Veterans Day is a time to honor America’s veterans for their patriotism, love of country, and commitment to serve and sacrifice for the common good. In honor of our veterans and in support of their families, the City of Irvine is hosting a special Veterans Day Ceremony on Sunday, November 11, from 11 a.m. to 12:30 p.m. in the formal garden area at Colonel Bill Barber Marine Corps Memorial Park.

The City of Irvine is accepting applications to fill two volunteer member-at-large vacancies on the Irvine Sports Committee. The Committee is composed of representatives from Irvine’s youth sports organizations. It provides the City Council and the Community Services Commission with input and feedback on policies, programs, facilities, and the needs of the Irvine youth sports community.

While most committee members represent a specific program and sport, members-at-large are selected through a public recruitment process to provide general perspective and guidance.

Great Park visitors, please take note: The Great Park Gallery is closed, effective Tuesday, October 16, until further notice due to nearby construction on-site. To best protect the current exhibit’s ceramic artwork, Nature In/Forms has been closed early. We apologize for any inconvenience, and will be announcing updates on these closures here. Please check back for the most up-to-date information on opening dates.

On October 23, the Irvine City Council made the first of two votes toward approving a Sunshine Ordinance that would enhance government transparency by making agendas available 12 days in advance, rather than five.  A second, required vote for approval is set for November 13.. The goal of the proposed Ordinance is to assure adequate review of various related agenda materials by the public before items are considered by the City Council and its commissions and advisory boards.

By John Russo and Marianna Marysheva

This month the Irvine City Council will consider a significant change to how Irvine prepares and approves its budget. Like nearly all California cities, Irvine creates and approves a new General Fund budget each and every year. This is not a “best practice.” If executive management’s fiscal reform proposal is approved by the City Council, Irvine will have its first-ever two-year budget, developed in the context of a comprehensive five-year financial plan, starting July 1, 2019.

By Molly McLaughlin

On October 23, Irvine will take another step to enhance local government transparency, when our City Council considers approving an Irvine Sunshine Ordinance. The goal of the proposed Ordinance is to assure adequate review of various related agenda materials by the public before items are considered by the City Council and its commissions and advisory boards. 

Simply put, there will be quadruple the time to contemplate government action before that action takes place. Here’s how:

Join Orange County Soccer Club for their third playoff game, this Saturday! The playoff game will be held at the Great Park’s Soccer Stadium when Orange County Soccer Club takes on Phoenix Rising FC in round 3 of the USL Cup Playoffs. The team beat Reno 1868, 1-0, in round 2. Game begins at 7 p.m. Saturday, November 3.