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Fall Fun at Tanaka Farms: Pumpkin Patch & Harvest Heroes Weekend

Issue # 0485

Author

Joshua Tjia
12 Sep

In this Irvine Insider Issue . . .

😁 Fun Fact Friday

🌤️ Irvine Weather

🍚🥢 So Gong Dong Tofu Opens First California Location at Los Olivos

🏙️🗓️ Learn About Plans to Improve Safety on Harvard Avenue, Sept. 23

🍓🧊 Taco Bell to Open First Live Más Café in Orange County Near UCI

🚧 Plan Ahead: I-5 Freeway Closures in Irvine This Month

🚜🍂 Fall Fun at Tanaka Farms: Pumpkin Patch & Harvest Heroes Weekend

💚🍴Top Foods and Tips to Support Long-Term Heart Wellness

🌿🌱 Explore Native & Non-Native Plants – Guided Walk Sept. 15

🎶🎉 Barclay Theatre Turns 35 with Free Block Party Celebration Sept. 28

🎼🎼 Upcoming High School Music Calendar

🐈🚫 Keeping Cats Safe: Simple Tips to Avoid Toxins at Home

⛳️ UC Irvine Women’s Golf Announces 2025–26 Tournament Schedule

🏀🏐🎾⚽️ UCI Anteaters Upcoming Home Games

⚽️ IVC Women’s Soccer Stays Perfect with Road Win

🏀🏀 Upcoming home games for the IVC LASERS

🏈Jake Rabold Has Record-Breaking Birthday Game for University High Football

🏈🎾 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…?

Butterflies taste with their feet!

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

So Gong Dong Tofu Opens First California Location at Los Olivos

So Gong Dong Tofu, also known as SGD Dubu, has opened its first California location at Los Olivos Marketplace in Irvine. The Korean restaurant is best known for its signature soondubu jjigae (spicy tofu stew) and also serves popular dishes like galbi (short ribs), bulgogi (marinated beef), and bibimbap. It brings authentic Korean comfort food to the local dining scene.

Learn About Plans to Improve Safety on Harvard Avenue, Sept. 23

The City of Irvine, in partnership with the City of Tustin, is leading the Harvard Safety Improvements Project to enhance safety, accessibility, and mobility along Harvard Avenue.

  • A Community Workshop will be held on Tuesday, September 23, from 5–7 p.m. at the Harvard Community Center, where residents can learn more and share input.

  • Details are available at cityofirvine.org/harvardproject.

Taco Bell to Open First Live Más Café in Orange County Near UCI

Taco Bell is opening its first Live Más Café in Orange County on Sept. 16 at the location across from UC Irvine, with another opening the same day in San Diego.

  • The cafés will serve over 20 specialty drinks, including agua frescas and flavored coffees.

  • Taco Bell plans to open 30 more cafés this year in California and Texas, including one in the city of Orange, as part of its goal to reach $5 billion in beverage sales by 2030.

  • The chain, based in Irvine, has over 8,700 restaurants and recently reported a 4% sales increase.

Plan Ahead: I-5 Freeway Closures in Irvine This Month

Work on the Jeffrey Open Space Trail Bridge will bring several nighttime closures to the I-5 Freeway this month. Here’s what is happening in the next few days:

  • Sept. 12–13 (Fri–Sat): Full closure of southbound I-5 between Culver Dr. and Jeffrey Rd., 9 p.m.–7 a.m.

  • Sept. 15–18 (Mon–Thu): Northbound I-5 nighttime lane closures.

  • Sept. 19–20 (Fri–Sat): Full closure of northbound I-5 from SR-133 to Jeffrey Rd., plus southbound lane closures.

  • Through Sept. 26: Ongoing nighttime work to remove bridge beams and forms.

Fall Fun at Tanaka Farms: Pumpkin Patch & Harvest Heroes Weekend

Tanaka Farms invites the community to celebrate Irvine’s rich farming legacy at the Pumpkin Patch opening weekend, Sept. 13–14!

  • This beloved seasonal event highlights the important role farmers have played in shaping the city while offering fun for the whole family.

  • Visitors can enjoy farm-to-community exhibits, festive activities, and a special recognition of Irvine’s farmers.

  • Pre-register here to secure your spot before tickets sell out

Top Foods and Tips to Support Long-Term Heart Wellness

Heart disease is a leading cause of death, but it’s also highly preventable. By making smart food and lifestyle choices, you can lower your risk and keep your heart strong for the long term.

Diet Approaches

  • Mediterranean Style – olive oil, fish, fruits, and veggies

  • DASH Plan – balanced meals with less sodium

  • Plant-Forward Eating – more grains, legumes, and greens

Heart-Boosting Foods
Think fatty fish, leafy greens, whole grains, berries, nuts, seeds, and beans.

What to Enjoy Less Often
Fried or processed foods, sugary drinks and snacks, salty packaged meals, and too much alcohol.

Beyond the Plate
Regular movement, stress relief, not smoking, and routine checkups all support a healthier heart.

Explore Native & Non-Native Plants – Guided Walk Sept. 15

Join Plants Among Us at Orchard Hills on Monday, September 15 for a guided hike exploring local plants and ecosystems. Participants will learn to identify native and non-native species, understand their impact on the environment, and enjoy time outdoors in the Irvine Ranch Open Space.

Barclay Theatre Turns 35 with Free Block Party Celebration Sept. 28

The Irvine Barclay Theatre is turning 35 years old and just finished its best year ever for ticket sales and revenue. Opened in 1990 through a partnership between the City of Irvine, UCI, and community donors, the 750-seat theater is known for its amazing sound and wide variety of shows.

  • About half the events are local community performances, a quarter are UCI programs, and the rest feature big-name artists.

  • Over the years, stars like Yo-Yo Ma, Wynton Marsalis, and Chita Rivera have all performed here.

  • Today, The Barclay hosts around 250 events and welcomes 100,000 guests each year.

  • Celebrate the Barclay’s 35th anniversary at a free Block Party on Sept. 28 with plaza activities and a swing band concert.

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

Keeping Cats Safe: Simple Tips to Avoid Toxins at Home

Cats are naturally curious and often explore by sniffing, licking, or grooming, which puts them at risk for poisoning from everyday items. Because their bodies can’t process many substances the way humans or even dogs can, even tiny amounts of certain foods, plants, or medications can be very dangerous.

Watch for:

  • Vomiting, drooling, diarrhea, loss of appetite

  • Weakness, tremors, seizures, hiding

  • Breathing issues or pale/yellow gums

If exposed:

  • Call your vet or Pet Poison Helpline (1-800-213-6680)

  • Keep cat calm and indoors

  • Rinse fur with mild dish soap if needed

  • Never induce vomiting at home

Biggest risks:

  • Lilies (kidney failure)

  • Chocolate & caffeine

  • Onions, garlic, chives, leeks

  • Meds (ibuprofen, Tylenol, antidepressants, dog flea products)

  • Cleaners & essential oils (esp. tea tree)

Safe tips:

  • Keep plants, food, meds, cleaners out of reach

  • Use only cat-safe flea/tick products

  • Let cleaned areas dry before access

  • When unsure, check before sharing food

UC Irvine Women’s Golf Announces 2025–26 Tournament Schedule

UC Irvine women’s golf, led by coach Margo Dionisio, will compete in eight tournaments across seven states before the Big West Championship in Hawaii. The team looks to build on last year’s record-setting season.

  • Season opener: Golfweek Red Sky Classic – Sept. 22–24 (Colorado)

  • The Molly Collegiate Invitational – Sept. 29–30 (Oregon)

  • Marilyn Smith Invitational – Oct. 6–7 (Kansas)

  • New Mexico State Golf Iconic Classic – Oct. 13–15 (New Mexico)

  • San Diego State Classic – Feb. 9–10 (California)

  • Bruin Wave Invitational – Feb. 23–24 (California)

  • Bell Bank “Pay it Forward” Invitational – Mar. 23–24 (Arizona)

  • Silicon Valley Showcase – Mar. 29–31 (California)

  • Big West Championship – Apr. 19–21 (Hawaii)

UCI Anteaters Upcoming Home Games

Men’s Soccer

  • Fri, Sep 12 – vs Yale, 6:00 PM

Men’s Water Polo

  • Sat, Sep 13 – vs USC, 1:00 PM

Women’s Soccer

  • Sun, Sep 14 – vs Washington State, 1:00 PM

IVC Women’s Soccer Stays Perfect with Road Win

Irvine Valley women’s soccer is now 3-0 after a 2-1 win at Victor Valley.

  • Nikki MacDonald scored in the 48th minute to tie the game, and Kuuipo Laumatia scored the winner in the 58th.

  • Both players have five goals this season, and the Lasers have outscored opponents 19-2.

🏐⚽🏀 Upcoming home games for the IVC LASERS 

Men’s Soccer

  • Fri, Sep 12 – vs San Diego Mesa, 2:00 PM

  • Tue, Sep 23 – vs Cuyamaca, 4:00 PM

  • Tue, Sep 30 – vs Orange Coast, 3:00 PM

Women’s Volleyball

  • Fri, Sep 26 – vs Orange Coast, 6:00 PM

Women’s Soccer

  • Fri, Sep 26 – vs East Los Angeles, 1:00 PM

Jake Rabold Has Record-Breaking Birthday Game for University High Football

University High’s Jake Rabold had a record-breaking birthday game in a 23–7 win over Los Amigos, scoring all the Trojans’ points with three field goals, two touchdown catches, and two extra points. He also added an interception, punts, kickoffs, and tackles.

  • His 99-yard TD tied the school record, and his field goal distances set new marks.

  • Coach Vince Mesa called it the best individual performance he’s ever seen.

High School Athletics Calendar

**

Updated With September Schedule

Upcoming Irvine High School’s Varsity home games:

September 2025

Tuesday, September 16

  • Girls’ Tennis (VR) – 3:30 PM vs. Northwood at Heritage Park

  • Boys’ Water Polo (VR) – 4:30 PM vs. Tesoro at Woolett Pool

Thursday, September 18

  • Girls’ Tennis (VR) – 3:30 PM vs. Sage Hill at Heritage Park

  • Girls’ Golf (VR) – 4:00 PM vs. Woodbridge at Oak Creek Golf Course

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!

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  • 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

September 13 - 14 Modern Makers Mart 3 - 8:30

September 13-14 CanJam SoCal 2025

September 14 Fiesta Latina en Irvine 11 - 4 PM

September 20 IPD Open House 10 AM - 2 PM

September 25 Limón Dance Company 8 PM

September 26 Mid-Autumn Festival 5 - 9:30 PM

September 28 Barclay Block Party 1 PM

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