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3 Must-Try Fish & Chips Spots in OC’s Market Place

Issue # 0409

Author

Joshua Tjia
16 May

In this Irvine Insider Issue . . .

😁 Laugh Of The Day

🌤️ Irvine Weather

🐟🍺 3 Must-Try Fish & Chips Spots in OC’s Market Place

🦺👷 Celebrate National Public Works Week at Great Park Hangar 244 on May 22

🏫💵 UC Irvine Law Receives First Alumni-Named Scholarship Endowment

🎂🎉 Irvine Spectrum Birthday Perks: Where to Get Freebies on Your Special Day

🚌 IVA Elementary Offers New Flexible Learning Program—Join the Info Session on May 22

☀️ Getting Ready for Summer: Simple Tips for a Safe and Enjoyable Season

🌱🧤 Volunteer for Takedown Tuesdays: Help Weed at the Native Seed Farm on May 20

☀️🎨 Summer Registration Now Open for Irvine Fine Arts Center Classes

🎼🎼 Upcoming High School Music Calendar

🐈‍⬛🐈 How to Help a Picky Cat Eat: Tips for Encouraging Better Mealtime Habits

🎾 UC Irvine Men’s Tennis Wraps Stellar 2024–25 Season with Big West Title and NCAA Run

🏀🏐🎾⚾ UCI Anteaters Upcoming Home Games

🏀🏀 Upcoming home games for the IVC LASERS

⚾️ Northwood Baseball Defeats Loara 10-0 in CIF Division 5 Playoff Opener

🏈🎾 High School Athletics Calendar

🍏🥭🍑 Local Farmers Markets

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

📅📅 Lots of Local Events

📞💡 Useful Contact Information

What did the butterfly say when it got in trouble?

“I butterfly away!”

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

3 Must-Try Fish & Chips Spots in OC’s Market Place

Looking for great fish and chips in OC? The Market Place has you covered with three tasty options, each offering a unique spin on the classic dish:

  • Lazy Dog – Beer-battered pollack with fries, slaw, tartar sauce, and housemade dips.

  • BJ’s Brewhouse – Blonde beer-battered whitefish and fries, served with tartar sauce. Don’t skip the Pizookie for dessert.

  • California Fish Grill – Affordable, crispy swai fillets with fries and kale slaw.

Celebrate National Public Works Week at Great Park Hangar 244 on May 22

Join the City of Irvine in celebrating National Public Works Week on Thursday, May 22, from 10 a.m. to 2 p.m. at Great Park Hangar 244.

  • Guests can meet staff from the Public Works & Sustainability Department, explore Irvine’s future projects, and get tips on careers in public works.

  • Enjoy interactive exhibits with equipment like dump trucks and street sweepers, plus food, giveaways, and prizes. No RSVP needed.

  • For details, visit cityofirvine.org/publicworksweek or call 949-724-7336.

UC Irvine Law Receives First Alumni-Named Scholarship Endowment

Hannah and Jeffrey Wachs have established the first alumni-named scholarship endowment at the UC Irvine School of Law with a $50,000 gift. Jeffrey Wachs, a graduate of the law school’s inaugural class, has maintained strong ties to the university through alumni leadership roles and philanthropy. Both he and Hannah Wachs, a graduate of UC Irvine’s MAT program, acknowledged the impact of the university on their lives and careers, and their contribution aims to support future law students.

Irvine Spectrum Birthday Perks: Where to Get Freebies on Your Special Day

Celebrate your birthday with fun freebies and sweet deals from popular spots—many of which are right at Irvine Spectrum Center. Just sign up for each brand’s rewards program to enjoy your birthday treats. Here are a few highlights:

  • 85°C Bakery Café – 10% off during your birthday month with app membership

  • The Alley – Free bubble tea on your birthday with the app

  • Auntie Anne’s – Free pretzel with $10 yearly spend as a rewards member

  • Sprinkles – Free cupcake for loyalty members

  • Sephora – Free birthday gift with Beauty Insider membership

  • H&M – Special birthday discount for members

IVA Elementary Offers New Flexible Learning Program—Join the Info Session on May 22

IVA Elementary is launching a new Asynchronous Independent Study program designed for self-motivated, independent learners.

  • Parents are invited to an informational Zoom meeting on Thursday, May 22, from 5:15–5:40 PM to learn more about this flexible, self-paced learning model.

  • The session includes a program overview, staff introductions, a Q&A, and opportunities to connect with other families.

Getting Ready for Summer: Simple Tips for a Safe and Enjoyable Season


Summer is almost here—bringing sunshine, outdoor fun, and vacations. A little preparation can help you and your family stay safe, healthy, and ready to enjoy the season to the fullest.

Easy Summer Prep Tips:

  • Lighten Up Your Wardrobe:
    Bring out breezy clothes, comfy sandals, and sun hats for warm days ahead.

  • Restock Summer Essentials:
    Have sunscreen, sunglasses, and insect repellent on hand. Refresh your beach or picnic bag with your go-to items.

  • Take Care of Health Basics:
    Book routine checkups, including skin screenings, and check travel health needs if you're heading out of town.

  • Plan Fun in Advance:
    Think ahead about trips or day outings. A little planning now can help you enjoy summer without the last-minute rush.

  • Get Your Home Summer-Ready:
    Schedule an AC tune-up, clean fans, and check your outdoor areas for safety and comfort.

  • Keep Wellness in Mind:
    Aim for small, doable goals—like staying active, eating well, or setting aside time to unwind.

Volunteer for Takedown Tuesdays: Help Weed at the Native Seed Farm on May 20

Join Takedown Tuesdays: Weeding at the Native Seed Farm on Tuesday, May 20, from 5:00–6:30 PM at the Native Seed Farm, led by Irvine Ranch Conservancy. Volunteers will learn about local plant species and help with weeding around native crops—no experience needed.

Summer Registration Now Open for Irvine Fine Arts Center Classes

Registration is now open for summer classes at the Irvine Fine Arts Center! Explore a wide range of creative courses for all ages and skill levels—including painting, photography, culinary arts, ceramics, and more—at cityofirvine.org/yourirvine.

Special registration times include Adult Jewelry on May 18 at 7 a.m. and Adult Ceramics on May 18 at 8 a.m. Classes fill quickly, so early registration is encouraged.

Upcoming Northwood High School’s Music Calendar

  1. May 16th, 5:30 PM: Jazz at the Oak, NHS Oak

  2. May 21st - 22nd, 7:00 PM: POPS Concerts, NHS Theater

  3. May 30th, 7:00 PM: POPS Gala, NHS Theater

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

Upcoming University High School's Choirs Calendar

No upcoming events

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. May 16, 7:00 - 10:00 PM: WHS Warrior Guard Spring Show

  2. May 23, 6:00 - 9:00 PM: Jazz & Percussion Concert

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

Upcoming Woodbridge High School’s Vocal Music Calendar

  1. May 30, 7:00 PM: Broadway Rocks Concert, 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. May 16, 6:30 - 9:30 PM: Pops Concert (PAC)

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

Upcoming Portola High School’s Music Calendar

  1. May 16, TBA: Porchella Night 2

  2. May 30, 7:00 PM: Vocal Concert

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

How to Help a Picky Cat Eat: Tips for Encouraging Better Mealtime Habits

If your cat seems uninterested in food, the first step is to check with a veterinarian to rule out any health issues like dental pain, kidney trouble, or tummy upsets. Sometimes, picky eating is simply due to being full—especially if treats or table scraps are common—or having strong preferences shaped by frequent food changes.

Gentle Tips to Encourage Eating:

  • Try offering meals at regular times instead of leaving food out all day.

  • Keep an eye on how many calories your cat gets, including snacks and treats.

  • Make mealtimes fun with puzzle feeders or food-dispensing toys.

  • Offer food after playtime, when your cat may feel more inclined to eat.

  • Add a small amount of a favorite topper to encourage interest, but keep it minimal.

  • Once you find a flavor or texture your cat likes, stick with it for consistency.

  • If you're considering homemade meals, ask your vet or a veterinary nutritionist to help ensure a balanced diet.

With patience and a few small adjustments, many picky cats can become more enthusiastic about mealtime.

UC Irvine Men’s Tennis Wraps Stellar 2024–25 Season with Big West Title and NCAA Run

UC Irvine capped a stellar 2024–25 season with its second-straight Big West title and 14th NCAA appearance, finishing 18-6 and ranked as high as No. 36 nationally.

  • Won Big West Championship for the third time in four years

  • Finished with 18 wins, most since 2015

  • Noah Zamora named Big West Player of the Year; earned UCI’s first NCAA Singles win since 1989

  • Andy Nguyen went 17-2, ending the season on a 16-match win streak

  • Head Coach Mike Saunders won his third Coach of the Year honor

  • Defeated ranked teams Dartmouth (No. 62) and UCSB (No. 34)

  • Went 5-0 in 4-3 matches, including comebacks in Big West tourney

  • Strong contributions from newcomers Fardanesh, Amiryavari, and Huang

  • Seniors Zamora, Krishna, and Sherif graduate with 65 team wins over four years

UCI Anteaters Upcoming Home Games

Baseball

  • Fri, May 16 – vs Cal State Fullerton, 6:00 PM

  • Sat, May 17 – vs Cal State Fullerton, 1:00 PM

🏐⚽🏀 Upcoming home games for the IVC LASERS 

No upcoming events

Northwood Baseball Defeats Loara 10-0 in CIF Division 5 Playoff Opener

Northwood High, led by standout senior Paul Grossman, defeated Loara 10-0 in the CIF Division 5 playoff opener on Thursday. Grossman, who’s committed to USC, pitched five shutout innings despite a nagging blister, struck out six, and went 3-for-4 with three RBIs. Offensive support came from Koji Yoshimizu (2-for-3, triple, 3 runs) and Carter Liu (3 hits, 3 RBIs). Despite entering the game with a 19-2 record and a powerful offense, Loara was held to just four hits. The Saxons, who had no seniors this season, conclude a strong year after jumping two CIF divisions. Northwood (13-15-1), which clinched CIF berth with a 4th-place league finish, now faces Laguna Hills on Tuesday at 3:15 p.m.

High School Athletics Calendar

** Updated With May Schedule

Northwood High School Monthly Athletics Calendar (All Level)

No upcoming events

Upcoming Irvine High School’s Varsity home games:

No upcoming events

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

We know our community is brimming with businesses that have fascinating stories and big hearts. If you’re a local business owner making waves, crafting unique experiences, or simply putting a smile on our faces, we want to chat with you! “Irvine Insider” is eager to shine a light on the unsung heroes of our city. Let’s collaborate and let the community know what makes your business special.

Click the link below and fill out the Local Business Spotlight Application Form to be featured and let’s celebrate the spirit of Irvine together!

Irvine Insider is sent to a local audience of Irvine residence Monday through Friday with 50% - 60% open rate. Our newsletter is a great way to reach Irvine residents.

  • Kaiser Permanente Irvine Farmers Market

  • Saturday Farmers Market at Mariners Church Irvine

    • When: Saturday, 8 AM - 12 PM

    • Where: 5428 Bonita Canyon Dr, Irvine, CA 92603

  • Great Park Certified Farmers Market

  • Manassero Farmers

    • When: Daily, 9 AM - 4:30 PM

    • Where: 33 Irvine Valley, Irvine, CA 92604

  • Tanaka Farms

    • When: Daily, 9 AM - 5 PM

    • Where: 5380 3/4 University Dr, Irvine, CA 92612

    • More Info:Tanaka Farms

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