• Irvine Insider
  • Posts
  • Explore Solar Energy Options, Battery Storage, and Savings at a Free Irvine Community Event, June 17

Explore Solar Energy Options, Battery Storage, and Savings at a Free Irvine Community Event, June 17

Issue # 0645

Author

Joshua Tjia
03 Jun

In this Irvine Insider Issue . . .

😁 Laugh of the Day

🌤️ Irvine Weather

🔋☀️💡 Explore Solar Energy Options, Battery Storage, and Savings at a Free Irvine Community Event, June 17

🍽️🍊 Second Harvest Food Bank Offers Behind-the-Scenes Tour on June 9

💧🚰 IRWD to Begin Five-Year Syphon Reservoir Improvement Project in July

🌳⛺️ Find, Trade, or Donate Outdoor Gear at Irvine Camping Gear Sale June 13

🍤🍲 Families Can Enjoy Kids Eat Free Offers at Irvine Spectrum This Summer

🧠💗 UCI Health Expert Offers Guidance for Families Navigating Dementia

🌅🥾 Explore Orchard Hills at Sunset on a Scenic Guided Hike on June 16

🎶🎵 The Brain-Boosting Benefits of Learning an Instrument

🎼🎼 Upcoming High School Music Calendar

🐕🐩 Pet Care Tips: Recognizing and Managing Separation Stress in Dogs

⚾️ UCI Baseball's Efren Ortega Earns Academic All-District Honors

🏀🏐🎾⚽️ UCI Anteaters Upcoming Home Games

🏀 Irvine Valley Women’s Basketball Releases 2026-27 Schedule

🏀🏀 Upcoming home games for the IVC LASERS

🥎 Irvine Softball Holds Off Avenal 8-7 to Advance in CIF SoCal Regionals

🏈🎾 High School Athletics Calendar

🚓🚗 Irvine Man Arrested After Alleged Road-Rage Gun Incident Near Jamboree and Main

🍏🥭🍑 Local Farmers Markets

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

📅📅 Lots of Local Events

📞💡 Useful Contact Information

What part of the fish weighs the most?

The scales.

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

Explore Solar Energy Options, Battery Storage, and Savings at a Free Irvine Community Event, June 17

Irvine homeowners can learn about solar energy, battery storage, EV charging, and clean home upgrades at a free Solarize Irvine workshop on Wednesday, June 17, from 6:00–7:30 p.m. at Las Lomas Community Center. Attendees will hear about new financing options, available Solarize Irvine discounts, and how to compare solar quotes. There will also be an opportunity to meet the approved solar and heat pump installers for the 2026 program, ask questions during a live Q&A, and enjoy complimentary snacks and drinks. Doors open at 5:45 p.m., and everyone is welcome to attend.

Second Harvest Food Bank Offers Behind-the-Scenes Tour on June 9

Second Harvest Food Bank of Orange County is inviting community members to take part in a Food for Thought Tour on June 9, offering a behind-the-scenes look at its Distribution Center and how donated support helps provide nutritious food to individuals and families across Orange County.

Register here

IRWD to Begin Five-Year Syphon Reservoir Improvement Project in July

The Irvine Ranch Water District (IRWD) will begin the five-year Syphon Reservoir Improvement Project in July to expand recycled water storage capacity at one of its four recycled water reservoirs. According to IRWD, the project is intended to increase local storage of recycled water, support greater use of recycled water supplies, help maintain landscaping throughout the community, enhance regional firefighting water availability, and reduce long-term costs. IRWD estimates the project could save customers approximately $990 million while helping preserve lower water rates in the future.

Find, Trade, or Donate Outdoor Gear at Irvine Camping Gear Sale June 13

Rancho San Joaquin Scouts will host a Camping Gear Swap and Sale on Saturday, June 13, from 8 a.m. to noon at Irvine United Congregational Church, 4915 Alton Parkway in Irvine.

  • Community members are invited to donate, swap, buy, or pick up gently used camping and hiking gear, including tents, sleeping bags, backpacks, stoves, boots, and outdoor apparel.

  • Scouts will also host a Goodwill donation collection on-site for items you no longer wish to keep.

  • Admission is free, and everyone is welcome to stop by to find outdoor gear they need or donate items they no longer use.

  • For more information or to participate, contact Paul Strasma at [email protected].

Families Can Enjoy Kids Eat Free Offers at Irvine Spectrum This Summer

Looking for family-friendly dining options this summer? Irvine Spectrum Center's Culinary Adventures program is back, offering kids eat free deals Sunday through Thursday at participating restaurants. Families can explore a variety of cuisines while enjoying special offers at the following locations:

• Dave & Buster’s
• Georgia’s Restaurant
• Habana
• Le Shrimp Noodle Bar
• Luna Grill
• Paul Martin’s American Grill
• Pho Saigon Pearl
• Tender Greens
• The French Avenue
• Wood Ranch BBQ & Grill

Visit KidsEatFreeOC.com for offer details

UCI Health Expert Offers Guidance for Families Navigating Dementia

Caring for a loved one with dementia can be both meaningful and challenging. UCI Health neuropsychologist Hayley B. Kristinsson encourages caregivers to practice self-compassion, noting that supporting someone with dementia is emotionally demanding and no one handles every situation perfectly. She explains that people with dementia may have varying levels of awareness about their memory and thinking difficulties, especially in the early stages, and this awareness can come and go, often leading to feelings of anxiety, frustration, or embarrassment. Kristinsson, who specializes in memory disorders, Alzheimer's disease, and cognitive aging, emphasizes understanding and patience for both caregivers and those living with dementia.

Explore Orchard Hills at Sunset on a Scenic Guided Hike on June 16

Join a moderate-paced sunset hike at Orchard Hills on Tuesday, June 16, from 6–8 p.m. This guided 3-mile loop features scenic ridge-top views of Irvine and the Pacific coastline as it winds around avocado orchards and open space. Hikers can expect some steep climbs, uneven terrain, and an 800-foot elevation gain.

The Brain-Boosting Benefits of Learning an Instrument

Learning an instrument is more than a fun after-school activity—it helps develop important skills that support learning and personal growth. Through regular practice, students strengthen focus, memory, coordination, and problem-solving abilities while building confidence and perseverance. Over time, these skills can benefit both academic success and everyday life.

Key Benefits of Music Lessons:

  • Strengthens attention and concentration

  • Improves memory and auditory processing

  • Develops coordination and pattern recognition

  • Encourages problem-solving and self-correction

  • Builds patience, confidence, and perseverance

  • Supports overall learning through consistent practice

Upcoming Northwood High School’s Music Calendar

No further events scheduled for this month.

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

Upcoming Woodbridge High School’s Vocal Music Calendar

No further events scheduled for this month.

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

Upcoming Irvine High Choral’s Music Calendar

No further events scheduled for this month.

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

Pet Care Tips: Recognizing and Managing Separation Stress in Dogs

Some dogs may struggle with being left alone, especially after major routine changes, rehoming, or limited social interaction. Signs of separation-related stress can include barking, chewing, pacing, accidents, or destructive behavior. The Irvine Animal Care Center encourages pet owners to be patient and proactive in helping dogs feel safe, secure, and confident when home alone.

Tips to Support Dogs When Home Alone

  • Provide regular daily exercise to help reduce excess energy and stress.

  • Offer mentally stimulating activities such as puzzle toys or enrichment games.

  • Practice short absences and gradually increase time apart.

  • Arrange breaks during long days alone through walks, pet sitters, or family members.

  • Seek guidance from a qualified trainer or behavior professional if your dog shows severe anxiety or panic when left alone.

UCI Baseball's Efren Ortega Earns Academic All-District Honors

UC Irvine catcher Efren Ortega was named to the 2026 Academic All-District Team, becoming the program’s 17th honoree and helping extend a four-year streak of recognition for the Anteaters. Ortega led UCI with a .306 batting average, recorded 38 hits, 17 RBIs, and 32 runs scored, earned All-Big West Honorable Mention honors, and was recognized for excelling both on the field and in the classroom.

UCI Anteaters Upcoming Home Games

We will resume with UCI’s athletic calendar events when the schedule is available for the fall quarter.

Irvine Valley Women’s Basketball Releases 2026-27 Schedule

Irvine Valley College women’s basketball, coming off a 26-5 season, an Orange Empire Conference championship, and a 3C2A State Tournament appearance, will open its 2026-27 season at home against Palomar on Oct. 31 at 2 p.m. The Lasers begin conference play Jan. 6 versus Cypress.

🏐⚽🏀 Upcoming home games for the IVC LASERS 

We will resume with IVC’s athletic calendar events when the schedule is available for the fall semester.

Irvine Softball Holds Off Avenal 8-7 to Advance in CIF SoCal Regionals

Irvine High School softball advanced to the CIF SoCal Division IV semifinals with an 8-7 win over Avenal. The Vaqueros collected 13 hits and improved to 17-16 as they continue their postseason run after winning the CIF Southern Section Division 6 title.

High School Athletics Calendar

We will resume with the high school athletic calendars after the summer break

Upcoming Irvine High School’s Varsity home games:

We will resume with the varsity home game events after the summer break

Irvine Man Arrested After Alleged Road-Rage Gun Incident Near Jamboree and Main

Irvine police arrested a 44-year-old Irvine man after an alleged road-rage incident near Jamboree Road and Main Street. Investigators say the driver of a Toyota Tacoma cut off another vehicle, followed the driver, and pointed a handgun at them while stopped at a traffic light. A motorcycle officer, assisted by the department’s Drone as First Responder program, located the Tacoma. Brian Sunki Oh was arrested on suspicion of assault with a deadly weapon, and a handgun was recovered from the vehicle.

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

June 6 Studio Arts Festival 10 AM - 5 PM

June 11 Free Grocery Food Box 9 AM - 12 PM

June 13 Camping Gear Swap and Sale 8 AM - 12 PM

June 17 Solarize Irvine Workshop 6 - 7:30 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!

1