annually November 20, this day honors the memory of transgender individuals whose lives were lost to acts of anti-transgender violence, and calls for greater understanding, safety, and support for transgender communities.
November 25: International Day for the Elimination of Violence Against Women
Designated by the United Nations General Assembly, this day raises awareness of gender-based violence and encourages global action to protect and empower women and girls.
November 25: Day of the Covenant (Bahá’í)
Observed by members of the Bahá’í Faith, this day commemorates the appointment of ʻAbdu'l-Bahá as the Center of Bahá’u’lláh’s Covenant. The observance falls on November 25 or 26 each year, depending on the Bahá’í calendar.
November 27: Thanksgiving
Celebrated throughout the United States, Thanksgiving is a day for family and friends to gather, reflect with gratitude, and share a traditional meal that often includes turkey, stuffing, and seasonal favorites.
November 28: Ascension of ʻAbdu'l-Bahá (Bahá’í)
This solemn observance marks the passing of ʻAbdu'l-Bahá on November 28, 1921. Remembered as a guiding figure of peace, service, and unity, he is honored for his leadership and his commitment to uplifting humanity.
November 29: Native American Heritage Day
Observed the day after Thanksgiving, Native American Heritage Day honors the history, culture, and contributions of Native peoples and recognizes their enduring impact on the nation.
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Upcoming Meetings & Events
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Road Construction and Capital Improvement Projects
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