QuickReads | Season’s Greetings & Holiday Cheer from Mayor Agran
As we approach the holiday season, I’m reminded of what makes Irvine such a special place to call home: the spirit of community, kindness, and shared purpose that brings us together throughout the year. Whether it’s neighbors lending a hand, families gathering to celebrate, or volunteers giving their time to help others, these moments reflect the values we hold dear as a City. As your mayor, I am deeply grateful for the people who make Irvine strong, compassionate, and forward-looking, and on my behalf and on behalf of my staff, I wish you and yours a happy holiday season.
Illuminate Irvine
The holiday season officially kicked off as the Irvine community gathered at the Great Park for the annual tree lighting celebration — an enchanting start to the festive season! The spectacular Palm Court light display will shine daily through January 4, 2026, from dusk to 9 p.m. at the Great Park Palm Court Arts Complex. Enjoy dazzling illuminated holiday installations, perfect photo opportunities, and a magical chance for families to capture memories in Santa’s sleigh. Celebrate the joy, light, and wonder of the season!
PW&S December Construction Projects Update
Exciting news! A fourth pool is coming to the William Woollett Jr. Aquatics Center, a beloved facility cherished by the community. This new addition will feature permanent seating for approximately 600 spectators to support programs like learn-to-swim, with flexible, temporary seating allowing for larger events that can accommodate up to 1,000 attendees. Construction is set to begin in March 2026, with an anticipated opening in fall 2027, significantly boosting program capacity and better serving our growing community.
Additionally, the Heritage Park Improvements project will add two new parking lots within the park. The remaining scope of this project is expected to be publicly bid in winter 2025–26. Plans also include a shade structure over the bleachers at the new pool, along with movable shade options for the splash pad, ensuring comfort and fun for everyone under the sun!
One Irvine Workforce Apprentice Program
We proudly celebrate the remarkable achievements of our 14-month One Irvine Workforce Apprentice Program participants! Over the course of the program, these talented apprentices had the unique opportunity to collaborate across eight City departments, making meaningful contributions to numerous projects and initiatives that truly make Irvine shine brighter than ever.
Together, they dedicated a remarkable 22,000 hours of service, leaving a lasting impact on the City of Irvine and exemplifying dedication, skill, and community spirit. Your hard work, passion, and commitment to growth inspire us all. Thank you for choosing to serve, learn, and grow with the City of Irvine — you’ve made a difference, and we couldn’t be more proud of your journey!
Urban Forest Photo Contest
Our Urban Forest Photo Contest is underway! Submissions are open until January 30, 2026, so don’t miss your chance to showcase your favorite tree in the City. Take a look at these stunning photos of the Palm Court Arts Complex, home to the last of 54 full-size Canary Island Date Palms. These iconic trees were originally planted to enhance the park’s charm and provide shade, and they now stand as a living link to the site’s history.
The Palm Court Arts Complex was created by transforming former military buildings into a vibrant cultural campus, thoughtfully preserving the WWII-era architecture and atmosphere of the Marine Corps Air Station El Toro. Explore, photograph, and celebrate the unique blend of history, nature, and community that makes this space truly special.
Showcase your favorite tree by entering my Urban Forest Photo Contest here: shorturl.at/ziP5a. Photo submissions close Friday, January 30, 2026.
GOOD TO KNOW:
Enjoy a three-day opportunity to explore the southern trails of Bommer Canyon this upcoming Friday (19), Saturday (20), and Sunday (21), from 8 a.m. to 2 p.m. Visitors can enjoy self-guided hiking and biking; dogs are not permitted, and minors must be accompanied by a guardian. Free parking and picnicking are available at Cattle Camp. This opportunity takes place every third Friday, Saturday, and Sunday of each month from 9 a.m. to 4 p.m.
Learn more at cityofirvine.org/parks-facilities/bommer-canyon-preserve, and don’t miss this outdoor adventure!
Looking for a fun last-minute plan for the kids this Saturday, December 20th? Join the Irvine Public Library for a free outdoor holiday Storytime from 10:30–11:15 a.m. Enjoy seasonal stories, simple crafts, and a festive morning in the fresh air!
No registration is needed—just drop by and join the fun.
Location: Irvine Ranch Historic Park, 13042 Old Myford Rd.
Save the Date!
Kick off the new year with us at our first Mornings with the Mayor of 2026 on January 17, from 9–10 a.m., at Irvine City Hall—we look forward to seeing you there!