QuickReads | Celebrating Irvine’s Diversity and Creativity!
This month, we celebrated the vibrant spirit that makes Irvine such a remarkable place to live, learn, and connect. From honoring six decades of artistic excellence at UC Irvine to embracing the global cultures that fill our City with color and unity. Our community came together to share traditions at the Global Village Festival and Diwali at the Great Park, while young civic leaders took their first steps through the new Irvine Civic Youth Initiative. Each of these moments reminds us that Irvine’s strength lies in its diversity, creativity, and shared commitment to a bright, inclusive future.
I am excited to introduce our newly sworn-in officers, who were officially sworn in by Chief Kent earlier this week. I am proud to welcome them to the county’s greatest police force and wish them every success as they embark on their field training. Let’s welcome these committed individuals to the team, and I extend my gratitude to you and all the men and women of the Irvine Police Department for your remarkable work in keeping our community safe, in partnership with the community.
It was an honor to join Juli Carson, Kevin Appel, Sasha Ussef, and Jesse Jackson at UC Irvine’s Claire Trevor School of the Arts for a panel discussion on the new exhibition The Inoperative Community: Exhibition X Practice, UCI 1965–2025. Our conversation reflected on this six-decade retrospective of artistic and curatorial innovation, which beautifully showcases UCI’s lasting impact on creative communities both on campus and beyond.
Are you ready to fireproof your home? The OCFA Division 2 team is here to help us prepare for wildfire risks. This important event will provide an opportunity to learn best practices from fire safety experts, ask questions, and strengthen our collective commitment to community safety. I encourage all residents to attend and gain valuable insights.
The Irvine Global Village Festival lit up the Great Park with color, culture, and community! This City tradition highlighted the unity and diversity that make Irvine one of the most ethnically rich and harmoniously integrated cities in the nation.
The Ektaa Diwali Fest brought brilliant light and joy to the Great Park Live and the Lakeview Senior Center! A heartfelt thank you to Harish Murthy, the Ektaa Center team, and the South Asian Seniors for organizing such vibrant events here in Irvine. Wishing all who celebrate a Happy Diwali!
Over the past few weeks, I’ve met with a wonderful range of community members — from the Taipei Smart City ambassadors and the Anti-Defamation League to Great Park residents and SCORE Orange County. Each conversation has deepened our shared commitment to Irvine’s growth and well-being.
As Mayor, I am here to listen, learn, and lead with purpose. Your voices continue to guide the direction we take together.
In partnership with my office, the Irvine Civic Youth Initiative launched with great enthusiasm as passionate 9th and 10th graders began their journey to become civic leaders. From learning how city government works to asking insightful questions, these students are already showing their dedication to Irvine’s future!
Join me for a relaxed, open conversation — an opportunity to connect, share your thoughts, and ask questions about our city. I look forward to seeing you there!