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Community Market at Families Forward Opens to Support Families in Need

Issue # 0351

Author

Joshua Tjia
25 Feb

In this Irvine Insider Issue . . .

😁 Laugh Of The Day

🌤️ Irvine Weather

🔬🥼 UC Irvine Scientists Develop New Antibiotic to Combat Drug-Resistant Bacteria

🥗🍎 Community Market at Families Forward Opens to Support Families in Need

🥠🍵 BOPOMOFO Cafe Grand Opening – Fun, Food & Festivities on March 1

🍨🍃 Lucky Irish Mint is Back at Yogurtland – Limited Time Only

⚽️ Kick Off Summer with Irvine’s Adult Soccer League – Sign Up Starts March 3

🍲🍡 Heart-Healthy Recipes: Delicious Ways to Support Your Cardiovascular Health

🌱🌿 Help Stop the Spread of Carnation Spurge in Orange County

🖌️🎨 Get Creative! Join Library Craft Day on March 1

🎼🎼 Upcoming High School Music Calendar

🐇🐈 February Pet Adoptions: 8 Dogs, 9 Cats, and 1 Rabbit Find Homes

⚾️ UCI Baseball Wins Thriller Over Texas Tech, Takes Series with 11-10 Victory

🏀🏐🎾⚾ UCI Anteaters Upcoming Home Games

🏀 IVC Men's Basketball Secures OEC Consolation Title with 59-53 Win Over Saddleback

🏀🏀 Upcoming home games for the IVC LASERS

🤼 University High Wrestling Team Scores Big at National Tournament

🏈🎾 High School Athletics Calendar

🚓🛍️ Two Arrested for $3,800 Theft at Irvine Spectrum, Facing Multiple Charges

🍏🥭🍑 Local Farmers Markets

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

📅📅 Lots of Local Events

📞💡 Useful Contact Information

What type of tree fits in your hand?

A palm tree.

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

UC Irvine Scientists Develop New Antibiotic to Combat Drug-Resistant Bacteria

UC Irvine researchers have developed a promising new antibiotic that could help combat antibiotic-resistant bacteria, a growing global health crisis. Their new drug, a variation of vancomycin, binds to and disables two key parts of bacterial molecules, making it harder for bacteria to develop resistance. Antibiotic resistance currently causes 35,000 deaths annually in the U.S., with millions more suffering from infections. The researchers believe their approach could end the ongoing arms race between antibiotics and evolving bacteria, shifting the focus toward more sustainable solutions that bacteria are less likely to overcome.

Community Market at Families Forward Opens to Support Families in Need

The Community Market at Families Forward in Irvine officially opened on February 21, offering a grocery-store-style experience for families experiencing food insecurity and homelessness.

  • Serving more than 800 families each month, the market provides fresh produce, pantry staples, diapers, and essential resources.

  • The upgraded facility features a 670-square-foot market, a cold-storage area for perishable items, and a 2,782-square-foot warehouse for food and supply donations.

  • Operated by Families Forward, a nonprofit organization with a 40-year legacy, the market ensures that individuals and families receive the necessary support.

  • It is open Monday through Thursday from 10:00 a.m. to 12:00 p.m. and 1:00 p.m. to 3:00 p.m., with no appointment required for food assistance.

BOPOMOFO Cafe Grand Opening – Fun, Food & Festivities on March 1

BOPOMOFO Cafe Grand Opening Celebration: Join the fun on Saturday, March 1, from 11 AM – 8 PM at Alton Square as BOPOMOFO Cafe, a modern Asian-inspired café, celebrates its grand opening! Enjoy a live magician, caricature drawings, giant games, a photo backdrop, and delicious teas, matcha, and Chinese street food.

Lucky Irish Mint is Back at Yogurtland – Limited Time Only

This fan-favorite minty, magical flavor is available for a limited time at participating locations in Irvine while supplies last. Don't miss out!

Irvine Yogurtland Locations:

  • Spectrum Center: 733 Spectrum Center Dr., Irvine, CA 92618

  • University Center: 4187 Campus Dr., #M-172, Irvine, CA 92612

  • Jamboree: 13260 Jamboree Rd., Irvine, CA 92602

  • Westpark Plaza: 4616 Barranca Pkwy, Irvine, CA 92604

Check with your nearest location for availability!

Kick Off Summer with Irvine’s Adult Soccer League – Sign Up Starts March 3

Adult Soccer League – Summer 2025: Registration opens March 3 at yourirvine.org. Sign up before the deadlines.

Season & Deadlines:

  • 7v7 (Men’s, Women’s, Coed): March 31–June 5 (Register by March 24)

  • 11v11 (Men’s – Wednesdays): April 16–May 28 (Register by April 7)

Fees:

  • 7v7: $540/team (7 games, includes officials)

  • 11v11: $875/team (5 games, includes officials)

For questions email [email protected] or call 949-724-6899.

Heart-Healthy Recipes: Delicious Ways to Support Your Cardiovascular Health

Heart disease is the leading cause of death in the U.S., but small lifestyle changes, particularly in diet, can significantly reduce the risk. In honor of American Heart Month, UCI Health’s Jessica VanRoo shares heart-healthy recipes.

  • Leek and potato soup is rich in allium compounds, which help lower blood pressure and cholesterol. Leeks provide antioxidants and soluble fiber that support cardiovascular health, while Yukon Gold potatoes add potassium and vitamin C.

  • Matcha and black bean chocolate truffles offer a heart-healthy dessert alternative. Matcha provides powerful antioxidants, black beans contribute fiber and protein to lower LDL cholesterol, and dark chocolate improves circulation.

These nutrient-packed recipes make heart-healthy eating both delicious and beneficial. For more heart care, call UCI Health at 714-456-6699.

Help Stop the Spread of Carnation Spurge in Orange County

Euphorbia terracina (Carnation Spurge) has been identified in Orange County and poses a threat to native vegetation by rapidly spreading and overtaking natural habitats. To mitigate its impact, residents are encouraged to monitor for its presence, particularly in the spring, refrain from planting or spreading it, and report any sightings to assist in controlling its spread.

Get Creative! Join Library Craft Day on March 1

Library Craft Day is a fun-filled event where children can enjoy seasonal crafts with the help of Irvine’s Assisteens. The next session takes place on Saturday, March 1, from 10 AM – 1 PM at University Park Library. Held on the first Saturday of every month, this free event requires no registration—families are welcome to drop in and participate.

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

February Pet Adoptions: 8 Dogs, 9 Cats, and 1 Rabbit Find Homes

From February 17–23, 8 dogs, 9 cats, and 1 rabbit found their forever homes! Adopted pets include dogs Bella, Blue, Bobby, Buster, Chip, Chloe, Persephone, and Winnie; cats Beth, Cadillac, Calcifer, Joy, Juniper, Millie, Roger, Venom, and Vespa; and rabbit Lavender. Apollo was sent to rescue, while 2 dogs and 1 cat were reunited with their owners.

Visit cityofirvine.org/animals for adoption info and hours.

UCI Baseball Wins Thriller Over Texas Tech, Takes Series with 11-10 Victory

UCI edged out Texas Tech 11-10 in a thrilling Sunday rubber match at Dan Law Field, securing the series win. The game saw seven home runs and multiple lead changes, with the 'Eaters responding to Texas Tech’s early 3-0 lead with a barrage of homers, including shots from Rowan Felsch, Jacob McCombs, Chase Call, and Colin Yeaman. Texas Tech briefly reclaimed the lead in the sixth, but UCI answered in the seventh with a clutch RBI single from Call and an error that brought in the decisive run. Pitching held firm late, with Max Martin escaping a bases-loaded jam and David Butler earning his first career save. UCI’s offense tallied nine hits, led by Call’s four-RBI performance, while Theo Kim reached three times in his first collegiate start. UCI, now 4-3 on the season, returns home for a four-game stretch, starting Wednesday, Feb. 26, against Utah Tech at 6:00 p.m.

UCI Anteaters Upcoming Home Games

Baseball

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

  • Fri, Feb 28: UC Irvine vs. Louisiana at 6:00 PM

Women's Tennis

  • Wed, Feb 26: UC Irvine vs. Oakland University at 1:00 PM

Women's Basketball

  • Thu, Feb 27: UC Irvine vs. Cal State Fullerton at 6:00 PM

IVC Men's Basketball Secures OEC Consolation Title with 59-53 Win Over Saddleback

Irvine Valley's men's basketball team wrapped up its regular season with a 59-53 win over Saddleback, securing the consolation title in the Orange Empire Conference Tournament. After falling to Santa Ana in the first round, the Lasers bounced back with victories over Orange Coast and Saddleback, finishing the season 17-13 overall and 9-8 in conference play. Freshman point guard Allen Moser sealed the win with a clutch three-pointer in the final minute. Moser led IVC with 15 points, while Ammon Allan added 13 points and seven rebounds. The Lasers' strong defense held Saddleback to 35.6% shooting.

🏐⚽🏀 Upcoming home games for the IVC LASERS 

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. Wed, Feb 26 – vs Long Beach (IVC/HIU/LBCC Tri), 10:00 AM

  2. Wed, Feb 26 – vs Hope International, 12:00 PM

Baseball

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

Women's Beach Volleyball

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

Men's Volleyball

  1. Fri, Feb 28 – vs San Diego Mesa, 6:00 PM

University High Wrestling Team Scores Big at National Tournament

The University High School wrestling team dominated at the Willigan Wrestling Tournament, a national event for deaf athletes, securing two third-place finishes and a fourth-place finish! Their hard work and dedication paid off, proving their strength on the mat. Learn more: iusd.org/UniWrestling 

High School Athletics Calendar

** Updated With February Schedule

Upcoming Irvine High School’s Varsity home games:

February 2025

Tuesday, February 25

  • 5:45 PM - Volleyball (Boys, VR) vs El Toro at Irvine High School Game Gym

Wednesday, February 26

  • 3:15 PM - Baseball (VR) vs Newport Harbor at Irvine High School Baseball Field

  • 5:00 PM - Lacrosse (Boys, VR) vs Dana Hills at Irvine High School Stadium

Thursday, February 27

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

  • 3:15 PM - Track & Field (Boys, VR) vs Esperanza at Irvine High School Stadium

  • 3:15 PM - Track & Field (Girls, VR) vs Esperanza at Irvine High School Stadium

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

  • 7:30 PM - Lacrosse (Girls, VR) vs El Modena at Irvine High School Stadium

Two Arrested for $3,800 Theft at Irvine Spectrum, Facing Multiple Charges

Two women were caught stealing over $3,800 in merchandise from six stores at the Spectrum, with stolen goods found in their vehicle. They also had an elderly person’s credit cards and ID. Irene Almanza, 46, and Martha Silva Orozco Jimenez, 51, of Santa Ana, face charges including felony burglary, elder abuse, and 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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