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Firefighters Contain Restaurant Blaze on Irvine Blvd, No Injuries Reported

Issue # 0472

Author

Joshua Tjia
25 Aug

In this Irvine Insider Issue . . .

😁 Laugh Of The Day

🌤️ Irvine Weather

🧯🚒 Firefighters Contain Restaurant Blaze on Irvine Blvd, No Injuries Reported

🚙 Give Back by Driving: Help Seniors Get to Appointments, Groceries, and Loved Ones

🚧 Traffic Advisory: Alton & Culver Intersection Construction Aug. 26–29

🥭🍹 August Special: Beat the Heat with Cha For Tea’s $5 Mango Cooler

🚲 IPD Highlights Safety Concerns Over E-Motorcycles

👀 Building Better Vision: Simple Tips for Kids’ Healthy Vision

🌳⛰️ Red Rock Wilderness: Discover OC Parks’ Newest Natural Gem

🎶🎻 Pola Benke Steps In as Pacific Symphony’s New Assistant Conductor

🎼🎼 Upcoming High School Music Calendar

🐈💧5 Fun Ways to Keep Your Cat Hydrated This Summer

⚽️ UC Irvine Women’s Soccer Secures 1-1 Draw vs. Washington

🏀🏐🎾⚽️ UCI Anteaters Upcoming Home Games

🏀🏀 Upcoming home games for the IVC LASERS

🏈 Crean Lutheran Football Rallies for 30-14 Season-Opening Win

🏈🎾 High School Athletics Calendar

🚓💵 Authorities Investigating $850 Counterfeit Currency Incident at Walmart

🍏🥭🍑 Local Farmers Markets

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

📅📅 Lots of Local Events

📞💡 Useful Contact Information

Why was music coming from the printer?

The paper was jamming.

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

Firefighters Contain Restaurant Blaze on Irvine Blvd, No Injuries Reported

On Friday morning, August 22, firefighters responded to a restaurant fire on the 4800 block of Irvine Blvd. around 7:00 AM. The blaze was contained to a single first-floor unit, preventing damage to nearby businesses, including one above. The unit was unoccupied, no injuries were reported, and investigators are working to determine the cause. Irvine Police assisted on scene.

Give Back by Driving: Help Seniors Get to Appointments, Groceries, and Loved Ones

The City of Irvine is seeking volunteer drivers to help older adults (60+) stay active and connected by providing safe, reliable rides to medical appointments, shopping, and social visits.

  • Volunteers (21+ with a valid driver’s license) will drive City-provided vehicles and receive training to feel confident assisting riders.

  • Just a few hours behind the wheel can make a big difference in someone’s life.

  • Join an upcoming orientation to learn more and register at cityofirvine.org/yourirvine.

Traffic Advisory: Alton & Culver Intersection Construction Aug. 26–29

Roadwork is scheduled at Alton Parkway and Culver Drive from Tuesday, Aug. 26 to Friday, Aug. 29 (9 a.m.–3 p.m.), with lane closures, turn restrictions, and expected delays.

  • Drivers should allow extra travel time, follow detours, or take alternate routes.

  • The project is set to finish in September, improving traffic flow and signal coordination in the area.

August Special: Beat the Heat with Cha For Tea’s $5 Mango Cooler

Cool off this August with Cha For Tea’s $5 Large Mango Cooler — a refreshing tropical drink perfect for summer. Stop by your local Cha For Tea and enjoy this limited-time treat to beat the heat and make your summer days brighter!

IPD Highlights Safety Concerns Over E-Motorcycles

The Irvine Police Department is reminding parents that e-motorcycles are illegal.

  • On the first day of school, a juvenile was stopped while riding one and cited; the e-motorcycle was towed.

  • That same evening, another juvenile attempted to flee from officers on an e-motorcycle after seeing the department’s recent safety post.

  • A judge later ordered the vehicle to be seized, and the juvenile was referred to Youth Services.

  • For safety and compliance, please be aware that e-motorcycles are not allowed and pose significant risks.

Building Better Vision: Simple Tips for Kids’ Healthy Vision

Dr. Donny Suh, pediatric ophthalmologist, shares simple habits that parents can encourage to support healthy eyesight and overall development.

  • 🍎 Eat for eye health: Leafy greens, carrots, citrus, eggs, fish, and whole grains provide key nutrients like vitamin A, C, omega-3s, lutein, and zinc.

  • 🌞 Play outdoors daily: At least 2 hours outside lowers the risk of nearsightedness and gives kids’ eyes a healthy break from screens.

  • 💻 Follow the 20-20-20 rule: Every 20 minutes of screen time, look at something 20 feet away for 20 seconds.

  • 👓 Get regular eye screenings: Annual checkups help detect and treat vision issues early—vital since 75–80% of childhood development depends on good vision.

  • 🧒 Build lifelong habits: Nutritious meals, outdoor play, and smart screen practices give kids the best foundation for strong eyesight.

Red Rock Wilderness: Discover OC Parks’ Newest Natural Gem

Red Rock Wilderness, the newest addition to OC Parks’ Irvine Ranch Open Space, spans 1,500 acres of rugged sandstone bluffs.

  • It protects diverse wildlife like bobcats, mule deer, and grey foxes, along with vibrant wildflowers and native plants.

  • Opened to the public in 2024, the area offers over eight miles of multi-use trails for hiking, biking, and horseback riding, with sweeping Santa Ana Mountain views.

  • Managed by OC Parks and Irvine Ranch Conservancy, it hosts guided programs and Wilderness Access Days, giving visitors a chance to explore this breathtaking landscape.

Pola Benke Steps In as Pacific Symphony’s New Assistant Conductor

Pola Benke, a former professional cellist, has officially joined Pacific Symphony as assistant conductor. With international training and a background in orchestral performance, she now leads both youth and family programs while continuing her work with other ensembles.

  • Also serves as music director of Santa Monica Symphony

  • Previous assistant conductor roles: Long Beach Symphony and Riverside Philharmonic

  • Trained in programs such as the Järvi Academy and Cabrillo Festival

  • Will lead Family Musical Mornings, Youth Concerts, and the Pacific Symphony Youth Orchestra

  • Makes debut with Pacific Symphony on October 18, conducting Fantasia in Concert

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

5 Fun Ways to Keep Your Cat Hydrated This Summer

Hot days can make it harder for cats to stay cool, so here are some easy and fun ways to help them stay hydrated this summer:

  • 🧊 Add ice cubes to their bowl for a cool, playful splash.

  • 💦 Try setting up a cat water fountain—cats love running water, especially in the heat.

  • 🥫 Mix in canned food, which is naturally 70–80% water.

  • 🏡 Place extra water bowls around the house, away from their food.

  • 🌊 Keep bowls topped up—cats usually prefer drinking from a full dish.

UC Irvine Women’s Soccer Secures 1-1 Draw vs. Washington

UC Irvine women’s soccer earned a 1-1 draw against Washington on Sunday at Anteater Stadium, their first result in 10 meetings with the Huskies.

  • Washington scored in the 33rd minute on an indirect free kick, but the ’Eaters rallied late as Mia Colombini netted the equalizer in the 87th minute off a setup from sister Ella after a free kick by Chifumi Sasaki.

  • UCI led 5-3 in shots on goal, while goalkeeper Laurynn Ziller made two saves to help secure the result.

UCI Anteaters Upcoming Home Games

Men’s Soccer

  • Thu, Aug 28 – 6:00 PM – vs Cal State LA

  • Sun, Aug 31 – 4:00 PM – vs North Florida

Men’s Water Polo – UCI Invitational

  • Fri, Aug 29 – 10:00 AM – vs LMU

  • Fri, Aug 29 – 4:15 PM – vs California Baptist

  • Sat, Aug 30 – 11:30 AM – vs Cal State Fullerton

  • Sat, Aug 30 – 6:00 PM – vs Concordia University Irvine

🏐⚽🏀 Upcoming home games for the IVC LASERS 

Men’s Soccer

  • Tue, Aug 26 – vs El Camino, 3:00 PM

Women’s Soccer

  • Fri, Aug 29 – vs Grossmont, 3:00 PM

Crean Lutheran Football Rallies for 30-14 Season-Opening Win

Crean Lutheran rallied past Mullen (Denver) for a 30-14 season-opening win.

  • QB Caden Jones threw for 288 yards and 3 TDs, with big plays from Bryce Coleman, Dylan Booth, and Taiga Takada.

  • Caleb Bey added a rushing TD, while the defense and special teams, led by Ryder Barnes, Tank Carrington, Eric Miao, and Luke Kyser, delivered key stops and kicks.

  • Coach Rick Curtis praised the Saints’ intensity and potential moving forward.

High School Athletics Calendar

** Updated With August Schedule

Upcoming Irvine High School’s Varsity home games:

August 2025

Tuesday, August 26

  • Boys Water Polo – 4:30 PM vs. Capistrano Valley at Woolett Pool

  • Girls Volleyball – 5:15 PM vs. Sage Hill at Irvine High School Game Gym

Thursday, August 28

  • Girls Tennis – 3:15 PM vs. El Toro at Irvine High School Heritage Park

  • Girls Golf – 4:00 PM vs. University at Irvine High School

  • Girls Flag Football – 7:30 PM vs. Dana Hills at Irvine High School Stadium

Friday, August 29

  • Girls Volleyball – 6:30 PM Alumni Scrimmage at Irvine High School Game Gym

Authorities Investigating $850 Counterfeit Currency Incident at Walmart

Earlier this month, a suspect used $850 in counterfeit $50 bills at Walmart and later returned the items at another store to obtain real currency. Authorities are requesting the public’s assistance in identifying this individual. If you recognize him, please contact Investigator Covarrubias at [email protected].

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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