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Discover What’s New at the Library: Meet Your Librarians at Heritage Park on May 10

Issue # 0393

Author

Joshua Tjia
24 Apr

In this Irvine Insider Issue . . .

😁 Laugh Of The Day

🌤️ Irvine Weather

📚📗 Discover What’s New at the Library: Meet Your Librarians at Heritage Park on May 10

🚠🏞️ Irvine Authorizes Preliminary Negotiations for Proposed Gondola Transit System at Great Park

🏍️🚓 Irvine Police Hosting Motorcycle Safety Class on May 10; Registration Now Open

🚧 Roadwork at Jeffrey & Alton Set for April 23–25, Completion Expected This Spring

🚆 Metrolink Offers Free Rides for SoCal Students Through June 2025

🔬⭐️ IUSD Students Earn Top Honors at 2025 California State Science and Engineering Fair

🌱🤧 How to Manage Spring Allergies: Tips for Relief and Prevention

🌾🧤 Volunteer at the Native Seed Farm on April 25 to Support Irvine’s Wildlands

🎻🎶 Join Pacific Symphony for “Echoes of Times” Chamber Concert on May 4

🎼🎼 Upcoming High School Music Calendar

🌰🐈‍⬛ Meet Chestnut: Affectionate Cat Available for Adoption at Irvine Animal Care Center

⚾️ UC Irvine’s Hansen and Brooks Earn Anteaters of the Week After Back-to-Back Baseball Shutouts

🏀🏐🎾⚾ UCI Anteaters Upcoming Home Games

🏀🏀 Upcoming home games for the IVC LASERS

⚾️ Irvine Baseball’s Drake Brito Throws No-Hitter in 4–0 Win Over Sage Hill

🏈🎾 High School Athletics Calendar

🚔💳 Police Seek Suspects in Trader Joe’s Wallet Theft and Credit Card Fraud

🍏🥭🍑 Local Farmers Markets

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

📅📅 Lots of Local Events

📞💡 Useful Contact Information

Why don't skeletons go on vacation during spring break?

They have no body to go with!

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

Discover What’s New at the Library: Meet Your Librarians at Heritage Park on May 10

Join the Irvine Public Library for Meet Your Librarians on Saturday, May 10, from 2 to 4 p.m. at Heritage Park Community Center. This family-friendly event offers a chance to meet the new library staff, discover upcoming services, and enjoy fun, library-themed activities along with special storytime sessions.

Irvine Authorizes Preliminary Negotiations for Proposed Gondola Transit System at Great Park

Irvine's Great Park Board has voted 5-1 to begin contract negotiations with Swyft Cities, a startup aiming to install a gondola-style transit system over the 1,300-acre Great Park. The proposed system would provide aerial transit between key park locations and marks the first public system of its kind in the U.S. Swyft Cities is offering a $10 million, one-year trial covering limited operations. However, councilmembers raised red flags about safety, maintenance, transparency, and Swyft’s lack of operational history. While the city is only entering negotiations for now, officials say future agreements would address liability, durability, and fiscal risks before implementation.

Irvine Police Hosting Motorcycle Safety Class on May 10; Registration Now Open

The Irvine Police Department's Traffic Bureau is offering a motorcycle safety training class on May 10.

  • Limited spots remain, and registration is required. Interested participants may email [email protected] to receive the application.

  • Riders must hold a valid M-1 license, current insurance, and use a safe, inspected bike.

  • Safety gear, including a DOT-approved helmet, gloves, closed-toe riding shoes, and pants, is mandatory.

Roadwork at Jeffrey & Alton Set for April 23–25, Completion Expected This Spring

Roadwork is underway at the intersection of Jeffrey Road and Alton Parkway as part of a widening project aimed at improving traffic flow and signal timing. Asphalt removal and replacement will occur until April 25, between 9 a.m. and 3 p.m. The full project is expected to finish this spring.

Metrolink Offers Free Rides for SoCal Students Through June 2025

Metrolink is offering free train rides to current Southern California students through June 30, with the Student Adventure Pass.

  • Eligibility: All current students in Southern California.

  • What’s Included: Free Metrolink rides plus transfers on most connecting transit.

  • How to Get It:

    • Download the Metrolink app

    • Register with your student email

    • Verify your account and access the pass in the Ticket Wallet

  • What You Need: Activate the pass before boarding and show a valid student ID when asked.

  • Where It Works: Covers six counties and serves schools like UC Riverside, Cal State Fullerton, and Cal Poly Pomona.

  • Feedback: Students are encouraged to complete a short survey to help improve the program.

IUSD Students Earn Top Honors at 2025 California State Science and Engineering Fair

IUSD students achieved outstanding results at the 2025 State Science and Engineering Fair, with 10 students placing in the top four of their respective divisions. Many others received honorable mentions and sponsored awards. This event marks the final science fair of the year for grades 6–12. Congratulations to all students who participated throughout the season!

More details can be found at iusd.org/CAScienceFair2025.

How to Manage Spring Allergies: Tips for Relief and Prevention

Spring brings pollen—and for many, that means sneezing, congestion, and itchy eyes. These symptoms occur when your immune system overreacts to harmless pollen from trees, grasses, and weeds.

Who’s at Risk?

  • People with asthma, eczema, or other allergies

  • Those with a family history of allergic conditions

  • Individuals exposed to high pollen levels

Simple Ways to Manage Symptoms

  • Use air purifiers and keep windows closed

  • Shower after spending time outdoors

  • Track pollen counts and limit outdoor activity when levels are high

  • Rinse your sinuses with saline

  • Eat a diet rich in fruits and vegetables

  • Ask your doctor about allergy shots for long-term relief

Volunteer at the Native Seed Farm on April 25 to Support Irvine’s Wildlands

Join the Irvine Ranch Conservancy for a hands-on volunteer event at the Native Seed Farm on Friday, April 25, from 8:00 AM to 11:00 AM. Volunteers will help with seasonal farm tasks like planting, seed collecting, nursery care, and maintaining the native demo garden. This is a Level 2 difficulty stewardship activity involving physical tasks such as bending and crouching.

Join Pacific Symphony for “Echoes of Times” Chamber Concert on May 4

Join us for Echoes of Times on Sunday, May 4, at 3:00 PM at Samueli Theater for an unforgettable afternoon of chamber music. Experience the beauty of Reena Esmail’s The Light is The Same, the elegance of Debussy’s Sonata for Flute, Viola, and Harp, and the spiritual depth of Messiaen’s Quartet for the End of Time. Enjoy this unique concert in a cozy, coffee-house atmosphere—sip coffee, savor desserts, and let host Orli Shaham guide you through a timeless musical journey.

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

Meet Chestnut: Affectionate Cat Available for Adoption at Irvine Animal Care Center

Meet Chestnut, a playful and affectionate cat looking for her forever home at the Irvine Animal Care Center. She loves sunbathing, chasing toys, and receiving ear scratches. If you're searching for a sweet, snuggly companion, stop by during weekday adoption hours (12–5 p.m.) to see if she's your perfect match. More adoptable pets available at cityofirvine.org/animals.

UC Irvine’s Hansen and Brooks Earn Anteaters of the Week After Back-to-Back Baseball Shutouts

UC Irvine sophomores Trevor Hansen and Ryder Brooks were named co-Sgt. Pepperoni’s Anteater of the Week after pitching back-to-back complete game shutouts to sweep Hawai’i. Hansen struck out 10 and allowed only three hits in Friday’s 4-0 win, while Brooks also fanned 10 and gave up just two hits in Saturday’s 5-0 victory. The pair became only the third duo in program history to achieve consecutive shutouts. The Anteaters head to Cal Poly for their next series, April 25–27.

UCI Anteaters Upcoming Home Games

Women's Water Polo

  • Fri, Apr 25 – vs UC Santa Barbara, Big West Championship, 4:30 PM

🏐⚽🏀 Upcoming home games for the IVC LASERS 

Women's Beach Volleyball

  • Fri, Apr 25 Orange Empire Conference Pairs (Quarterfinals through Consolations and Finals)

Baseball

  • Thu, Apr 24 – vs Orange Coast*, 2:00 PM

Irvine Baseball’s Drake Brito Throws No-Hitter in 4–0 Win Over Sage Hill

Irvine High School senior Drake Brito threw a no-hitter in a 4-0 win over Sage Hill in Pacific Coast League play on Wednesday. Brito struck out eight and walked three in a complete game, with strong support from catcher Nico Macalino. The Vaqueros offense tallied 11 hits, led by Evan Tamayo (2-for-3, double, RBI), Jack Dressendorfer (2-for-3, RBI), and Owen Featherston (2-for-3, run). Coach Gabriel Cota praised the team's performance and pitching coach Lee Cusey’s game-calling. Irvine now stands 13-12 overall and 8-4 in league, with two games remaining against St. Margaret’s.

High School Athletics Calendar

** Updated With April Schedule

Upcoming Irvine High School’s Varsity home games:

April 2025

Monday, April 28

  • Boys' Tennis (VR) – 3:00 PM vs. Canyon/Anaheim at Irvine High School Heritage Park

  • Softball (VR) – 3:30 PM vs. Rosary Academy at Irvine High School Softball Field

Police Seek Suspects in Trader Joe’s Wallet Theft and Credit Card Fraud

Irvine Police are seeking help identifying two men suspected of stealing a wallet at Trader Joe’s (4225 Campus Dr.) and using the victim’s credit card to buy a phone at Best Buy. Anyone with information is encouraged to contact Officer Voigt 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

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