Our weekly newsletter aims to keep residents and businesses connected to us and all that is going on in and throughout the City. You can connect with us and learn more about our community, cultural events and celebrations, and news of interest by reading this newsletter, visiting our website at cityofirvine.org, and following us on our social media channels listed at the bottom of this email. We look forward to connecting with you.

Support Irvine 2/11 Marines
This month, help support the single Marines, single parents, and geographic bachelors of Irvine’s adopted 2/11 Marine Battalion by donating bedding for their barracks.

The Irvine 2/11 Marine Adoption Committee is seeking new, unused towels, washcloths, standard pillows, and standard pillowcases. Donations can be dropped off through Tuesday, February 28, at Irvine City Hall or the Great Park Visitors Center during business hours. Monetary donations are also accepted.

For more information, visit Irvine211Marines.org or call 949-724-6606.

Make a Difference!  
Green Ribbon Environmental Committee Seeks Members
The City of Irvine is accepting applications to fill two member-at-large and two student vacancies on the Green Ribbon Environmental Committee. The committee advises the City Council and makes recommendations on matters related to energy, recycling and waste management, mobility, open space, and water issues.

Applicants may be an Irvine resident, student, or businessperson. At-large members will serve two-year terms, while students who are currently in middle school or high school will serve one-year terms.

The committee meets every other month at 4:30 p.m. Currently, meetings are held virtually.

Applications are available online. Completed applications must be submitted by 5 p.m. Tuesday, February 28.

Life on the Base: El Toro MCAS
Art Exhibition, Music Series Offer Look at Life on the Base
Get a unique look into Great Park’s past by attending the opening reception of “Life on the Base: MCAS El Toro,” Sunday, February 19, from 1 to 3 p.m. at the Great Park Gallery.

In collaboration with OC Archives in Action, the exhibition features a curated selection of photographs that provides a glimpse into the recreational lives led by the men and women who served at Marine Corps Air Station El Toro.

In support of the exhibition, there will be a three-part live swing and jazz music series, Swingin’ in the Palm Court, February 19, March 12, and April 23 from 1 to 3 p.m.

Bring folding chairs and blankets for seating around the Gallery and Palm Court and enjoy the swing and jazz music that filled the banquet halls of early MCAS El Toro. No advance registration is needed for these free events.

Utensils and Condiments Drive
Utensils and Condiments Drive Ends Next Week
Our thanks go out to everyone who has donated to the Utensils and Condiments Drive! If you have sealed, unused takeout utensil packs and unopened condiment packets that you don't need, there is still time to donate them for use in Second Harvest Food Bank Orange County's meal programs.

Donations are accepted through Thursday, February 9, at these locations:

Irvine City Hall

Great Park Visitors Center

Lakeview Senior Center

Portola Community Center

University Community Center

Celebrating Black History Month
February is Black History Month, an opportunity to recognize and celebrate the achievements of African Americans throughout history and honor their stories, struggles, and sacrifices.

We encourage our community to learn more about the many social, cultural, economic, and political contributions of African Americans this month.

Visit cityofirvine.org/deispotlight to learn more about this and other observances of our diverse community.