SPRING 2016: RECREATION
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EXCLUSIVE: TRAFFIC UPDATE | BOMMER CANYON NATURE GARDEN | GREAT PARK REPORT PLUS: MIDDLE SCHOOL PROGRAMS | MARTIAL ARTS FOR THE FAMILY | PHOTOGRAPHY
Young Detectives Teen Police Academy
was one of many
families of Irvine’s adopted 2/11 Marine
Battalion by donating a new, unwrapped gift
suitable for infants or children through age 12.
Donations accepted November 2–December 11 at
the Irvine Civic Center, Irvine Police Department
and the Orange County Great Park Visitors Center.
Toys will also be collected at the Winter Wonderland
event on December 6.
the Irvine 2/11 Marine Adoption Committee.
949-724-6606
cityofirvine.org
Features 7 Nature Garden in Bloom
The Bommer Canyon Nature Garden, planted by the City of Irvine and the Irvine Company, was completed over the summer and is now part of the Open Space Preserve.
8 Year in Review As we head into 2016, we’ll take a look at key developments in the City over the past year, as well as recap special events that Irvine residents enjoyed. Plus, find out what’s to come in the new year.
Departments 2 Inside the City Manager’s Office
3 Great Park Report
19 Early Childhood
82 Outdoors/Nature
84 Pets
85 Tennis
12
Many of the featured programs and activities are part of the City’s Healthy City Healthy Planet initiative.
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I N S I D E T H I S I S S U EC o n t e n t s
1Winter 2015-16 Inside Irvine
Irvine City Council Mayor Steven S. Choi, Ph.D. Mayor Pro Tem Jeffrey Lalloway Councilwoman Lynn Schott Councilmember Beth Krom Councilwoman/ Christina Shea Chair, Great Park Board
City Manager Sean Joyce
Community Services Commission Chair Kevin Trussell Vice Chair Michael Carroll Commissioner Scott Schultz Commissioner Melissa Fox Commissioner Jim Shute
Inside Irvine Editorial Managing Editor: Craig Reem
Associate Editor: Kim Mohr Activity Guide Editor: Alana Kaleikini
Activity Guide Coordinator: Dave Neustaedter Contributors: Sawako Agravante, Jennifer Allanach, Shawnn Gallagher,
Melissa Haley, Tamara Kohn, Tom Macduff
Inside Irvine Art Art Director: Jonathan Price
Inside Irvine is published quarterly by the City of Irvine. Please address editorial correspondence to: Inside Irvine, c/o Public Information Office, City of Irvine, PO Box 19575, Irvine, CA 92623-9575 or via email at insideirvine@cityofirvine.org. For questions about the Activity Guide or advertising, call 949-724-6665 or email activityguide@cityofirvine.org. For City of Irvine hours of operation, visit cityofirvine.org.
Incorporated in 1971, the City of Irvine operates under a charter law form of government. As such, the City Council makes policy decisions while the City Manager is appointed by the City Council to function as the chief ex- ecutive of the City. To contact the City Council, please call 949-724-6233. Irvine City Council meetings are held the second and fourth Tuesday of each month in the City Council Chamber, located at 1 Civic Center Plaza, corner of Alton Parkway and Harvard Avenue. Regular sessions begin at 4 p.m. with a possible recess prior to 5 p.m. to discuss matters under Closed Session. Irvine City Council meetings are cablecast live on ICTV Channel 30 and are webstreamed live on cityofirvine.org/ictv.
The programs presented in the Activity Guide section are provided through the City of Irvine’s Community Services Department. All contents are copyright 2015. Request permission in writing to reprint.
Disclaimer: Although Inside Irvine accepts information, the City of Irvine does not assume responsibility for errors, omissions or misinformation in the advertisements, nor does the City recommend, endorse or guarantee products or services provided by advertisers.
Cover: A student participates in a Crime Scene Investigation exercise during the Irvine Police Department’s first Teen Community Police Academy, held in August. Photo provided by Tim Knight.
Comments, questions or suggestions?
Email us at insideirvine@cityofirvine.org
Access Irvine, is available
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An Even
Better Irvine
H ighlighted in this issue of Inside Irvine is our ongoing effort to identify strategies for improving traffic flow in the City, specifically during the morning and evening commute hours.
Balancing the many quality-of-life advantages enjoyed by Irvine residents with transportation flow throughout the community is a priority that we address on a daily basis. Along with Irvine’s flour- ishing housing market, robust economy and low unemployment comes vehicular traffic. The City Council has made clear its commit- ment to doing everything possible to ease traffic congestion.
Also important is the City’s ongoing financial support of Irvine’s public schools. This year’s “Support for Educational Excellence” ini- tiative is demonstrated by City funding of approximately $8.6 million of direct ($4 million) and indirect funding for local public schools, an amount that may be unprecedented nationwide by any city that does not directly operate its school system.
I also want you to know about a wonderful program that Irvine has secured for the convenience of residents. Irvine residents have a variety of convenient ways to dispose of large, bulky items such as furniture, appliances, electronic equipment, wood waste, clothing, batteries, tires and other items that cannot be placed into residential trash or recycling containers. Residents living in single-family homes and condominiums and attached homes with garages can request two free bulky item collections each year. Residents may contact Waste Management at 949-642-1191 for details and pickup.
Those who live in multi-family complexes can drop off an unlimited number of bulky items free of charge at Waste Management’s Sunset Environmental Transfer Station at 16122 Construction Circle West by showing proof of Irvine residency. Residents may contact Sunset Environmental at 714-558-7761. For further information, please con- tact the City’s waste and recycling program at 949-724-7669.
Finally, Chief David L. Maggard Jr. recently retired from the Irvine Police Department after 13 years of distinguished service. Chief Maggard led the Police Department with integrity, thoughtfulness, vision and genuine, heartfelt care for the well-being of our community. Irvine is a better community for Chief Maggard’s leadership. It has been my honor to appoint Deputy Chief Mike Hamel to serve as Irvine’s next Chief of Police. For more on both men, see Page 6. Like you, I am always grateful for the vigilance and dedication of the men and women of the Irvine Police Department.
I N S I D E T H E C I T Y M A N A G E R ’ S O F F I C E L e t t e r
2 Inside Irvine Winter 2015-16
Irvine City Manager Sean Joyce
“Balancing the many
on a daily basis.”
Orange County Great Park hours Mondays–Wednesdays: 10 a.m.–dusk Thursdays & Fridays: 10 a.m.–10 p.m. Saturdays & Sundays: 9 a.m.–10 p.m.
construction, that will provide additional comfort, con-
venience and functionality. Th e fi rst phase of the Sports Park, as well as Upper
Bee and Bosque areas, are expected to begin opening by the end of 2016.
FivePoint Communities is building 688 acres of the Great Park as part of a unique public-private partner- ship with the City.
3Winter 2015-16 Inside Irvine
Great Park continues to take shape.
Th e City Council recently approved several enhance- ments to the 175-acre Sports Park, currently under
City Council-Approved Sports Park Enhancements O Upgraded Spectator Seating The baseball, softball, tennis and volleyball facilities
will now have individual spectator seats with backs
(similar to those found at professional stadiums)
O Additional Drinking Fountains
O Eight Additional Batting Cages Four more batting cages at the future softball facilities
and four more batting cages at the baseball facilities
O Synthetic Turf 6 of 13 soccer fi elds will now feature synthetic turf
(promoting full-season use)
Timeline Extension
Comfort and Function Enhancements are put into place for 175-acre Sports Park
12 Baseball/Softball Fields
13 Soccer/Lacrosse Fields,
25 Tennis Courts
175-Acre Sports Park
T O V I E W I N S I D E I R V I N E O N L I N E , P L E A S E V I S I T C IT YOF IRV INE .ORG/ INS IDE IRV INE
4 Inside Irvine Winter 2015-16
News Briefs C O M M U N I T Y
Donate to the Toy Drive
T he City, in partnership with the Irvine 2/11 Marine Adoption
Committee, is again holding a toy drive this holiday season. You can help make the holidays brighter for the children and families of Irvine’s adopted Marine battalion from Camp Pendleton by donat- ing a new, unwrapped toy through December 11. Toys are needed for infants through age 12. Drop off toys in bins located in the lobbies of the Irvine Civic Center and Police Department (1 Civic Center Plaza), as well as the Visitors Center at the Orange County Great Park.
E C O N O M Y
Shop in Irvine
W hen you head out for your holiday shopping this sea-
son, remember that some of the best shopping in Orange County is in Irvine. When you support mer- chants here in Irvine, you’ll see the benefit in the form of City services. A percentage of sales tax revenue generated comes back to the City to be used for municipal services including public safety, park main- tenance and programs for youth and seniors.
H O L I D AY R E M I N D E R S
City Hall Closed for Holidays
C ity Hall will be closed on the following dates:
Nov. 26, 27: Thanksgiving break
Dec. 24: Christmas Eve
Dec. 25: Christmas Day
Holiday Tips
H ere are tips to help ensure your holidays are safe and happy:
If you are out shopping, be sure to lock your car
and roll up your windows. Don’t leave your purse,
wallet, cellphone or other valuables in your ve-
hicle. Keep purchases with you.
If you are having packages sent to your home,
bring them inside as soon as possible. If you
won’t be home, consider having items delivered
to your workplace, or ask a friend to pick them up.
Be mindful when displaying gifts at home. Try
not to leave them in places where they will be
visible from the outside.
sure you have a sober, safe ride home.
If you are traveling, make sure your house ap-
pears occupied by using timers on lights and
televisions, and exterior motion detectors out-
side. Ask a friend or trusted neighbor to check on
your house and collect your mail and newspaper.
Avoid posting your holiday travel plans or pictures
of you while you’re away on social media.
Season of Giving
F or those looking to provide the gift of giving this holiday sea-
son, please go to the City of Irvine’s dedicated list of local charitable groups, cityofirvine.org/giving. To make donations online, visit cityofirvine.org/irvine-gives.
H O N O R S
Irvine Again Safest City
T he City of Irvine again reported the lowest per capita violent
crime rate in the nation for cit- ies with a population greater than 100,000. Irvine also recorded its lowest per capita overall Part 1 crime rate in the City’s history.
The Federal Bureau of Investiga-
tion published its Annual Uniform
Crime Report on Sept. 28, for Part 1 crime reported January through December 2014. Part 1 crimes in- clude murder, robbery and other serious offenses. This is the 11th consecutive year the City has been the safest of its size.
Irvine Accolades
T he City of Irvine is proud to be recognized on a national level.
The City has recently enjoyed sev- eral honors, including being named the No. 1 Best-Run City by 24/7
Wall Street. As our residents al- ready know, Irvine is a great place for families. Now, we have been named as such: Irvine was ranked No. 5 in NerdWallet’s list of Best
Places for Young Families, and No. 5 Best Place for Soccer Moms
and Dads. In addition, Irvine came in No. 4 in the nation for Pet Lovers in a WalletHub.com survey, which also ranked Irvine the No. 3 Best
Place for Veterans. Irvine was the No. 3 Small American City for
Economic Potential, according to a division of the Financial Times
of London.
News Briefs
T O V I E W I N S I D E I R V I N E O N L I N E , P L E A S E V I S I T C IT YOF IRV INE .ORG/ INS IDE IRV INE
P E T S
Pets Need a Home for the Holidays
I rvine Animal Care Center’s largest adoption day will be from
10 a.m. to 3 p.m. Sunday, Dec. 6, at the Center. Th e 9th annual Home
for the Holidays Pet Adoption
Fair will feature 500-plus adoptable dogs, cats and rabbits. Donation of $2 requested for admission; parking is free.
About 60 rescues and local shelters will participate. Vendors will provide pet-related services that include low-cost microchips, and veterinary and training advice. Gourmet food trucks and a non- profit bake sale will round out a very special day. Leashed, vacci- nated dogs are welcome. Watch our ICTV feature on a wonderful 2015 adoption: cityofi rvine.org/adoption.
C O D E E N F O R E C E M E N T
City Codes Preserve Lifestyle
I rvine is a place we are all proud to call home. Our City is fi lled with
parks, shopping destinations and well-maintained neighborhoods, all of which contribute to a quality of life the City and its residents have worked hard to achieve. To that end, we ask that residents be mind- ful of activity happening in their neighborhoods. City Municipal Code states that transient occupan- cy is not allowed anywhere other than a hotel-motel zone; transient
occupancy is defi ned as rental of a space or unit of 30 days or less.
If you notice short-term rental activity in your neighborhood, please call the City’s Code Enforce- ment staff at 949-724-6326.
Practice Proper Pet Etiquette
F or many Irvine residents, shar- ing our parks, paths and neigh-
borhoods with pets is a great source of joy and also provides exercise.
The City of Irvine Municipal Code addresses dog etiquette to ensure the safety and happiness of your pet and fellow community members. To help maintain a high quality of life for your neighbors, please always carry bags and pick up aft er your pet while out on walks.
Dogs must always be on a leash while out on walks and in all public places. For your pet’s safety, do not walk domestic dogs in restricted ar- eas, such as designated Open Space trails, as many plants can be toxic to pets and your dog can uninten- tionally disrupt or harm the wild- life and plant life in those areas.
S A F E T Y
Keep Your Property Safe
I n 2015, communities across the State of California have expe-
rienced a significant increase in property-related crimes. As part of the Irvine Police Department’s on- going commitment to the safety of people and property in Irvine, IPD documents and tracks these crime trends. One of the largest areas of increased property crime in Irvine is related to thefts from vehicles, many of which were unlocked.
IPD has taken several steps to ad- dress this uptick in theft s. We have targeted property crime with in- creased specialized enforcement, and met with community groups to inform them of the trend and request their help in identifying sus- picious and criminal activity. IPD would like to request your help, too. Please remember to lock your car, even if it is parked in front of your home, and remove all valuables from plain sight. If you see suspi- cious activity in a parking lot or your neighborhood, please call the Police Department at 949-724-7000.
6 Inside Irvine Winter 2015-16
News Briefs
T O V I E W I N S I D E I R V I N E O N L I N E , P L E A S E V I S I T C IT YOF IRV INE .ORG/ INS IDE IRV INE
S E R V I C E S
Recycled Water Filling Station
I rvine Ranch Water District
(IRWD) is providing free recycled water for its residential customers for irrigation and wash-down uses. The Recycled Water Filling Sta-
tion, located adjacent to IRWD’s home office at 15600 Sand Canyon Ave. in Irvine, opened in mid- August. Users can get up to 300 gallons per visit; please bring your own containers. More information: irwd.com.
Tax Assistance for Irvine Residents
T he City of Irvine, in partnership with the United Way of Orange
County, is offering tax-preparation services at no cost to taxpayers who earned less than $60,000 in 2015. Qualifying taxpayers who live, work or attend school in Irvine are eligible to receive help complet- ing and electronically filing their tax returns through April 15. For more information or to schedule an appointment, call 888-434-8248 beginning Jan. 7.
P U B L I C S A F E T Y U P D AT E
Police Chief
Maggard Retires;
Takes Reins
C ity Manager Sean Joyce recently announced the retirement of Irvine Police Chief David L.
Maggard Jr. after 13 years of ser- vice to the Irvine community. Chief Maggard served as Deputy Chief for one year before taking on the role of Chief. During his tenure, Irvine was recognized as the Safest City
in America for 11 consecutive years. Under Chief Maggard’s leadership, the Irvine Police Department
has received national recognition for its crime victims care, excellence in criminal investigations and innovative use of technology.
“Chief Maggard has led with integrity, thoughtfulness, vision and genuine, heartfelt care for the well-being of our community,” Joyce said.
Stepping in to fill the important role is Deputy Chief Mike Hamel. “Deputy Chief Hamel is a capable and experienced leader who is prepared to assume his new role and drive the Department forward to new levels of excellence,” Joyce said of his appointment.
Deputy Chief Hamel began his law enforcement career at the Los Angeles Police Department. He has served the Irvine community for 21 years and has extensive management experience, working in virtually every area of the Department. Hamel has made significant contributions toward the care of victims and victim services, and in 2015 received the Ambassador of Peace Award from the Violence
Prevention Coalition of Orange County. His other honors include the IPD’s Meritorious Service Award. Deputy Chief Hamel is an ac- tive member of various community boards, including the Team Kids Board of Directors.
David L. Maggard Jr. Mike Hamel
7Winter 2015-16 Inside Irvine
most popular sites in the Irvine
Ranch Natural Landmarks.
Visitors wander along the trails on foot and bicycle, enjoying the natural habitat. Many people want to know more about the plants and animals that live in this can- yon, and the new Bommer Nature Garden will help visitors get close to the fl ora, fauna and history of this natural area.
In 1867, Bommer Canyon served as the hub of James
Irvine’s cattle operations. More than a century later the cattle operations ceased; then in the early 1980s, the City of Irvine purchased the property to create an Open Space Preserve. Today, remnants of the cattle operations infrastructure dot the hills, embedded in the natural space to remind visitors of the site’s history.
The Nature Garden was built and planted by the Irvine Company for the City of Irvine. Th e project was completed in August and is now part of the City of
Irvine Open Space Preserve. Th e garden serves as an educational resource during guided walks led by Irvine
Ranch Conservancy naturalists. Photos courtesy of Irvine Ranch Conservancy
Th e native plants are still growing in and getting es- tablished, and during…