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Four IUSD Students Earn National Merit Corporate Scholarships, Leading OC Districts

Issue # 0400

Author

Joshua Tjia
05 May

In this Irvine Insider Issue . . .

😁 Laugh Of The Day

🌤️ Irvine Weather

🍰🎂 Bag of Cakes Bakery Expands to Irvine with Fresh Pastries and Artisan Teas

🚓⚠️ Irvine Police Issue 70 Citations During Traffic Enforcement Operation

🫖🧁 Join the Inaugural Mother-Scout Tea & Luncheon — May 17 at Trabuco Center

🚦🚧 Traffic Signal Maintenance Set for May 6 at Sand Canyon and Portola

🚌🌟 Four IUSD Students Earn National Merit Corporate Scholarships, Leading OC Districts

🌳🤸🏻 Enjoy Tai Chi and Interactive Exhibits at the Free Great Park Event on May 6

⛅️🥾 Start Your Day with a Scenic Workout—Join the Tuesday Morning Hike on May 6

🐝✂️ Bee Craft Workshop Scheduled for May 10 at Irvine’s Katie Wheeler Library

🎼🎼 Upcoming High School Music Calendar

🐕‍🦺🐾 Meet Voyager: Senior Pup Seeking a Peaceful Forever Home

🏃🏽 UC Irvine Wins 4x400 Relay, Wraps Up Strong Showing at Steve Scott Invitational

🏀🏐🎾⚾ UCI Anteaters Upcoming Home Games

⚾️ IVC Baseball’s Tyler Eastham Leads Team in Innings, Finishes Season with 68.2 Pitched

🏀🏀 Upcoming home games for the IVC LASERS

⚾️ Woodbridge Baseball Clinches CIF Playoff Spot with 4-3 Win Over Portola

🏈🎾 High School Athletics Calendar

🚔💊 Suspicious Vehicle Leads to Arrest in Irvine: Drugs, Stolen Items, and Surveillance Gear Found

🍏🥭🍑 Local Farmers Markets

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

📅📅 Lots of Local Events

📞💡 Useful Contact Information

What did the guacamole say to the salsa?

Avo good day.

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

Bag of Cakes Bakery Expands to Irvine with Fresh Pastries and Artisan Teas

Bag of Cakes, a bakery based in Orange County, will open a new location at Cypress Village in Irvine this May. Known for using natural ingredients without artificial additives or preservatives, the bakery offers items such as blueberry brioche, matcha strawberry shortcake, and pistachio croissants. This will be its second location, expanding from its original site on Placentia Avenue in Fullerton. The new store will also serve coffee and imported teas.

Irvine Police Issue 70 Citations During Traffic Enforcement Operation

Irvine PD’s Traffic Team conducted a High Visibility Enforcement (HVE) operation Thursday morning in the University and Turtle Rock neighborhoods to promote safety for drivers, pedestrians, and crossing guards. A total of 70 citations were issued, mostly for ignoring stop signs, dismissing crossing guard directions, and disregarding posted traffic signs.

Join the Inaugural Mother-Scout Tea & Luncheon — May 17 at Trabuco Center

The Orange County Council invites families to a heartwarming afternoon honoring the incredible moms and mother figures who support Scouts every step of the way. The first-ever Mother-Scout Tea & Luncheon will bring together Scouts and their moms (or mother figures) from all levels of Scouting across the council. Families from every level — Cubs, Troops, and Crews — are encouraged to attend.

Date: May 17, 2025
Location: Trabuco Center
Time: 2:00–4:00 p.m.
Registration: https://scoutingevent.com/039-MothersDay

Attendees will enjoy:

  • Freshly brewed tea, dainty sandwiches, and delectable sweet treats

  • Quality time with fellow Scout families

  • A silent auction featuring unique items perfect for gifting or indulging

Auction Highlights Include:

  • Garden Lover’s Gift Set

  • Coffee Connoisseur Basket

  • One-of-a-Kind Experiential Offerings

Proceeds from the event will benefit Investment in Character, ensuring all youth have access to the life-changing opportunities of Scouting.

The OC Council hopes this event marks the beginning of a cherished annual tradition - where celebrating food, friendship, and a shared love for Scouting come together in celebration.

Traffic Signal Maintenance Set for May 6 at Sand Canyon and Portola

On Tuesday, May 6, the traffic signal at Sand Canyon Ave & Portola Pkwy will be either turned off or placed in red flash mode from 9 a.m. to 3 p.m. due to maintenance work. Drivers should expect delays, though efforts will be made to limit disruptions.

Four IUSD Students Earn National Merit Corporate Scholarships, Leading OC Districts

Four IUSD students have been awarded prestigious corporate-sponsored National Merit Scholarships—the highest number for any school district in Orange County. This recognition comes from the first round of the 2025 National Merit Scholarship Program, honoring students for outstanding academic achievement, leadership, and community contributions.

Enjoy Tai Chi and Interactive Exhibits at the Free Great Park Event on May 6

Join UCI Health and the City of Irvine for the State of the Great Park event on Tuesday, May 6, from 4 to 7 p.m. at Great Park Live. The free public event features interactive exhibits and two Tai Chi classes led by UCI Health wellness experts.

Start Your Day with a Scenic Workout—Join the Tuesday Morning Hike on May 6

Join OC Parks the Tuesday Morning Fitness Hike on May 6, from 7:30–10:30 a.m. on Hicks Haul Road in Limestone Canyon Nature Preserve.

  • Expect scenic views of Orange County and possible wildlife sightings.

  • The terrain is mostly smooth but includes some cracks and steep sections on longer routes.

  • Open to participants age 16+.

  • Bring ample water (especially for longer routes), proper footwear, sun protection.

Bee Craft Workshop Scheduled for May 10 at Irvine’s Katie Wheeler Library

On Saturday, May 10, from 11:00 AM to 12:00 PM, families and kids are invited to the Irvine Katie Wheeler Library for a Bee Craft & Activities session. Attendees will enjoy storytime followed by a hands-on craft to make a simple bee ring and a fun activity demonstrating pollen transfer.

Upcoming Northwood High School’s Music Calendar

  1. May 10th, 4-7:00 PM: Instrumental Music Awards and Reception, NHS Theater

  2. May 16th, 5:30 PM: Jazz at the Oak, NHS Oak

  3. May 21st - 22nd, 7:00 PM: POPS Concerts, NHS Theater

  4. May 30th, 7:00 PM: POPS Gala, NHS Theater

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

Upcoming University High School's Choirs Calendar

No upcoming events

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. May 8-9, 7:00 - 9:00 PM: Instrumental Pops Concerts

For the latest updates or additional details, please visit https://www.whs-music.org/

Upcoming Woodbridge High School’s Vocal Music Calendar

  1. May 10, 7:00 PM: Open Mic Night, Black Box.

  2. May 30, 7:00 PM: Broadway Rocks Concert, 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. May 16, 6:30 - 9:30 PM: Pops Concert (PAC)

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

Meet Voyager: Senior Pup Seeking a Peaceful Forever Home

Voyager is a gentle senior dog at the Irvine Animal Care Center seeking a peaceful forever home. He may be shy at first but becomes a loyal, loving companion once he feels safe. Ideal for someone who enjoys quiet moments and a bond built on trust, Voyager thrives in a calm, patient environment. As a bonus, he comes with a GoodPup Scholarship — $200 worth of free one-on-one training for his adopter.

Visit him during weekend adoption hours, 11 a.m. to 4 p.m. Learn more at cityofirvine.org/animals.

UC Irvine Wins 4x400 Relay, Wraps Up Strong Showing at Steve Scott Invitational

UC Irvine closed the Steve Scott Invitational with a strong win in the 4x400 relay (3:14.31), marking their second-fastest time this season.

  • Earlier, the 4x100 team took third with a season-best 40.98.

  • Roman Mendoza shined individually with a PR of 52.91 in the 400m hurdles, ranking second overall.

  • Justin Johnson finished second in the 200m (21.11).

  • AJ Taylor placed third in the 110m hurdles (14.42).

  • Jacob Hawkins was runner-up in both shot put and discus.

  • Alan Vuong tied for third in the high jump.

The Anteaters also celebrated their senior athletes in this final home meet before heading to the Big West Decathlon in Long Beach, May 9–10.

UCI Anteaters Upcoming Home Games

Baseball

  • Thur, May 15 – vs Cal State Fullerton, 6:00 PM

  • Fri, May 16 – vs Cal State Fullerton, 6:00 PM

  • Sat, May 17 – vs Cal State Fullerton, 1:00 PM

IVC Baseball’s Tyler Eastham Leads Team in Innings, Finishes Season with 68.2 Pitched

Irvine Valley College sophomore pitcher Tyler Eastham led the team in innings pitched this season, throwing 68.2 innings across 16 games (12 starts) with a 4.46 ERA. In conference play, he had a 4.24 ERA over 40.1 innings and posted a 1-4 record. Overall, Eastham went 3-5 with one save and recorded 45 strikeouts. The Lasers finished the season 16-24.

🏐⚽🏀 Upcoming home games for the IVC LASERS 

No upcoming events

Woodbridge Baseball Clinches CIF Playoff Spot with 4-3 Win Over Portola

Woodbridge High School’s baseball team secured a 4-3 win over Portola on Friday to clinch an automatic CIF playoff berth, finishing third in the Pacific Coast League. Sophomore pitcher Kyle Underwood struck out 10 in 5 1/3 innings, and junior Henry Uhrik’s sixth-inning two-run homer proved decisive. Portola nearly rallied in the seventh, but reliever Caden Camacho escaped a bases-loaded jam. The win eliminated Portola from playoff contention and marked a key moment for the young Woodbridge team with multiple underclassmen contributing.

High School Athletics Calendar

** Updated With May Schedule

Northwood High School Monthly Athletics Calendar (All Level)

No upcoming events

Upcoming Irvine High School’s Varsity home games:

No upcoming events

Suspicious Vehicle Leads to Arrest in Irvine: Drugs, Stolen Items, and Surveillance Gear Found

On Saturday, Irvine police responded to a report of a suspicious vehicle on Prism, possibly linked to package thefts. They found 41-year-old Francisco Herrera Del Campo of Oceanside asleep inside. A search of his car revealed narcotics, stolen credit cards, a fake disabled placard, radios, night vision gear, and a CB radio. He was arrested and booked on charges including identity theft, possession of narcotics, and misappropriation of found property. Credit goes to the vigilant security guard who reported 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

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