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  • Celebrate Easter Season at Irvine Park Railroad: Meet the Bunny, Hunt Eggs, and Play All Day

Celebrate Easter Season at Irvine Park Railroad: Meet the Bunny, Hunt Eggs, and Play All Day

Issue # 0383

Author

Joshua Tjia
10 Apr

In this Irvine Insider Issue . . .

😁 Laugh Of The Day

🌤️ Irvine Weather

🐓🍞 Irvine Eats: Three Must-Try Chicken Joints Serving Up Global Goodness

🌼🐣🌼 Celebrate Easter Season at Irvine Park Railroad: Meet the Bunny, Hunt Eggs, and Play All Day

🌎🌱 Celebrate Earth Day with Pancakes and a Hike at Quail Hill – April 19

🌟 University High School’s Aryan Mukherjee Earns Congressional Gold Medal for Community Service and STEM Leadership

🍭🎠 Westpark Elementary Spring Carnival Set for April 25 — Games, Food, and Family Fun Await

🍄‍🟫🍄 From Tacos to Sukiyaki: Delicious Mushroom Dishes That Heal as They Nourish

🌳🌾 Irvine Ranch Conservancy Marks 20 Years of Habitat Restoration Success Across Southern California

🎨 Support Irvine’s Creatives at the Makers Mart in Woodbridge Village Center

🎼🎼 Upcoming High School Music Calendar

🐹 Adopt a Hamster for Just $5 – Includes Cage, Supplies, and More

🎾 UCI Men’s Tennis Crushes UCSD to Stay Perfect Before UCSB Rematch

🏀🏐🎾⚾ UCI Anteaters Upcoming Home Games

⚾️ IVC Baseball Shuts Out Fullerton 6-0 in Series Opener

🏀🏀 Upcoming home games for the IVC LASERS

🏈🎾 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

Why won't Easter eggs go out at night?

They don't want to get beat up.

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

Irvine Eats: Three Must-Try Chicken Joints Serving Up Global Goodness

Three globally inspired chicken spots are making waves in Irvine.

  • Dizzy Bird at Irvine Spectrum serves halal rotisserie chicken marinated for 24 hours, with Mediterranean flair and creative options like the Hot Bird wrap.

  • Rooster & Rice at Alton Retail Center brings Thai-style poached chicken (khao mun gai) to SoCal, alongside fried chicken sides and fruity seltzers.

  • BB.Q Chicken, with locations in Northpark Plaza, Cypress Village, and Quail Hill, celebrates 30 years with over a dozen crispy Korean fried chicken flavors, including new garlic and Caribbean-style options.

Celebrate Easter Season at Irvine Park Railroad: Meet the Bunny, Hunt Eggs, and Play All Day

Celebrate spring at the Easter Eggstravaganza at Irvine Park Railroad which will remain open until April 19. Enjoy time with the Easter Bunny, egg hunts, rides, games, and more family fun.

  • Hours: Weekdays 10 AM–6 PM | Weekends 8 AM–6 PM

  • Entry: Free

  • Tickets: $8 each or 15 for $100

  • Easter Bunny: $20 per visit (includes 1 photo)

  • Egg Hunts: Ages 2–12 | 2 tickets | Timed slots

  • Train, Hay Ride, Moon Bounce: 1 ticket

  • Mini Diggers: 2 tickets | 42" height min

  • Crafts, Cookie Decorating: 1 ticket

  • Games, Tosses, Face Paint: 1–2 tickets | Prizes for all

  • Food: For sale on-site

  • Photos: Free stations throughout

  • Parking: $3–$7 per vehicle (day dependent)

Celebrate Earth Day with Pancakes and a Hike at Quail Hill – April 19

Celebrate Earth Day with a morning of fun at the Quail Hill Trailhead on Saturday, April 19 at 9 a.m.!

  • Enjoy a free pancake breakfast, family activities, and a guided hike on the 1.8-mile Quail Hill Loop Trail starting at 10:30 a.m.

  • Reserve your breakfast spot at yourirvine.org as space is limited, and be sure to wear comfy, closed-toe shoes!

University High School’s Aryan Mukherjee Earns Congressional Gold Medal for Community Service and STEM Leadership

University High School student Aryan Mukherjee received the Congressional Gold Medal Award for over 400 hours of community service, including teaching chess, environmental work, and tutoring. A third-degree black belt and Eagle Scout, he also volunteers as a taekwondo instructor. Aryan leads his school’s math modeling club and science honors society, working on STEM projects like polymer biodegradation and groundwater modeling. In his free time, he enjoys chess, swimming, and movies with friends.

Westpark Elementary Spring Carnival Set for April 25 — Games, Food, and Family Fun Await

The Westpark Elementary PTA Spring Carnival is happening on Friday, April 25 from 5–8 PM! Expect a fun-filled evening with games, inflatables, prizes, a photobooth, raffle, cotton candy, food trucks, and more.

  • Raffle tickets are $1 each, $10 for 12, or $20 for 25.

  • Wristbands (required for all activities) are free with a signed waiver.

  • More info on tickets and wristbands will be shared soon. Don’t miss it!

From Tacos to Sukiyaki: Delicious Mushroom Dishes That Heal as They Nourish

Mushrooms are a powerful superfood with stroke-fighting and brain-protective benefits thanks to their anti-inflammatory, antioxidant, and cholesterol-lowering properties. Rich in fiber, B vitamins, potassium, and minerals like copper, they help combat major stroke risk factors like high blood pressure, inflammation, and high cholesterol. These recipes from UCI Health highlight the health-boosting powers of mushrooms:

  • crispy wild mushroom tacos featuring oyster and lion's mane mushrooms with neuroprotective properties

  • comforting mushroom and spinach farro risotto packed with antioxidants, immune-boosting nutrients, and stroke-preventive greens

  • Japanese-style sukiyaki hot pot using shiitake, oyster, and enoki mushrooms to deliver umami flavor and healing potential in one hearty, nourishing meal

Find the recipes here

Irvine Ranch Conservancy Marks 20 Years of Habitat Restoration Success Across Southern California

The Irvine Ranch Conservancy (IRC) is celebrating 20 years of protecting and restoring Southern California’s urban wildlands through its Habitat Restoration and Enhancement Program.

  • This initiative has transformed degraded lands—damaged by agriculture, invasive plants, and wildfires—into thriving native habitats using innovative, science-based methods.

  • In collaboration with agencies, volunteers, and partners like OCTA and OC Parks, IRC has completed large-scale projects like the Bee Flat Canyon restoration and continues to support sensitive species such as the Western Spadefoot Toad and California Gnatcatcher.

  • With successful projects at locations like Trabuco Creek and Crystal Cove State Park, IRC is now expanding efforts beyond Irvine Ranch.

  • Looking ahead, IRC aims to inspire future land stewards and grow its impact across the region.

Support Irvine’s Creatives at the Makers Mart in Woodbridge Village Center

Discover one-of-a-kind, locally made art, gifts, and goods while supporting small businesses at the Makers Mart at Woodbridge Village Center. The event runs from 10 AM to 4 PM on select weekends throughout the year with the first coming up on May 17 & 18.

Upcoming Northwood High School’s Music Calendar

  1. Apr 12th, 1:00 PM: Friends of Jazz Performance, Lone Wolf Brewing Co., Yorba Linda

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

Upcoming University High School's Choirs Calendar

  1. May 1-2, 7:00 PM: Broadway Rocks!, 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. April 17, 7:00 PM: IUSD Honors Concert, Segerstrom 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. April 17, 7:00 PM: IUSD Honors Concert, Segerstrom Concert Hall.

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

Upcoming Irvine High School's Music Calendar

  1. May 2, 7:30 PM: Music Under the Stars (MUTS), Irvine Amphitheater

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

Adopt a Hamster for Just $5 – Includes Cage, Supplies, and More

Looking for the perfect first pet? Adopt a playful, independent hamster for just $5 at the Irvine Animal Care Center! Each adoption comes with a Hamster Success Kit, including a starter cage, bedding, food, toys, and more. These adorable hamsters were rescued through the Third Chance for Pets program and are ready for forever homes. Visit weekdays from noon–5 p.m. at 6443 Oak Canyon, Irvine, CA 92618.

Learn more at cityofirvine.org/animals.

UCI Men’s Tennis Crushes UCSD to Stay Perfect Before UCSB Rematch

UC Irvine men's tennis (ranked #46) continued its winning streak with a dominant 4-0 victory over UC San Diego, improving to 14-4 overall and 4-0 in Big West play. Doubles duo Andy Nguyen and Noah Zamora led the charge with a 6-0 shutout, while strong singles performances by Nguyen (12-0 in last 14) and Zamora (20-0 conference streak, ranked #59) secured the win. UCI faces #43 UC Santa Barbara next on Saturday, April 12 at 12 PM at Anteater Tennis Stadium in a key matchup of the Big West's only two unbeaten and nationally ranked teams. The rivals have met in the last three Big West finals, splitting titles across 2022–2024.

UCI Anteaters Upcoming Home Games

Baseball

  • Tue, Apr 15 – vs LMU, 6:00 PM

Men's Volleyball

  • Sat, Apr 12 – vs UC Santa Barbara, 6:00 PM

Men's Tennis

  • Sat, Apr 12 – vs UC Santa Barbara, 12:00 PM

Women's Golf

  • Mon, Apr 14 – vs Big West Championships (Las Vegas, NV – Spanish Trail CC)

IVC Baseball Shuts Out Fullerton 6-0 in Series Opener

Irvine Valley College baseball made a strong return with a 6-0 shutout win over Fullerton on Tuesday in the first game of their three-game Orange Empire Conference series. Sophomore catcher Aaron Serrato led offensively with a double and two-run homer, driving in the team’s first three runs. Pitching was key—sophomore Tyler Eastham earned the win with 5.1 shutout innings, and Zack Marker closed with 3.2 scoreless innings for the save. The Lasers added insurance runs through hits from Shaun McCaghren, Josh Gutierrez, and Andres Hernandez. IVC hosts Fullerton again Thursday at 2 p.m.

🏐⚽🏀 Upcoming home games for the IVC LASERS 

Baseball

  • Thu, Apr 10 – vs Fullerton, 2:00 PM

  • Thu, Apr 17 – vs Riverside, 2:00 PM

Men's Volleyball

  • Fri, Apr 11 Santiago Canyon 6:00 PM

Women's Beach Volleyball

  • Fri, Apr 11 - Golden West 9:00 AM

  • Fri, Apr 11 - Riverside 10:00 AM

Women's Flag Football

  • Fri, Apr 18 Saddleback 2:00 PM

High School Athletics Calendar

** Updated With April Schedule

Upcoming Irvine High School’s Varsity home games:

April 2025

Saturday, April 12

  • Track & Field (Boys, VR) – 15th Annual Irvine/ASICS Distance Carnival at Irvine High School Stadium

  • Track & Field (Girls, VR) – 15th Annual Irvine/ASICS Distance Carnival at Irvine High School Stadium

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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