• Irvine Insider
  • Posts
  • City of Hope Opens Orange County’s First Dedicated Cancer Specialty Hospital

City of Hope Opens Orange County’s First Dedicated Cancer Specialty Hospital

Issue # 0522

Author

Joshua Tjia
21 Nov

In this Irvine Insider Issue . . .

😁 Fun Fact Friday

🌤️ Irvine Weather

🛒🍏🥬 Super Irvine Reopens in Parkview Center with Expanded International Market

🏥🌟 City of Hope Opens Orange County’s First Dedicated Cancer Specialty Hospital

🌳🏗️ Construction Advances on The Canopy Retail Center at Great Park

🍽️🍊 Help Support OC Families—Your Donation Truly Makes a Difference

🎅🏻📮 Write to Santa: Drop Off Letters Nov 24–Dec 12 at Irvine Community Centers

🍁🧴 Fall Skin Care: Protect Your Skin as the Seasons Change

🌳🌳Celebrating the Mighty Oaks That Sustain Orange County’s Ecosystems

🎨🛌 Join the Plush Pillow Teen Art Workshop — Limited Spots Left

🎼🎼 Upcoming High School Music Calendar

🦃🤲🏼 Celebrate Gratitude: Join Woodbridge’s Thankful Thursdays all November

🎾 UCI Women’s Tennis Welcomes Rachel Gee to the 2026 Roster

🏀🏐🎾⚽️ UCI Anteaters Upcoming Home Games

🏀🏀 Upcoming home games for the IVC LASERS

🏈🎾 High School Athletics Calendar

🚓💳 IPD Arrest Man Accused of Scamming College Students Across Southern California

🍏🥭🍑 Local Farmers Markets

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

📅📅 Lots of Local Events

📞💡 Useful Contact Information

Did you know…?

Wild turkeys have iridescent feathers that shimmer in bronze, gold, green, and copper when sunlight hits them — it is due to light reflecting off microscopic structures on each feather, not pigment. They’re natural little disco balls of the forest!

We hope this fun fact brings a smile to your day! 😁

Super Irvine Reopens in Parkview Center with Expanded International Market

Super Irvine International Market has officially reopened in a new, larger, and modernized space at Parkview Center, drawing huge crowds eager to see the beloved family-owned market return. First founded in 1996 and closed three years ago, the new location features wide international aisles, fresh sangak baked onsite, a Persian pastry counter, a Boar’s Head deli with Persian-inspired offerings, halal and kosher meats, and a new Mediterranean restaurant run by the second-generation family owners. The market is now open daily from 8 a.m.–10 p.m. at 5311 University Drive.

City of Hope Opens Orange County’s First Dedicated Cancer Specialty Hospital

City of Hope is opening Orange County’s only cancer specialty hospital this December, creating an integrated academic campus in Irvine where advanced cancer treatment, research, and specialized care come together in one location.

  • The hospital is scheduled to open on December 1, 2025, on City of Hope’s 72-acre academic cancer campus in Irvine.

  • It will be directly connected to the Lennar Foundation Cancer Center to support coordinated inpatient and outpatient care.

  • The campus will include 100+ cancer-focused specialists across major cancer types.

  • Patients will have access to over 700 clinical trials, including early-phase studies.

  • The hospital will feature advanced operating rooms, a 73-bed inpatient facility, and specialized cancer care capabilities.

  • A 24/7 oncology Evaluation and Treatment Center will provide immediate care for cancer-related needs.

  • The hospital is part of a $1.5 billion investment designed to expand cancer care resources in Orange County.

Construction Advances on The Canopy Retail Center at Great Park

Progress continues on The Canopy, the upcoming food and retail center at the Great Park developed by Almquist Development + Investment. The project will bring dining, beverage, and shopping options — including a T&T Supermarket — to nearby neighborhoods and millions of annual visitors.

More information is available at greatparkframework.org and canopygreatpark.com.

Help Support OC Families—Your Donation Truly Makes a Difference

Sometimes the simplest way to help is also the most meaningful. Second Harvest Food Bank of Orange County shares that while federal programs like SNAP provide most of the ongoing groceries families depend on, food banks step in during tougher moments when immediate support is needed. Financial donations help food banks fill the immediate gaps, allowing them to purchase food in bulk, fill specific nutritional needs, and stretch every dollar far beyond the value of donated groceries.

To support local families most effectively, consider donating at feedoc.org/donate .

Write to Santa: Drop Off Letters Nov 24–Dec 12 at Irvine Community Centers

The City of Irvine is offering its annual Letters to Santa service from November 24–December 12, where children can drop off their holiday wish lists at Heritage, Portola Springs, Turtle Rock, and Northwood community centers. Santa sends a reply within a week, and families can pick up responses at each center’s designated holiday mailbox.

Fall Skin Care: Protect Your Skin as the Seasons Change

As the weather shifts into cooler, drier fall conditions, your skin can become more sensitive and dehydrated. Here are some tips to help keep your skin hydrated and healthy during the autumn.

  • Use richer moisturizers + gentle cleansers

  • Keep daily SPF

  • Add hydrating serums, lip balm, hand/foot creams

  • Use a humidifier or try hydrating masks

  • Drink lots of water, eat and sleep as well you can

  • Seek care if dryness or irritation continues

Celebrating the Mighty Oaks That Sustain Orange County’s Ecosystems

Orange County’s native oaks play a powerful role in sustaining local ecosystems, supporting hundreds of species while shaping some of the region’s most treasured natural spaces.

  • Coast Live Oaks and Engelmann Oaks anchor habitats across parks and open spaces, while wildlife like scrub jays and ground squirrels help the trees spread by burying acorns that later sprout into new seedlings.

  • Despite their resilience, oaks face threats from invasive pests and habitat loss, leading groups like the Irvine Ranch Conservancy to focus on restoration and stewardship.

  • Community members can get involved through volunteer planting events and nature journaling programs.

Join the Plush Pillow Teen Art Workshop — Limited Spots Left

Join the Plush Pillow Teen Art Workshop, a two-day class for ages 12–17 where teens design their own characters, paint on fabric, and learn basic hand-sewing to turn their creations into plushies. The workshop takes place on Thursdays, December 4 and 11, from 4–6 p.m. at the Irvine Fine Arts Center.

Register here

Upcoming Northwood High School’s Music Calendar

  1. December 3, 7 - 8:30 PM: Instrumental Winter Concert - Concert Band, Symphonic Band, Wind Ensemble, NHS Theater

  2. December 4, 7 - 8:30 PM: Instrumental Winter Concert - Guitar, Symphonic Strings, Concert Orchestra, NHS Theater

  3. December 9, 7 - 8:30 PM: Vocal Music Winter Concert, NHS Theater

  4. December 12 , 7 - 8:30 PM: Winter Gala Concert – Jazz Ensemble I, Wind Symphony, Philharmonic, and Vocal Music, NHS Theater

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

Upcoming Woodbridge High School's Music Calendar

  1. December 11 - 12, 6:30 - 8:30 PM: Winter Concerts, WHS 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. December 5, 7 PM: Winter Celebration Concert, WHS Performing Arts Center

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

Upcoming Irvine High Choral’s Music Calendar

  1. December 16, 7 PM: Jazz the Halls, TBD

  2. December 18, 7 PM: Holiday Concert, IHS PAC

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

Upcoming Portola High School Music’s Calendar

No events scheduled for the rest of this month.

For the latest updates or additional details, please visit https://www.phsmusicbooster.org/buy-ticket

Celebrate Gratitude: Join Woodbridge’s Thankful Thursdays all November

Woodbridge Village Association is celebrating Thankful Thursdays all November! Each week, one submitted photo and short note about what you're thankful for is randomly selected and shared on WVA’s social media. Winners receive a $10 WVA boat pass mailed to their home. Share your gratitude by submitting your photo and description here.

UCI Women’s Tennis Welcomes Rachel Gee to the 2026 Roster

UC Irvine women’s tennis has signed five-star recruit Rachel Gee from San Jose, who will join the Anteaters in fall 2026. Gee, a standout from Evergreen Valley High School, brings strong singles (8.84) and doubles (8.19) UTR ratings.

UCI Anteaters Upcoming Home Games

Women’s Volleyball

  • Fri, Nov 21 – vs UC Santa Barbara, 6:00 PM

Men’s Water Polo

  • Fri, Nov 21– vs Big West Championship, TBA

🏐⚽🏀 Upcoming home games for the IVC LASERS 

Men's Basketball

  • Fri, Nov 21 - vs Cuyamaca, 5:00 PM

High School Athletics Calendar

**

Updated With November Schedule

Upcoming Irvine High School’s Varsity home games:

No events scheduled for the rest of this month.

IPD Arrest Man Accused of Scamming College Students Across Southern California

Irvine Police announced the arrest of Mario Simonte, 34, of Montclair, for allegedly conducting a series of fraudulent schemes targeting college students across Southern California. Simonte reportedly approached students near university campuses, claimed he urgently needed cash to return to Italy, and then drove victims to ATMs to withdraw funds. He provided counterfeit items and illegitimate business cards as false assurances but never reimbursed the individuals. Detectives believe additional victims may exist and encourage anyone with similar experiences to contact Investigator Bennett at [email protected].

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

November 20 - November 22 Shelley Conducts Carmen and Daphnis and Chloe 8 PM

November 22 Lao Tizer Band

November 23 PSYCB: Songs of the Earth 1 PM

November 25 PSYO: Light in Darkness 7 PM

November 28 - December 30 Santa's Village

December 4 - 6 Tchaikovsky’s Swan Lake 8 PM

We could use your help

We’ve got big plans as we get up to speed! But we need your help!

One huge way that you can help us is to spread the word for us.

Know somebody who lives in the Irvine and surrounding areas and would benefit from being kept in the know?

Please share Irvine Insider with them! It’s simple!