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Early Voting Begins for Irvine's April 15 Special Municipal Election

Issue # 0372

Author

Joshua Tjia
26 Mar

In this Irvine Insider Issue . . .

😁 Laugh Of The Day

🌤️ Irvine Weather

🗳️🏙️ Early Voting Begins for Irvine's April 15 Special Municipal Election

🏓 Meet, Compete, and Play: Pickleball for Local Adults

🚧 Phase 2 of Irvine Civic Center Parking Lot Project Underway, Completion Expected by July

🍓🍰🍓 New & Returning Strawberry Treats Now Available at 85°C Bakery Cafe

🚌✏️ IUSD Offers Mental Health Support as Spring Break Approaches

🤧 Managing Seasonal Allergies: Common Symptoms, Home Remedies, and Warning Signs

🦆🥞 Celebrate Earth Day with Sea and Sage Audubon at the San Joaquin Wildlife Sanctuary – April 27

🎨 Annual High School Art Exhibition Returns to Irvine City Hall with Works from Seven Local Schools

🎼🎼 Upcoming High School Music Calendar

🐕‍🦺🐾 How to Tell If Your Dog Is Stressed—And What You Can Do About It

🤽‍♀️ UC Irvine Women’s Water Polo Defeats Brown 20-9, Extends Win Streak to Eight

🏀🏐🎾⚾ UCI Anteaters Upcoming Home Games

🎾 IVC Men’s Tennis Tops Fullerton 7-2, Preps for Key Week Ahead

🏀🏀 Upcoming home games for the IVC LASERS

⚾️ Irvine Baseball Defeats University 4-1 for Third Straight League Win

🏈🎾 High School Athletics Calendar

🚗 🚓 Street Racers Caught Red-Handed by Irvine Police, Cars Impounded for 30 Days

🍏🥭🍑 Local Farmers Markets

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

📅📅 Lots of Local Events

📞💡 Useful Contact Information

What did one root vegetable say to the other when it misplaced its keys?

I'm sure they'll turnip.

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

Early Voting Begins for Irvine's April 15 Special Municipal Election

Early voting has started for the April 15 Special Municipal Election to fill the Council District 5 seat (term ending 2026), covering Woodbridge, University Park, Rancho San Joaquin, and parts of Westpark.

  • Voters can drop off completed ballots at Rancho Senior Center or University Park Library, or mail them (no postage needed).

  • Vote Centers will open at Irvine Civic Center (April 5) and University Community Center (April 12).

  • The voter registration deadline is March 31—register or check status at ocvote.com.

  • More info: cityofirvine.org/election and cityofirvine.org/yourdistrict.

Meet, Compete, and Play: Pickleball for Local Adults

Join Adult "Live" Pickleball sessions on Mondays, April 21 and May 12, from 6:30–8:00 p.m. at North Lake Tennis Club.

  • Ideal for 3.0–4.5 level players, sessions include round robin play, point-play, and drills based on turnout.

  • $29 per person per session.

  • Limited space—bring a paddle, water, and wear tennis shoes.

  • To sign up, visit the Community Center at 31 Creek Road, or call (949) 786-1800 during regular business hours.

Phase 2 of Irvine Civic Center Parking Lot Project Underway, Completion Expected by July

The City of Irvine is continuing upgrades to the Civic Center Parking Lot. Phase 2, now in progress, includes storm drain upgrades, water quality units, underground conduits for future solar carports, and new planter curbs.

  • About 150 parking spaces at the Civic Center and ICDC will be impacted for around four weeks (weather permitting), with work happening Monday–Saturday, 7 a.m.–7 p.m.

  • Alternate parking is available off Harvard Ave and San Juan.

  • Access to City Hall and ICDC remains open.

  • The project will occur in six phases to reduce disruption, with Cool Pavement and restriping planned before solar carport installation in 2026. Full project completion is expected by July.

  • More info: lnks.gd/2/323nr8j.

New & Returning Strawberry Treats Now Available at 85°C Bakery Cafe

85°C Bakery Cafe is celebrating strawberry season with new and returning treats! They’re introducing the Strawberry de Leche Cake, a creamy, fluffy dessert layered with sweet strawberries, and giving the classic Strawberry Danish a fresh twist with added cream. Fan-favorites like the Strawberry de Leche Drink, packed with juicy strawberry chunks, and the Strawberry Matcha Latte, a perfect blend of matcha and strawberry, are also back. These seasonal treats are available now at all store locations, perfect for celebrating the flavors of strawberry season.

IUSD Offers Mental Health Support as Spring Break Approaches

As Spring Break and the final stretch of the school year approach, IUSD reminds families to take a moment to breathe, practice mindfulness, and explore the mental health and academic resources available. Mental health services include school-based individual/group counseling, short-term therapy through the Family Counseling Center, and referrals to community-based resources—delivered by trained counselors or licensed professionals.

Learn more at iusd.org/MentalHealth.

Managing Seasonal Allergies: Common Symptoms, Home Remedies, and Warning Signs

Spring allergies are in full swing, with common symptoms like sneezing, dry cough, runny or stuffy nose, and itchy eyes—sometimes leading to fatigue.

  • Remedies include nasal rinses, vitamin D, showering after being outdoors, air purifiers, and over-the-counter antihistamines.

  • If symptoms persist for more than a week or are joined by headache, sinus pressure, dark nasal discharge, dizziness, or fever, it's a good idea to seek medical attention for further evaluation.

Celebrate Earth Day with Sea and Sage Audubon at the San Joaquin Wildlife Sanctuary – April 27

Celebrate Earth Day at the Second Annual Sea and Sage Audubon Earth Day on Sunday, April 27, from 10 AM to 2 PM at The Learning Center (IRWD), 15 Riparian View, Irvine, CA.

  • Enjoy a free, reservation-only event featuring a continental breakfast, a talk on marsh wildlife by raptor expert Scott Thomas, a nature walk, and a live Birds of Prey demonstration.

  • Check-in starts at 10 AM; space is limited, and reservations are required by April 20.

  • For questions, email Melissa Rapp at [email protected].

Annual High School Art Exhibition Returns to Irvine City Hall with Works from Seven Local Schools

Celebrate the creativity of Irvine’s youth at the annual High School Art Exhibition opening April 7 at Irvine City Hall, featuring student artwork in photography, painting, ceramics, and more from Beckman, Crean Lutheran, Irvine, Northwood, Portola, University, and Woodbridge high schools. Juried by Marinta Skupin, former Laguna Art Museum curator, the show highlights diverse styles and fresh perspectives.

Attend the free opening reception on Thursday, April 24 from 4:30–6:30 p.m. and support the next generation of artists.

Upcoming Northwood High School’s Music Calendar

  1. March 26, 7:00-8:30 PM: IUSD Wind Ensemble Festival

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. April 17, 7:00 PM: IUSD Honors Concert, Segerstrom 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. April 17, 7:00 PM: IUSD Honors Concert, Segerstrom Concert Hall.

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

Upcoming Irvine High School's Music Calendar

  1. March 26, 7:00-9:00 PM: IUSD Wind Ensemble Festival

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

How to Tell If Your Dog Is Stressed—And What You Can Do About It

Dogs experience stress just like humans, but they show it in subtle ways such as pacing, whining, yawning, drooling, pinned ears, rigid posture, excessive shedding, panting, and GI issues. Avoidance, hiding, and escape behaviors are also common. Understanding your dog’s normal behavior helps spot stress signals.

  • To help, remove them from the stressor, offer calm distractions (like treats or commands), and avoid excessive comforting.

  • Frequent stress may require a vet check and possible behavioral support.

  • Physical exercise and a safe, quiet retreat at home can also help reduce anxiety.

UC Irvine Women’s Water Polo Defeats Brown 20-9, Extends Win Streak to Eight

No. 8/7 UC Irvine women's water polo dominated No. 22/22 Brown with a 20-9 win at Anteater Aquatics Complex, improving to 12-9 on the season and extending their win streak to eight. Nioka Thomas led with four goals on perfect shooting, along with three drawn exclusions, two steals, and an assist. Lauren Hett and Madi O'Hara added hat tricks, while Maja Layden and Libby Alexander scored twice. Goalies Ella Walker and Rachel Kirchner combined for nine saves. UCI was perfect on five-meter shots (3-3), while Brown went 0-2. Next up: UCI hosts No. 19/18 UC Santa Barbara on Friday, March 28 at 12:00 PM.

UCI Anteaters Upcoming Home Games

Women's Tennis

  • Thu, Mar 27 – vs UC San Diego, 11:00 AM

  • Thu, Mar 27 – vs Stanton, 3:00 PM

Women's Water Polo

  • Fri, Mar 28 – vs UC Santa Barbara, 12:00 PM

Baseball

  • Fri, Mar 28 – vs UC Riverside, 6:00 PM

Men's Track & Field

  • Fri, Mar 28 – vs Vince O'Boyle Track & Field Classic, TBA

Women's Track & Field

  • Fri, Mar 28 – vs Vince O'Boyle Track & Field Classic, TBA

IVC Men’s Tennis Tops Fullerton 7-2, Preps for Key Week Ahead

After rain delays and spring break, Irvine Valley College men's tennis returned strong with a 7-2 win over Fullerton on Friday. Ranked No. 4 in the state and second in the Orange Empire Conference (OEC), the Lasers improved to 6-1 overall and 4-1 in conference play. They swept all three doubles matches and secured four singles victories on courts 3–6, with standout straight-set wins from freshmen Nicholas Villar, Jonathan Hinkel, Sam Shakiba, and Kei Ohya. The Lasers now gear up to host Linfield College on Wednesday at 10 a.m., followed by a critical OEC title matchup vs. Riverside on Thursday at 2 p.m.

🏐⚽🏀 Upcoming home games for the IVC LASERS 

Men's Tennis

  1. Wed, Mar 26 – vs Linfield College, 10:00 AM

Women's Flag Football

  1. Wed, Mar 26 – vs Saddleback

Baseball

  1. Sat, Mar 29 – vs Saddleback, 12:00 PM

Men's Volleyball

  1. Fri, Mar 28 – vs San Diego Miramar, 6:00 PM

Irvine Baseball Defeats University 4-1 for Third Straight League Win

Irvine High School's baseball team earned its third straight Pacific Coast League win with a 4-1 victory over University on Tuesday. Drake Brito pitched six strong innings for the win, with Ethan Kim closing for the save. Alex Cho led Irvine’s offense, going 3-for-3 with two RBIs and a run. The Vaqueros tallied 11 hits but left eight runners on base. University scored once in the fourth but couldn’t capitalize late despite a promising seventh inning. Both coaches praised their teams, with University’s Coach Anderson looking ahead to Thursday’s rematch, where ace Andrew Shean—who recently pitched a no-hitter—will start for Uni.

High School Athletics Calendar

** Updated With March Schedule

Upcoming Irvine High School’s Varsity home games:

March 2025

Wednesday, March 26

  • 3:00 PM – Tennis (Boys, VR) vs El Toro at Irvine High School Heritage Park

  • 3:30 PM – Swimming & Diving (Boys, VR) vs Woodbridge at Woolett Pool

  • 3:30 PM – Swimming & Diving (Girls, VR) vs Woodbridge at Woolett Pool

  • 4:00 PM – Lacrosse (Girls, VR) vs University at Irvine High School Stadium

  • 6:30 PM – Volleyball Scrimmage (Boys, VR) vs Alumni at Irvine High School Practice Gym

  • 7:00 PM – Lacrosse (Boys, VR) vs Northwood at Irvine High School Stadium

Street Racers Caught Red-Handed by Irvine Police, Cars Impounded for 30 Days

Two drivers were caught street racing near Von Karman and McGaw— they sped right past a marked Irvine police car. Officers quickly stopped them, issued citations, and impounded their vehicles for 30 days.

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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