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Celebrate Mother's Day with Special Events at Tanaka Farms and Hana Field

Issue # 0156

Author

Joshua Tjia
03 May

In this Irvine Insider Issue . . .

😁 Laugh Of The Day

🌤️ Irvine Weather

🔬🧪⭐️ Sierra Vista’s Science Olympiad Team Earns Third Consecutive National Bid

🚎🚲 Navigate CicloIrvine with Free Shuttle Service This Saturday

🚲🔒 Fast, Essential Bike Registration Available for Irvine Residents

🌻🍓🌻 Celebrate Mother's Day with Special Events at Tanaka Farms and Hana Field

🔊📣🎤 Conquering Stage Fright with Irvine's Own Speak Doctor, Till K. Kahrs

📚📖 IUSD Launches Summer Literacy Initiative with Book Bags and Parent Workshops

🏥👩🏻‍⚕️ UCI Health Expands in Irvine: Urgent Care Services Available 7 Days a Week

🌳🪶 Discover Nature's Hidden Gem: Explore the San Joaquin Marsh Wildlife Sanctuary in Irvine

👩🏻‍🎨💮✍🏻 Meet Hannah Tjia: Irvine's Emerging Talent in Magical Realism

📘📖 Final Days to Experience the Wonder of Book Art at Great Park Gallery

🎼🎼 Upcoming High School Music Calendar

🐹 Meet Your New Best Friend: Guinea Pigs Available for Adoption at Irvine Animal Care Center

🎾 Sweeping Success: UC Irvine Men's Tennis Scoops Big West Awards

🎾 UC Irvine Women’s Tennis Receives Big West Honors; Advances to Championship Quarterfinal

🏀🏐🎾⚾ UCI Anteaters Upcoming Home Games

🏐 Irvine Valley's Ava Guenther Commits to University of La Verne for Indoor Volleyball

🏀🏀 Upcoming home games for the IVC LASERS

🥎 Woodbridge High Softball Advances in CIF Playoffs After Defeating Burroughs 4-3

✍🏻📄 Irvine High School Athletes Commit to Colleges Across the Nation

🏈🎾 High School Athletics Calendar

🚔👟  Irvine Police Seek Information on Quartet Suspected in Nike Retail Theft

🍏🥭🍑 Local Farmers Markets

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

📅📅 Lots of Local Events

📞💡 Useful Contact Information

What did the whale say?

Nothing! It just wailed.

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

Sierra Vista’s Science Olympiad Team Earns Third Consecutive National Bid

Sierra Vista's Science Olympiad team has been officially invited to the National Science Olympiad tournament, marking their third consecutive appearance. The team was commended for their outstanding performance this year by Director Shaun Evola and assistant coaches, who highlighted their teamwork and dedication. In a celebratory ceremony, each member received their national tournament bid and certificates of achievement from the Irvine Unified School District (IUSD) Board of Education, the City of Irvine, and the Orange County Department of Education. IUSD Board Member Katie McEwen and Keith Tuominen, Executive Director of Secondary Education, also awarded medals to the team members. The team's accomplishment in representing California and IUSD at the nationals has been widely celebrated. Good luck to the team at the national competition!

#IUSDStem #IUSD #IUSDCommunity #ScienceOlympiad2024

Navigate CicloIrvine with Free Shuttle Service This Saturday

On May 4, Irvine CONNECT will adjust its route for CicloIrvine, Irvine’s first Open Streets Event.

  • Barranca Parkway will be closed to vehicles from Harvard Avenue to Creek Road from 6 a.m. to 7 p.m.

  • Shuttles will follow the usual path along W Yale Loop and Alton Parkway but will divert at Creek Road instead of Lake Road.

  • Key shuttle stops for the event are at Barranca at Creek and W Yale Loop at Barranca.

  • The rides are free, and shuttles are equipped with bike racks. More info at irvineconnect.org and cityofirvine.org/cicloirvine.

Fast, Essential Bike Registration Available for Irvine Residents

Quickly register your bike via Project 529 portal at https://project529.com/irvine to aid recovery if stolen. It’s crucial to report theft to the police. For security, use two U-locks, as locks can be easily cut.

#irvine #irvinepolice #irvinepd #bike #orangecounty

Celebrate Mother's Day with Special Events at Tanaka Farms and Hana Field

  1. Mother’s Day Pancake Breakfast at Tanaka Farms:

    • Date/Time: Saturday, May 11th, 8am-10am.

    • Activities: Enjoy a wagon ride, a pancake breakfast with fresh toppings and sides, and plant a sunflower to take home. Visit the Barnyard Animals after breakfast.

  2. Mother’s Day Hilltop Luncheon:

    • Date/Time: Sunday, May 12th, 10am-2pm.

    • Details: A Farm-to-Table buffet on the Hilltop featuring a variety of dishes including vegan options. Activities include lawn games.

    • Menu: Includes Glazed Ham, Fire Grilled Chicken, Tri-Tip, vegan salads, and desserts.

  3. Sunflower Picking at Hana Field in Costa Mesa:

    • Date/Time: Saturday and Sunday, May 11-12, 10am-5pm.

    • Offer: Moms get free admission all weekend. Activities include sunflower picking and visiting Barnyard Animals.

Visit www.tanakafarms.com for tickets and more information.

Local Business Spotlight Feature

Conquering Stage Fright with Irvine's Own Speak Doctor, Till K. Kahrs

Welcome to this edition of Irvine Insider’s Business Spotlight, where we dive into the fascinating world of local talents and entrepreneurs who make Irvine a vibrant community. Today, we’re featuring an exceptional local gem, Till K. Kahrs, also known as The Speak Dr., a renowned public speaking coach and a captivating entertainer with a passion for performance.

Overcoming the #1 Fear: Public Speaking

Till K. Kahrs has dedicated over 30 years to mastering the art of public speaking, earning him the title of the #1 Expert for the #1 Fear. Whether it's a business meeting, a cocktail party, or a wedding toast, Till's expertise can transform nervous ramblers into confident speakers. His approach is practical, offering immediate, easy-to-implement strategies that anyone can use to enhance their speaking skills. Check out his insights and tips at http://thespeakdr.com/.

A Man of Many Talents

Not only does Till excel in public speaking, but he is also a signed recording artist, songwriter, and performer. His musical journey has seen him release a live album featuring tracks from performances at local venues like "The Original Crazy Horse" in Santa Ana and the Irvine Harvest Festival. His music is available on digital platforms such as Spotify, Amazon, and YouTube.

Community Contributions

An Irvine local for over 40 years and a proud alumnus of UC Irvine, Till has consistently given back to the community. From volunteering at The Paul Merage School of Business to offering free keynote speeches to students, his commitment to fostering talent and confidence in others is unwavering.

This letter of appreciation from UCI’s The Paul Merage School of Business testifies to the quality of Till’s training and presentation.

Stay Connected

For those who wish to learn more about Till Kahrs or even take a glimpse into his artistic world, visit his websites at TheTrainer4u.com or TillKahrs.com. Don’t forget to follow him on his social media platforms, available via his YouTube channel, Facebook, Instagram, and Twitter/X

In Conclusion

Till K. Kahrs is not just a trainer; he’s a mentor, an artist, and a vibrant contributor to the Irvine community. Whether you are looking to conquer your fears of public speaking or simply enjoy some quality music, Till’s diverse talents are sure to enrich your life. We at Irvine Insider are proud to feature such an inspiring individual.

Thanks for tuning in to this feature spotlight. Stay tuned for more stories that showcase the incredible people of our city.

Contact Information:

For a limited time mention “Irvine Insider” to get 50% off the regular price of any of Till’s seminars and workshops.

IUSD Launches Summer Literacy Initiative with Book Bags and Parent Workshops

IUSD recently organized two Literacy Parent Events at Title 1 schools to promote summer reading. The Director of Literacy, Jackie Guy, and the Categorical Programs Coordinator, Mona Montgomery, provided tips for supporting children's literacy during the summer via in-person and Zoom sessions. Additionally, all PK-6 students at Title 1 schools will receive a "Spend Your Summer Reading" book bag filled with Scholastic books and supplies to help maintain literacy skills over the break. Key tips include:

  • reading daily for 20 minutes

  • utilizing local libraries or IUSD's online resources

  • choosing interesting books

  • making books accessible on the go

  • reading as a family

  • discussing reading materials

  • celebrating reading achievements, like treating a child to ice cream after reading 10 books

#IUSD #IUSDLiteracy #SummerReading

UCI Health Expands in Irvine: Urgent Care Services Available 7 Days a Week

UCI Health — Irvine Urgent Care is now open, located at the Joe C. Wen & Family Center for Advanced Care on 19200 Jamboree Road; it operates daily from 8 a.m. to 8 p.m. The center offers walk-in care for non-emergency conditions like minor injuries and infections, equipped with testing and x-ray facilities. With convenient parking and serene surroundings, it provides efficient, expert care as a cost-effective alternative to emergency rooms for non-severe cases. For severe emergencies, however, it's recommended to visit an emergency room or call 9-1-1. For more details, call 657-579-4600.

Discover Nature's Hidden Gem: Explore the San Joaquin Marsh Wildlife Sanctuary in Irvine

The San Joaquin Marsh Wildlife Sanctuary in Irvine, California, is a notable natural haven nestled in the bustling Orange County. Located at 5 Riparian View, the sanctuary is open daily from dawn to dusk and offers free admission. This expansive 300-acre area boasts half of its land as restored natural coastal freshwater wetlands, providing a perfect setting for over 200 bird species and offering 12 miles of walking trails for visitors. While the sanctuary encourages public enjoyment, it strictly prohibits vehicles, bicycles, drones, pets, and other animals to preserve the delicate ecosystem. The wetlands are not only a place of beauty and tranquility but also serve a crucial environmental function by naturally cleansing urban runoff from nearby San Diego Creek, reducing up to 75% of the nitrogen content before the water proceeds to Upper Newport Bay and the ocean. Additionally, the marsh is a vibrant educational hub, hosting a variety of wildlife educational programs and tours in collaboration with Discovery Cube Orange County and the local chapter of the National Audubon Society. These initiatives make the sanctuary a vital resource for environmental education and conservation, attracting students, teachers, and the general public to learn and engage in wildlife protection.

Local Artist Spotlight Feature

Meet Hannah Tjia: Irvine's Emerging Talent in Magical Realism

In Irvine's dynamic arts scene, emerging artist Hannah Tjia captivates with her enchanting blend of magical realism and poignant storytelling. A gifted painter who began her artistic journey at the Laguna College of Art and Design (LCAD), Hannah has quickly won the hearts of both the local art community and wider audiences.

As part of LCAD’s Professional Mentoring program, in her junior year, Hannah was blessed with the opportunity to be mentored by the prominent Dawson Cole Fine Art Gallery in Laguna Beach. Hannah had the honor of displaying her artworks at the main rotunda, which according to the gallery director, Mr. Richard Macdonald, “It was the very first time that they displayed a student’s art works in the main rotunda”

At her graduation, Hannah received the Honorable Mention Award from the Laguna College of Art and Design Board of Trustees.

Hannah's connection to art traces back to her childhood, filled with vivid memories of drawing, painting, and crafting stories. Despite a brief divergence during her school years, her passion was rekindled in college, leading her to a profound and unexpected revival of her artistic endeavors. "Each class drew me in, and I found myself longing to improve with every project," Hannah shares, reflecting on her transformative experience at art school.

Her daily art practice is a blend of discipline and spontaneity, balancing multiple projects to keep her perspective fresh and responsive. Hannah starts her day with calming routines—laying out her palette, cleaning brushes, and organizing her workspace—before diving into the creative process. Whether sketching initial ideas, making color studies, or painting, each step is a careful, thoughtful progression.

Hannah's award-winning piece, “Wolf Song,” exemplifies her unique approach to art. Inspired by a video game and reminiscent of Japanese woodblock prints, the painting and its accompanying poem tell a melancholic tale of companionship and longing set against a stormy, indigo backdrop. This piece won 3rd Prize in the Beautiful Bizarre Magazine Founders’ Emerging Artist Award, a testament to her skill and vision.

Wolf Song is currently on display at Brea Gallery as part of their MADE In California art exhibition from April 27 - June 23, 2024.

Asked about the influences on her work, Hannah cites a love for fantasy literature and folklore. "I find joy in exploring the ethereal through my art, making every day at the easel feel like Christmas morning," she explains. Her favorite tales include a mix of Western and Eastern folklore, showcasing her broad inspirations and narrative depth.

Looking ahead, Hannah dreams of exploring new mediums and collaborating on larger projects. "I am also intrigued by the idea of writing stories that could accompany my paintings or stand alone," she adds, hinting at the potential expansion of her creative expression.

Hannah's participation in the Beautiful Bizarre Magazine Art Prize not only connected her with a global network of artists but also encouraged her to share her work more broadly. "It's a wonderful way to admire and be inspired by the talent of others," she notes, recommending other artists take the leap into competitions to gain exposure and motivation.

For those enchanted by the interplay of reality and fantasy, Hannah's work offers a gateway into worlds both familiar and utterly transformative. As she continues to evolve and explore, the art community eagerly anticipates her next magical journey.

For more details on Hannah's artwork, explore her official website and follow her art journey on Instagram:

Mention "Irvine Insider" when making a purchase or commission inquiries to receive an exclusive discount.

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Stay tuned to Irvine Insider for more updates on Hannah and other talented artists shaping our community's art landscape.

Final Days to Experience the Wonder of Book Art at Great Park Gallery

The "Natural Language: Contemporary Book Art" exhibition at the Great Park Gallery closes this Saturday, May 4. It's a unique showcase of contemporary book art that uses the book as a canvas to explore nature, featuring installations by international artists. The exhibit delves into themes of nature, language, history, environment, and ecology, offering a deep reflection on art and the natural world. Curated with UCI Special Collections, this is your last chance to see this thoughtful presentation. Visit yourgreatpark.org/arts for gallery hours and more information.

#YourGreatPark #ArtsAtGreatPark #WeAreIrvine #ArtExhibition #BookArt

Upcoming Northwood High School’s Music Calendar

  1. May 11, 2024: Instrumental Music Awards

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

Upcoming University High School's Choirs Calendar

  1. May 2 & 3: Broadway Rocks! at 7:00 PM.

For the latest updates or additional details, please visit https://www.uhschoirs.org/2023-24-season.html

Upcoming Woodbridge High School's Music Calendar

No events scheduled for May.

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

Upcoming Woodbridge High School’s Vocal Music Calendar

  1. May 31st, 7 PM: Broadway Rocks Concert

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

Upcoming Irvine High School's Music Calendar

No events scheduled for May.

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

Upcoming Irvine High School's Choral Calendar

  1. Tues & Wed, May 28 & 29, 3:30-6:30 PM: Dress rehearsal “Voices” (All Choirs) at IHS Theater.

  2. Thurs.- Sat, May 30-June 1, 7:00 PM: Voices 2024 (All Choirs) at IHS Theater.

  3. Wed, June 5, 7:00 PM: Heritage Awards (Chorale) at IHS Gym.

For the latest updates or additional details, please visit https://www.ihschoralmusic.org/calendar.html

Meet Your New Best Friend: Guinea Pigs Available for Adoption at Irvine Animal Care Center

Explore the unique personalities of the adorable guinea pigs at the Irvine Animal Care Center! Whether they are playful, quiet, lettuce lovers, or hay enthusiasts, there is a perfect match for everyone. Check out the adoption hours and more at irvineanimals.org.

#WeAreIrvine #IrvineAnimals #GuineaPigs #AdoptablePets

Sweeping Success: UC Irvine Men's Tennis Scoops Big West Awards

UC Irvine's men's tennis team has garnered significant accolades this postseason, with head coach Mike Saunders being named the Big West Coach of the Year. This marks his second career award in this category, reflecting his leadership in guiding the Anteaters to their fifth Big West tournament title. Andy Nguyen also shined, earning the Big West Freshman of the Year award, with a standout singles record of 12-3 and pivotal wins in conference play.

Key players Enrique Luque Rico and Hiroki Sakagawa received first-team All-Big West singles honors, demonstrating strong performances throughout the season. Rico's season was highlighted by a ranked win in the Big West championship match, while Sakagawa clinched match victories in both the semifinals and final. Noah Zamora, another notable player, continued his impressive form by extending his unbeaten streak in the Big West to 23 matches, earning second-team honors alongside Rithvik Krishna, who also had a solid season.

In doubles, the pair of Rahul Dhokia and Noah Zamora stood out, earning first-team accolades and delivering key victories at the No. 1 spot, including a significant win over ranked opponents from UC Santa Barbara. The duos of Nguyen/Sakagawa and Park/Sah also performed commendably, contributing to the team's overall success.

Looking ahead, UC Irvine is poised to make its 13th NCAA Tournament appearance when they face fourth-ranked TCU on May 3rd in Fort Worth, Texas, continuing their strong season with high stakes competition on the horizon.

UC Irvine Women’s Tennis Receives Big West Honors; Advances to Championship Quarterfinal

The Big West Conference recognized UC Irvine women's tennis with two All-Big West Honorable Mention awards. Jenna Schlatter earned a mention in singles for the second year, with notable victories over top competitors from UC Riverside, UC San Diego, and CSUN. The Fowler sisters, Carolyna and Emily, received their first postseason honors in doubles, performing strongest in conference matches. Overall, the team concluded the season with a 6-16 record and made it to the Big West Championship Quarterfinal.

UCI Anteaters Upcoming Home Games

Baseball

  1. Fri, May 3: vs Cal Poly, 6:00 PM

  2. Sat, May 4: vs Cal Poly, 1:00 PM

  3. Sun, May 5: vs Cal Poly, 1:00 PM

  4. Tue, May 7: vs UCLA, 6:00 PM

  5. Tue, May 14: vs Loyola Marymount, 6:00 PM

  6. Thu, May 23: vs CSUN, 6:00 PM

  7. Fri, May 24: vs CSUN, 6:00 PM

  8. Sat, May 25: vs CSUN, 1:00 PM

Irvine Valley's Ava Guenther Commits to University of La Verne for Indoor Volleyball

Ava Guenther, a standout sophomore volleyball player from Irvine Valley, has committed to the University of La Verne for indoor volleyball. During her time at Irvine Valley, she contributed to winning conference titles in both indoor and beach volleyball and reaching the state tournament in 2023. She previously played at Santa Barbara City College, and will join a La Verne team that reached the NCAA DIII Regional Final last season.

🏐⚽🏀 Upcoming home games for the IVC LASERS

No upcoming IVC home games

Woodbridge High Softball Advances in CIF Playoffs After Defeating Burroughs 4-3

Woodbridge High School's softball team advanced to the second round of the CIF Division 3 playoffs after defeating Burroughs of Burbank 4-3, scoring all four runs in the third inning. They had previously won the Pacific Coast League title with a 10-2 record. Highlights included clutch hitting from sophomore Clarissa Stayrook and strong pitching by Mia Tamkoc, who didn’t allow a run until the sixth inning. Former coach Alan Dugard supported from the stands. Next, Woodbridge faces Fullerton.

Irvine High School Athletes Commit to Colleges Across the Nation

This week, Irvine High School athletes, under the guidance of Athletic Director Gabriel Cota, signed letters to join college sports programs, with some committing to community colleges to pursue their athletic careers.

  • Swimming: Declan Carter (Saddleback College), Youssef Eltelbany (Orange Coast College), Brenden Cook (Colorado School of Mines), Alexia Duncan (University of Utah)

  • Beach Volleyball: Cozette Zimmerman (Concordia University Irvine)

  • Soccer: Kalia Kau (George Washington University)

  • Football: Cyrus Doherty (Saddleback College)

  • Softball: Hyli DeLosSantos (Manhattanville College, NY), Sienna Porter (Tennessee Tech)

  • Baseball: Zach Rodriguez (Wilkes University)

  • Cheer: Macy Scarlett (Saddleback College), Isabel Villarreal (Vanguard University)

High School Athletics Calendar -

** Updated With May Schedule

Upcoming Irvine High School’s Varsity home games:

No upcoming home games.

Irvine Police Seek Information on Quartet Suspected in Nike Retail Theft

Four individuals suspected of participating in an organized retail theft at the Irvine Spectrum are being sought by local authorities. The incident involved the theft of Nike products from the Champs store. The suspects were seen leaving the mall in two vehicles, a grey Mitsubishi Outlander and a black VW Passat. If you have any information regarding this case, please contact [email protected]. The Irvine Police Department is keen on gathering any leads that could assist in the investigation.

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 55% - 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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