QuickReads | From Farms to Festivals
Welcome to this month’s QuickReads, where we celebrate the vibrant spirit, rich culture, and forward-thinking initiatives that make our City thrive. From honoring our local agricultural heroes at Tanaka Farms to embracing diverse cultural festivities like Fiesta Latina and Mehregan 2025, Irvine continues to grow as a place of connection, innovation, and inclusivity. Dive in to learn about exciting events, new resources, and opportunities to get involved as we work together to build a stronger, healthier, and more united community.
This weekend marked a special milestone as Tanaka Farms, in partnership with my office, hosted the inaugural Harvest Heroes event. We came together to honor the farmers, nurseries, and agricultural families who have kept Irvine’s farming roots strong, while cultivating a more sustainable and healthy future.
A heartfelt thank you to the team at Tanaka Farms for organizing this impactful community gathering. Your leadership in sustainability and local agriculture continues to inspire.
We also enjoyed the festive opening of the Pumpkin Patch — a wonderful way to welcome the fall season with families and friends.
September is Library Card Sign-Up Month, and there’s no better time to get yours. Since transitioning to our own City of Irvine Library System, both Heritage Park and University Park branches have become vibrant centers of learning and community. An Irvine Public Library card is your key to books, digital resources, programs, and more — a perfect start to the school year.
Apply online or in person.
Learn more: cityofirvine.org/irvine-public-library-cards.
Don’t forget to visit the Friends of the Library Bookstores, where every purchase supports our public libraries and their services.
This weekend, Irvine proudly celebrated Hispanic Heritage Month at Fiesta Latina en Irvine at the Great Park. The event brought together families from across the region to honor the culture, traditions, and contributions of Hispanic and Latino communities through music, art, food, and dance. ¡Feliz Mes de la Herencia Hispana!
We are excited to welcome CHOC’s Pediatric Urgent Care to the Oak Creek shopping center — bringing trusted, convenient healthcare directly into our community for Irvine’s youngest residents.
Location: 5665 Alton Parkway, Suite 300, Irvine
Hours: 10 a.m. – 10 p.m., daily (including holidays)
This new facility reflects CHOC’s continued commitment to serving families where and when they need care most.
Yesterday, my colleagues and I were honored to acknowledge community members and organizations dedicated to making Irvine an even stronger and more vibrant community. I extend my gratitude to Irvine resident and high school student Neeka for her ongoing efforts to promote peace worldwide. I also express my appreciation to the Alzheimer’s Association OC Chapter, the Consul of Mexico, and the Orange County Hispanic Chamber of Commerce for their outstanding work and support of our Hispanic community.
Join me on Saturday, September 27, for the 5th Annual Global Hope 365 Walk/Run to End Child Marriage and Human Trafficking, an event I am honored to co-host alongside Vice Mayor James Mai and Councilmember Mike Carroll. This annual event raises critical awareness about the ongoing issues of child marriage and human trafficking in the United States.
Learn more or register: globalhope365.org/walk-4-hope.
We hope you will join us in supporting this important cause!
You’re invited to Mehregan 2025, hosted by NIPOC, to celebrate Persian culture and heritage in a joyful community atmosphere.
Dates: Saturday & Sunday, September 27–28, 2025
Time: 2–10 PM
Location: Great Park Live
Experience live performances, authentic Persian cuisine, traditional dancing, and cultural displays that highlight the rich heritage of Iran.
For more details, visit nipoc.org/mehregan.