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Explore, Learn, and Pick: Tanaka Farms Opens Spots for Weekend Strawberry Tours

Issue # 0151

Author

Joshua Tjia
26 Apr

In this Irvine Insider Issue . . .

😁 Laugh Of The Day

🌤️ Irvine Weather

🎭🎨 $40 Million Arts Expansion: OCMD Sets Stage for Growth in Irvine

🚔🚨 Scheduled DUI and Driver's License Checkpoint in Irvine on April 26

🏍️🚓 Enhance Your Riding Skills: Join Irvine's Motorcycle Safety Class

🚎💨 Hop On Board: Irvine CONNECT Offers Free, Accessible Citywide Shuttle Service

🍓🌱🍓 Explore, Learn, and Pick: Tanaka Farms Opens Spots for Weekend Strawberry Tours

♟️🃏 Join the Fun: Board Games for All Ages at Irvine Heritage Park Library on April 28

💊 Revolutionary UCI Study Shows Patient-Specific Antibiotic Plans Curb Resistance

🔥🚒 Join the 2024 Fire Watch Symposium: Uniting Fire Safety Experts in Irvine

✂️🧶 Creative Crafts for Kids: Join Irvine University Park Library’s Monthly Craft Day

🎼🎼 Upcoming High School Music Calendar

🐈🐾 Find Your Purrfect Pal: Debbie Awaits Her Forever Home at Irvine Animal Care Center

🤽‍♀️ UC Irvine Women’s Water Polo Set to Clash with UC Davis in Big West Quarterfinals

🏃🏽‍♂️ UC Irvine Set to Host the Annual Steve Scott Invitational This Weekend

🏀🏐🎾⚾ UCI Anteaters Upcoming Home Games

🏐 Undefeated Streak: Irvine Valley's Marocco and Dews Dominate Beach Volleyball Season

🏀🏀 Upcoming home games for the IVC LASERS

🏐 Crean Lutheran High School's Girls Beach Volleyball Team Advances to CIF Semifinals

⚾️ Northwood High Baseball Outplays Portola, Claims Share of Pacific Coast League Championship

🏈🎾 High School Athletics Calendar

🍏🥭🍑 Local Farmers Markets

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

📅📅 Lots of Local Events

📞💡 Useful Contact Information

A man rode his horse to town on Friday. The next day he rode back on Friday. How is this possible?

The horse’s name was Friday.

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

$40 Million Arts Expansion: OCMD Sets Stage for Growth in Irvine

Orange County Music & Dance (OCMD) is planning a significant expansion by developing a new $40 million facility at Irvine’s Great Park. The new 85,000-square-foot center will include educational spaces, rehearsal rooms, an auditorium, and offices, and could also host other local arts organizations. This facility will replace OCMD’s current 21,000-square-foot building, with funding from the building sale and a secured construction loan. The expansion aims to double OCMD’s student enrollment and enhance its visibility and capacity. This project coincides with Pretend City’s $65 million expansion at the same location, aimed at improving its children’s museum and early childhood development services.

Scheduled DUI and Driver's License Checkpoint in Irvine on April 26

Today on April 26, the Irvine Police Department will set up a DUI and driver's license checkpoint at Culver Drive and Walnut Avenue from 8:30 PM to 2 AM. Public notice is required for such checkpoints. Funded by a grant from the California Office of Traffic Safety via the National Highway Traffic Safety Administration, the checkpoint aims to decrease accidents caused by impaired drivers. The community is encouraged to report drunk drivers by calling 9-1-1.

#irvine #irvinepolice #DUI #duicheckpoint

Enhance Your Riding Skills: Join Irvine's Motorcycle Safety Class

The Irvine Police Department's Traffic Bureau is hosting a motorcycle safety training program, the Irvine Rider Education Program (I-REP), on May 11 from 8 a.m. to 4 p.m.

  • This program, taught by experienced IPD Motorcycle Training Officers, requires pre-registration and prioritizes Irvine residents. To register, email [email protected] by May 3.

  • Applicants must possess a valid California DMV M-1 license and current insurance, and all motorcycles will undergo a pre-class inspection.

  • Participants are also required to wear a DOT-approved helmet, gloves, closed-toe shoes, and pants.

Hop On Board: Irvine CONNECT Offers Free, Accessible Citywide Shuttle Service

Irvine CONNECT offers a convenient and free shuttle service for anyone traveling within Irvine. It provides stops at key locations such as parks, schools, hospitals, shopping centers, and Irvine Station.

  • The shuttle routes include Yale Avenue, Barranca Parkway, and Alton Parkway, operating seven days a week.

  • Shuttle services run every 20 minutes, with operating hours from 6 a.m. to 8 p.m. on weekdays and from 8 a.m. to 10 p.m. on weekends. A

  • ll vehicles are equipped with free Wi-Fi, bike racks, and are fully accessible for wheelchairs and other mobility aids.

  • For more information and to track shuttles in real time, visit irvineconnect.org.

Explore, Learn, and Pick: Tanaka Farms Opens Spots for Weekend Strawberry Tours

More spots have been added to the Strawberry Picking Tours at Tanaka Farms on April 27-28!

  • Enjoy a one-hour wagon tour to learn about the farm's history and methods, pick a seasonal vegetable, and end at the strawberry patch where you can pick and eat strawberries.

  • Each participant gets a one-pound basket of strawberries to take home. After the tour, visit the Barnyard Educational Exhibit to meet farm animals. Reservations are necessary; book your tickets at www.TanakaFarms.com.

#tanakafarms #strawberries #farmtour #irvine #supportlocal

Join the Fun: Board Games for All Ages at Irvine Heritage Park Library on April 28

Join Irvine Heritage Park Library for an hour of board game fun on Sunday, April 28, from 2:30 PM to 3:30 PM. The event, suitable for all ages and skill levels, will feature a selection of board games for adults and children alike. Whether you're an experienced player looking to tackle an adult difficulty game or a newcomer interested in exploring their collection, there's something for everyone.

Revolutionary UCI Study Shows Patient-Specific Antibiotic Plans Curb Resistance

A UCI-led national study published in the Journal of the American Medical Association reveals that real-time, patient risk-based antibiotic recommendations can significantly decrease the use of broad-spectrum antibiotics in hospitalized pneumonia and urinary tract infection patients. This approach is vital to prevent the emergence and spread of antibiotic-resistant organisms, according to Dr. Shruti Gohil of UCI Health. More details are available at https://bit.ly/4aXb1Ki.

Join the 2024 Fire Watch Symposium: Uniting Fire Safety Experts in Irvine

The 2024 Fire Watch Symposium, hosted by Orange County Fire Watch, will take place on Wildfire Community Preparedness Day, May 4, at Quail Hill Community Center in Irvine, CA. This event will feature presentations by experts from the Orange County Fire Authority, OC Parks, Irvine Ranch Conservancy, and Fire Watch Network Partners, focusing on the upcoming fire season, wildfire awareness, and information about the OC Fire Watch and the Fire Watch Network. The symposium will be live-streamed on YouTube for those unable to attend and will also be available for later viewing on the IRC YouTube Channel IRNaturalLandmarks. The schedule includes registration from 8-8:30 a.m., a social and refreshment period from 8:30-9 a.m., followed by presentations until noon, with the event concluding after a cleanup session from noon to 1 p.m.

Creative Crafts for Kids: Join Irvine University Park Library’s Monthly Craft Day

Library Craft Day is a monthly event hosted at the Irvine University Park Library. This event, facilitated by Irvine's Assisteens, allows children to engage in seasonal crafts. Scheduled for the first Saturday of every month, the next session is on May 4, from 10 AM to 1 PM. It caters to children aged from birth to 11 years and their families. The event is free of charge and does not require prior registration.

Upcoming Northwood High School’s Music Calendar

  1. May 11, 2024: Instrumental Music Awards

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

Upcoming University High School's Choirs Calendar

  1. May 2 & 3: Broadway Rocks! at 7:00 PM.

For the latest updates or additional details, please visit https://www.uhschoirs.org/2023-24-season.html

Upcoming Woodbridge High School's Music Calendar

No events scheduled for April.

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

Upcoming Woodbridge High School’s Vocal Music Calendar

  1. May 31st, 7 PM: Broadway Rocks Concert

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

Upcoming Irvine High School's Music Calendar

No events scheduled for April.

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

Upcoming Irvine High School's Choral Calendar

  1. Fri, April 26, 6:00 PM: SPUR Awards (Chordinated Chaos) at IHS Theater.

  2. Tues & Wed, May 28 & 29, 3:30-6:30 PM: Dress rehearsal “Voices” (All Choirs) at IHS Theater.

  3. Thurs.- Sat, May 30-June 1, 7:00 PM: Voices 2024 (All Choirs) at IHS Theater.

  4. Wed, June 5, 7:00 PM: Heritage Awards (Chorale) at IHS Gym.

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

Find Your Purrfect Pal: Debbie Awaits Her Forever Home at Irvine Animal Care Center

Debbie is an energetic, acrobatic cat who enjoys exploring and playing, yet also loves cuddles and attention when she's ready to relax. If you're seeking a quirky, affectionate cat, consider visiting Debbie at the Irvine Animal Care Center. More details on the adoption process and other pets are available at here 

#AdoptDontShop

UC Irvine Women’s Water Polo Set to Clash with UC Davis in Big West Quarterfinals

UC Irvine, ranked seventh nationally, is seeded second in the upcoming Big West Championships. They will play against the seventh-seeded host, UC Davis, in the quarterfinals on April 26 at 2:30 p.m. at the Schaal Aquatics Center. UC Irvine has dominated UC Davis in all three previous encounters this season.

Key players for UC Irvine include senior goalkeeper Faith Tedesco, who was recently named Big West Player of the Week. Tedesco demonstrated her skill with a career-high 19 saves in their last game against Long Beach State. UC Davis counters with top scorer Grace Pelkey and goalie Nellie McAdams, who has made 204 saves this season.

UC Davis enters the tournament with a record of 10-17, having secured two league victories recently, including an overtime win. The game promises excitement with both teams having strong individual performers and UC Irvine looking to maintain their winning streak over UC Davis.

UC Irvine Set to Host the Annual Steve Scott Invitational This Weekend

The Steve Scott Invitational is set to take place at UC Irvine's Anteater Stadium on April 26-27, featuring standout performances from UCI athletes. Senior Josh Farmer leads in decathlon scores, while Justin Willingham continues to break school records in the shot put. Jacob Hawkins has made history by surpassing a four-decade-old discus record. The track meet will also celebrate the achievements of 11 senior athletes and promises exciting competition across various track and field events, leading up to the Big West Multi-Event Championships the following week.

UCI Anteaters Upcoming Home Games

Baseball

  1. Fri, Apr 26: vs Steve Scott Invitational, All Day

  2. Sat, Apr 27: vs Steve Scott Invitational, All Day

Men's & Women's Track & Field

  1. Fri, Apr 26: vs Steve Scott Invitational, All Day

  2. Sat, Apr 27: vs Steve Scott Invitational, All Day

Undefeated Streak: Irvine Valley's Marocco and Dews Dominate Beach Volleyball Season

Tessa Marocco and Kenzie Dews, sophomores from Irvine Valley, are the athletes of the week. As the top pair in women's beach volleyball, they led their team to an undefeated season in the Orange Empire Conference, finishing with a 5-0 victory against Riverside. Seeded second, they're set to compete in the OEC Pairs Championship. The duo boasts a season record of 15-4, including recent sweeps against Golden West and Santiago Canyon, and are gearing up for the Southern California Regional Playoffs.

🏐⚽🏀 Upcoming home games for the IVC LASERS

Women’s Beach Volleyball

  1. Fri, Apr 26: vs OEC Pairs Tournament, 10:00 AM

Crean Lutheran High School's Girls Beach Volleyball Team Advances to CIF Semifinals

Crean Lutheran High School's girls beach volleyball team, the top seed in Division 2, has advanced to the CIF tournament semifinals at Long Beach City College, scheduled for Saturday. The Saints, last year's CIF champions, decisively beat Long Beach Millikan 5-0 in the quarterfinals. They are set to play Capistrano Valley next. If they win, they will compete in the finals against the victor of the Long Beach Wilson vs. Oaks Christian match, also happening on Saturday. The Saints began their tournament run with wins against Sage Hill (5-0) and Warren (3-2). Meanwhile, in the Division 1 tournament, Huntington Beach will face Mira Costa in the semifinals, with the winner taking on either JSerra or Redondo in the final.

Northwood High Baseball Outplays Portola, Claims Share of Pacific Coast League Championship

Northwood High School's baseball team won the Pacific Coast League title for the first time since 2013 by defeating Portola 10-4. This victory, combined with Beckman's loss to Irvine, secured the title for Northwood. The Timberwolves, with a record of 19-5-1, were led by Luke Hansen who had three hits and three RBIs. The team aims to maintain their momentum heading into the CIF playoffs. Northwood will play Portola again in their season finale, while Beckman must win against Irvine and hope for a Portola victory over Northwood to share the title.

High School Athletics Calendar -

** Updated With April Schedule

Upcoming Irvine High School’s Varsity home games:

No further games scheduled until August

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 55% - 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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