December 12, 2025 Edition
GREAT PARK CHAIRMAN CARROLL KICKS OFF THE HOLIDAY SEASON AT ILLUMINATE IRVINE
Chairman Carroll spoke at the 3rd Annual Illuminate Irvine event at the Great Park, and lit the City’s Christmas tree to start the holiday season. It was filled with incredible performances, lots of food, and holiday cheer throughout the night. We even received a special visit from Santa and Mrs. Claus, who helped flip the lever that lit up the Christmas tree and the Palm Court Arts Complex. Thousands gathered to celebrate this special time of the year! If you did not attend Illuminate Irvine, you can still visit the Great Park to see the Christmas tree and the Palm Court lights, which will be on every night through January 4 for you and your loved ones to enjoy. To watch the recap video, click here.
IRVINE'S INCREDIBLE HEALTH CARE DEVELOPMENTS
The Orange County Register recently spotlighted Irvine’s history and rapid growth as a center for health care and medical innovation. City of Hope opened Orange County’s first specialty cancer hospital, and UCI Health has launched the nation’s first all-electric hospital. Hoag will soon open their expanded new centers for cancer, digestive care, and women’s health. Together, these facilities will significantly increase hospital capacity and bring thousands of new jobs to Irvine. Orange County Business Council President and CEO Jeff Ball noted that many of the region’s largest employers are in the health care sector, revealing Irvine’s central role in Orange County’s network of health services. Irvine has emerged as a leading medical and research hub in the nation. To read the Orange County Register article, click here.
COUNCILMEMBER CARROLL SPEAKS TO HIGH SCHOOL STUDENTS
I was invited to speak to Dr. Chris Sardo's AP U.S. Government and Politics class at TVT Community Day School on the role of local government. Teachers play a vital role in helping young people understand how government works and why local decision making is important. Local government remains the only level of government in which the public still has trust. The students and I discussed several important issues affecting Irvine, and they asked thoughtful questions that reflected their growing interest in civic affairs. To follow and see my post on Facebook, click here.
HOUSEHOLD HAZARDOUS WASTE CENTER UPDATE
Thank you to everyone who reached out to my office about the Household Hazardous Waste Collection Center. The Irvine City Council unanimously approved my motion to keep the Center from closing! This facility is of great use to our community, where residents dispose of hazardous items such as aerosols, batteries, electronics, paint, and more. It's essential for residents to have easy and safe access to a place for disposing of dangerous common items. To watch my statement about the importance of the Household Hazardous Waste Collection Center, click here.
CONCORDIA CHRISTMAS CONCERT
Celebrate the Christmas season with the voices and instruments of Concordia University Irvine. Guests will enjoy Christmas carols and songs that reflect this season of hope. These concerts are a cherished tradition for many in our community. Performances will take place on Saturday, December 13, 2025, at 4:00 p.m. and 7:30 p.m. at the Renée and Henry Segerstrom Concert Hall. Tickets are expected to sell quickly, and early reservations are encouraged. Also, a special performance by the Concordia orchestra will premiere on PBS on Friday, December 19, at 8:00 p.m. For tickets to see Emmanuel! A Concordia Christmas, click here.
Thank you for reading this edition of my Community Update. I hope you enjoyed it.
Mike Carroll