10 Exciting Things to Do in Irvine This February

Issue # 0336

In this Irvine Insider Issue . . .

😁 Laugh Of The Day

🌤️ Irvine Weather

📅🎉 10 Exciting Things to Do in Irvine This February

🎼🎻 Pacific Symphony’s Must-See February Lineup: From Mozart to Carmina Burana

🌙🍜 Lunar New Year Perks Await! Unlock Exclusive Rewards Year-Round

🌻🫖🌻 Sip, Savor, & Celebrate: A Galentine’s Tea Party at Tanaka Farms

⚠️🔥 National Burn Awareness Week: Essential Safety Tips to Prevent Burns at Home

🥞🚌 Westpark Elementary Hosts Free Pancake Dinner for Families on Feb. 5

🩺🎗️ UC Irvine Anti-Cancer Challenge Raises $1.5M, Expands Groundbreaking Gastric Cancer Trial

🌿🌱 Transform Your Garden with Native Plants – Join the Upcoming Workshop

💍💎 Sign Up for Art, Jewelry, & Ceramics Classes Before They Fill Up – Register Starting Feb. 15

🎼🎼 Upcoming High School Music Calendar

🐕🚜 Irvine Animal Care Center Expansion Moves Forward, Completion Expected by Summer 2026

🏐 UC Irvine Men’s Volleyball Stays Unbeaten with 3-0 Sweep Over No. 9 Stanford

🏀🏐🎾⚾ UCI Anteaters Upcoming Home Games

🏀 IVC Women’s Basketball Dominates Santa Ana, Moves Into 2nd Place in OEC

🏀🏀 Upcoming home games for the IVC LASERS

🏀 Crean Lutheran Boys Basketball Clinches Crestview League Title with 76-53 Win Over Cypress

🏈🎾 High School Athletics Calendar

🚓🚨 Irvine Couple Arrested for $5M Fraud That Led to Business Closure

🍏🥭🍑 Local Farmers Markets

🌟🏪🎉Irvine’s Best Kept Secrets: Is Your Business One of Them?

📅📅 Lots of Local Events

📞💡 Useful Contact Information

Why did the poor dog chase his own tail?

He was trying to make both ends meet!

We hope this joke brings some laughter to your day! 😁

10 Exciting Things to Do in Irvine This February

From art exhibits to live performances, February in Irvine is packed with exciting events for all ages. Here’s a quick rundown of what’s happening this month:

  • More Than You Can Chew – Explore a culinary-themed art exhibit at Great Park Gallery (Through April 20).

  • Paint and Sip – Celebrate Valentine’s Day with a painting event at Pretend City (Feb. 14).

  • Family Hike – Discover wildlife on a scenic hike at Black Star Canyon (Feb. 8).

  • Doktor Kaboom! – Enjoy a high-energy science show at Irvine Barclay Theatre (Feb. 23).

  • The Great Gatsby Ballet – Experience a dazzling ballet performance at Irvine Barclay Theatre (Feb. 25-26).

  • The Layover – Visit Great Park’s new eatery with food, games, and family activities (Weekends).

  • Junior Ranger – Kids can earn a ranger badge while exploring Peters Canyon (Feb. 28).

  • Kei Akagi Trio – Jazz lovers can enjoy a live performance at UC Irvine (Feb. 14-15).

  • Farmers Market – Shop fresh produce and artisan goods at Stonegate Elementary (Sundays).

  • Nate Bargatze – Catch Grammy-nominated comedy at Irvine Improv (Feb. 27-March 1).

Pacific Symphony’s Must-See February Lineup: From Mozart to Carmina Burana

February at Pacific Symphony features exciting performances, including:

  •  Pines of Rome (Feb 6-8)

  • Joshua Bell & Larisa Martínez: Voice & the Violin (Feb 13)

  • Pink Martini (Feb 14-15)

  • Mozart, Barber & Tchaikovsky (Feb 16)

  • The O.C. Lantern Festival lights up on Feb 22

  • followed by Carmina Burana & Bach (Feb 27-Mar 1).

Lunar New Year Perks Await! Unlock Exclusive Rewards Year-Round

Keep the Lunar New Year festivities going with Segerstrom Center Rewards! Center Subscribers and Friends of the Center can use their Center Rewards Card for exclusive discounts at local restaurants and retailers—perfect for enjoying Chinese culture and Asian cuisine year-round!

More info: SCFTA Rewards.

Sip, Savor, & Celebrate: A Galentine’s Tea Party at Tanaka Farms

Tanaka Farms is hosting a Galentine’s Day Afternoon Tea Party on February 15, offering guests a delightful experience with artisan teas, finger sandwiches, scones, and pastries made from fresh, local ingredients.

  • Attendees are encouraged to dress in their best tea-time outfits and celebrate friendship in a charming setting.

  • Tea times are available at 11 AM & 2 PM, with limited spots, so early reservations are recommended.

  • It’s the perfect opportunity to sip, snack, and enjoy a special day with friends.

Sign up here

National Burn Awareness Week: Essential Safety Tips to Prevent Burns at Home

This week is National Burn Awareness Week (#NBAW), led by the American Burn Association, focusing on reducing burn risks in homes and living spaces. Simple precautions can help prevent burns and keep everyone safe:

  • Kitchen Safety: Keep flammable items away from heat, turn pot handles inward, and never leave cooking food unattended.

  • Bathroom Precautions: Set water heaters below 120°F and supervise children in the bath.

  • Sleeping Areas: Extinguish candles before bed and keep heat sources away from fabrics.

  • General Home Safety: Test smoke alarms regularly, charge devices safely, and store chemicals out of reach.

Learn more at fire.ca.gov or ameriburn.org.

Westpark Elementary Hosts Free Pancake Dinner for Families on Feb. 5


Westpark Elementary PTA is hosting a free Pancake Dinner during Open House on Wednesday, February 5, from 5–7 PM at Westpark Elementary. Families can enjoy pancakes, sausages, and orange juice while connecting with the school community. Open to all Westpark families—don’t miss out!

UC Irvine Anti-Cancer Challenge Raises $1.5M, Expands Groundbreaking Gastric Cancer Trial

The 8th annual UC Irvine Anti-Cancer Challenge on Oct. 5 at Aldrich Park set records with 4,200 participants and $1.5 million raised for cancer research at UCI Health Chao Family Comprehensive Cancer Center and CHOC.

  • Since 2017, the event has raised $6.2 million, funding 123 studies and securing $44.5 million in grants.

  • Dr. Maheswari Senthil and Dr. Farshid Dayyani lead the Stopgap trial, a Phase 2 study improving treatment for gastric cancer, which heavily impacts Hispanics.

  • Their approach combines intravenous and intraperitoneal chemotherapy with surgery to boost survival rates.

  • The trial is expanding to 30 institutions in 2025.

  • Philanthropy remains key, with the 2025 Anti-Cancer Challenge set for Oct. 11—registration opens in February.

Transform Your Garden with Native Plants – Join the Upcoming Workshop

The Irvine Ranch Conservancy’s Native Seed Farm will host an event on Saturday, February 8, from 11:00 AM to 12:30 PM, teaching visitors about local native plants and their benefits for home gardens.

  • Led by OC Parks, the event will provide inspiration and guidance for creating a regionally suitable garden that supports a healthy ecosystem.

  • Pre-registration is required and participants must wear closed-toe shoes, and bring water. The event is open to ages 12 and up.

Sign Up for Art, Jewelry, & Ceramics Classes Before They Fill Up – Register Starting Feb. 15

Spring Irvine Fine Arts Center Classes & Summer Camps – Now available online at cityofirvine.org/yourirvine!

  • Registration opens Feb. 15 for most classes. Explore a variety of programs for all ages, including culinary arts, painting, photography, mosaics, and more.

  • Set a reminder for adult ceramics and jewelry registration on Feb. 18 (Jewelry: 7 AM | Ceramics: 8 AM).

  • General registration starts Feb. 15 at 6 AM—spots fill fast!

Upcoming Northwood High School’s Music Calendar

  1. February 12 - 15: Musical, NHS Theater

For the latest updates or additional details, please visit https://timbmusic.org/events/

Upcoming University High School's Choirs Calendar

  1. February 27 - March 1,6,7,8 7:00 PM: Guys and Dolls Musical, Big Theater

For the latest updates or additional details, please visit https://www.uhschoirs.org/2024-25-season.html

Upcoming Woodbridge High School's Music Calendar

  1. February 27 - March 1, 7:00 PM-10:00 PM: Shrek the Musical, Performing Arts Center

For the latest updates or additional details, please visit https://www.whs-music.org/

Upcoming Woodbridge High School’s Vocal Music Calendar

  1. February 8: SCVA Vocal Jazz Festival, Saugus HS (Santa Clarita).

  2. February 27 - March 1: Shrek the Musical, WHS Performing Arts Center.

For the latest updates or additional details, please visit https://woodbridgechoirs.weebly.com/calendar.html

Upcoming Irvine High School's Music Calendar

  1. March 5-8, 7:00 PM: Mary Poppins Musical, Irvine Performing Arts Center.

  2. March 13, 6:30 PM: Festival Concert, Irvine Performing Arts Center.

  3. March 15, All Day: Irvine Jazz Festival, Irvine High School Campus.

  4. March 18, 7:00 PM: District Jazz Festival, Woodbridge HS Performing Arts Center.

For the latest updates or additional details, please visit https://www.vimb.info/calendar

Irvine Animal Care Center Expansion Moves Forward, Completion Expected by Summer 2026

The Irvine Animal Care Center expansion is making great progress! Grading is complete, and construction is beginning on new offices and an animal clinic.

  • A biofiltration system has been installed to exceed environmental standards, and renovations to the dog housing areas are moving smoothly.

  • The center remains open during construction, ensuring continued top-notch care for animals.

  • The project is set for completion by summer 2026.

  • Stay updated at cityofirvine.org/animals.

UC Irvine Men’s Volleyball Stays Unbeaten with 3-0 Sweep Over No. 9 Stanford

No. 2 UC Irvine swept No. 9 Stanford (25-23, 25-18, 33-31) at Maples Pavilion, improving to 7-0. The Anteaters dominated blocks (12.5-6.5) and aces (6-2), capitalizing on 19 Stanford service errors, including 12 in a marathon third set. Freshman Micah Goss led with seven blocks, while senior Hilir Henno contributed 13 kills, eight digs, and three aces. Key plays from Nolan Flexen (nine kills, six blocks), Joe Karlous (19 assists, six digs), and a clutch ace from Flexen sealed the win. UCI next faces Concordia on Feb. 8 at 7:00 p.m.

UCI Anteaters Upcoming Home Games

Men’s Basketball

  • Sat, Feb 8: Men’s Basketball vs UC San Diego, 7:00 PM

  • Thu, Feb 13: Men’s Basketball vs UC Santa Barbara, 7:00 PM

Women’s Basketball

  • Sat, Feb 15: Women’s Basketball vs Hawai’i, 2:00 PM

Men’s Tennis

  • Fri, Feb 7: Men’s Tennis vs Pacific, 1:00 PM

Women’s Tennis

  • Sat, Feb 8: Women’s Tennis vs Santa Clara, 11:00 AM

  • Fri, Feb 14: Women’s Tennis vs Monmouth University, 1:00 PM

  • Sun, Feb 16: Women’s Tennis vs UC Davis

Men’s Golf

  • Mon, Feb 10: Men’s Golf at Orange County Collegiate Classic, TBA

  • Tue, Feb 11: Men’s Golf at Orange County Collegiate Classic, TBA

Men’s Volleyball

  • Wed, Feb 12: Men’s Volleyball vs Southern California, 6:00 PM

Women’s Water Polo

  • Sat, Feb 15: Women’s Water Polo vs UCLA, 12:00 PM

  • Sun, Feb 16: Women’s Water Polo vs Alumni, 11:00 AM

IVC Women’s Basketball Dominates Santa Ana, Moves Into 2nd Place in OEC

Irvine Valley women's basketball secured a crucial 73-53 home win over Santa Ana, snapping a two-game skid and tying Cypress for second place (4-3) in the Orange Empire Conference. The Lasers dominated from start to finish, leading by 14 at halftime and by as many as 25 in the third quarter. Moka Saiki led with 15 points and four assists, while Alexis Price added 14 points, six rebounds, and five assists. Kivonni Williams had her best game with 12 points, eight rebounds, and key defensive plays. IVC out-rebounded Santa Ana 45-37 and held them to just 31.4% shooting. The Lasers now prepare for a key matchup against Cypress at home on Wednesday at 5 p.m.

🏐🏀 Upcoming home games for the IVC LASERS 

Baseball

  1. Tue, Feb 4 – vs Ventura, 2:00 PM

  2. Sat, Feb 15 – vs West LA, 12:00 PM

Men’s Basketball

  1. Wed, Feb 5 – vs Riverside, 7:00 PM

  2. Fri, Feb 7 – vs Orange Coast, 6:00

Men’s Tennis

  1. Tue, Feb 11 – vs Stanton University Scrimmage, 2:00 PM

  2. Thu, Feb 13 – vs San Diego City, 2:00 PM

Men’s Tennis

  1. Wed, Feb 5 – vs Santa Barbara, 1:00 PM

  2. Wed, Feb 12 – vs Fullerton, 6:00 PM

Women's Basketball

  1. Wed, Feb 5 – vs Cypress, 5:00 PM

  2. Thu, Feb 13 – vs Saddleback, 6:00 PM

Women's Beach Volleyball

  1. Fri, Feb 7 – vs Cerritos, 9:00 AM

  2. Fri, Feb 7 – vs MiraCosta, 11:00 AM

  3. Sat, Feb 15 – vs Mt. San Jacinto, 9:00 AM

  4. Sat, Feb 15 – vs Santa Barbara, 11:00 AM

Crean Lutheran Boys Basketball Clinches Crestview League Title with 76-53 Win Over Cypress

Crean Lutheran’s boys basketball team clinched the Crestview League title with a dominant 76-53 win over Cypress in front of a packed crowd. Five Saints players scored in double digits, led by Jacob Majok with 18 points and a strong defensive presence. Arnez Reynolds and Jordan Ceballos added 15 points each, while Caden Jones and Matt Ciftcikara contributed 10 apiece. The Saints set the tone early, building a 22-8 lead in the first quarter and extending it to 40-20 by halftime. Their relentless defense and rebounding secured their fifth straight league championship. Cypress' Ryan Gov, who was honored pregame for reaching 1,000 career points, led all scorers with 21 points. Despite the loss, Cypress remains CIF playoff eligible. Crean Lutheran Coach Nate Klitzing praised his team’s intensity and mindset, emphasizing their defensive effort. The Saints overcame injuries, with Hunter Caplan sidelined and Jones briefly exiting but returning to play a strong game.

High School Athletics Calendar

** Updated With February Schedule

Upcoming Irvine High School’s Varsity home games:

February 2025

Monday, February 3

  • 7:00 PM - Basketball (Boys, VR) vs. Woodbridge - League Playoffs at Irvine High School Game Gym

Tuesday, February 4

  • 5:00 PM - Water Polo (Girls, VR) vs. Arcadia - CIF-SS Championship Playoffs at Woolett Pool

  • 5:45 PM - Soccer (Boys, VR) vs. Woodbridge at Irvine High School Stadium

Friday, February 7

  • 12:00 PM - Wrestling (Boys, VR) - League Finals Tournament at Irvine High School Game Gym

  • 12:00 PM - Wrestling (Girls, VR) - League Finals Tournament at Irvine High School Game Gym

Irvine Couple Arrested for $5M Fraud That Led to Business Closure

An economic crimes investigator uncovered a major fraud case where Gurpreet Kaur Lakhiani, 41, and Deepak Lakhiani, 40, misappropriated nearly $5M from an Irvine company between 2012 and 2021, funding a lavish lifestyle with luxury cars, jewelry, real estate, and travel. The loss forced the company to shut down, leaving many unemployed. Both suspects were booked into Orange County Jail on $4.4M warrants for grand theft, embezzlement, money laundering, and receiving stolen property.

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