October 31, 2025 Edition
GREAT PARK CHAIRMAN MIKE CARROLL AT THE FLYING LEATHERNECK AVIATION MUSEUM GROUNDBREAKING
The Flying Leatherneck Aviation Museum, in partnership with the City of Irvine, held a groundbreaking ceremony for the new Marine Corps Aviation Museum at the Great Park. This milestone event celebrated the legacy of Marine Corps Aviation and marked the beginning of construction for a world-class museum, set to open in spring 2027.
“Seeing the Flying Leatherneck Aviation Museum come home to its original location and serve as a beacon of history, valor, and education is one of my proudest moments as the Chair of the Great Park Board,” Great Park Chairman Mike Carroll said. “This milestone, coupled with the United States Marine Corps’ 250th anniversary, couldn’t feel more right.”
The new museum will feature restored aircraft and will be a place of learning and enrichment. With over 40 aircraft in its collection, it will remain a pinnacle of learning for youth and college students through STEAM-focused programs. Additionally, a research library will be on-site, featuring books, photos, and materials related to Marine Corps aviation and its history. To read more about the groundbreaking ceremony in the Orange County Register, click here.
BUSINESS LEADERS SERIES
Irvine is launching a new Business Leaders Series to support local businesses with high-value networking and insights on the future of Irvine’s economy. Business leaders and entrepreneurs are invited to the upcoming forum on Tuesday, November 18, at the Los Olivos Community Center. Networking begins at 9:00 a.m., followed by a 9:30 a.m. panel discussion featuring experts who will share strategies for attracting talent, leveraging new technologies, and building strong public-private-academic partnerships. Panelists include Monica Alfisi of Insperity, Felix Chang of Ernst & Young LLP, Hema Modi of UC Irvine, and Marianne Supnet from the County of Orange. The series is free to attend, and advance registration is required. For information and registration details, see more.
COUNCILMEMBER MIKE CARROLL INVITES YOU TO CITYWIDE SERVE DAY
Join us in partnership with Love Irvine for the fifth annual Citywide Serve Day on Saturday, November 8, from 7:30 a.m. to 12:00 p.m., connecting volunteers with impactful projects across the community. Residents can help gather produce at Harvest Solutions Farm, organize donations at Families Forward, make blankets for the 2/11 Marine Battalion, assist the Farm + Food Lab Pollinator Project, pack 30,000 meals for children in need, and more. With over 25 volunteer opportunities available, there are many ways for individuals, families, and organizations to make a meaningful difference. The day begins with a kickoff event at Woodbridge Village Center at 7:30 a.m., followed by volunteers heading to their assigned project sites. To get involved or register for a Serve Day project, click here.
WALL OF RECOGNITION NOMINATIONS
The City of Irvine is accepting nominations from November 1 through December 30 for individuals, groups, organizations, and businesses to be added to the our Wall of Recognition. Established in 2006 at Colonel Bill Barber Marine Corps Memorial Park, this Wall honors those who have made meaningful and lasting contributions in the Irvine community. Nominees must currently or previously have lived, worked, attended school, or been located in Irvine, and should demonstrate exceptional service, leadership, initiative, creativity, or contributions that have significantly benefited the City. No more than three nominations may be submitted per person or group. Nomination forms are available online or at the Community & Library Services Department, and must be submitted by 5:00 p.m. on Tuesday, December 30 by mail, email, or in person at City Hall. For further details, see more.
HOLIDAY FAIRE
The Irvine Fine Arts Center Holiday Faire returns on Saturday, November 8, from 10:00 a.m. to 4:00 p.m. at the Great Park Palm Court Arts Complex, offering festive holiday fun and a unique artisan shopping experience. Guests can browse original artwork, ceramics, jewelry, photography, bath products, holiday décor, and more, all created by talented local artists and small businesses. With live seasonal music and a cheerful atmosphere, it’s the perfect place to find one-of-a-kind gifts while supporting local makers. Kick off the season with creativity and community at this popular annual event! For further information, see more.
Thank you for reading this edition of my Community Update. I hope you enjoyed it.
Mike Carroll