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From Vintage Kimonos to Matcha Sweets: Explore Japanology Fair in Irvine

Issue # 0474

Author

Joshua Tjia
27 Aug

In this Irvine Insider Issue . . .

😁 Laugh Of The Day

🌤️ Irvine Weather

🚌🚸 Join Irvine’s Effort to Improve Safe Travel Around Schools

👘🌸 From Vintage Kimonos to Matcha Sweets: Explore Japanology Fair in Irvine

🍞🥐 JJ Bakery Irvine: Your Neighborhood Stop for Freshly Baked Delights

🌟 All Five IUSD High Schools Ranked Among Top 5% in California

🐕 UCI Health Celebrates Pet Therapy Dogs on National Dog Day

🌳🥾 Hiking Made Simple — Tips to Get Started on the Trails

🎨 Join Quail Hill’s Creative Tuesdays with Paint, Paste & Pour

🎼🎼 Upcoming High School Music Calendar

🐾 Woodbridge Puppy Kindergarten Returns — Enroll Now for Fall Session

⚽️ UC Irvine Men’s Soccer Gears Up for Cal State LA and North Florida

🏀🏐🎾⚽️ UCI Anteaters Upcoming Home Games

🏀🏀 Upcoming home games for the IVC LASERS

🏈🎾 High School Athletics Calendar

🚓📦 Irvine Police Arrest Suspect in Spectrum Package Room Theft

🍏🥭🍑 Local Farmers Markets

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

📅📅 Lots of Local Events

📞💡 Useful Contact Information

What kind of shoes do bananas wear?

Slippers!

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

Join Irvine’s Effort to Improve Safe Travel Around Schools

The City of Irvine is updating its Suggested Routes to School maps in collaboration with schools and the community.

  • A draft of 45 updated maps and potential safety improvements for every public school is now available for review.

  • Residents are invited to an open house on Thursday, September 4, from 6–8 p.m. at Deerfield Community Center to view the recommendations and share feedback.

  • Register and learn more at cityofirvine.org/sharestheway to help improve safe and active travel for students.

From Vintage Kimonos to Matcha Sweets: Explore Japanology Fair in Irvine

The Japanology Fair is back this Saturday, August 30, 10:00 AM–3:30 PM at the Orange Island Culture Salon (17811 Sky Park Cir. #J, Irvine).

  • Explore Japanese tradition and modern craft with vintage kimonos from $10, handmade sweets, matcha café, calligraphy, artisan goods, and more.

  • Admission and parking are free — bring friends and family for a cultural day out!

JJ Bakery Irvine: Your Neighborhood Stop for Freshly Baked Delights

JJ Bakery in Irvine is a well-loved Taiwanese-style bakery that blends traditional Asian flavors with modern tastes. Known for its wide selection of fresh breads, pastries, and cakes, it offers something for everyone—whether you’re looking for a savory snack or a special dessert to share.

Customer Favorites:

  • Panda Bread – Soft bread wrapped in a moist chocolate cake layer

  • Pineapple Bun – Sweet, golden, and lightly crisp on top

  • Ham & Cheese Roll – A savory pick perfect for breakfast or snacking

  • Taro buns – soft bread filled with taro paste, lightly sweet and creamy

  • Red Bean Bun – A soft, pillowy bun filled with smooth red bean paste

  • Fresh Mango Cake – A summer favorite made with soft vanilla sponge and layers of sliced mango.

  • Fresh Fruit Cakes – Light sponge cakes topped with seasonal fresh fruit

Find them at 15333 Culver Dr Ste 660, 650 Irvine, CA 92606

All Five IUSD High Schools Ranked Among Top 5% in California

All five IUSD comprehensive high schools ranked in the top 5% of California schools on U.S. News & World Report’s“Best High Schools” list. IUSD is the only Orange County district with all its high schools in the state’s top 130, reflecting performance in college readiness, state testing, underserved student outcomes, curriculum, and graduation rates.

UCI Health Celebrates Pet Therapy Dogs on National Dog Day

Yesterday was National Dog Day, and UCI Health celebrated the dedicated dogs in its Pet Therapy Program, a volunteer initiative where specially trained therapy dogs visit patients, families, and staff to bring comfort, reduce stress, and lift spirits during hospital stays.

  • These dogs not only provide emotional support but also help create a more calming and positive environment for healing.

  • Learn more about the program at ucihealth.org/volunteer/pet-therapy.

Hiking Made Simple — Tips to Get Started on the Trails

Hiking is one of the simplest and most rewarding ways to stay active, enjoy nature, and build fitness. Getting started doesn’t require special skills—just a few basics to keep your hikes safe, comfortable, and fun.

Tips for Beginner Hikers:

  • Start simple – Begin with short, flat trails and gradually build stamina.

  • Stay hydrated – Carry at least 1 liter of water; hydration packs make sipping easier.

  • Wear the right shoes – Comfortable footwear with good tread helps prevent blisters.

  • Use hiking poles – Great for balance, especially on uneven terrain.

  • Don’t hike alone – Go with a partner and keep your phone charged.

  • Pack snacks – Trail mix, granola bars, and electrolytes keep energy up.

  • Bring first aid – Sunscreen, bug spray, and Band-Aids are essentials.

  • Follow etiquette – Stay on trails and always pack out your trash.

Check out letsgooutside.org for guided hikes and ocparks.com for maps.

Join Quail Hill’s Creative Tuesdays with Paint, Paste & Pour

Young artists ages 1.5–7 are invited to join Paint, Paste & Pour, a creative parent-child class that explores paint, glue, dough, and sensory play. Each session introduces new activities that spark imagination and fine motor skills.

Class Details:

  • Dates: September 2 – September 16 (Tuesdays)

  • Time: 9:00 – 9:45 a.m.

  • Location: Quail Hill Community Center, 39 Shady Canyon, Irvine, CA

  • Instructor: Rachel Westfall

  • Cost: $50 Resident / $55 Non-Resident + $20 supply fee

Register here

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

Woodbridge Puppy Kindergarten Returns — Enroll Now for Fall Session

Woodbridge Village Association is offering a Puppy Kindergarten class for pups 9–20 weeks old, running September 18–October 16 on Thursdays from 6–6:55 p.m. at the Woodbridge Community Center Amphitheater.

  • The 5-week program ($250) includes an online orientation plus in-person classes that focus on basic skills, problem solving, and prevention to raise a well-mannered dog.

  • Visit here for more information whatagoodpuppy.com.

  • Call (949) 786-1800 or visit the office at 31 Creek Road to enroll.

UC Irvine Men’s Soccer Gears Up for Cal State LA and North Florida

UC Irvine men’s soccer heads into two key matchups this week as part of its six-game home stretch.

  • On Thursday, the Anteaters face Division II powerhouse Cal State LA, meeting for the first time since 1989.

  • Then on Sunday, they take on NCAA Tournament team North Florida, led by preseason Atlantic Sun player of the year David Perez.

  • Both contests will be important early-season tests as UCI looks to build on its strong start.

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 

Women’s Soccer

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

High School Athletics Calendar

** Updated With August Schedule

Upcoming Irvine High School’s Varsity home games:

August 2025

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

Irvine Police Arrest Suspect in Spectrum Package Room Theft

Thanks to a tip from a community member, Irvine Police arrested 52-year-old Paloma Corona of Irvine after she was caught stealing from a Spectrum apartment package room. Officers located her with stolen property and booked her into Orange County Jail on burglary charges.

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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