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Explore the Newly Opened Great Park Trails – 1.5 Miles of Scenic Paths

Issue # 0337

Author

Joshua Tjia
04 Feb

In this Irvine Insider Issue . . .

😁 Laugh Of The Day

🌤️ Irvine Weather

⚠️📲🐈‍⬛  Scam Alert: Fake Calls Targeting Pet Owners in Irvine

🚔🩺 Irvine Family Reunites with First Responders After Cardiac Arrest Rescue

🥘🍳 Pepper Lunch Opens First North American Expansion at Irvine Spectrum on February 7

🧸♥️ Build-A-Bear Workshop Now Open at Irvine Spectrum Center

🚨🧳 15 Must-Have Items for Your Emergency Kit

🚌 IUSD Transportation Survey Open Until Feb. 17 – Share Your Feedback

🏥 UCI Health Expands: New Research Hospital & Faculty Position Opening

🌳🌱 Explore the Newly Opened Great Park Trails – 1.5 Miles of Scenic Paths

🎨 Create & Connect: Acrylic Painting at Irvine Katie Wheeler Library – Feb 24

🎼🎼 Upcoming High School Music Calendar

🐕🐈 24 Irvine Pets Find Homes, 6 Reunited with Owners This Week

🏀 Déja Lee Hits 1,000 Career Points as UCI Women's Basketball Edges UC Davis 52-49

🏀🏐🎾⚾ UCI Anteaters Upcoming Home Games

⚾️ Irvine Valley Baseball Claims Fourth Consecutive Win, Tops Ventura 14-8

🏀🏀 Upcoming home games for the IVC LASERS

🏀 Irvine Basketball Edges Woodbridge 42-40, Advances to Championship Against Northwood

🏈🎾 High School Athletics Calendar

🚓💊 Irvine Police Arrest Probationer with Narcotics and Stolen Credit Cards

🍏🥭🍑 Local Farmers Markets

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

📅📅 Lots of Local Events

📞💡 Useful Contact Information

Why was the fog always late?

Because it mist the bus.

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

Scam Alert: Fake Calls Targeting Pet Owners in Irvine

Scam Alert – Scammers are targeting pet owners by falsely claiming to be from the Irvine Animal Care Center, stating they have a lost pet and need money for medical care.

  • The center will never call to request money. If you receive such a call, report it to the Irvine Police Department at 949-724-7000. 

  • For lost pet information, visit cityofirvine.org/irvine-animal-care-center/lost-pets. Stay vigilant and protect yourself and your pets.

Irvine Family Reunites with First Responders After Cardiac Arrest Rescue

An Irvine resident’s Nextdoor post about her husband surviving cardiac arrest at home turned into a touching reunion at Fire Station 36. The family met with the Firefighter Paramedics, Dispatchers, Nurse Educators, and Chiefs who helped save his life. While they expressed gratitude for the responders, firefighters praised the wife for performing crucial CPR—a key factor in survival.

Pepper Lunch Opens First North American Expansion at Irvine Spectrum on February 7

Pepper Lunch, the Japanese fast-casual brand with 533+ locations worldwide, is opening its first North American expansion restaurant at Irvine Spectrum on February 7 (509 Spectrum Center Drive, near Regal Irvine Spectrum).

  • This prototype location features all-kiosk ordering, hospitality hosts, and optimized table tracking for a seamless guest experience.

  • It is the first of 15 U.S. locations opening in 2025, with Tampa Bay and Salt Lake City set for Q1.

  • CEO Troy Hooper calls it a milestone for the brand’s U.S. growth, which aims to double its expansion pace annually.

Build-A-Bear Workshop Now Open at Irvine Spectrum Center

Build-A-Bear Workshop is now open at Irvine Spectrum Center! 🧸 Create a unique stuffed animal and build lasting memories with classic bears and fun new friends. Visit today! More info.

15 Must-Have Items for Your Emergency Kit

Fire season is year-round in Orange County—be prepared with a portable emergency kit for at least three days. Keep one at home, work, and in your car. Ready-made kits are available, or build your own with:

  • Water (1 gallon per person per day)

  • Non-perishable food & manual can opener

  • Battery-powered radio & extra batteries

  • Flashlights (one per person) & extra batteries

  • First aid kit & prescription medications

  • Spare eyeglasses & whistle for help

  • Dust masks & personal sanitation items

  • Portable shelter (tent, blanket, duct tape)

  • Toilet paper & garbage bags

  • Tool kit & heavy gloves

  • ABC fire extinguisher

  • Cooking/eating supplies

  • Local maps & cash (small bills)

  • Copies of important documents

  • Food, water & supplies for pets

For the full checklist, visit OCFA Emergency Kit.

IUSD Transportation Survey Open Until Feb. 17 – Share Your Feedback

IUSD’s Transportation Survey is open until Monday, February 17! Your feedback will help identify family transportation needs, improve district services, update Irvine’s Suggested Routes to School, and assess the need for additional safe routes. The survey is anonymous, available in multiple languages, and takes just a few minutes to complete. Take the survey now here

UCI Health Expands: New Research Hospital & Faculty Position Opening

UCI Health is expanding with a new state-of-the-art all-electric research hospital in Irvine, opening in late 2025. They are hiring a Director of Geriatric and Aging Research (senate faculty position) to advance healthcare for older adults.

Explore the Newly Opened Great Park Trails – 1.5 Miles of Scenic Paths

The Great Park Trails are now open, offering 1.5 miles of scenic paths in the Upper Bee and Bosque area.

  • Enjoy decomposed granite pedestrian paths, an 11-ft wide bike path, and a kids' playground near Magnet & Bosque.

  • Spanning 53 acres, the area features lighted trails, shaded benches, picnic spots with BBQs, restrooms, and undercrossings for a seamless experience—no busy streets to cross!

  • Whether walking, biking, or relaxing, soak in the beauty of Southern California’s seasonal landscapes.

Create & Connect: Acrylic Painting at Irvine Katie Wheeler Library – Feb 24

Join OC Public Libraries for a creative art class celebrating love and friendship! The Acrylic Painting session will be held at Irvine Katie Wheeler Library on Monday, February 24, at 11:00 AM (13109 Old Myford Road, Irvine, CA 92602). All supplies are provided, and all ages are welcome. Contact the library for registration details.

Upcoming Northwood High School’s Music Calendar

  1. February 12 - 15: Musical, NHS Theater

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

Upcoming University High School's Choirs Calendar

  1. February 27 - March 1,6,7,8 7:00 PM: Guys and Dolls Musical, 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. February 27 - March 1, 7:00 PM-10:00 PM: Shrek the Musical, 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. February 8: SCVA Vocal Jazz Festival, Saugus HS (Santa Clarita).

  2. February 27 - March 1: Shrek the Musical, WHS Performing Arts Center.

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

Upcoming Irvine High School's Music Calendar

  1. March 5-8, 7:00 PM: Mary Poppins Musical, Irvine Performing Arts Center.

  2. March 13, 6:30 PM: Festival Concert, Irvine Performing Arts Center.

  3. March 15, All Day: Irvine Jazz Festival, Irvine High School Campus.

  4. March 18, 7:00 PM: District Jazz Festival, Woodbridge HS Performing Arts Center.

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

24 Irvine Pets Find Homes, 6 Reunited with Owners This Week

From January 27–February 2, 11 dogs, 11 cats, and 1 rabbit found new homes! Adopted pets included Batman, Cher, Maverick, Petunia, Toby, and Hopps. Additionally, 3 dogs, 2 rabbits, and 1 tortoise were reunited with their owners. Congratulations to all! For adoption info, visit irvineanimals.org/adopt.

Déja Lee Hits 1,000 Career Points as UCI Women's Basketball Edges UC Davis 52-49

UC Irvine edged UC Davis 52-49 in a tight Big West matchup, with senior Déja Lee hitting a milestone 1,000th career point on a clutch free throw in the final seconds. The Anteaters (15-6, 9-2 Big West) secured an unbeaten week, staying tied for first place with Hawai'i. Hunter Hernandez led UCI with 13 points, while Summah Hanson contributed nine points and nine rebounds. Both teams struggled offensively, shooting under 30%, but UCI committed a season-low seven turnovers. Despite a strong push from UC Davis (13-8, 7-4 Big West), UCI held on for the win. Next, the Anteaters face UC San Diego on Feb. 8 at 2 PM.

UCI Anteaters Upcoming Home Games

Men’s Basketball

  • Sat, Feb 8: Men’s Basketball vs UC San Diego, 7:00 PM

  • Thu, Feb 13: Men’s Basketball vs UC Santa Barbara, 7:00 PM

Women’s Basketball

  • Sat, Feb 15: Women’s Basketball vs Hawai’i, 2:00 PM

Men’s Tennis

  • Fri, Feb 7: Men’s Tennis vs Pacific, 1:00 PM

Women’s Tennis

  • Sat, Feb 8: Women’s Tennis vs Santa Clara, 11:00 AM

  • Fri, Feb 14: Women’s Tennis vs Monmouth University, 1:00 PM

  • Sun, Feb 16: Women’s Tennis vs UC Davis

Men’s Golf

  • Mon, Feb 10: Men’s Golf at Orange County Collegiate Classic, TBA

  • Tue, Feb 11: Men’s Golf at Orange County Collegiate Classic, TBA

Men’s Volleyball

  • Wed, Feb 12: Men’s Volleyball vs Southern California, 6:00 PM

Women’s Water Polo

  • Sat, Feb 15: Women’s Water Polo vs UCLA, 12:00 PM

  • Sun, Feb 16: Women’s Water Polo vs Alumni, 11:00 AM

Irvine Valley Baseball Claims Fourth Consecutive Win, Tops Ventura 14-8

Irvine Valley secured its fourth straight win, defeating Ventura 14-8 on Friday. Despite scoring issues with the online box score, IVC led 9-8 after eight innings and added four more runs in the ninth. The team now holds a 4-1 record and will host Ventura again on today, Tuesday, at 2 p.m.

🏐⚽🏀 Upcoming home games for the IVC LASERS 

Baseball

  1. Tue, Feb 4 – vs Ventura, 2:00 PM

  2. Sat, Feb 15 – vs West LA, 12:00 PM

Men’s Basketball

  1. Wed, Feb 5 – vs Riverside, 7:00 PM

  2. Fri, Feb 7 – vs Orange Coast, 6:00

Men’s Tennis

  1. Tue, Feb 11 – vs Stanton University Scrimmage, 2:00 PM

  2. Thu, Feb 13 – vs San Diego City, 2:00 PM

Men’s Tennis

  1. Wed, Feb 5 – vs Santa Barbara, 1:00 PM

  2. Wed, Feb 12 – vs Fullerton, 6:00 PM

Women's Basketball

  1. Wed, Feb 5 – vs Cypress, 5:00 PM

  2. Thu, Feb 13 – vs Saddleback, 6:00 PM

Women's Beach Volleyball

  1. Fri, Feb 7 – vs Cerritos, 9:00 AM

  2. Fri, Feb 7 – vs MiraCosta, 11:00 AM

  3. Sat, Feb 15 – vs Mt. San Jacinto, 9:00 AM

  4. Sat, Feb 15 – vs Santa Barbara, 11:00 AM

Irvine Basketball Edges Woodbridge 42-40, Advances to Championship Against Northwood

  • Irvine 42, Woodbridge 40: Top-seeded Irvine secured a close semifinal win with Cooper Stearns hitting four clutch free throws. Stearns led with 17 points, while his brother Holden added 13. Woodbridge’s Jaiden Sabino scored 14, and Jason Briggs had 13 points and 13 rebounds. Irvine faces Northwood in the championship Wednesday at 7:30 p.m. at Portola, aiming for its first league title since 1991.

  • Portola 64, Laguna Beach 59: Brady Kim led Portola (10-17) with 25 points and is now 13 points away from becoming the school’s first 1,000-point scorer.

  • St. Margaret’s 62, University 54: St. Margaret’s held off a late surge from University, who cut the deficit to three points late in the game. Caiden Isola led with 24 points, while University’s Savion Ruth tied his career high with 21 points.

High School Athletics Calendar

** Updated With February Schedule

Upcoming Irvine High School’s Varsity home games:

February 2025

Tuesday, February 4

  • 5:00 PM - Water Polo (Girls, VR) vs. Arcadia - CIF-SS Championship Playoffs at Woolett Pool

  • 5:45 PM - Soccer (Boys, VR) vs. Woodbridge at Irvine High School Stadium

Friday, February 7

  • 12:00 PM - Wrestling (Boys, VR) - League Finals Tournament at Irvine High School Game Gym

  • 12:00 PM - Wrestling (Girls, VR) - League Finals Tournament at Irvine High School Game Gym

Irvine Police Arrest Probationer with Narcotics and Stolen Credit Cards

Irvine officers made an outstanding arrest when they stopped 30-year-old Dana Andrea Morales, who was on probation. She was found with a syringe loaded with narcotics and multiple stolen ID and credit cards. Morales was arrested and booked at County Jail on narcotics charges, while an investigation into the stolen cards continues.

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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