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New Year, New Home for the Free Foodbox Program
Beginning January 8, 2026, the City of Irvine Free Grocery Food Box Program will relocate its monthly pickup to a new site at the Great Park in Parking Lot 2.
Offered in partnership with Community Action Partnership of Orange County, the Emergency Food Assistance Program (TEFAP) provides eligible Irvine residents with access to nutritious food.
Qualifying households may receive one free food box per month, weighing approximately 30 pounds and including items such as fresh produce, dried beans, canned and frozen vegetables, juice, and meat or dairy items when available.
Food boxes are distributed on select Thursdays from 9 a.m. to noon at the Great Park, Parking Lot 2, located at 8000 Great Park Blvd., on a first-come, first-served basis.
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Street Sweeping Update
Beginning January 1, the City of Irvine is introducing an updated street sweeping schedule for several Irvine villages to help keep streets clean year-round.
Starting in 2026, residential streets will be swept twice a month, Tuesday through Friday, between 7 a.m. and 3 p.m.
Residents can find their neighborhood schedule by visiting cityofirvine.org/streetsweeping and using the interactive map to enter an address or select a sweeping zone.
Street sweeping helps remove debris and pollutants before they reach storm drains and the ocean, while also preventing clogged drainage systems.
To support efficient sweeping, please remove vehicles from the street by 7 a.m. on scheduled sweeping days.
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HOPE Center for the Arts: Be Seen
Opening Reception: January 12, 2–4 p.m.
Exhibition: January 12–March 20
Irvine City Hall
HOPE Center for the Arts: Be Seen invites the community to experience artwork by adults with disabilities from the Irvine-based nonprofit HOPE Center for the Arts. On view January 12–March 20 at Irvine City Hall, the exhibition highlights expressive, original works across a variety of media. An opening reception will take place January 15, from 2 to 4 p.m., featuring a live performance by the Hi Hopes Band.
Admission and parking are free. Learn more and plan your visit at artsinirvine.org/artatcityhall.
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Chess Classes Build Skills and Confidence
The City of Irvine offers youth chess classes designed to build strategic thinking, problem-solving skills, and concentration in a fun and supportive environment. Through guided instruction and hands-on play, participants learn the fundamentals of chess while developing confidence and focus.
Classes are available for two age groups. Beginner Pawns is open to ages 6–9 and introduces basic rules, piece movement, and simple strategies. Intermediate Knights, for ages 7–12, builds on foundational skills with more advanced gameplay and tactics.
Sessions are held at multiple locations, including University Community Center, Great Park, Northwood Community Center, and Portola Springs Community Center. Classes take place on weekdays from January through March, with afternoon time slots.
Enrollment is limited and available on a first-come, first-served basis. Fees vary by location.
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January 13 is Korean American Day
Korean American Day, observed January 13, recognizes the history, culture, and contributions of Korean Americans in the United States. The date marks the arrival of the first group of Korean immigrants to Hawaii in 1903.
Korean Americans have played an important role in shaping communities across the country, enriching American life through their cultural traditions, innovation, and civic engagement. While not a federal holiday, Korean American Day is recognized by many states and local communities and is often celebrated through cultural events and community activities that honor Korean heritage.
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