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  • Celebrate 10 Years of the O.C. Lantern Festival – Free Family Fun on Feb. 22

Celebrate 10 Years of the O.C. Lantern Festival – Free Family Fun on Feb. 22

Issue # 0347

Author

Joshua Tjia
19 Feb

In this Irvine Insider Issue . . .

😁 Laugh Of The Day

🌤️ Irvine Weather

🏡🏗️ Irvine Considers Replacing Approved Warehouse with Residential Development

🏥💵 Clemons Family Foundation Donates $11M to Advance Cancer Research at UCI Health

🪭🏮 Celebrate 10 Years of the O.C. Lantern Festival – Free Family Fun on Feb. 22

🐐🐓 Join Farm School OC – A Fun, Hands-On Experience for Little Ones

🌟🩺 UCI Health Hospitals Recognized in 2025 Women’s Choice Awards for Excellence in Patient Care

🌱🧤 Mulch Math Made Easy: How to Calculate the Right Amount of Mulch for Your Garden

💎💍 Spring Ceramics & Jewelry Classes Now Open – Register Today

🎼🎼 Upcoming High School Music Calendar

🐈‍⬛🐕‍🦺 Furry Friends Find Forever Homes! Meet This Week’s Lucky Adoptees

🏐 Nolan Flexen Named AVCA National Men’s Volleyball Player of the Week After Dominant USC Performances

🏀🏐🎾⚾ UCI Anteaters Upcoming Home Games

🏐 Irvine Valley Men’s Volleyball Secures Back-to-Back Sweeps, Improves to 5-1

🏀🏀 Upcoming home games for the IVC LASERS

🏀 Crean Lutheran Boys Basketball Rallies to Defeat Campbell Hall, Advances to CIF Semifinals

🏈🎾 High School Athletics Calendar

🚔💍 Jewelry Scam in Irvine – Suspects Arrested After $2,000 Necklace Theft

🍏🥭🍑 Local Farmers Markets

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

📅📅 Lots of Local Events

📞💡 Useful Contact Information

What do you call a sleeping dinosaur?

A dino-snore!

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

Irvine Considers Replacing Approved Warehouse with Residential Development

The City of Irvine is considering replacing a previously approved 500,000-square-foot warehouse project in the Irvine Business Complex with a residential development following concerns from residents regarding noise, pollution, and traffic congestion. City officials have engaged in discussions with the property owner, IRA Capital, who has expressed a willingness to pursue housing instead. To ensure the project aligns with community interests, the city council has approved an option to purchase the 25-acre property for $12 million per acre should the developer decide to revert to an industrial development. Officials anticipate finalizing project details in the coming months, with all necessary approvals expected by September 24.

Clemons Family Foundation Donates $11M to Advance Cancer Research at UCI Health

The Clemons Family Foundation has pledged $11 million to support cancer research and fund key medical facilities at UCI Health – Irvine.

  • Of this, $9 million will endow cancer research at the Falling Leaves Foundation Medical Innovation Building, focusing on cancer metabolism, cellular immuno-oncology, and precision oncology under Dr. Richard Van Etten. Another $1 million will help complete the building, including naming the Clemons Family Foundation Terrace. The final $1 million will fund the completion of the UCI Health – Irvine medical complex, which includes a new 144-bed acute care hospital set to open later this year.

  • In recognition, the Chao Family Comprehensive Cancer Center will feature the Clemons Family Outdoor Patient Infusion Area, providing a tranquil space for chemotherapy patients.

  • The foundation, led by Marie Clemons and her children, has a long-standing commitment to advancing health and technology initiatives in Orange County. The Falling Leaves Foundation Medical Innovation Building, a 215,000-square-foot hub set to open this spring, will drive groundbreaking research in cancer, neurosciences, vision, and stem cells, fostering innovation and improving healthcare.

Celebrate 10 Years of the O.C. Lantern Festival – Free Family Fun on Feb. 22

Celebrate the 10th anniversary of the O.C. Lantern Festival this Saturday, Feb. 22! 

  • Enjoy free admission and a day of music, dance, lantern decorating, riddles, dragon dances, and more. 

  • This year features a new Festival Pass for exclusive art experiences, early entry, and priority seating. 

  • Co-presented by Pacific Symphony and South Coast Chinese Cultural Center. Get tickets here

Join Farm School OC – A Fun, Hands-On Experience for Little Ones

Looking for a unique and educational experience for your little one? Farm School OC's Caregiver & Me Program at Tanaka Farms, Irvine is the perfect way for kids (18 months to 3 years) to explore nature!

  • Enjoy hands-on gardening, interactive circle time, seasonal produce tastings, animal encounters, and all-day farm access!

  • Visit www.FarmSchoolOC.com or call/text 949-573-3332 to sign up

UCI Health Hospitals Recognized in 2025 Women’s Choice Awards for Excellence in Patient Care

UCI Medical Center in Orange and UCI Health — Placentia Linda earned the 2025 Women’s Choice Award for Best Hospitals, recognizing their high-quality, patient-centered care. UCI Medical Center, with a 71% patient recommendation, was honored in key areas like cancer care, obstetrics, and stroke care, while Placentia Linda received an 88% outpatient experience rating. UCI Health continues to improve patient experience through reduced wait times, better communication, and advanced technology. The award, based on clinical performance and patient satisfaction, highlights excellence in women’s healthcare.

Mulch Math Made Easy: How to Calculate the Right Amount of Mulch for Your Garden

Not sure how much mulch you need for your garden or landscaping project?

There’s a simple formula to help: (Square footage × depth in inches) ÷ 324 = cubic yards of mulch needed. For example, if your space is 800 sq. ft. and you want 3 inches of mulch, the calculation would be 800 × 3 ÷ 324 = 7.4 cubic yards.

Right now, you can save 50% on bulk mulch purchases through the Mulch Madness program! Don’t miss this chance to refresh your landscape for less. Learn more at IRWD.com/mulchmadness. 

Spring Ceramics & Jewelry Classes Now Open – Register Today

Registration for spring adult ceramics and jewelry classes is now open! Learn metal forming, fabrication, or pottery wheel techniques—perfect for beginners and skill builders. Classes fill up fast, so sign up now at cityofirvine.org/yourirvine 

Upcoming Northwood High School’s Music Calendar

  1. February 28: CSUF Wind Ensemble Festival, CSU Fullerton

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 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

Furry Friends Find Forever Homes! Meet This Week’s Lucky Adoptees

From February 10–16, 10 dogs, 8 cats, and 1 rabbit found new homes! Adopted pets included dogs Bailey, Bean, Canyon, Chance, Chewbacca, Chip, Han, Jerry, Ranni, and Scooby; cats Adrian, Carlyle, Clem, Flynn, Mamba, Morty, Pistachio, and Stanley; and rabbit Yuki. One dog (Queso) was sent to rescue, and 9 dogs were reunited with their owners. Congratulations to all! Visit irvineanimals.org/adopt for adoption details.

Nolan Flexen Named AVCA National Men’s Volleyball Player of the Week After Dominant USC Performances

UCI opposite Nolan Flexen was named AVCA National Player of the Week after a standout performance against USC, marking his first AVCA honor and the 34th in program history. He recorded his first career double-double in the first match, posting 27 kills, 12 digs, and a .420 hitting percentage, followed by 14 kills and five digs in the second match. His 27 kills rank fifth most in the country this year. Flexen averaged 5.13 kills, 5.63 points, 2.13 digs, and 0.75 blocks per set for the week. He also earned his second Big West Offensive Player of the Week award this season.

UCI Anteaters Upcoming Home Games

Men's Volleyball

  • Wed, Feb 19: UC Irvine vs. UCLA at 6:00 PM

Baseball

  • Wed, Feb 26: UC Irvine vs. Utah Tech at 6:00 PM

Men's Basketball

  • Thu, Feb 20: UC Irvine vs. CSUN at 7:00 PM

Women's Water Polo

Fri, Feb 21: UC Irvine vs. Loyola Marymount University at 4:40 PM

Women's Basketball

  • Sat, Feb 22: UC Irvine vs. Cal State Bakersfield at 2:00 PM

Irvine Valley Men’s Volleyball Secures Back-to-Back Sweeps, Improves to 5-1

Irvine Valley men's volleyball improved to 5-1 with back-to-back sweeps, defeating El Camino 25-21, 25-23, 25-19 on Friday. Freshman Jackson McGrew led with 10 kills, while Joshua Damianopoulos added 7 kills and 5 blocks. Setter Bryce Nohava recorded 27 assists and 7 digs, and Cage Gonzalez chipped in 5 digs. Despite hitting just .187, IVC held El Camino to .000.

🏐⚽🏀 Upcoming home games for the IVC LASERS 

Women's Basketball

  1. Fri, Feb 21 – vs Orange Coast, 6:00 PM

Baseball

  1. Sat, Feb 22 – vs San Diego Mesa, 12:00 PM

Men’s Tennis

  1. Tue, Feb 25 – vs Fullerton, 2:00 PM

  2. Thu, Feb 27 – vs Bakersfield, 1:00 PM

Women's Beach Volleyball

  1. Sat, Feb 22 – vs San Diego Mesa, 12:00 PM

  2. Thu, Feb 27 – vs LA Valley, 1:00 PM

Crean Lutheran Boys Basketball Rallies to Defeat Campbell Hall, Advances to CIF Semifinals

Crean Lutheran pulled off another thrilling comeback, defeating Campbell Hall 73-66 in the CIF Division 1 quarterfinals. The Saints trailed early, down 21-8 in the first quarter and 57-48 after three, but dominated the fourth quarter 25-9. Freshman Jordan Ceballos led with 16 points, hitting a clutch 3-pointer late. Jacob Majok added 15 points, while Matt Ciftcikara and Caden Jones scored 13 each. Ciftcikara's back-to-back threes sparked the rally, and Ceballos' late free throws sealed the win. The Saints advance to face Los Alamitos in the semifinals and secured a spot in the CIF State Regional in March.

High School Athletics Calendar

** Updated With February Schedule

Upcoming Irvine High School’s Varsity home games:

February 2025

Wednesday, February 19

  • 3:30 PM - Beach Volleyball (Girls, VR) vs Montebello at Deerfield Park Beach Courts

Thursday, February 20

  • 3:00 PM - Tennis (Boys, VR) vs El Toro at Irvine High School Heritage Park

Monday, February 24

  • 3:00 PM - Tennis (Boys, VR) vs Edison at Irvine High School Heritage Park

  • 6:00 PM - Lacrosse (Boys, VR) vs Mission Viejo at Irvine High School Stadium

Jewelry Scam in Irvine – Suspects Arrested After $2,000 Necklace Theft

Last week in Culverdale, a victim lost a $2,000 gold necklace in a jewelry switch scam where suspects swapped real jewelry for fake pieces. Irvine PD’s Real Time Crime Center identified a suspect vehicle, leading detectives to track and arrest Dinu Adelina (29) and Miclescu Cosmin (34) in Irvine. Found with numerous costume jewelry pieces, they were booked for conspiracy and grand theft, with bail set at $500,000. The Crime Impact Unit (CIU) is tackling crime trends proactively. Authorities believe there may be more victims—contact [email protected] with information. Stay cautious of strangers offering jewelry and report scams to IPD immediately.

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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