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Eight New Pickleball Courts Coming to Mike Ward Community Park in Irvine

Issue # 0557

Author

Joshua Tjia
28 Jan

In this Irvine Insider Issue . . .

😁 Laugh of the Day

🌤️ Irvine Weather

🎊🏓 Eight New Pickleball Courts Coming to Mike Ward Community Park in Irvine

☕️🎹 Relax with Coffee and Live Chamber Music at America 250

🌱🍅 Get Ready for Spring Planting with IRWD's Free Gardening Class

☀️🚌 Orange County’s Biggest Free Summer Camp Expo Comes to Irvine Great Park

♻️📚 IUSD Hosts Recycling Drive Challenge on Feb. 21

😷🫐 Boosting Immunity This Winter: Supplements Worth Knowing About

🌅🥾 Catch the Sunset on a Guided Evening Hike at Orchard Hills, Feb. 4

🎷🎶 New Orleans Jazz Comes Alive at the Barclay with Preservation Hall Jazz Band

🎼🎼 Upcoming High School Music Calendar

🐕 Crate Training 101: Helping Your Dog Feel Safe & Comfortable

🏐 UC Irvine Men’s Volleyball Sweeps Big West Weekly Awards After BYU Wins

🏀🏐🎾⚽️ UCI Anteaters Upcoming Home Games

🏀🏀 Upcoming home games for the IVC LASERS

🏀 Crean Lutheran Boys Basketball Downs La Habra 76–67 in Title-Chasing Win

🏈🎾 High School Athletics Calendar

🚓🛒 Irvine Police Arrest Man After Walmart Shoplifting and Brief Foot Pursuit

🍏🥭🍑 Local Farmers Markets

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

📅📅 Lots of Local Events

📞💡 Useful Contact Information

Why shouldn’t you fall in love with a pastry chef?

He’ll dessert you.

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

Eight New Pickleball Courts Coming to Mike Ward Community Park in Irvine

The City of Irvine will celebrate the opening of eight new lighted pickleball courts at Mike Ward Community Park — Woodbridge with a ribbon-cutting event on Tuesday, February 3, from 3–5 p.m., featuring remarks from City leaders and scheduled gameplay.

  • The project also includes shade structures, seating, water refill stations, restroom and lighting upgrades, landscaping improvements, and a sound-dampening barrier to reduce noise.

  • The courts add to Irvine’s growing pickleball offerings and will be available daily for drop-in play, reservations, and programs.

  • Registration will be available at yourirvine.org.

Relax with Coffee and Live Chamber Music at America 250

Enjoy a relaxed afternoon of chamber music at America 250 on Sunday, Feb. 15, at 3 p.m. at Cafe Ludwig in the Samueli Theater. Pianist and host Orli Shaham guides the audience through music by American composers John Adams, Paul Schoenfield, and Kenji Bunch, plus Dvořák’s popular “American” Quartet, all while guests enjoy coffee and desserts in an intimate setting.

Get Ready for Spring Planting with IRWD's Free Gardening Class

Learn how to grow a successful home garden at the free Growfood740 Edible Gardening Workshop on Saturday, Feb. 7, from 10–11:30 a.m. at IRWD Headquarters in Irvine. This beginner-friendly class covers when to plant, how to start seeds, and when to harvest spring and summer vegetables, plus includes a live planting demo and Q&A.

Orange County’s Biggest Free Summer Camp Expo Comes to Irvine Great Park

The Irvine Camp Fair is a live, in-person summer camp expo happening Sunday, February 22, from 12–3 p.m. at Hangar 244 at the Great Park.

  • Orange County’s largest summer camp fair will feature over 60 day, overnight, specialty, sports, STEM, arts, and adventure camps for kids ages 3–17, all under one roof.

  • Families can meet camp directors, explore hands-on activities, learn about discounts and scholarships, collect brochures and swag, and enjoy games, raffles, and kid-friendly fun—making it an easy, one-stop way to find the perfect summer camp.

  • Admission and parking are free, and one ticket covers the whole family.

IUSD Hosts Recycling Drive Challenge on Feb. 21

Irvine Unified School District, in partnership with the City of Irvine, is hosting a Recycling Drive Challenge on Friday, Feb. 21, from 9 a.m. to 12 p.m. at the IUSD District Office.

  • Students are invited to bring mixed wastepaper, CRV cans and bottles, food and beverage cartons, and e-waste to help their schools earn cash prizes, with rewards based on CRV and e-waste collected.

  • Items must be emptied, properly bagged, and sorted, with some restrictions.

  • It’s an easy way for students to support their schools and give recyclables a second life.

Boosting Immunity This Winter: Supplements Worth Knowing About

Winter can put extra stress on your immune system, and along with healthy habits like good nutrition and hygiene, certain supplements may help support your body’s natural defenses. UCI Health infectious disease expert Dr. Shruti Gohil shared insight on supplements that may offer added immune support during the colder months.

Tips & Supplements to Know:

  • Zinc: Helps immune cells function properly and may reduce the severity or duration of illness.

  • Vitamin D: Supports innate immunity by activating antimicrobial defenses and helping regulate immune responses.

  • Elderberry: Commonly used to support immune health and help the body respond to seasonal illness.

  • Echinacea: May help stimulate immune activity and support the body during periods of increased exposure to germs.

Catch the Sunset on a Guided Evening Hike at Orchard Hills, Feb. 4

Join the City of Irvine for a Sunset Hike in Orchard Hills on Wednesday, Feb. 4, from 4–6 p.m., featuring a scenic 3-mile loop around an avocado orchard with sweeping ridge-top views of Irvine and the Pacific coastline. This hike includes steep climbs, uneven terrain, and 800 feet of elevation gain. Grab your hiking shoes and enjoy a rewarding evening on the trails as the sun sets.

New Orleans Jazz Comes Alive at the Barclay with Preservation Hall Jazz Band

The world-renowned Preservation Hall Jazz Band returns to Irvine Barclay Theatre on Sunday, February 22, at 5 p.m., bringing the soulful, joyful sound of New Orleans jazz back to the stage. A beloved Barclay favorite for more than two decades and appearing for the 23rd time, the legendary ensemble will fill the theater with timeless rhythms and infectious energy as part of the venue’s 35th anniversary celebration.

Upcoming Northwood High School’s Music Calendar

  1. February 11-14: Musical -Mean Girls, NHS Theater

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

Upcoming Woodbridge High School's Music Calendar

No further events scheduled for this month.

For the latest updates or additional details, please visit https://www.whs-music.org/

Upcoming Woodbridge High School’s Vocal Music Calendar

  1. February 26-28, TBD: Cinderella, 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. February 21: CSUF SSAA Festival, CSU-Fullerton

  2. February 25-28, 7:00 PM: Seussical, 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 further events scheduled for this month.

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

Crate Training 101: Helping Your Dog Feel Safe & Comfortable

Bringing home a new dog and thinking about crate training? When done gently and positively, crate training can help your dog feel safe, relaxed, and comfortable—like having their own cozy space at home.

Crate Training Tips:

  • 🐶 Crate training can start at any age, and starting early can make things smoother

  • 🐕 Use the crate when you can’t keep an eye on your dog, when guests or other pets are around, or during rest and recovery

  • 🎉 Keep it positive—treats, praise, and patience go a long way

  • 🐾 Give your dog exercise and a potty break before crate time

  • 🏡 Set the crate up in a family area so your dog still feels included

  • 🦴 Add fun or calming items like interactive toys or food puzzles

  • 🌟 Reward calm, quiet moments to reinforce good behavior

  • 💧 A little whining at first is normal—give your dog time to settle

  • 🩺 If your dog seems truly stressed or anxious, take a break and reach out to your vet or a behaviorist for support

UC Irvine Men’s Volleyball Sweeps Big West Weekly Awards After BYU Wins

UC Irvine men’s volleyball swept Big West weekly honors after two road wins at BYU, with William D’Arcy (Offensive Player), Trevor Clark (Defensive Player), and Andrej Jokanovic (Freshman) all recognized.

  • D’Arcy posted a career-high 22 kills

  • Clark anchored the net with clutch blocking and efficient hitting

  • Jokanovic delivered standout all-around performances in both matches

UCI Anteaters Upcoming Home Games

Men’s Basketball

  • Thurs, Jan 29 – vs Hawai'i , 8:00 PM

Men’s Volleyball

  • Fri, Jan 30 – vs Stanford , 6:00 PM

  • Sat, Jan 31 – vs Stanford , 6:00 PM

Men’s Tennis

  • Sat, Jan 31 – vs Grand Canyon , 1:00 PM

🏐⚽🏀 Upcoming home games for the IVC LASERS 

Men's Basketball

  • Wed, Jan 28 - vs Fullerton, 5:00 PM

Women’s Basketball

  • Wed, Jan 28 - vs Fullerton, 7:00 PM

Men's Volleyball

  • Fri, Jan 30 - vs Antelope Valley, 6:00 PM

Baseball

  • Sat, Jan 31 - vs West LA, 12:00 PM

Crean Lutheran Boys Basketball Downs La Habra 76–67 in Title-Chasing Win

Crean Lutheran’s boys basketball team delivered a statement win, defeating La Habra 76–67, led by Chadrack Mpoyi’s dominant 28-point performance. The victory moves the Saints closer to a second straight league title, which they can clinch Friday at home against Foothill.

High School Athletics Calendar

**

Updated With January Schedule

Upcoming Irvine High School’s Varsity home games:

January 2026

Wednesday, January 28

  • Basketball, Girls - 5:30 PM vs Woodbridge

Thursday, January 29

  • Soccer, Boys - 5:00 PM vs Sage Hill

Irvine Police Arrest Man After Walmart Shoplifting and Brief Foot Pursuit

On Saturday, Irvine Police responded to a shoplifting incident at Walmart after a man filled a backpack with merchandise and ran from a loss prevention officer. Dispatchers spotted the suspect hiding in nearby bushes using traffic cameras, and officers arrested the 31-year-old Santa Ana man after a brief foot pursuit. He was booked for shoplifting, resisting arrest, and possession of drug paraphernalia.

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

January 28 Seong-jin Cho, piano 8 PM

February 3 Free Tax Filing Services 12 - 6 PM

February 7 Edible Gardening Workshop 10 - 11:30 AM

February 12 Free Grocery Food Box 9 AM - 12 PM

February 14 Hide & Squeak 6th Anniversary 11 AM - 2 PM

February 14 - 15 Modern Makers Mart: Woodbury Town Center 10 AM - 4 PM

February 15 America 250 3 PM

February 21 IUSD Recycling Event 9 AM - 12 PM

February 21 Lunar New Year 8 PM

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