• Irvine Insider
  • Posts
  • Grab Your Blanket and Cheer On Your Team at Great Park's Free World Cup Watch Parties

Grab Your Blanket and Cheer On Your Team at Great Park's Free World Cup Watch Parties

Issue # 0657

Author

Joshua Tjia
22 Jun

In this Irvine Insider Issue . . .

😁 Laugh of the Day

🌤️ Irvine Weather

🚎🚏 Irvine CONNECT Riders Can Reach Laguna Beach with Free Summer Trolley Connections

⚽️🍿 Grab Your Blanket and Cheer On Your Team at Great Park's Free World Cup Watch Parties

🚦 Roadway Improvements to Impact Traffic Near Irvine Center Drive, June 22

🎆🎉 Woodbridge to Celebrate July 4 with Drone Show and Fireworks Spectacular

🍅🥬🥕 Grab a Basket: Veggie Picking Adventures Are Back at Tanaka Farms

🎇🩹 Keep the Fun Going: Fireworks Safety Reminders for the Whole Family

🌳🌅 Enjoy a Scenic Sunset Hike Through Orchard Hills, June 30

🎨 Discover the Joy of Watercolor Painting in Woodbridge's Beginner-Friendly Class

🎼🎼 Upcoming High School Music Calendar

🐾 Helping Your Pet Feel Safe During Fireworks

🏆🏃🏾‍♀️ UCI Women's Track & Field's Joy Anderson Named Big West Freshman of the Year; Jeff Perkins Repeats as Coach of the Year

🏀🏐🎾⚽️ UCI Anteaters Upcoming Home Games

🏀🏀 Upcoming home games for the IVC LASERS

🏈🎾 High School Athletics Calendar

🚔💳 Suspect Arrested After Credit Card Stolen From Hiker's Vehicle in Irvine

🍏🥭🍑 Local Farmers Markets

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

📅📅 Lots of Local Events

📞💡 Useful Contact Information

What's the difference between a cat and a complex sentence?

A cat has claws at the end of its paws and a complex sentence has a pause at the end of its clause.

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

Irvine CONNECT Riders Can Reach Laguna Beach with Free Summer Trolley Connections

Getting to Laguna Beach this summer just got easier. Irvine CONNECT riders can transfer to Laguna Beach's Summer Breeze trolley at Alton Parkway and Laguna Canyon Road for access to downtown Laguna Beach and the popular summer art festivals. The trolley runs every 30 minutes with extended evening hours through September 7, and the Irvine CONNECT stops are just a 5–8 minute walk away. Irvine CONNECT operates about every 20 minutes on Fridays and weekends.

Grab Your Blanket and Cheer On Your Team at Great Park's Free World Cup Watch Parties

Great Park Live has added several free World Cup Watch Parties from June 22–27, featuring matches including Argentina, England, Brazil, Mexico, the United States, Spain, and more. Fans can watch the action on a large LED screen, with gates opening one hour before kickoff. Food and beverages will be available for purchase, and admission is free for up to 1,000 guests. Blankets and low-back chairs are welcome.

Find more information here

Roadway Improvements to Impact Traffic Near Irvine Center Drive, June 22

Traffic signals at the intersection of Irvine Center Drive and Orangetree/Golf Club Drive will be shut down Monday, June 22, from 9 a.m. to 3 p.m. for ongoing roadway improvements. Delays are expected, and drivers are encouraged to allow extra travel time or use alternate routes when possible.

Woodbridge to Celebrate July 4 with Drone Show and Fireworks Spectacular

Woodbridge will celebrate both its 50th anniversary and America's 250th birthday with a Drone & Fireworks Spectacular on Saturday, July 4, beginning at 9 p.m. The drone show will light up the sky with patriotic formations about 400 feet above the south side of Woodbridge, followed immediately by a fireworks finale. The best viewing areas include South Lake Beach Club, East Yale Loop near Springbrook South, South Lake Middle School, and Springbrook Elementary School.

Grab a Basket: Veggie Picking Adventures Are Back at Tanaka Farms

Tanaka Farms' popular Veggie Tours are back this week, offering a fun, family-friendly way to experience the farm. Held Monday through Friday at 11 a.m., guests can stroll through the fields and hand-pick fresh produce, including sweet cherry tomatoes, juicy beefsteak tomatoes, and a seasonal surprise such as bok choy or carrots, depending on the day's harvest. Spots are limited, so be sure to reserve yours in advance.

Keep the Fun Going: Fireworks Safety Reminders for the Whole Family

Summer fireworks can be a fun, festive part of celebrating, but they also pose serious risks, especially for children and teens. UCI Health experts recommend leaving fireworks to the professionals whenever possible, as even sparklers can burn at temperatures above 2,000 degrees Fahrenheit and fireworks that fail to ignite can still explode unexpectedly. A few simple precautions can help families enjoy the festivities while staying safe.

Key Safety Tips:

  • 👧 Keep fireworks and sparklers out of children's hands, as even those that seem harmless can cause serious injuries.

  • 🔥 Sparklers can reach temperatures above 2,000 degrees Fahrenheit, making them hotter than a blow torch.

  • 🚫 If a firework doesn't go off, avoid picking it up or attempting to relight it, as it may still be unstable and dangerous.

  • ⏱️ If you encounter a dud firework, wait at least 20 minutes before approaching it, then soak it thoroughly in water and dispose of it properly.

  • 🎯 Use caution and never point, throw, or hold lighted fireworks, as doing so can put you and others at risk.

  • 🚑 If a burn occurs, run the affected area under cool (not cold) water, gently remove nearby clothing or jewelry if possible, cover it with a clean, dry bandage, and seek prompt medical attention.

Enjoy a Scenic Sunset Hike Through Orchard Hills, June 30

Lace up for a scenic evening adventure at Orchard Hills on Tuesday, June 30, from 6–8 p.m. This 3-mile sunset hike winds around avocado orchards and offers ridge-top views of Irvine and the Pacific coastline. There will be steep climbs, uneven terrain, and an 800-foot elevation gain.

Discover the Joy of Watercolor Painting in Woodbridge's Beginner-Friendly Class

Adults looking to explore watercolor painting can join a beginner-friendly painting class at the Woodbridge Community Center. Participants will learn foundational techniques such as wet-on-wet, wet-on-dry, gradients, blotting, and masking while creating simple landscapes and flower bouquets. All materials are included. The class meets Mondays from July 20 through August 10, from 5:30–7 p.m.

Upcoming Northwood High School’s Music Calendar

No further events scheduled for this month.

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

Upcoming Woodbridge High School’s Vocal Music Calendar

No further events scheduled for this month.

For the latest updates or additional details, please visit https://woodbridgechoirs.weebly.com/calendar.html

Upcoming Irvine High Choral’s Music Calendar

No further events scheduled for this month.

For the latest updates or additional details, please visit https://www.ihschoralmusic.org/calendar.html 

Upcoming Portola High School Music’s Calendar

No further events scheduled for this month.

For the latest updates or additional details, please visit https://www.phsmusicbooster.org/buy-ticket

Helping Your Pet Feel Safe During Fireworks

Fireworks can be frightening for many pets, but a little preparation can go a long way in helping them feel safe and comfortable. Here are a few simple ways to reduce stress and support your furry family members during the holiday celebrations.

Tips

  • Create a safe space: Set up a quiet retreat in a room or closet where your pet already feels comfortable. Add soft bedding, favorite toys, and treats to make it a positive place to relax.

  • Reduce the noise: Close windows and doors, draw blackout curtains if possible, and play calming music or white noise to help mask fireworks.

  • Offer distractions: Keep pets engaged with puzzle toys, stuffed treats, chew toys, or playtime to redirect their attention.

  • Stay calm: Offer gentle reassurance, but avoid excessive comforting that may unintentionally reinforce fearful behavior.

  • Try calming aids: Natural calming supplements or pheromone products may help ease anxiety when used before fireworks begin.

  • Talk to your veterinarian: If your pet has experienced severe fear or panic during past fireworks, seek veterinary guidance about additional support or medication options.

UCI Women's Track & Field's Joy Anderson Named Big West Freshman of the Year; Jeff Perkins Repeats as Coach of the Year

UC Irvine's Joy Anderson was named the Big West Women's Track & Field Freshman of the Year after an impressive debut season that included a conference title in the heptathlon, All-America honorable mention honors, and multiple school records. Head coach Jeff Perkins also earned his second consecutive Big West Women's Coach of the Year award after leading the Anteaters to a dominant conference championship and another successful season on the national stage.

UCI Anteaters Upcoming Home Games

We will resume with UCI’s athletic calendar events when the schedule is available for the fall quarter.

🏐⚽🏀 Upcoming home games for the IVC LASERS 

We will resume with IVC’s athletic calendar events when the schedule is available for the fall semester.

High School Athletics Calendar

We will resume with the high school athletic calendars after the summer break

Upcoming Irvine High School’s Varsity home games:

We will resume with the varsity home game events after the summer break

Suspect Arrested After Credit Card Stolen From Hiker's Vehicle in Irvine

On June 3, a credit card was stolen from a vehicle while its owner was hiking on Irvine's trails. The stolen card was later used to make more than $1,600 in purchases at the Apple Store. After reviewing surveillance footage and following evidence from the case, Irvine Police detectives identified and arrested 55-year-old Hernan Reyes Correa of Los Angeles in Hollywood on suspicion of identity theft.

Police are reminding residents and visitors to lock their vehicles and avoid leaving valuables inside, especially as Irvine's trails become busier during the summer months.

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

June 27 Free Paper Shredding Event 9 - 11 AM

July 6 The Parent Trap 8 PM

July 9 Free Grocery Food Box 9 AM - 12 PM

June 27 Taste Around The World 11 AM - 2 PM

June 27 Concerts on the Lake: The Answer 5:30 - 7:30 PM

June 30 Independence Day Bingo 12:45 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!

1