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Create, Play & Relax: Kid-Friendly Summer Spots at Irvine Spectrum

Issue # 0441

Author

Joshua Tjia
11 Jul

In this Irvine Insider Issue . . .

😁 Laugh Of The Day

🌤️ Irvine Weather

🧸🃏 Create, Play & Relax: Kid-Friendly Summer Spots at Irvine Spectrum

🌳🏗️ Irvine Officials Assess Great Park’s Capacity After Fourth of July Event Draws 40,000

📖🪪 Get Your Irvine Library Card This July at Pop-Up Sign-Up Events

🧋🥪 Taiwanese Fried Chicken Sandwich Returns to Bopomofo Cafe Irvine

☀️ Know the Signs of Heatstroke and How to Stay Cool This Summer

🤕 What to Do After an Animal Bite or Scratch—Tips and Treatment

🤸🏻🌳 Free Outdoor Pilates Class Coming to Woodbridge Village Center July 19

🕰️🕯️ Turn Clutter into Cash at the Woodbridge Swap Meet – Reserve Your Spot Starting July 11

🎼🎼 Upcoming High School Music Calendar

🐕🪏 Understanding Your Dog’s Digging Habit: Causes and Practical Solutions

⚽️ UC Irvine Men’s Soccer Unveils 2025 Schedule with 7-Game Home Opener Stretch

🏀🏐🎾⚾ UCI Anteaters Upcoming Home Games

🏀🏀 Upcoming home games for the IVC LASERS

🏀 San Juan Hills Standout Mason Hodges Signs with UC Irvine Basketball

🏈🎾 High School Athletics Calendar

🏎️🚓 Irvine Police Arrest Suspect Following High-Speed Attempt to Evade in Lamborghini

🍏🥭🍑 Local Farmers Markets

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

📅📅 Lots of Local Events

📞💡 Useful Contact Information

Why did the vegetarians stop swimming?

They didn't like meets!

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

Create, Play & Relax: Kid-Friendly Summer Spots at Irvine Spectrum

Irvine Spectrum Center is offering new ways for families to enjoy the summer with creative stores and activities for kids. Here’s a quick look at what’s available:

  • Build-A-Bear Workshop: Kids can create their own stuffed animals by choosing from a variety of plush options, outfits, scents, sounds, and accessories.

  • Sand Cloud: Specializes in lightweight, sand-resistant Turkish towels and blankets that can double as skirts or shawls.

  • The Game Chest: Now in a new location, this locally owned store offers a range of games for all ages—from classics like Monopoly and Uno to themed summer camps featuring Pokémon and Dungeons & Dragons.

Irvine Officials Assess Great Park’s Capacity After Fourth of July Event Draws 40,000

Irvine’s inaugural city-sponsored Fourth of July celebration at the Great Park attracted over 40,000 attendees—far exceeding the projected 18,000 to 25,000—raising concerns about the venue’s capacity for large-scale events.

  • Attendees reported long traffic delays, limited parking, and delayed performances due to access issues.

  • City officials cited unexpected regional interest and infrastructure constraints, including limited road access and shuttle delays.

  • While the event was well-received by many, officials acknowledged operational challenges and emphasized the need for improvements.

  • Plans include proposed infrastructure upgrades and a task force to evaluate this year’s outcomes and prepare for the city’s 2026 celebration.

Get Your Irvine Library Card This July at Pop-Up Sign-Up Events

Get your free Irvine Public Library card at pop-up tables this July—just bring a photo ID and proof of California address. Full access begins in August, but you can start using select materials and digital resources right away.

  • Sign-up dates: July 15, 22, 29

  • Time: 4:30–6:30 PM

  • Locations: University Park & Heritage Park Libraries

  • Bring photo ID + proof of CA address

  • Parent must be present for child sign-ups

Taiwanese Fried Chicken Sandwich Returns to Bopomofo Cafe Irvine

Bopomofo Cafe in Irvine has brought back its popular Taiwanese Fried Chicken Sandwich as part of its rotating menu. This bestseller features a classic Taiwanese salt-pepper chicken breast filet, Napa cabbage slaw, Thai basil aioli, and cucumbers, all on a buttery Nini Bakery Bolo bun.

Know the Signs of Heatstroke and How to Stay Cool This Summer

Orange County is currently experiencing a heat wave, and it’s important to remember how quickly temperatures can rise—especially in parked cars.

  • Even a few minutes can be dangerous for children or pets left inside.

  • Heatstroke, a serious condition caused by the body overheating, can lead to symptoms like flushed skin, confusion, heavy sweating, and a rapid heartbeat.

  • By staying mindful and watching out for each other, we can all help make this summer a little safer and more enjoyable.

What to Do After an Animal Bite or Scratch—Tips and Treatment

Animal bites and scratches may seem minor at first—especially if caused by a familiar pet—but they can lead to infections or more serious complications if not properly treated. Even small wounds can allow bacteria to enter the body, so it’s important not to delay care.

When to Seek Medical Care:

  • Bite or scratch is deep or keeps bleeding

  • Wound is on the face, hands, joints, or neck

  • Redness, swelling, pus, or severe pain appears

  • Animal was wild, stray, or acting unusually

What to Do Before Visiting Urgent Care:

  • Clean minor wounds with soap and water

  • Apply pressure with a clean cloth if bleeding

  • Cover with sterile gauze or bandage

Free Outdoor Pilates Class Coming to Woodbridge Village Center July 19

Join Co-Op Pilates for a free outdoor mat pilates class at Woodbridge Village Center on Saturday, July 19 at 8:30 AM. Led by instructor Rowena Dhingra, the 45-minute class is open to all fitness levels and offers a great way to energize your morning in a scenic setting. Suitable for beginners and experienced participants alike.

Turn Clutter into Cash at the Woodbridge Swap Meet – Reserve Your Spot Starting July 11


Clear out your garage and earn some extra cash at the upcoming Woodbridge Village Association Swap Meet on September 27 at the Lakeview Senior Center (20 Lake Road) from 7:00 a.m. to 11:00 a.m. 

  • Spaces go on sale online only starting Friday, July 11 at 9:00 a.m. via wva.simpletix.com.

  • Each space costs $35, with a $10 refund if the area is left clean.

We will resume with the high school music calendar events when the schedule is available for the fall semester.

Understanding Your Dog’s Digging Habit: Causes and Practical Solutions

Digging is a natural behavior for many dogs, driven by breed instincts, heat, boredom, anxiety, or the urge to hunt or hide things. Understanding why your dog is digging is key to stopping it in a healthy way.

Quick Tips:

  • Breed Matters: Terriers and Huskies dig more due to genetics.

  • Common Triggers: Heat, prey, boredom, nesting, or escape.

  • Find the Cause: Don't punish—identify the reason first.

  • Provide Outlets:

    • Create a designated digging area.

    • Add exercise, toys, and food puzzles.

    • Supervise outdoor time.

  • If You're Away:

    • Keep your dog indoors or in a secure, dig-proof area.

Meeting your dog’s needs and giving safe alternatives can reduce unwanted digging long-term.

UC Irvine Men’s Soccer Unveils 2025 Schedule with 7-Game Home Opener Stretch

UC Irvine men’s soccer kicks off its 2025 season with a strong home stand, opening with an exhibition match vs. Cal Poly Pomona on August 16 and a regular-season debut against powerhouse UCLA on August 21.

  • The Anteaters will play their first seven matches at home, facing high-level programs including Cornell, North Florida, and Yale.

  • Head Coach Yossi Raz emphasized building a tough schedule, including matchups with national title contenders Cal State LA and San Diego.

  • Big West play begins in October, featuring home games against UC San Diego, Cal Poly, and others, with the regular season ending November 1 against UC Riverside. The Big West Tournament runs from November 6–16.

UCI Anteaters Upcoming Home Games

We will resume with UCI’s athletic calendar events when the schedule is available for the fall quarter.

🏐⚽🏀 Upcoming home games for the IVC LASERS 

We will resume with IVC’s athletic calendar events when the schedule is available for the fall semester.

San Juan Hills Standout Mason Hodges Signs with UC Irvine Basketball

Mason Hodges, standout forward from San Juan Hills High School, is headed to UC Irvine for the 2025–26 basketball season after a record-breaking high school career.

  • He became San Juan Hills’ all-time leading scorer (1,604 points) and rebounder (874), averaging 24.2 points per game in his senior year and earning first team All-CIF Division 2AA honors.

  • He plans to redshirt his first year at UCI, learning from teammates and coaches while building strength and athleticism.

  • Inspired by past UCI redshirts like Jurian Dixon, Hodges hopes to contribute in future seasons and help lead the Anteaters to a Big West title and March Madness berth.

We will resume with the high school athletic calendar events when the schedule is available for the fall semester.

Irvine Police Arrest Suspect Following High-Speed Attempt to Evade in Lamborghini

Irvine Police apprehended a suspect who attempted to evade officers in a high-performance Lamborghini. The individual fled upon noticing police presence but was later located and arrested at a residence. The vehicle was impounded, and the suspect was transported to Orange County Jail.

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

July 12 CorePower Yoga: Summer Yoga on The Lawn 9:30 – 10:30 AM

July 12 Woodbridge Concert on the Lake 5:30 - 7:30 PM

July 12 - 13 Woodbury Town Center: Summer Makers Mart 10:00 – 4:00 PM

July 13 Pop-up Library 1 - 4 PM

July 26 Umami Summerfest 11 AM - 7 PM

July 27 Umami Summerfest 11 am - 6 pm

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