March 21, 2025 Edition
IRVINE POLICE DEPARTMENT ANNUAL BANQUET
Councilmember Mike Carroll congratulates the Irvine Police Department annual award recipients, celebrating their outstanding service and achievements. Irvine officers go above and beyond to ensure our residents are safe and can enjoy quality of life. Their innovative policing and community engagement strategies help create an exceptional place to live.
We are proud to recognize the following individuals and teams for their exceptional contributions during the 2024 Irvine Police Department Awards Ceremony:
Sergeant Amy Quiroz, Police Officer Cody Bates, Police Officer Nathan Ishida, and Motor Training Officer Roberto Solis received the 2024 Lifesaving Award for their heroic actions.
Field Training Officer Daniel Shin, Field Training Officer Davis Crostree, and Police Officer Nicholas Castro received the 2024 Medal of Valor Award for their bravery.
Detective William Cantwell was named 2024 Supervisor of the Year for his exceptional leadership.
Motor Training Officer Jason Scheafer was recognized as the 2024 Police Officer of the Year for his exemplary performance.
Public Information Officer Kyle Oldoerp was named 2024 Civilian of the Year for his impactful contributions.
Program Specialist Gina Bergstrom and Detective Braden Marks earned the 2024 Meritorious Service Award for their dedicated service.
The Public Information Unit and Traffic Bureau were honored with the 2024 Community Service Award for their efforts in fostering community engagement and commitment to public safety.
The General Investigation Unit was awarded the 2024 Unit Commendation Award for their exceptional teamwork in investigations.
These award recipients exemplify the Irvine Police Department’s commitment to protecting and serving our community with distinction. Congratulations to the awards recipients for their dedication to making Irvine the safest City in the nation. To learn more about the Irvine Police Department, click here.
IRVINE RANCH WATER DISTRICT
The Irvine Ranch Water District (IRWD) plays a vital role in maintaining the high quality of life that Irvine is known for. Through innovative programs like recycled water systems and water-efficient landscaping, IRWD ensures our community prospers while conserving resources. Their current projects include the Syphon Reservoir Recycled Water Storage Project, which will significantly expand recycled water storage capacity, and the San Joaquin Reservoir Filtration Project, aimed at improving water quality. IRWD’s commitment to environmental stewardship and reliable water services helps make Irvine a model City for responsible growth. Councilmember Mike Carroll would like to commend General Manager Paul Cook and the entire IRWD Board of Directors for their dedicated service to our City. As John Withers, IRWD District 1 Board Member, beautifully puts it:
"At the heart of everything we do is the commitment to preserve and enhance the beauty of Irvine. Through community partnerships, innovative initiatives, and a shared vision, we're creating a city that future generations will be proud to call home."
To learn more about the Irvine Ranch Water District and its projects, click here.
Public Arts Committee Committee Member Kirsten Maeda, Child Care Committee Committee Member Shareen Young, Planning Commission Commissioner Jeff Pierson, Councilmember Mike Carroll, Community Services Commission Commissioner Kevin Trussell, and Children, Youth, and Families Advisory Committee Committee Member Nakia Best (L-R)
2025 STATE OF THE CITY
The 2025 State of the City Address brought the Irvine community together to celebrate milestones, reflect on the year’s progress, and chart an exciting path forward. Key achievements in infrastructure and innovation took center stage, alongside efforts to enhance Public Safety and foster community development. Irvine is committed to the Master Plan and its reputation as a thriving, forward-thinking City. The event also introduced strategic initiatives designed to elevate the quality of life for residents in the years to come. To watch the 2025 State of the City Address, click here.
Danni Remington Smithson, Elizabeth Voltz, Suzanna Tashiro Choi, Daniela Schardinger, Timorei Spaulding, Annette Morgan, Dr. Cynthia West, Dave Coffaro (L-R)
WOMEN OF INFLUENCE
The Greater Irvine Chamber hosted the 2025 Women of Influence Awards, an inspiring event celebrating the remarkable achievements of women leaders who are shaping communities, businesses, and industries. The evening featured engaging discussions and reflections centered around "Leadership Through a Different Lens," offering insights into the evolving role and impact of leadership across Irvine and Orange County. To learn more about the event and the honorees’ accomplishments, click here.
FARMHOUSE FRIENDS AT PRETEND CITY
Congratulations to Farmhouse Friends on their Grand Opening at the Pretend City Farm! This addition creates a fun learning experience for children and families in our community by connecting them virtually to the Farmhouse Friends animal sanctuary. Farmhouse Friends is dedicated to rescuing and rehabilitating farm animals while providing educational programs that inspire compassion and connection. We appreciate all they do to create interactions between people and animals. To learn more about Farmhouse Friends and schedule a visit to their farm located in Trabuco Canyon, click here.
Thank you for reading this edition of my Community Update. I hope you enjoyed it.
Mike Carroll