September 20, 2024 Edition

GREAT PARK CHAIRMAN ANNOUNCEMENT On Tuesday, I kicked off the "Heart of the Park" development of the Great Park in Irvine, which will ultimately become the largest municipal park in the nation, greater than Balboa Park, the Golden Gate Park, and New York’s Central Park. The Heart of the Park will include a world class amphitheater, Grand Promenade, Great Meadow, Full Circle Farm, North and South lakes, and the Timeline Bridge. When complete, this will be an extraordinary place to spend time with friends and family for generations to come. Thank you to all who came out in support of this project. To learn more about the Great Park Framework Plan, click here. 

HIGH SCHOOL YOUTH ACTION TEAM - GET YOUR KIDS INVOLVED! The High School Youth Action Team (HSYAT) supplied 600 volunteer opportunities for 850 registered student volunteers and completed over 20,000 hours of community service last year. I commend the High School Youth Action Team and all the volunteers who have given their time to serve in Irvine. HSYAT projects include donation drives and service opportunities that benefit important City of Irvine programs, IUSD schools, local organizations, and nonprofits. Their commitment has helped support senior services, disability services, child care, the environment, and much more. To learn more about this incredible program, click here. 

FIESTA LATINA As Great Park Chairman, I invite you to celebrate Hispanic Heritage Month this Sunday, September 22, at the Great Park from 11:00 a.m. to 4:00 p.m. Join us for the third annual Fiesta Latina en Irvine in honor of Latin American culture, which has incredibly enriched our community. Enjoy Latin music, food, traditional performances, and art displays. Interactive workshops, face painting, cultural exhibits, and unique handcrafted items made by local artisans will also be available. For more information about this free family-friendly event, click here.

I was delighted to attend the 11th Annual Women of Character Awards, where my Chief of Staff, Elizabeth Voltz (pictured second from left) was honored for completing the Marian Bergeson Excellence in Public Service Series. The Bergeson Series is a highly-regarded program that mentors, educates, and equips women to excel in public service. Congratulations to all the 2024 graduates including Anita Boyd, Janice Lim, Rhonda Shader, and Hayden Yantha. Also, a special congratulations to Irvine resident and 2024 Lifetime Achievement Award recipient, Linda Ackerman, for her years of commitment as president of this series.

NEW OFFICE MASCOT TEDDY BEAR Introducing my Maltipoo - Maltese Poodle - Teddy. Fun fact: Yes he is real, this is his stuffed representation - real photo upper right. He is the newest team member with my office and is excited to explore all of my favorite places in Irvine. Follow along on social media and stay up to date on upcoming events and activities I think you'll enjoy! To follow Teddy on Facebook, click here.

Thank you for reading this edition of my Community Update. Hope you enjoyed it. 

Mike Carroll