Welcome to the Community Link Newsletter

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. 

Attend the State of the City Address March 7

Mayor Farrah N. Khan will deliver the State of the City Address on Tuesday, March 7, at the Irvine Barclay Theatre (4242 Campus Drive, Irvine).

This City event will begin with a free public reception at 5 p.m., followed by the 2023 State of the City Address at 6 p.m. where Mayor Khan will reflect on accomplishments from 2022 and share initiatives and highlights for 2023.

This year’s event will also include performances by community organizations including, Gospel Voices Youth Choir and Chinese Dance Company of Southern?California.  

This event is free and open to the public.

Help Plan Your Route Around South Yale Avenue 

Do you travel on South Yale Avenue between the 405 Freeway and University Drive? Join the virtual meeting Wednesday, March 8, from 6 to 7 p.m. to discuss bicycle and pedestrian-friendly concepts for this area. These concepts were developed based on community input received last fall.

Visit cityofirvine.org/sharestheway to join the meeting and learn more about the South Yale Corridor Improvements Project, which aims to better utilize the available roadway space to best serve community needs.

Organics Recycling Program Coming to Irvine

The City of Irvine is starting an Organics Recycling Program to comply with changes in California recycling laws.

Beginning April 1, all City of Irvine residents must recycle food scraps and food soiled paper, such as napkins, paper towels, and uncoated cardboard. These items will be placed in an organic waste or food waste collection cart.

Learn more about the new program and what it means for you at cityofirvine.org/sb1383.

Support Irvine Animals this Month

Support the Irvine Animal Care Center by participating in its Foster Donation Drive, March 1–31. Support the center’s new puppies and kittens, post-surgery animals, and animals healing from an injury by donating supplies such as formula, mother and baby cat food, and toys.

Donate to the Foster Care program from the center’s Amazon or Chewy wish lists. View the Irvine Animal Care Center’s full wish list.

You can also drop off new pet supplies during the Donation Celebration Saturday, March 11, from 1 to 3 p.m. at the center. 

The Irvine Animal Care Center is located at 6443 Oak Canyon, Irvine. For more information, visit irvineanimals.org or call 949-724-7740.

SoCalGas Offers Assistance for Unprecedented Gas Market Prices

Southern California Gas (SoCalGas) will contribute $10 million in shareholder funding to help customers with bill assistance and bolster community resources for those struggling financially.

Through a series of contributions, SoCalGas will commit funds to the following programs:

Five million dollars to the Gas Assistance Fund: Provides income-qualified customers with one-time grants to help pay their natural gas bills.

Four million dollars to relaunch Fueling Our Communities program: A collaboration with local food banks and nonprofits that provides free meals and groceries to Californians facing food insecurity.

One million dollars to the Restaurant Resilience Fund: Small restaurant owners can receive assistance with small restaurant improvements, upgrades, employee retention, debt management, losses, and rising costs.

Read more about these programs and how you can receive assistance.

Celebrating Women's History Month with a Look at the Past

March is Women's History Month, an opportunity to recognize and celebrate the contributions of women who have left their mark on society. Irvine has been shaped by many incredible women over the years, including three who played an important role in our community in the 1900s: Joan Irvine Smith, Katie Wheeler, and Kate Munger.

Smith, the only child of James Irvine Jr., was an environmental activist and philanthropist who was instrumental in establishing UC Irvine. She served as director of Irvine Company, where she was a strong proponent for the City of Irvine’s master plan and the preservation of an animal habitat on the ranch.

Wheeler was the first-born grandchild of James Irvine and the longest serving member on the James Irvine Foundation board. The Katie Wheeler Library on Old Myford Road is a replica of her childhood home.

Munger opened the Irvine General Store in 1912 (pictured). She also farmed a bean lease on the Irvine Ranch, managed an apricot grove, and ran an insurance business.

We salute these women and countless others who have helped make Irvine the wonderful City it is today. To learn more about the women who have influenced our community, visit the Irvine Historical Museum.

Upcoming Meetings & Events

March 6 | 5:30 p.m.

Finance Commission

March 7 | 5 p.m.
State of the City Address

March 14 | 2 p.m. 
Great Park Board/

City Council