• Irvine Insider
  • Posts
  • From Parks to Schools: Irvine Named Nation's Best-Planned Community

From Parks to Schools: Irvine Named Nation's Best-Planned Community

Issue # 0296

Author

Joshua Tjia
22 Nov

In this Irvine Insider Issue . . .

😁 Laugh Of The Day

🌤️ Irvine Weather

🌳🚌🛝 From Parks to Schools: Irvine Named Nation's Best-Planned Community

✈️🚛 Upcoming Flying Leatherneck Aviation Museum Reveals Iconic Aircraft Lineup

🧸🎄 Support the Irvine 2/11 Marines: Holiday Toy Drive Drop-Off on December 8

🌴✨ Irvine Spectrum’s Holiday Glow: Don’t Miss Palm Lights

🎅🏻🎄 Holiday Magic at The Market Place: Sundays with Santa

🥗🥧 Warm Hearts and Full Plates: Healthy Recipes for Holiday Cheer

♻️ Get Free Paint or Recycle at OC Hazardous Waste Centers

🍯🥣 Bowls, Cups, and Vases: Get Your Hands on Irvine’s Handmade Ceramics

🎼🎼 Upcoming High School Music Calendar

🐕 Meet Lily: Scholarship Pup Ready to Bring Love to Her Forever Home

🏐 UCI Women’s Volleyball Hits Season-High Numbers in 3-0 Sweep Over Fullerton

🏀🏐🎾⚾ UCI Anteaters Upcoming Home Games

🏀  Irvine Valley Men's Basketball Dominates Southwestern in 73-48 Victory

🏀🏀 Upcoming home games for the IVC LASERS

🏀Brady Kim Sets Portola Basketball Record with 52 Points in Tournament Win

🏈🎾 High School Athletics Calendar

🚔🚨 Irvine Detective Busts Luxury Car Theft Ring, Suspect Arrested with Stolen McLaren and Firearms

🍏🥭🍑 Local Farmers Markets

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

📅📅 Lots of Local Events

📞💡 Useful Contact Information

How do pumpkins get their gossip?

Through the vine.

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

From Parks to Schools: Irvine Named Nation's Best-Planned Community


Irvine has been named the nation's best-planned community by Zonda, an international real estate research organization, winning the inaugural National Master Plan of the Year award. Developed by the Irvine Company, the city's Master Plan prioritizes balance, featuring self-contained residential villages, top-rated schools, parks, open spaces, and a thriving economy. Key highlights include the Irvine Spectrum District, home to 900 technology companies and a popular shopping and entertainment hub. Residents like Steven Leung and Julie Wang, who returned to Irvine for its beauty and family-friendly environment, praise the city’s safety, vibrant community events, and excellent schools. With 57,500 acres of protected open space and a design emphasizing convenience, Irvine continues to set a standard for quality of life.

Upcoming Flying Leatherneck Aviation Museum Reveals Iconic Aircraft Lineup

The upcoming Flying Leatherneck Aviation Museum at the Great Park will showcase an incredible lineup of restored aircraft, each with a unique history. Featured highlights include:

  • CH-46 Sea Knight

  • F-4S Phantom II: Painted in VMFP-3 colors, stationed at MCAS El Toro from 1965–1990

  • HRS-3 (H-19) Chickasaw

  • MiG-15

  • HUP-2 Retriever

  • Bell AH-1J Sea Cobra

  • Bell 214ST: Nicknamed “Saddam’s Prize,” captured during Desert Storm

  • UH-1N Iroquois

These aircraft highlight decades of Marine Corps aviation history and innovation. Learn more at flyingleathernecks.org.

See video

Support the Irvine 2/11 Marines: Holiday Toy Drive Drop-Off on December 8

The City of Irvine is hosting a Holiday Toy Drive: Drive-Thru Drop-Off on Sunday, December 8, in partnership with the Irvine 2/11 Marine Adoption Committee.

  • Community members are encouraged to donate new, unwrapped toys suitable for children ages 12 and under to support families of Irvine’s adopted 2nd Battalion, 11th Marines (2/11) Division.

  • The event will take place at the Irvine Civic Center Parking Lot near Deanna Manning Stadium at Colonel Bill Barber Park.

  • Drivers can follow the signs to the designated drop-off area, where volunteers will assist with collecting toys from the trunk or back seat of vehicles.

  • For more information, visit irvine211marines.org or call 949-724-6606.

Irvine Spectrum’s Holiday Glow: Don’t Miss Palm Lights


Celebrate the holidays at Irvine Spectrum with a stunning light and sound show every half hour near Old Navy and Dave & Busters. Watch the palm trees come alive with dazzling lights synchronized to holiday pop music. The event runs nightly, though times may vary. Don’t miss the Nightly Tree Lighting for even more seasonal cheer.

Nov 22, 2024 – Jan 5, 2025, 5:15 PM – 11 PM

Holiday Magic at The Market Place: Sundays with Santa

Winter Workshops & Selfies with Santa at The Market Place (Dec 1–15, 12–3 PM): Celebrate the season with festive family activities, crafts, entertainment, giveaways, and the chance to snap a selfie with Santa on select Sundays at The Market Place near the Food Court by Mathis Home and California Pizza Kitchen. Highlights include:

  • Joy to the World

    • Date: Sunday, December 1

    • Celebrate global holiday traditions, enjoy festive tunes, and take a selfie with Santa.

  • Happy Holidays Express

    • Date: Sunday, December 8

    • Enjoy themed giveaways, train rides, and a chance to meet Santa for selfies.

  • Season’s Greetings

    • Date: Sunday, December 15

    • Join the fun with cookie decorating, holiday postcard making, and festive tunes, plus selfies with Santa.

Warm Hearts and Full Plates: Healthy Recipes for Holiday Cheer

Celebrate the holidays with festive, nutrient-rich recipes that are both delicious and healthy. Dietitian Katie Rankell recommends enjoying dishes like Butternut Squash Soup, Stuffed Pork Tenderloin, and Gingerbread Bundt Cake to balance indulgence with health. These recipes support heart, brain, and immune health while featuring seasonal flavors. Tips include eating something healthy before gatherings to avoid overindulging. Highlights:

  • Butternut Squash Soup: High in fiber and vitamin A, with toasted pumpkin seeds for added magnesium.

  • Stuffed Pork Tenderloin: A lean, flavorful option with spinach, sage, and sun-dried tomatoes.

  • Gingerbread Bundt Cake: Spiced with ginger, cinnamon, and nutmeg, topped with maple glaze for a festive finish.

Enjoy holiday meals that are both comforting and mindful!

Get Free Paint or Recycle at OC Hazardous Waste Centers

Get free paint or recycle your old paint at Household Hazardous Waste Collection Centers, open Tuesday-Saturday, 9 AM-3 PM.

Locations:

  • Anaheim (1071 N. Blue Gum St.)

  • Huntington Beach (17121 Nichols Ln., Gate 6)

  • Irvine (6411 Oak Canyon)

  • San Juan Capistrano (32250 Avenida La Pata)

Bowls, Cups, and Vases: Get Your Hands on Irvine’s Handmade Ceramics

The Irvine Fine Arts Center’s Annual Ceramics Sale is open at the Art Center Store, featuring handmade ceramic bowls, cups, and vases crafted by studio volunteers and staff, along with artisan-donated pieces. Items are available through December or while supplies last. Special thansk is given to the ceramics team and volunteers for their contributions! Learn more at cityofirvine.org/arts.

Upcoming Northwood High School’s Music Calendar

  1. Wed, December 4-5, 7:00 - 8:30 PM: Instumental Music Winter Concert

  2. Fri, December 13, 7:00 - 8:30 PM: Winter Gala Concert

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

Upcoming University High School's Choirs Calendar

  1. Thu, December 5, 7:00 PM: A Winter Celebration at 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. Thurs, December 12, 7:00 - 9:00 PM: Winter Concerts: Concert Orchestra, Symphonic Orchestra and Philharmonic Orchestra

  2. Fri, December 13, 7:00 - 9:00 PM: Winter Concerts: Concert Band, Symphonic Band and Wind Ensemble

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

Upcoming Woodbridge High School’s Vocal Music Calendar

  1. Fri, December 6, 7:00 PM: Winter Celebration Concert at 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. Wed, December 18, 6:00-10:00 PM: IM Winter Concert

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

Meet Lily: Scholarship Pup Ready to Bring Love to Her Forever Home

Meet Lily, the Good Pup Scholarship awardee! This sweet, social pup is ready to learn new skills and become the perfect companion for her future family. Adopt Lily and let her fill your life with love and joy. Looking for a furry friend? The Irvine Animal Care Center has pets like Lily waiting for forever homes. Visit cityofirvine.org/animals to learn more.

See video

UCI Women’s Volleyball Hits Season-High Numbers in 3-0 Sweep Over Fullerton

UC Irvine swept Cal State Fullerton 3-0 (25-14, 25-11, 25-19) at the Bren Events Center, led by standout performances from Katie Smith (15 kills, 3 aces) and Kendra MacDonald (13 kills, .414 hitting percentage). The Anteaters hit .327, their second-best of the season, while holding the Titans to .068. Key contributions came from Hunter Riedl (7 kills, .467), Indy De Smet (31 assists), and libero Campbell Jensen (12 digs, 2 aces). UCI broke a four-match losing streak, improving to 15-13 overall and 9-8 in the Big West. Up next, they host Hawai'i on Nov. 23, at 4:00 p.m.

UCI Anteaters Upcoming Home Games

Women's Volleyball

  1. Sat, Nov 23: vs Hawai'i, 4:00 PM

  2. Wed, Nov 27: vs First Round TBA (Big West Championship)

  3. Fri, Nov 29: vs Semifinals TBA (Big West Championship)

  4. Sat, Nov 30: vs Championship TBA (Big West Championship)

Irvine Valley Men's Basketball Dominates Southwestern in 73-48 Victory

The Irvine Valley men’s basketball team delivered a stellar performance at home, defeating Southwestern 73-48 and improving to 4-2 overall. The Lasers excelled defensively, holding Southwestern to 27.7% shooting and dominating rebounds (43-35) and turnovers (20-15). Offensively, IVC shot 42.4%, assisted on 18 of 28 field goals, and hit 10 of 13 free throws, leading by as much as 27 points. Standouts included Josiah Reed (12 points, 11 rebounds), Matt Mowers (10 points, six rebounds), Ethan Tauber (nine points, three steals), and Parker Tuttle (nine points, three steals).

🏐⚽🏀 Upcoming home games for the IVC LASERS 

Men’s Basketball

  1. Wed, Nov 27: vs El Camino, 5:00 PM

Brady Kim Sets Portola Basketball Record with 52 Points in Tournament Win

Portola High School senior guard Brady Kim made history in the Rumble on the Hill Tournament, leading his team to an 88-81 victory over Mission Viejo with a record-breaking 52-point performance. Kim, the first in Portola’s history to score 50 points in a game, made 12 two-pointers, hit 8 of 13 three-pointers, and went 4 of 5 from the line, adding 8-10 rebounds. Motivated by his father’s sacrifices, Kim’s effort followed a tough loss the night before, driving his determination to secure a win. His teammates and coach Brian Smith celebrated the milestone, praising Kim’s dedication and work ethic.

High School Athletics Calendar

** Updated With November Schedule

Upcoming Irvine High School’s Varsity home games:

November 2024  

Saturday, November 23

  • 02:30 PM: Basketball, Girls VR vs. Wilson (Hacienda Heights) at Irvine High School Game Gym

Monday, December 2

  • 05:00 PM: Soccer, Boys VR vs. El Modena at Irvine High School Stadium

  • 07:00 PM: Basketball, Boys VR vs. Santa Ana at Irvine High School Game Gym

Wednesday, December 4

  • 04:00 PM: Water Polo, Girls VR vs. Canyon (Anaheim) at Woolett Pool

Friday, December 6

  • 05:00 PM: Soccer, Boys VR vs. Estancia at Irvine High School Stadium

Tuesday, December 10

  • 04:00 PM: Water Polo, Girls VR vs. Portola at Woolett Pool

Irvine Detective Busts Luxury Car Theft Ring, Suspect Arrested with Stolen McLaren and Firearms

An Irvine detective cracked a luxury car theft ring, leading to the arrest of Zihua Zhang, 37. The suspect altered VINs on stolen high-end cars, including a Durango SRT and a McLaren, found during the operation. Police also uncovered fraudulent VIN and license plates, fake checks, and three unregistered firearms. Zhang faces multiple charges and was booked into Orange County Jail.

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

November 1 - December 14 Annual Holiday Toy Drive

November 18 – December 13 Letters to Santa

December 5 - 7 Art of the Spanish Guitar 8 PM

December 7 - 8 Holiday Market 3 - 8 PM

December 7 - 15 Holiday Makers Mart 10 AM - 4 PM

We could use your help

We’ve got big plans as we get up to speed! But we need your help!

One huge way that you can help us is to spread the word for us.

Know somebody who lives in the Irvine and surrounding areas and would benefit from being kept in the know?

Please share Irvine Insider with them! It’s simple!