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Celebrate Mother’s Day at Irvine Spectrum Center with Gifts, Dining & Events Through May 11

Issue # 0398

Author

Joshua Tjia
01 May

In this Irvine Insider Issue . . .

😁 Laugh Of The Day

🌤️ Irvine Weather

🍊🥬 Free Grocery Food Boxes Available for Eligible Irvine Residents on May 8

🏡💵 Homeless Man in Irvine Receives Nearly $100K After Selfless Act of Kindness

💐🥐 Celebrate Mother’s Day at Irvine Spectrum Center with Gifts, Dining & Events Through May 11

🚲 Pedal Into Summer—Score a Free Bike at CicloIrvine’s Giveaway

📖🧒🏻 Join Kindergarten Readiness at Irvine Katie Wheeler Library

🏥 Hoag Names Dr. Steven Grossman as New Leader of Cancer Institute Amid $1.2B Irvine Expansion

🎶🐦‍⬛ Discover Birding by Sound — A Unique Nature Walk for All Abilities

🎨☀️Join the Fun! U Design’s 10-Week Art Camp Welcomes Young Creators Grades 1–8

🎼🎼 Upcoming High School Music Calendar

🐕🐾 Train Your Dog to Walk Calmly with Loose-Leash Tips from the Irvine Animal Care Center

⚾️ UC Irvine Baseball Defeats Fullerton 5–1 in Angel Stadium Debut

🏀🏐🎾⚾ UCI Anteaters Upcoming Home Games

🏀🏀 Upcoming home games for the IVC LASERS

🏀 Austin Loeb Named Head Coach of Crean Lutheran Boys Basketball Program

🏈🎾 High School Athletics Calendar

🚓💳 Suspect Arrested for Credit Card Fraud at Spectrum Center

🍏🥭🍑 Local Farmers Markets

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

📅📅 Lots of Local Events

📞💡 Useful Contact Information

What do penguins drink out of?

Beakers!

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

Free Grocery Food Boxes Available for Eligible Irvine Residents on May 8

On Thursday, May 8, at 9:00 AM, Irvine residents can receive a free 30-pound grocery food box through the Emergency Food Assistance Program (TEFAP), a partnership between the City of Irvine and the Community Action Partnership of Orange County.

Boxes may include fresh produce, dried beans, canned and frozen vegetables, juice, meat, poultry, fish, dairy, rice, cereal, and pasta.

  • Pickup is at Heritage Park Community Center (14301 Yale Avenue).

  • Reservations are encouraged.

  • For details, call 949-724-6650 or email [email protected].

Homeless Man in Irvine Receives Nearly $100K After Selfless Act of Kindness

A small act of kindness turned into life-changing support for Jeff Daley, a homeless man in Irvine. While working at his new job at Sprouts Market, Jeff gave his last dollar to someone he thought needed help—who turned out to be an influencer, Jimmy Darts. Touched by Jeff’s generosity, Jimmy gave him $500 and shared his story online. Within just four days, supporters raised nearly $100,000 to help Jeff get back on his feet. After eight years on the streets, he’s now staying in a hotel and looking forward to a fresh start.

Celebrate Mother’s Day at Irvine Spectrum Center with Gifts, Dining & Events Through May 11

Celebrate Mom now through May 11 with exclusive gifts, dining, and events at Irvine Spectrum Center.

💐Gift & Shop Deals

  • gorjana – Jewelry gifts Mom will love

  • Just In Time – 20% off ladies’ watches (5/1–5/11)

  • Lush – Limited-edition Mother’s Day collection

  • House of Lange – Free hair oil with purchase (5/4–5/11)

  • L’Occitane – Free gift with $135+ purchase (thru 5/20)

  • Nature Republic – $94 skincare set ($117 value)

  • TravisMathew – 25% off women’s styles (5/1–5/11)

  • Vuori – Free tote with $200+ (5/8–5/11)

🍽️ Dining & Treats

  • Habana – Brunch buffet (5/11)

  • Robata Wasa – 3-course menu for $50 (5/11)

  • 85°C Bakery – 15% off cakes, $1.85 tote with $30+ (thru 5/11)

  • Hudson Cookies – Buy 3, get 1 free (5/11)

  • Rocky Mountain Chocolate – Free strawberry for moms

🌷 Special Events

  • OluKai – Lei making (5/10, 12–3 PM)

  • Beyond Yoga – Custom floral bouquets (5/11)

Pedal Into Summer—Score a Free Bike at CicloIrvine’s Giveaway

Irvine residents have a chance to win a free bike thanks to FivePoint and Great Park Neighborhoods. The winner will be announced during the CicloIrvine Welcome Event on Saturday, May 3 at 12 PM on the UCI Health Main Stage. Attendees must be present at the event to claim the prize.

To enter the drawing and learn more about CicloIrvine, visit cityofirvine.org/cicloirvine.

Join Kindergarten Readiness at Irvine Katie Wheeler Library

Join Kindergarten Readiness Storytime every Tuesday from 11:30 AM to 12:00 PM at the Irvine Katie Wheeler Library! Designed for ages 3–5, this fun and engaging session helps children build early reading, math, and social skills to get ready for school. Siblings are welcome. The next session is on Tuesday, May 6.

Hoag Names Dr. Steven Grossman as New Leader of Cancer Institute Amid $1.2B Irvine Expansion

Hoag Memorial Hospital Presbyterian has appointed Dr. Steven Grossman, a nationally recognized gastrointestinal cancer expert, as the new Executive Medical Director of the Hoag Family Cancer Institute. He succeeds Dr. Burton Eisenberg during Hoag’s major $1.2 billion expansion in Irvine, backed by philanthropic gifts from David and Diana Sun. Grossman, who began his role April 15, previously served as the inaugural physician-in-chief at USC Norris Cancer Center and has over 20 years of oncology leadership experience. He will oversee the new Cancer & Digestive Hospital Pavilion at the Sun Family Campus, set to open in July 2026, and help drive Hoag’s more than 100 active cancer clinical trials under its hybrid “privademic” model. Grossman’s role is also supported by Circle 1000, a donor group that has raised millions for cancer care and research at Hoag.

Discover Birding by Sound — A Unique Nature Walk for All Abilities

Join the City of Irvine and the Irvine Ranch Conservancy for “Accessibility for All: Birding Using the Power of Sound”—an inclusive, beginner-friendly event focused on identifying birds by their songs and calls, especially welcoming participants with visual impairments.

Held on Saturday, May 3, from 7:30–9:30 a.m. at Bommer Canyon Cattle Camp, the 0.5-mile walk on a level dirt trail offers a chance to explore nature through sound. Binoculars are optional, and accommodations can be requested via email.

Join the Fun! U Design’s 10-Week Art Camp Welcomes Young Creators Grades 1–8

From June 9 to August 15, U Design will host a 10-week Summer Art Camp designed to inspire students in grades 1 through 8. With a variety of Fine Art and Digital Art classes, the program offers hands-on experiences that help children develop their artistic skills in a fun and supportive environment.

Program Overview:

  • Camp Dates: June 9 – August 15

  • Grade Levels:

    • Fine Art: 1st–8th Grade

    • Digital Art: 3rd–8th Grade

Available Courses:

  • 🎨 Clay Sculpture & Throw Wheel – Students learn to shape and spin clay into original works.

  • 🖍 2D Character Design & 3D Nomad Sculpt – A blend of traditional and digital skills focused on creative character development.

  • 🖌 Creative Fine Art & Printmaking – Explores classic fine art techniques and the art of printmaking.

  • ✏️ Creative Storytelling Drawing & Painting – Encourages narrative thinking through visual arts.

Families are encouraged to register early to secure a spot in this enriching and imaginative summer program at U Design.

Upcoming Northwood High School’s Music Calendar

  1. May 10th, 4-7:00 PM: Instrumental Music Awards and Reception, NHS Theater

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

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

  4. 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

  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. May 2, 7:00-10:00 PM: WHS Warrior Dance Company Spring Show

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

Upcoming Woodbridge High School’s Vocal Music Calendar

  1. May 10, 7:00 PM: Open Mic Night, Black Box.

  2. 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 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

Train Your Dog to Walk Calmly with Loose-Leash Tips from the Irvine Animal Care Center

Loose-leash walking is a valuable skill that helps dogs stay calm and focused during walks, making outings more enjoyable and manageable. The Irvine Animal Care Center recommends these simple, effective steps. With consistency and the right tools, your dog can learn to walk politely by your side.

Tips from the Irvine Animal Care Center:

  • Use a standard 6-foot leash—never a retractable one, which encourages pulling.

  • Begin training in a quiet, distraction-free area like an open yard or empty parking lot.

  • Follow the “red light/green light” method: stop immediately when the leash tightens, and resume walking only when it loosens.

  • Reward your dog with praise or a small treat for staying close and keeping the leash slack.

  • Practice for 10 minutes, twice a day, to reinforce good habits.

  • Try training tools like a Gentle Leader or Easy Walk Harness to help discourage pulling.

  • Be patient—your dog’s natural walking pace may be quicker than yours, so consistent reinforcement is key.

UC Irvine Baseball Defeats Fullerton 5–1 in Angel Stadium Debut

UC Irvine baseball secured a 5-1 win over rival Cal State Fullerton on Tuesday night at Angel Stadium, marking their first-ever game at the MLB venue and drawing a crowd of 1,863. Stellar pitching led the way, with Finnegan Wall, Jack Ross, David Butler, and Ricky Ojeda combining for 10 strikeouts and allowing just one run. Defensive highlights included a critical throw from Frankie Carney and a double play initiated by James Castagnola. Offensively, UCI capitalized on seven hits, nine walks, and four hit-by-pitches, with key contributions from Will Bermudez, Colin Yeaman, and Anthony Martinez. The Anteaters extended their win streak to eight games and improved to 33-9 on the season. They next face UC San Diego at home on Friday, May 2, at 6:00 PM.

UCI Anteaters Upcoming Home Games

Men's Track & Field

  • Fri, May 2 – vs Steve Scott Invitational, TBA
    Sat, May 3 – vs Steve Scott Invitational, TBA

Women's Track & Field

  • Fri, May 2 – vs Steve Scott Invitational, TBA

  • Sat, May 3 – vs Steve Scott Invitational, TBA

Baseball

  • Fri, May 2 – vs UC San Diego, 6:00 PM

  • Sat, May 3 – vs UC San Diego, 1:00 PM

  • Sun, May 4 – vs UC San Diego, 1:00 PM

🏐⚽🏀 Upcoming home games for the IVC LASERS 

Women's Flat Football

  • Fri, May 2 – vs National University, 5:00 PM

Austin Loeb Named Head Coach of Crean Lutheran Boys Basketball Program

Austin Loeb, a longtime assistant and former Irvine Valley basketball player, has been named head varsity boys basketball coach at Crean Lutheran High School following Nate Klitzing’s departure to Orange Lutheran. Loeb, who has coached at Crean for seven years and helped lead the team to a CIF 2A title and seven straight playoff appearances, expressed gratitude for the opportunity, emphasizing his faith-driven coaching style and commitment to building character and competitive spirit. A former standout at Brethren Christian, IVC, and Colorado Christian University, Loeb plans to build his staff, finalize scheduling, and focus on defense for the upcoming season. He lives in Lake Forest with his wife and daughters and will continue as an associate athletic director at Crean Lutheran.

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:

May 2025

Thursday, May 1

  • Baseball (VR) – 3:30 PM vs. St. Margarets Episcopal at Irvine High School Softball Field

Suspect Arrested for Credit Card Fraud at Spectrum Center

Irvine police arrested 24-year-old Moustapha Diop after he fraudulently used a credit card at multiple Spectrum Center stores. Thanks to swift action by the Spectrum Team, officers tracked the evidence to Diop’s Irvine residence, obtained a confession, and recovered the stolen merchandise. He was booked at Orange County Jail for burglary and access card fraud.

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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