Please mark your calendar for my upcoming State of the City Address on Tuesday, March 10, at the Irvine Civic Center. I’ll highlight key accomplishments from the past year and share what’s ahead as we continue building America’s safest, smartest, greenest, healthiest, and kindest City. This free event is open to all — no RSVP required.

Honoring Service and Civic Leadership

My Council colleagues and I proudly recognized Irvine 2/11 Marine Battalion Day. The City of Irvine honors the brave Marines and Sailors of the 2nd Battalion, 11th Marines, 1st Marine Division, for their courage and dedication in service to our nation. To support the 2/11 Marines, visit cityofirvine.org/211.

We also commemorated Fred Korematsu Day, honoring his enduring legacy and the important work of the Japanese American National Museum. Together, these moments show how service and remembrance bring our Irvine community closer and make us stronger.

Portola High School Model UN Conference

It was a pleasure to attend the Portola High School Model UN Conference. Witnessing students passionately engage with global issues through dialogue and meaningful collaboration was inspiring. Model United Nations nurtures critical thinking, empathy, and a deep appreciation for diverse perspectives. Watching these young leaders work together to tackle complex challenges reminds us of the promising future they are shaping.

Representative Dave Min

I was pleased to join the honorable Representative Dave Min at his town hall, where he engaged with his constituents on issues impacting our community. We commend his longstanding commitment and leadership. In this term, he has successfully secured vital funding for initiatives such as the Center of Innovation and Entrepreneurship. His continued partnership is making a meaningful difference for our community.

FLAM@UCI

We’re proud to highlight the partnership between the Flying Leatherneck Aviation Museum and UC Irvine. This week, we visited FLAM@UCI and saw remarkable progress on restoring the 1917 Curtiss JN-4D “Jenny.” Over 800 students are gaining hands-on experience, from wing structures to tail assembly. Their dedication and skill are bringing this historic aircraft back to life.

Learn more about FLAM

Great Park February Report

The Great Park is a long-term vision that takes collaboration, sustained investment, and thoughtful planning — and we’re making meaningful progress. Recently, more than $45 million in contracts were approved to strengthen core infrastructure, including:

Cultural Terrace Phase III: Upgrading utilities to support future events.
Operations & Maintenance Facility: Supporting efficient, long-term park operations.
Framework Plan Improvements: Improving connectivity and access throughout the park.

Each step moves us closer to creating a welcoming destination that will serve our community for generations. Stay tuned for more updates!

View the Great Park Projects Monthly Status Report

Notable Development Project: Von Karman Corporate Center (VKCC)

Big news in the Irvine Business Complex! Instead of two warehouses totaling 541,344-square feet, a 426-unit community is taking shape at Alton Parkway and Von Karman. Spread over 25 acres, it will feature townhomes, duplexes, flats, and amenities like parks, pools, and playgrounds — creating a lively, connected neighborhood. Stay tuned for more Notable Development Project updates!

Katie Wheeler Library Grand Opening

Big news for West Irvine! The historic Katie Wheeler Library is officially joining the Irvine Public Library family as the City’s third municipally operated branch. Be sure to mark your calendar for Saturday, March 7, and join us in rediscovering this beautiful community space — now refreshed with new books, expanded programs, and the same timeless charm residents have long appreciated. We look forward to seeing you at the grand reopening!

Learn more here: cityofirvine.org/news-media/calendar-of-events/event/katie-wheeler-library-grand-opening.

Navigating AI in a Nonprofit World

The Greater Irvine Chamber is hosting a complimentary, hands-on AI workshop designed to support nonprofits in our community. I encourage you to share this opportunity with any nonprofit organizations in your network that may benefit.

Tuesday, March 17 | 4 - 6 PM
36 Executive Park, Suite 100, Irvine

This interactive session will provide practical tools and insights to help nonprofit leaders thoughtfully and effectively integrate AI into their operations.

Learn more here: business.greaterirvinechamber.com/events/details/nonprofit-forum-navigating-ai-in-a-nonprofit-world-26824.

QuickReads | Innovation, Education, and Community Growth Across Irvine