QuickReads | Community, Creativity & Conservation
National Mayor’s Challenge for Water Conservation
This April, the Irvine Ranch Water District and I invite Irvine residents to participate in the Wyland National Mayor’s Challenge for Water Conservation. This impactful national initiative encourages cities to take small, meaningful actions to conserve water, reduce pollution, and promote sustainability.
From April 1 to April 30, visit mywaterpledge.com to make your commitment. The city with the highest participation will receive national recognition, and participants will have a chance to win prizes while contributing to local conservation efforts. In a spirit of friendly competition, Mayor Alex Rounaghi of Laguna Beach and I have even made a bet to see which city can rally the most residents in support of water conservation. Join us and make a difference for our community and our planet.
Arbor Day Tree Planting with Students from Westpark Elementary School
Last week, I had the honor of celebrating Irvine’s 2025 Arbor Day with the students of Westpark Elementary by planting trees at San Carlo Park. These new trees — 13 in total, including Chinese Pistache and Modesto Ash — will help purify our air and keep our community cool for generations to come. Irvine’s dedicated team of ISA-certified arborists play a vital role in maintaining the green, healthy, and beautiful spaces we all enjoy.
University Park PTA Talent Show
Got talent? This past weekend, I had the pleasure of attending the University Park PTA Talent Show. It was inspiring to see the many talented students share their creativity and skills on stage. Events like these highlight the importance of supporting Irvine schools and celebrating the potential of our students.
A Step Toward the Future: City of Hope’s New Cancer Hospital in Irvine
I recently joined Dr. Edward Kim, Physician-in-Chief and President of City of Hope Orange County, and Annette Walker for a Hard Hat Media Tour of their new cancer specialty hospital in Irvine. This state-of-the-art facility will provide world-class cancer care, research, and treatment in our community, improving access to advanced healthcare for families throughout Irvine and Orange County. I am proud to witness this transformational investment in the health and future of our region.
Minute with the Mayor
I am excited to share "Minute with the Mayor" — a quick segment where I will highlight the key features that make Irvine such a vibrant community. In our first episode, I focus on Irvine’s remarkable urban forest. With a replacement value of $181 million and over 550,000 trees, the City of Irvine has been designated as “Tree City USA” for over 30 years. Stay tuned for more episodes!
City Resources
Library:
The City of Irvine is transitioning library services from the County of Orange to a new local system, allowing for a more personalized approach and improved access to resources.
Library Hours Update:
From April 1 to May 15, County-operated libraries (Heritage Park, University Park, and Katie Wheeler) will have reduced hours:
Monday–Thursday: 10 a.m. – 6 p.m.
Friday–Saturday: 9 a.m. – 5 p.m.
Sunday: Closed
From May 16 to June 30, Heritage Park and University Park libraries will close for the transfer, while Katie Wheeler will continue with reduced hours. Katie Wheeler will close completely from July 1 to December 31, 2025, to complete the transition.
Public Works & Sustainability April Construction Report:
The City’s Public Works & Sustainability team has released the April Construction Project Update Report, showcasing over $500 million in ongoing improvements — marking the largest number of City-managed capital projects in Irvine’s history.
The report highlights 34 major projects, including road upgrades and park enhancements, demonstrating how these efforts are improving infrastructure and quality of life in our community.
Read the full report here: tinyurl.com/2s4k653j, and explore real-time updates on the interactive Capital Improvement Projects map: tinyurl.com/mv5rmjr4.
Coming Up
Join us for the City of Irvine Earth Day Event on Saturday, April 19 from 11 a.m. to 2 p.m. at the Quail Hill Community Center (39 Shady Canyon Drive). This family-friendly event will feature various activities, including guided hikes, a composting demonstration, and informative presentations by the City of Irvine and its partner organizations. It’s a great opportunity to learn about sustainability and connect with the community while celebrating Earth Day!