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  • Free Grocery Food Box Available for Eligible Irvine Residents – Reserve Now

Free Grocery Food Box Available for Eligible Irvine Residents – Reserve Now

Issue # 0360

Author

Joshua Tjia
10 Mar

In this Irvine Insider Issue . . .

😁 Laugh Of The Day

🌤️ Irvine Weather

🍏🥦📦 Free Grocery Food Box Available for Eligible Irvine Residents – Reserve Now

🚔🔥 City of Irvine to Host Wildfire Town Hall on March 18

🛌🫧 Irvine Supports 2/11 Marines: Donate Pillowcases & Body Wash by March 14

🍋💛 Lemon Egg Tart Now Available at All 85°C Bakery Stores

🍽️🍀 Celebrate St. Patrick’s Day with a Farm-to-Table Feast at Tanaka Farms

❤️🩺 SCAD Awareness: Know the Signs, Stay Informed, and Protect Your Heart

🦉🍽️ Sea & Sage Annual Dinner 2025: Featuring Dr. Carl Safina & His Journey with an Owl

👕🎨 Teen/Tween Tie Dye Craft Event – March 20 at Heritage Park Library

🎼🎼 Upcoming High School Music Calendar

🐩 Microchipping Your Pet: Why It Matters

🏐 UC Irvine Men's Volleyball Sweeps Sacred Heart, Improves to 12-4

🏀🏐🎾⚾ UCI Anteaters Upcoming Home Games

🏐 Irvine Valley Women’s Beach Volleyball Sweeps Santiago Canyon and Saddleback

🏀🏀 Upcoming home games for the IVC LASERS

🏀✍🏻 Irvine High School Sports: League Titles, Playoff Runs, and College Commitments

🏈🎾 High School Athletics Calendar

🚓🚨 Irvine Police Seek Suspects in Parking Structure Break-Ins, Over $9K in Losses

🍏🥭🍑 Local Farmers Markets

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

📅📅 Lots of Local Events

📞💡 Useful Contact Information

What did Sherlock Holmes say when he found the rainbow's fingerprints at the scene of a crime?

Hue dunnit!

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

Free Grocery Food Box Available for Eligible Irvine Residents – Reserve Now

The City of Irvine is offering a 30-pound Grocery Food Box with canned goods, rice, cereal, and more for qualifying residents based on income guidelines.

  • Pickup is on Thursday, March 13, from noon to 3 p.m. at Heritage Park Community Center (14301 Yale Ave).

  • Reservations required at cityofirvine.org/foodbox.

  • For details, contact 949-724-6650 or [email protected]. 

City of Irvine to Host Wildfire Town Hall on March 18

The City of Irvine will host a Wildfire Town Hall Meeting on March 18, featuring the Orange County Fire Authority, Irvine Police Department, Irvine Ranch Conservancy, and the Emergency Management team.

Irvine Supports 2/11 Marines: Donate Pillowcases & Body Wash by March 14

IMAC, a nonprofit supporting Irvine's adopted Marine Battalion from Camp Pendleton, is hosting a Welcome Home Donation Drive for returning 2/11 troops.

  • They are collecting standard-sized pillowcases and 3-in-1 body wash to support service members.

  • Donations can be dropped off at Irvine City Hall from Monday to Thursday, 8 a.m. - 5 p.m. 

  • The drive runs until March 14.

  • For questions, contact the Mayor’s Office at 949.724.6226. Fin more information mation here.

Lemon Egg Tart Now Available at All 85°C Bakery Stores

The Lemon Egg Tart is now available at 85°C Bakery locations nationwide! Featuring a buttery, flaky crust with smooth, tangy lemon custard, these tarts are the perfect spring treat. Freshly baked, handmade with care, and perfectly portioned, they’re great for any occasion—whether as a gift, a gathering dessert, or a personal indulgence. Grab yours today at 85°C Bakery stores in Irvine!

Celebrate St. Patrick’s Day with a Farm-to-Table Feast at Tanaka Farms

Celebrate St. Patrick’s Day farm-fresh style at Tanaka Farms! On March 16 at 11:00 AM, enjoy a guided farm tour, pick fresh produce, visit barnyard animals, and feast on an all-you-can-eat meal by Chef Jim and his team. Don’t miss this fun event—reserve your spot now! Get tickets here.

SCAD Awareness: Know the Signs, Stay Informed, and Protect Your Heart

SCAD (Spontaneous Coronary Artery Dissection) is a rare but serious heart condition that causes a tear in the artery wall and is the leading cause of heart attacks in younger women, especially pregnant women, new mothers, and athletes.

  • Unlike traditional heart attacks caused by plaque buildup, SCAD results from a tear that disrupts blood flow.

  • Symptoms often mimic stress, anxiety, or acid reflux, leading to misdiagnosis.

  • While most cases heal on their own, severe cases may require stenting or bypass surgery.

  • Risk factors include extreme stress, pregnancy, and genetic conditions.

  • The prognosis is good, but recurrence risk is 5% per year, so regular monitoring is essential.

Sea & Sage Annual Dinner 2025: Featuring Dr. Carl Safina & His Journey with an Owl

Join conservationist Dr. Carl Safina on March 21 at Mile Square Park Banquet Center as he discusses Alfie and Me, his book about bonding with an orphaned screech owl.

  • Evening includes a silent auction, Fern Zimmerman Conservation Award, and a three-course dinner

  • Tickets: $65; Reserve by March 13 via Eventbrite.

  • More information here or contact Nancy Kenyon (949-892-9212, [email protected])

Teen/Tween Tie Dye Craft Event – March 20 at Heritage Park Library

Join the Teen/Tween Craft - Tie Dye event on Thursday, March 20, from 4:00 PM to 5:00 PM at Irvine Heritage Park Library. Limited supplies provided, but you can bring your own small items (must be smaller than a t-shirt). Open to ages 9-17.

Upcoming Northwood High School’s Music Calendar

  1. March 11, 7-8 PM : Vocal Music Spring Concert, NHS Theater

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

Upcoming University High School's Choirs Calendar

  1. May 1-2, 7:00 PM: Broadway Rocks!, 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. March 13, 7:00 PM-9:00 PM: Orchestra Music Festival Concerts, 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. March 21, 7:00 PM: Spring 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. March 13, 6:30 PM: Festival Concert, Irvine Performing Arts Center.

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

  3. 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

Microchipping Your Pet: Why It Matters

  • Permanent ID: Unlike collars and tags, a microchip provides a reliable, long-term way to identify your pet.

  • Increases Reunions: Lost pets with microchips have a much higher chance of being returned home.

  • Quick & Safe: The procedure is fast, painless, and can be done by your veterinarian.

Maintaining Your Pet’s Microchip:

  • Register it with the manufacturer’s database.

  • Have it scanned annually to ensure it’s functioning properly.

  • Keep contact info updated to ensure you can be reached if your pet is found.

UC Irvine Men's Volleyball Sweeps Sacred Heart, Improves to 12-4

No. 4 UC Irvine secured a dominant 3-0 sweep (25-17, 25-16, 25-13) over Sacred Heart at Bren Events Center, marking their second consecutive sweep. Nolan Flexen led with 11 kills, five block assists, and two aces, while Hilir Henno contributed 10 kills (.500 hitting) and three aces. UCI outperformed SHU in hitting percentage (.409 vs. .056), blocks (8-4.5), and aces (10-2). Opposite William D'Arcy added seven kills, a season-high 10 digs, and two block assists. Middle blockers Micah Goss (5-0-5) and Maxim Grigoriev (five block assists) played key roles. Sacred Heart’s top scorers were Aleksa Mandic and Jaron Popp with six kills each. UCI (12-4) will take a break before facing Daemen on March 21 and George Mason on March 22.

UCI Anteaters Upcoming Home Games

Women's Tennis

  • Mon, Mar 10 – vs Utah State & Illinois State, 11:00 AM

  • Tue, Mar 11 – vs Illinois State, 2:00 PM

  • Wed, Mar 12 – vs Lehigh, 2:00 PM

Men's Tennis

  • Thu, Mar 13 – vs Navy, TBA

  • Fri, Mar 14 – vs Yale, TBA

Women's Water Polo

  • Wed, Mar 12 – vs Concordia, 6:00 PM

  • Fri, Mar 14 – vs CSUN, 12:00 PM

Men's Track & Field

  • Fri, Mar 14 – Challenge Cup, 1:00 PM

Women's Track & Field

  • Fri, Mar 14 – Challenge Cup, 1:00 PM

Irvine Valley Women’s Beach Volleyball Sweeps Santiago Canyon and Saddleback

Irvine Valley’s women’s beach volleyball team continued its strong performance with two dominant 5-0 wins at home, sweeping both Santiago Canyon and Saddleback. The Lasers improved to 3-7 overall and 3-1 in the Orange Empire Conference, winning three of their last four matches. Several contests were tightly contested, with two matches going three sets in each competition. Sophomores Avery Bennett and Audrey Fowler, along with Alya Mersin and Jayva Anderson, secured crucial victories, while freshmen Maia Garcia and Jheazrell May Quindoza also won in straight sets. Valeria Leon and Jessica Lopez delivered their best match of the season, and multiple wins came by forfeit. Irvine Valley returns to action Friday at Riverside against the Tigers and Golden West, starting at 10 a.m.

🏐⚽🏀 Upcoming home games for the IVC LASERS 

Men's Volleyball

  1. Wed, Mar 12 – vs Golden West, 6:00 PM

Baseball

  1. Fri, Mar 14 – vs Santa Ana, 1:00 PM

Women's Beach Volleyball

  1. Sat, Mar 22 – vs El Camino, 10:00 AM

  2. Sat, Mar 22 – vs Concordia University, Irvine, 1:00 PM

Men's Tennis

  1. Wed, Mar 26 – vs Linfield College, 10:00 AMv

Irvine High School Sports: League Titles, Playoff Runs, and College Commitments

Irvine Boys Basketball Wins League Title

Irvine High boys basketball clinched the Pacific Coast League title for the first time since 1991, finishing with a perfect league record and reaching the CIF Division 2A semifinals. The Vaqueros secured the championship with a 65-60 double-overtime win over Northwood. Senior forward Cooper Stearns led the team, averaging 20 points and 12.8 rebounds per game, as Irvine finished 29-3 before falling to St. Bonaventure in OT.

Portola Girls Soccer Reaches CIF Semifinals

Portola girls soccer won the Pacific Hills League title and reached the CIF semifinals, falling 4-3 in overtime to Foothill. Coach Joshua Stringer praised the team’s sportsmanship and effort. Lily Nesland scored twice, and Lorel Stringer added a goal as Portola ended the season 11-2-2.

Woodbridge Softball Players Sign College Commitments

Woodbridge High softball stars Mia Tamkoc and Payton Harris signed national letters of intent. Tamkoc will play at Southern Utah University and study business, while Harris is headed to the University of Pittsburgh for biochemistry.

High School Athletics Calendar

** Updated With March Schedule

Upcoming Irvine High School’s Varsity home games:

March 2025

Monday, March 10

  • 3:15 PM - Beach Volleyball (Girls, VR) vs Mission Viejo at Deerfield Park Beach Courts

  • 4:00 PM - Lacrosse (Boys, VR) vs Woodbridge at Irvine High School Stadium

Tuesday, March 11

  • 3:15 PM - Tennis (Boys, VR) vs Woodbridge at Irvine High School Heritage Park

  • 3:30 PM - Golf (Boys, VR) vs St. Margaret's Episcopal (TBD)

  • 5:15 PM - Volleyball (Boys, VR) vs Woodbridge at Irvine High School Game Gym

Wednesday, March 12

  • 3:30 PM - Swimming & Diving (Boys, VR) vs Sage Hill, Rosary Academy, Servite at Woolett Pool

  • 3:30 PM - Swimming & Diving (Girls, VR) vs Sage Hill, Rosary Academy, Servite at Woolett Pool

  • 4:00 PM - Lacrosse (Boys, VR) vs Portola at Irvine High School Stadium

Thursday, March 13

  • 3:15 PM - Tennis (Boys, VR) vs Portola at Irvine High School Heritage Park

  • 3:30 PM - Beach Volleyball (Girls, VR) vs Laguna Beach at Deerfield Park Beach Courts

Friday, March 14

  • 3:30 PM - Baseball (VR) vs Laguna Beach at Irvine High School Baseball Field

  • 5:00 PM - Lacrosse (Girls, VR) vs El Dorado at Irvine High School Stadium

Irvine Police Seek Suspects in Parking Structure Break-Ins, Over $9K in Losses

Two vehicles were broken into on separate days at a parking structure on Main St. and Mercantile in Irvine. The suspects used stolen access cards, racking up $1,400 in damages, $5,472 in stolen items, and $2,581 in fraudulent charges. One suspect has distinctive tattoos, including "Zero" from Nightmare Before Christmas, a jack-o-lantern, and a pawprint with the name "Bella" on her right arm. If you have any information, email [email protected].

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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