• Irvine Insider
  • Posts
  • Enjoy a Free Evening of Handbell Music at Concordia Irvine This Saturday

Enjoy a Free Evening of Handbell Music at Concordia Irvine This Saturday

Issue # 0623

Author

Joshua Tjia
01 May

In this Irvine Insider Issue . . .

😁 Laugh of the Day

🌤️ Irvine Weather

🎵🎶 Enjoy a Free Evening of Handbell Music at Concordia Irvine This Saturday

🚧🚸  Public Workshop Set to Discuss Safety Changes on Campus Drive, May 13

✈️🏗️ Flying Leatherneck Aviation Museum to Open at Irvine Great Park in 2027

💛🍨🥭 Try Fresh Mango Desserts and Drinks at Hui Lau Shan

🎶🎠 Toddlers & Tunes Returns May 5 with Free Family Fun at Irvine Spectrum Center

🩺 Type 2 Diabetes: Symptoms and Steps to Prevent It

🌅🌱 Enjoy a Sunset Adventure: Join a Scenic Orchard Hills Hike on May 12

🎨🏀 A Creative Day Out: Free Basketball-Themed Art Fun for All Ages on May 17

🎼🎼 Upcoming High School Music Calendar

🐈 Shy but Sweet 5-Year-Old Cat Cali Seeks Loving Home in Irvine

🎾 UCI Men’s Tennis: Sakagawa Named Big West Player of the Year, Five Earn Honors

🏀🏐🎾⚽️ UCI Anteaters Upcoming Home Games

🎾 IVC Tennis Player Jonathan Hinkel Wins 2026 ITA Arthur Ashe Leadership Award

🏀🏀 Upcoming home games for the IVC LASERS

⚾️ Irvine Baseball Defeats Laguna Beach 6-0, Keeps PCL Title Hopes Alive

🏈🎾 High School Athletics Calendar

🚔 Two Arrested in Irvine for Repeated LEGO Return Scam Across Multiple Stores

🍏🥭🍑 Local Farmers Markets

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

📅📅 Lots of Local Events

📞💡 Useful Contact Information

Why did the radish whisper?

Because he was a hoarse radish!

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

Enjoy a Free Evening of Handbell Music at Concordia Irvine This Saturday

Enjoy an evening of music as the Concordia Community Handbell Ensemble presents A Tapestry of Harmonies on Saturday, May 2, from 7–8 p.m. at Zhang Hall at Concordia University Irvine. This free concert features a mix of classic favorites and modern handbell pieces. Made up of local adult musicians, the ensemble brings the community together through fun and uplifting performances.

Public Workshop Set to Discuss Safety Changes on Campus Drive, May 13

The City of Irvine will host a public kickoff workshop on Wednesday, May 13 from 6–8 p.m. for the Campus Drive Complete Streets & Safety Study, which aims to improve safety and mobility along Campus Drive between University Drive and Turtle Rock Drive. With one of the city’s highest crash rates and heavy pedestrian and micromobility use, the study will explore new design solutions to better balance the needs of all road users.

Flying Leatherneck Aviation Museum to Open at Irvine Great Park in 2027

The City of Irvine has announced that the Flying Leatherneck Aviation Museum is planned to open at the Great Park in spring 2027 as part of the Great Park Framework Plan. The Marine Corps Aviation Museum is expected to feature over 40 restored aircrafts and serve as an educational space with STEAM-focused programs for youth and college students. It will also have on-site research library containing books, photos, patches, and other materials highlighting the history of Marine Corps aviation.

Try Fresh Mango Desserts and Drinks at Hui Lau Shan

Hui Lau Shan is a popular Hong Kong-style dessert shop known for its refreshing fruit-based treats, drinks, and jellies, with a focus on mango and other fresh ingredients. Guests can enjoy favorites like mango sago, mango pomelo drinks and desserts, fruit teas, smoothies, chewy jelly drinks, and their fluffy Hong Kong-style pancakes—perfect for a light, sweet treat. It’s a great spot to cool off and try something different—be sure to stop by and try out their location in Irvine.

Toddlers & Tunes Returns May 5 with Free Family Fun at Irvine Spectrum Center

Join the monthly “Toddlers & Tunes” event at the Irvine Spectrum Center from 10 a.m. to 12 p.m., with the next event on Tuesday, May 5. Families can enjoy free carousel rides, kid-friendly games, and an interactive DJ in a fun, welcoming setting. Special same-day deals include discounted treats and meals at select shops like Handel’s Ice Cream, Luna Grill, and more.

Type 2 Diabetes: Symptoms and Steps to Prevent It

Type 2 diabetes is a widespread condition that often develops quietly but can lead to serious long-term health issues if not addressed early. Understanding how it affects the body and taking proactive steps can help reduce risks and support better overall health outcomes.

What it is

  • A chronic condition where the body can’t properly manage blood sugar (glucose)

Early signs to watch for

  • Frequent urination (especially at night)

  • Constant thirst or dry mouth

  • Unexplained weight loss

  • Blurred vision

  • Slow-healing wounds or frequent infections

  • Tingling or numbness in hands and feet

Why it matters

  • Can lead to heart disease, kidney problems, vision loss, and more if untreated

How to prevent it

  • Eat a balanced, whole-food diet

  • Exercise regularly (about 150 minutes per week)

  • Maintain a healthy weight

  • Get regular check-ups and blood tests

  • Manage stress and get good sleep

Enjoy a Sunset Adventure: Join a Scenic Orchard Hills Hike on May 12

Join a sunset hike on May 12, from 6–8 p.m. at Orchard Hills, where participants will enjoy a scenic three-mile loop around an avocado orchard with ridge-top views of Irvine and the Pacific. This moderate hike includes steep climbs and uneven terrain is open to ages 12 and up.

A Creative Day Out: Free Basketball-Themed Art Fun for All Ages on May 17

Join a free, all-ages art workshop on Sunday, May 17, from 1–3 PM at Great Park Blvd in Irvine, celebrating the GAME! Basketball and Contemporary Art exhibition. Visitors can design and customize their own miniature basketball hoop and ball set using fun materials provided, creating a unique, playable piece of art. This drop-in event is perfect for families and friends looking for a creative, hands-on experience—no registration required.

Upcoming Northwood High School’s Music Calendar

  1. May 15, 5:00-8:00 PM: Jazz at the Oaks, NHS

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

Upcoming Woodbridge High School’s Vocal Music Calendar

  1. May 9, 7:00 PM: Open Mic Night, Black Box

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

Upcoming Irvine High Choral’s Music Calendar

  1. May 9: Glendale Festival, Glendale HS

For the latest updates or additional details, please visit https://www.ihschoralmusic.org/calendar.html 

Upcoming Portola High School Music’s Calendar

  1. May 1, 7:00 - 9:00 PM: Portola High School Jazz Night, Portola High Amphitheater

  2. May 14 - 15: PORCHELLA 2026, Portola High Amphitheater

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

Shy but Sweet 5-Year-Old Cat Cali Seeks Loving Home in Irvine

Meet Cali, a 5-year-old spayed gray tabby Domestic Shorthair looking for a forever home. She is sweet and friendly with a shy side, preferring a calm, quiet home and a patient adopter who will give her time to settle in. Once comfortable, Cali becomes very affectionate and enjoys being petted and brushed, and she would do best in a cat-savvy household with children over age eight, where she can become a loyal and loving companion.

UCI Men’s Tennis: Sakagawa Named Big West Player of the Year, Five Earn Honors

UC Irvine men’s tennis player Hiroki Sakagawa was named Big West Player of the Year, and five Anteaters earned all-conference honors. Sakagawa had a 14-3 record and helped UCI go 5-1 in conference play as the team shared the Big West title.

UCI Anteaters Upcoming Home Games

Women's Track & Field

  • Fri, May 1 - Steve Scott Invitational, 11:00 AM

Men’s Track & Field

  • Fri, May 1 - Steve Scott Invitational, 11:00 AM

Baseball

  • Fri, May 1 - Cal Poly, 6:00 PM

IVC Tennis Player Jonathan Hinkel Wins 2026 ITA Arthur Ashe Leadership Award

The Intercollegiate Tennis Association named Jonathan Hinkel of Irvine Valley College the 2026 Arthur Ashe Leadership & Sportsmanship Award winner after helping lead the team to back-to-back state championships, including a 5-0 win over Foothill College in the final. A team captain from Corona del Mar High School, Hinkel went undefeated in singles during the regular season, excelled in doubles, and was also recognized for his leadership, youth coaching, and volunteer work in the community.

🏐⚽🏀 Upcoming home games for the IVC LASERS 

Women's Flag Football

  • Fri, May 1 - Cypress, 3:00 PM

Irvine Baseball Defeats Laguna Beach 6-0, Keeps PCL Title Hopes Alive

Irvine’s baseball team defeated Laguna Beach 6-0 to move into second place in the Pacific Coast League, staying one game behind Woodbridge with one league game remaining.

High School Athletics Calendar

**

Updated With May Schedule

Upcoming Irvine High School’s Varsity home games:

May 2026

Tuesday, May 5

  • Baseball - 3:30 PM vs Orange

Two Arrested in Irvine for Repeated LEGO Return Scam Across Multiple Stores

The Irvine Police Department arrested two individuals after they purchased LEGO sets, removed the minifigures, and returned the boxes for refunds at a Target store. Further investigation revealed the pair carried out the same scheme at five additional stores that day, and a search of their vehicle uncovered stolen LEGO pieces; Adriana Esquerra Gonzalez, 29, and Luis Alfredo Quintanilla Pompa, 30, both of Tijuana, were taken into custody on shoplifting charges.

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

May 2 La La Land Grand Opening 8 AM - 10 PM

May 2 CicloIrvine 11 AM - 4 PM

May 9 Splash into Safety 5:30 PM

We could use your help

We’ve got big plans as we get up to speed! But we need your help!

One huge way that you can help us is to spread the word for us.

Know somebody who lives in the Irvine and surrounding areas and would benefit from being kept in the know?

Please share Irvine Insider with them! It’s simple!