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Irvine District 5 Special Election Takes Place Today, April 15

Issue # 0386

Author

Joshua Tjia
15 Apr

In this Irvine Insider Issue . . .

😁 Laugh Of The Day

🌤️ Irvine Weather

🗳️🏙️ Irvine District 5 Special Election Takes Place Today, April 15

🚓 Irvine Police Conduct Distracted Driving Enforcement Near High School

🚆🏗️ Metrolink Crews Working Overnight to Improve Track Safety Near Irvine Neighborhoods

🎂🍰 Pre-Order Mother’s Day Cakes at 85°C Bakery Cafe and Save 15% Through May 7

🌎 Magnitude 5.2 Earthquake Near Julian Shakes Southern California and Tijuana

🌺🎬 Catch Moana 2 at Katie Wheeler Library’s Movie Matinee – April 23

🤸🏻🩺 Ensure a Safe Sports Season—Comprehensive Physicals for Kids Available in Irvine

🐦‍⬛ Birdwatching Walk at Peters Canyon on April 16 – Free Event

🪩🩰 Focus Dance Center Hosts Free Outdoor Event with Dance Performances and Family Fun on May 3

🎼🎼 Upcoming High School Music Calendar

🍃🐾 Understanding Pet Allergies: Causes, Symptoms, and Safe Treatments for Itchy Skin

🏐 UCI Volleyball's Shane Aitken Named Big West Defensive Player of the Week

🏀🏐🎾⚾ UCI Anteaters Upcoming Home Games

🏈 IVC Flag Football Sweeps Norco Round Robin, Improves to 9-3

🏀🏀 Upcoming home games for the IVC LASERS

⚾️ Crean Lutheran Baseball Earns 4–3 League Victory Over Yorba Linda

🏈🎾 High School Athletics Calendar

🚔🚨 Four Suspects Arrested in Irvine Following Newport Beach Burglary

🍏🥭🍑 Local Farmers Markets

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

📅📅 Lots of Local Events

📞💡 Useful Contact Information

What did the Easter Bunny say to the carrot?

Nice gnawing you.

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

Irvine District 5 Special Election Takes Place Today, April 15

Today is the Special Municipal Election to fill the vacant Irvine City Council District 5 seat. In-person voting is available at the Irvine Civic Center and University Park Community Center.

For details and candidate information, visit: cityofirvine.org/government/city-clerk/election-information.

Irvine Police Conduct Distracted Driving Enforcement Near High School

As part of National Distracted Driving Awareness Month, Irvine Police conducted a High-Visibility Enforcement operation near Irvine High School and Deerfield on Wednesday morning. Officers issued 39 citations, with illegal cell phone use and distracted driving being the most common offenses.

Reminder: using speakerphone while holding the phone is still a violation.

Metrolink Crews Working Overnight to Improve Track Safety Near Irvine Neighborhoods

Metrolink will conduct nighttime maintenance work on railroad tracks until April 19, between 10:00 PM and 6:00 AM, along the corridor from Tustin Metrolink Station to Barranca Parkway/Technology Drive in Irvine.

  • The work includes track surfacing, regulating, and stabilizing to ensure safe train operation.

  • Nearby residents may notice noise, dust, and lights from construction equipment.

  • Trains may pass through under Quiet Zone rules but could use horns if necessary for safety.

  • Learn more at metrolinktrains.com/community.

Pre-Order Mother’s Day Cakes at 85°C Bakery Cafe and Save 15% Through May 7

85°C Bakery Cafe is offering 15% off specially curated Mother’s Day cakes with in-store pre-orders until May 7.

  • Featured 8-inch cakes include Ube Cream Cake (Flower Bouquet), Deluxe Strawberry Cream, Mango Crème Brulee, Classic Tiramisu, and Deluxe Chocolate Mousse.

  • Additionally, from April 11 to May 11, customers can purchase a Mother’s Day tote bag for $1.85 with a $30 in-store purchase, or for $3.99 individually, while supplies last.

Magnitude 5.2 Earthquake Near Julian Shakes Southern California and Tijuana

A magnitude 5.2 earthquake struck just after 10 a.m. on April 14 near Julian, northeast of San Diego, with shaking felt across much of Southern California and even into Tijuana. The epicenter was just south of the Elsinore fault zone, one of California’s most active seismic areas, according to the U.S. Geological Survey. The quake caused items to fall in local stores and led to brief evacuations in downtown San Diego. No major injuries or widespread damage were immediately reported.

Catch Moana 2 at Katie Wheeler Library’s Movie Matinee – April 23

Enjoy an afternoon movie matinee at the Irvine Katie Wheeler Library on Wednesday, April 23, from 3:00 PM to 5:00 PM. The featured film is Moana 2, and all ages are welcome. Bring a blanket for cozy, family-friendly viewing.

Ensure a Safe Sports Season—Comprehensive Physicals for Kids Available in Irvine

Is your child gearing up for sports or camp this season? A sports or camp physical is a crucial step to ensure they’re healthy and ready for physical activity. FCC Urgent Care in Irvine and Costa Mesa offers quick, affordable physicals.

Each physical includes a full health assessment:

  • Vitals check (blood pressure, pulse, height, and weight)

  • Eye exam

  • Joints and flexibility evaluation

  • Fitness and cardiovascular assessment

  • Review of medical history including allergies, past illnesses, and current medications

These exams help identify underlying health concerns, prevent injuries, and ensure safe participation in sports or camps. Be sure to bring all required forms to your visit.

Locations and Hours:

  • Irvine Woodbridge Walk-In: 4950 Barranca Pkwy, Suite 104

  • Costa Mesa Urgent Care: 660 Baker Street, Suite A-102

  • Hours: Mon–Fri 8AM–8PM | Weekends & Holidays 8AM–5PM

Birdwatching Walk at Peters Canyon on April 16 – Free Event

Join an OC Parks volunteer for a free birdwatching walk at Peters Canyon Regional Park on Wednesday, April 16, from 7:30–9:30 AM. Participants will explore the park spotting birds in trees and shrubs.

  • The walk starts outside the park office near the parking lot.

  • Bring binoculars, sun protection, and comfy shoes.

  • Open to ages 8 and up. Registration is recommended (16 of 25 spots left), walk-ins welcome.

  • For more info, contact Shelly Marshall at (714) 973-6625 or [email protected].

Focus Dance Center Hosts Free Outdoor Event with Dance Performances and Family Fun on May 3

Focus Dance Center is hosting its 5th Annual Free Outdoor Family Event on Saturday, May 3, from 9:30 AM to 8:00 PM at Woodbridge Village Center. This full-day community celebration features seven 1-hour dance performances by local youth, interactive dance and music demos, a silent auction supporting underprivileged children, and giveaways from center retailers. Admission is free—don’t miss this lively and family-friendly event!

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

  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. April 17, 7:00 PM: IUSD Honors Concert, Segerstrom 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. April 17, 7:00 PM: IUSD Honors Concert, Segerstrom Concert Hall.

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

Upcoming Irvine High School's Music Calendar

  1. May 2, 7:30 PM: Music Under the Stars (MUTS), Irvine Amphitheater

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

Understanding Pet Allergies: Causes, Symptoms, and Safe Treatments for Itchy Skin

Pets can suffer from seasonal allergies just like humans, but instead of sneezing, they typically show signs of itchy skin—especially in spring, summer, and fall.

  • Common environmental allergens include pollen from trees, grasses, and weeds, as well as mold and dust mites.

  • Symptoms include scratching, face rubbing, and paw licking.

  • Since avoiding allergens is tough, treatments focus on symptom control. Options include anti-itch meds like Apoquel® or Cytopoint® (dogs only), immunosuppressants like Atopica™, soothing shampoos, topical creams, allergy shots, omega-3 supplements, and sometimes short-term steroid use.

  • If your pet is itching, consult your vet to identify the cause and best treatment plan.

UCI Volleyball's Shane Aitken Named Big West Defensive Player of the Week

UC Irvine freshman libero Shane Aitken earned Big West Defensive Player of the Week honors after strong performances in two wins over UC Santa Barbara. He posted a career-high 13 digs in the first match and six digs in the second, while also contributing six assists and passing 32 balls with no reception errors. Aitken averaged 2.38 digs per set for the week. This is his first weekly conference award and UCI’s third Defensive Player of the Week honor this season. No. 4 UCI will host No. 9 CSUN in their home finale on Thursday, April 17, at 6:00 p.m. at the Bren Events Center.

UCI Anteaters Upcoming Home Games

Baseball

  • Tue, Apr 15 – vs LMU, 6:00 PM

  • Thu, Apr 17 – vs Hawai'i, 6:00 PM

Men's Volleyball

  • Thu, Apr 17 – vs CSUN, 6:00 PM

Women's Water Polo

  • Thu, Apr 17 – vs Long Beach State, 7:00 PM

Women's Tennis

  • Fri, Apr 18 – vs Long Beach State, 2:00 PM

  • Sat, Apr 19 – vs Hawai'i, 2:00 PM

Men's Tennis

  • Sat, Apr 19 – vs UC Davis, 10:00 AM

IVC Flag Football Sweeps Norco Round Robin, Improves to 9-3

Irvine Valley College’s inaugural flag football team had a standout showing at the Norco Round Robin at the University of Redlands, winning all three shortened games and outscoring opponents 39-6. The Lasers shut out Norco (13-0) and Saddleback (7-0), then defeated Cal Baptist (19-6), improving their overall record to 9-3. IVC has now won six of its last seven games and will host Saddleback again on Friday at 2 p.m., having won two out of three matchups against them this season.

🏐⚽🏀 Upcoming home games for the IVC LASERS 

Baseball

  • Thu, Apr 17 – vs Riverside, 2:00 PM

Women's Flag Football

  • Fri, Apr 18 Saddleback 2:00 PM

Women's Beach Volleyball

  • Wed, Apr 23 OEC Pairs Play-Ins (Round of 32's and 16's)

  • Fri, Apr 25 Orange Empire Conference Pairs (Quarterfinals through Consolations and Finals)

Crean Lutheran Baseball Earns 4–3 League Victory Over Yorba Linda

Crean Lutheran held off a late rally by Yorba Linda to secure a 4–3 Freeway League baseball victory on Wednesday. The Saints built a 4–0 lead by the second inning but saw Yorba Linda claw back with three runs in the sixth. Relief pitcher Griffin Theetge escaped a bases-loaded jam in the seventh with back-to-back strikeouts to earn his fifth save and preserve the win for starter Blake Armstrong (4–0). Jayce DeJong drove in two key runs, and Dylan Maez executed two sacrifice bunts in a well-executed offensive effort. With the win, Crean Lutheran improved to 4–1 in league play, continuing their push for a playoff berth.

High School Athletics Calendar

** Updated With April Schedule

Upcoming Irvine High School’s Varsity home games:

April 2025

Tuesday, April 15

  • Golf (Boys, VR) – 3:30 PM vs. Northwood at TBD

  • Volleyball (Boys, VR) – 5:15 PM vs. Portola at Irvine High School Game Gym

Wednesday, April 16

  • Swimming & Diving (Boys, VR) – 3:30 PM vs. Laguna Beach at Woolett Pool

  • Beach Volleyball (Girls, VR) – 3:30 PM vs. St. Margaret’s Episcopal (Irvine is the host) at Lost Winds Sand Courts

  • Softball (VR) – 3:30 PM vs. Northwood at Irvine High School Softball Field

  • Swimming & Diving (Girls, VR) – 3:30 PM vs. Laguna Beach at Woolett Pool

  • Lacrosse (Girls, VR) – 4:00 PM vs. Sage Hill at Irvine High School Stadium

Four Suspects Arrested in Irvine Following Newport Beach Burglary

After a burglary in Newport Beach, Irvine Police quickly responded when a K9 officer picked up the suspect vehicle using license plate readers. An alert officer located the car on Jamboree Road, and police safely stopped it near Edinger Avenue. Four suspects were detained and handed over to Newport Beach PD.

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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