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Fall Ballet Enrollment Now Open at ABT Gillespie School

Issue # 0466

Author

Joshua Tjia
15 Aug

In this Irvine Insider Issue . . .

😁 Laugh Of The Day

🌤️ Irvine Weather

🍵🍡 Local Shop Brings Artisan Tableware and Japanese Sweet Workshops to Irvine

🏙️📄 Irvine Delays Open Space Ballot Measure to 2026

👗 Ross Dress for Less Opens New Location at Westpark Plaza in Irvine

🥮🐇 85°C Bakery Cafe Brings Back Mooncakes with Buy 1, Get 1 50% OFF Deal

🚲 Helping Your Child Ride Smart: E-Bike Safety Tips for the School Year

🫁 Your Lung Health Matters – Simple Steps to Keep Them Strong

🌅🥾 Sunset Trek to Loma Ridge: Evening Hike in Limestone Canyon

🩰 Fall Ballet Enrollment Now Open at ABT Gillespie School

🎼🎼 Upcoming High School Music Calendar

🐕👀 Simple and Effective Ways to Support a Pet Experiencing Vision Loss

🤽🏻‍♂️ UCI Men’s Water Polo Announces 2025 Schedule

🏀🏐🎾⚾ UCI Anteaters Upcoming Home Games

🏀🏀 Upcoming home games for the IVC LASERS

🏈 Woodbridge Mourns Legendary Football Coach Gene Noji

🏈🎾 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

Did you know…?

Polar bears have black skin!

We hope this fun fact brings a smile to your day! 😁

Local Shop Brings Artisan Tableware and Japanese Sweet Workshops to Irvine

Orange Market Tableware in Irvine’s Culver Plaza, run by Ryan Yang and Rina Zhang, sells beautiful and unique tableware from Japan and Europe.

  • The shop feels like a small art gallery, featuring items such as handmade sake cups, Japanese chef knives, and creative chopstick rests.

  • Inspired by Yang’s childhood meals in China, the couple believes tableware helps create warm and meaningful moments at the table.

  • Living in Irvine for 10 years, they now also host monthly wagashi (Japanese sweet) workshops to share the beauty and tradition of dining together.

Irvine Delays Open Space Ballot Measure to 2026

Irvine City Council has decided to push back a potential ballot measure on open space protections — including the future of Oak Creek Golf Club — to 2026. Officials said the delay will avoid conflicts with a possible statewide redistricting election and give more time to finalize ballot language.

  • Original Plan: A special election in November 2024, costing about $2 million.

  • Reason for Delay: Possible statewide redistricting vote this November, timing conflicts, and ongoing debates over measure wording.

  • New Timeline: Could be part of the June 2026 primary or November 2026 general election.

  • Oak Creek Proposal: Irvine Company’s plan includes 3,100 homes, a school, parks, and community spaces.

  • Community Concerns: Residents cite 1988 voter-approved protections and a disputed easement that could keep the land as open space.

  • Next Steps: City staff are conducting an environmental review of the project, expected to take 12–18 months.

Ross Dress for Less Opens New Location at Westpark Plaza in Irvine

Ross Dress for Less has opened a new location at Westpark Plaza in Irvine. The 23,500-square-foot store, the brand’s second on The Ranch, experienced strong opening weekend traffic. Shoppers can now explore the expanded retail offerings at Westpark Plaza and visit the new store for a variety of value-priced selections.

85°C Bakery Cafe Brings Back Mooncakes with Buy 1, Get 1 50% OFF Deal

85°C Bakery Cafe is bringing back mooncakes for the season with a special in-store deal: Buy 1, Get 1 50% OFF on individual mooncakes, while supplies last. Customers can mix and match from

  • Cantonese flavors—Chocolate (new), Hokkaido Milk Mochi (new), Almond Lotus Seed, Pineapple Yolk, and Red Bean Yolk

  • Taiwanese flavors—Taro Mochi Pastry, Golden Yolk Red Bean Pastry, and Dong Po Pastry.

Helping Your Child Ride Smart: E-Bike Safety Tips for the School Year

As e-bikes become a popular way for students to get to school, the Irvine Police Department urges parents to understand e-bike types, enforce safety measures, and teach proper riding skills to help prevent accidents.

Key Points:

  • E-Bike Classes: Class 1 & 2: up to 20 mph; Class 3: up to 28 mph (some can be modified faster).

  • Safety Concerns: Many crashes stem from lack of training, not recklessness; riders must follow car traffic laws.

  • Parent Tips: Choose the right e-bike, require helmets, teach road rules, and ride together until your child is ready.

Your Lung Health Matters – Simple Steps to Keep Them Strong

Your lungs power every breath, supplying oxygen to your body and supporting overall health. By making simple, consistent choices, you can strengthen your lungs, prevent disease, and enjoy better energy and wellbeing.

Tips for Healthy Lungs:

  • Avoid smoking and secondhand smoke – Protects lung tissue, reduces disease risk, and improves lung function.

  • Stay physically active – Cardio workouts boost lung capacity and make breathing easier.

  • Improve indoor air quality – Use HEPA filters, control humidity, ventilate, and choose non-toxic cleaning products.

  • Practice daily breathing exercises – Techniques like pursed-lip and diaphragmatic breathing strengthen lungs.

  • Stay up to date on vaccines and checkups – Prevent infections like flu and pneumonia and detect issues early.

  • Bonus habits – Drink water, eat antioxidant-rich foods, check air quality, use natural ventilation, and laugh often.

Sunset Trek to Loma Ridge: Evening Hike in Limestone Canyon

Join OC Parks for a 3.5-mile, Level 3 evening hike in the Irvine Ranch Open Space on Tuesday, Aug. 19, from 6:00–7:30 p.m. Starting at Hicks Haul Road (Jeffrey staging area), the out-and-back route climbs 450 ft to scenic Loma Ridge, passing striking rock formations and fragrant native plants.

Fall Ballet Enrollment Now Open at ABT Gillespie School

The ABT Gillespie School is welcoming dancers to join its Fall ballet classes, offering training for all levels in a supportive and encouraging environment. Led by experienced instructors, the program provides a chance to grow skills, build confidence, and enjoy the art of dance.

We will resume with the high school music calendar events when the schedule is available for the fall semester.

Simple and Effective Ways to Support a Pet Experiencing Vision Loss

Pets can adapt well to vision loss by using their other senses, but a few thoughtful changes can make their lives safer and more enjoyable. Here’s how to help them stay comfortable, confident, and engaged:

  • Maintain familiar layouts – Keep furniture in the same place and guide pets when moving to a new space.

  • Block hazards – Use gates to prevent access to pools, stairs, or other dangers.

  • Inform visitors – Let new people know about your pet’s condition to avoid startling them.

  • Encourage play – Choose toys that make noise, like squeakers or rattles, so they’re easier to find.

  • Use verbal and physical cues – Replace visual commands with verbal instructions and gentle touches (e.g., shoulder touch for “sit,” back touch for “down”).

  • Keep them active – Provide regular physical and mental exercise to boost their health and confidence.

UCI Men’s Water Polo Announces 2025 Schedule

UC Irvine men’s water polo has unveiled its 2025 schedule. The Anteaters, aiming for a third consecutive Big West regular-season title, will face a mix of conference rivals and top non-conference opponents throughout the fall.

  • Home Tournaments:

    • UCI Invitational – Aug. 29–30 vs LMU, California Baptist, Cal State Fullerton, and Concordia.

    • Big West Championships – Nov. 21–23, winner advances to NCAA Championships at Stanford (Dec. 5–7).

  • Major Home Games: USC (Sept. 13), UC Davis (Oct. 10), Princeton (Oct. 15), Long Beach State (Oct. 30), San Jose State (Nov. 9).

  • Key Road Matches: UCLA (Sept. 12), UC Santa Barbara (Oct. 18), Pepperdine (Nov. 1), UC San Diego (Nov. 7).

  • Special Events: Ted Newland Alumni Game on Oct. 11.

UCI Anteaters Upcoming Home Games

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

🏐⚽🏀 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.

Woodbridge Mourns Legendary Football Coach Gene Noji

Gene Noji, Woodbridge High School’s first varsity football coach who led the Warriors to their first CIF title in 1987, passed away on Aug. 14 at age 78. Remembered for his integrity, leadership, and dedication to players, Noji also coached at several schools and later returned as an assistant for Woodbridge’s 1998 championship team. He remained a loyal supporter of the program throughout his life. Funeral details are pending.

We will resume with the high school athletic calendar events when the schedule is available for the fall semester.

S

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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