Author: ICNV Staff

When it comes to Irvine becoming the Kindest City in America, our community is already well on its way! The City offers a host of programs for children, seniors, and residents with disabilities. There are also a number of financial assistance programs to help families with housing and childcare needs.

Under the previous library system, Irvine taxpayers were contributing roughly $17 million annually to the Orange County Public Libraries (OCPL). However, the libraries operated by OCPL in Irvine were receiving only $5 million annually in services, with Irvine residents being underserved by the City’s three small libraries.

Each year, WalletHub compares the nation’s 100 largest cities to compile its “Greenest Cities” list, using 28 key indicators — ranging from greenhouse gas emissions per capita to water quality and green jobs.

The City’s high percentage of green space and its environmental leadership has been part of Irvine’s foundation since its earliest planning. The City’s Master Plan called for parks, open space, walking trails, and bike paths to be woven throughout neighborhoods.

More than 100 physician-scientists have been brought in to focus solely on treating and curing cancer. The 73-bed hospital provides access to a number of cancer-focused clinical trials, including early-stage clinical trials that require close supervision in a hospital setting.

The first floor includes an eight-bed evaluation and treatment center — essentially an urgent care that will be open around-the-clock, 365 days a year, for patients who have any issue related to their cancer.

Over the past several months, the City of Irvine has been working in partnership with the U.S. Department of State’s Passport Agency to establish an official passport acceptance facility at City Hall (1 Civic Center Plaza).

As part of this new program, residents can apply for a passport book or a passport card without leaving Irvine. The City is also offering on-site passport photos so that residents can complete a full passport application or simply have a passport photo taken.