October 17, 2025 Edition
GREAT PARK CHAIRMAN MIKE CARROLL SPEAKS AT IRVINE’S GLOBAL VILLAGE FESTIVAL
I had the honor of speaking at the 24th Annual Irvine Global Village Festival. Over 25,000 people were in attendance. I shared the incredible progress being made at the Great Park, which already welcomes over 6 million visitors each year and will be larger than Golden Gate Park, Balboa Park, and New York’s Central Park. Irvine is truly a “shining city upon a hill.” It has become a model city for the state of California, the United States, and even for the world. Our outstanding public safety record, exceptional schools, and our diversely integrated community contribute to Irvine’s well-earned reputation as one of the best places to live. To watch my remarks, click here.
MONSTER SPLASH
Families are invited to Monster Splash taking place next Saturday, October 25, from 1:00 p.m. to 5:00 p.m. Enjoy trick-or-treating around the pool decks, a floating pumpkin patch, and pumpkin-decorating stations. Guests can swim or take on the inflatable obstacle course, then capture memories at the themed photo booths. Tasty snacks and drinks will be available for purchase. Registration is $12 for children 12 and under and includes a pumpkin. Adult entry is free. Lifeguards will be on duty, and children 6 and younger must be accompanied in the water by one adult per child. Wear your costume for an afternoon of family fun! For event details, see more.
GREAT PARK CHAIRMAN CARROLL ON LEGACY TREES AT THE GREAT PARK
The Heritage Trees found throughout the Great Park and Great Park Neighborhoods are living testaments to Irvine’s commitment to preserving its history while building for the future. Originally a part of the former El Toro Marine Base, these large, mature “legacy trees” were carefully preserved for their age, size, and historical significance. Rather than being lost when the base closed, they were meticulously boxed, nurtured, and maintained for over 20 years before being replanted across new neighborhoods and park spaces. Today, their broad canopies define our parks and sidewalks, blending past and present, and a reminder of Irvine's proud history. To hear more about our legacy trees, click here.
LIBRARY DROP-IN SESSION
The next chapter of the Irvine Public Library is being written, and your ideas will help shape it. Join the upcoming feedback session on Thursday, October 23, at 6:30 p.m. at the Quail Hill Community Center to share your thoughts on future collections, programs, services, and spaces. Let us know what you think about new programs, your favorite book genres, and ideas for library facilities to help shape priorities for 2026–2029. You are also invited to take the online survey, available through Sunday, November 16. Don’t miss this chance to help envision the library’s future. To fill out the survey, click here.
PASSPORT SERVICES NOW AVAILABLE
City Hall has opened a designated Passport Acceptance Facility, offering residents convenient access to new passport services in partnership with the U.S. Department of State. I expressed support for this new program during the City Council meeting,
"It’s just one of those good government things that we just keep doing in Irvine, that obviously in the face of everything else happening in this day and age, is just a real positive for the City and for people."
Appointments are available on the first floor at 1 Civic Center Plaza, Irvine in the Office of Records and Information, on Mondays and Wednesdays between 9:00 a.m. and 3:00 p.m. You may apply for a passport book, passport card, or both. The City also offers on-site passport photos, providing a convenient and efficient experience whether you are completing a full passport application or simply need photos taken. For passport service details, see more.
Thank you for reading this edition of my Community Update. I hope you enjoyed it.
Mike Carroll