Back to Routine
The first full week of 2026 opens with a few notable shifts across the city. Construction crews are settling into Old Town, where months of work will reshape sidewalks and gathering spaces. City Hall, meanwhile, sits quiet after a cancelled Council meeting, and local students are shaking off winter break as the spring semester begins. Here’s what to know heading into the week.
In today's Tustin Brief:
- Old Town Enhancement Begins
- UCI Health Tustin Walk-In Care Closing
- Building Code Changes
If you’ve been out of town, it’s a good week to get caught up—especially if you drive through Old Town or have kids in the district.
DIGEST

Old Town Enhancement Project Begins
Construction on the Old Town Enhancement Project officially started Sunday, January 5, 2026 and will continue through late summer 2026. The $4 million project will transform El Camino Real and Main Street between Old Town Tustin.
What's changing:
- Narrowed car lanes with raised medians
- Reconstructed sidewalks to address uneven surfaces
- New parklets for community gathering spaces
- Upgraded landscaping and street trees
- Improved signage and wayfinding
- Additional parking
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UCI Health Tustin Walk-In Care Closing
UCI Health Tustin will close walk-in care services on January 4, 2026. Starting January 5, 2026, the clinic will offer limited extended evening hours from 5:00 PM to 9:00 PM by appointment only. Patients needing walk-in urgent care should visit UCI Health — Urgent Care in Irvine.
Regular medical services hours remain Monday-Friday, 8 AM - 5 PM.
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New Building Standards Effective January 1, 2026
The 2025 California Building Standards Code (Title 24) became effective statewide on January 1, 2026. The City of Tustin has adopted these standards with local amendments addressing fire, structural, and seismic requirements.
Why it matters: Any new construction or major renovation projects submitted for plan check after January 1, 2026 must comply with the updated code. This affects homeowners planning additions, developers, and contractors.
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Coming Up This Week 🗓️
Community Networking Luncheon
Join the Community Networking Luncheon on January 8 for a focused midday gathering of local business owners and professionals hosted by the Tustin Chamber of Commerce. Enjoy a seated lunch, a guest speaker with timely business insights, and dedicated networking time, including a 30-second elevator pitch from every attendee. It’s a high-impact way to build relationships, gain visibility, and stay connected to the Tustin business community.
Wed, January 8th, 11:30 AM - 1:00 PM
Tustin Farmers Market
Every Sunday, 9:00 AM - 1:00 PM at The District at Tustin Legacy. Features farm-fresh produce, local food vendors, handmade crafts, and artisan products. Free admission, family-friendly, open rain or shine.
Sunday, 9:00 AM - 1:00 PM
Later This Month 📌
Tustin Police Department Open House
The 27th Annual Tustin Police Department Open House is scheduled for Saturday, January 17, 2026 from 11 AM to 2 PM. This family-friendly event allows residents to meet officers and learn about police operations.
MLK Day of Service
The 2nd Annual Day of Service & Hope in Honor of Martin Luther King Jr. is scheduled for Monday, January 19, 2026 starting at 8:30 AM. Hosted by Aldersgate United Methodist Church in partnership with the Tustin Community Foundation, this large-scale volunteer event includes breakfast, coffee, photos, and a short program.
WEATHER
Wednesday, January 7
☁️ High 63°F | Low 52°F | 💧 25% | 💨 7 mph NE
Cloudy with slight chance of shower
Thursday, January 8
🌧️ High 60°F | Low 51°F | 💧 80-90% | 💨 5-10 mph S/E
Heavy rain likely with possible thunderstorms; some storms could produce heavy rainfall
Friday, January 9
🌦️ High 63°F | Low 52°F | 💧 40% | 💨 5-10 mph E
Chance of showers, partly sunny
BOXSCORE
1/2 vs. La Habra High School | L 46-57
1/2 vs. Kennedy High School | W 51-48
1/2 vs. Fullerton High School | W 27-34
1/3 vs. Foothill High School | W 51-48
1/3 vs. El Dorado High School | W 5-0
CIVIC NEWS
Council Meeting Cancelled
The regularly scheduled City Council meeting for January 6, 2026 has been cancelled. This affects residents who planned to attend or provide public comment. The next regular meeting is scheduled for January 20, 2026 at 6:00 PM in the Council Chamber with web access via Zoom.
OC Public Libraries Winter Reading Challenge
The Winter Reading Challenge, presented by the Anaheim Ducks, runs through January 31, 2026. Children ages 14 and under can read, log minutes on Beanstack, and earn Anaheim Ducks-themed prizes. The program includes faceoff events, performers, author events, storytimes, and crafts at library branches.
THANK YOU
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