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Irvine Libraries Transition Timeline: Key Dates and Closures

Issue # 0395

Author

Joshua Tjia
28 Apr

In this Irvine Insider Issue . . .

😁 Laugh Of The Day

🌤️ Irvine Weather

📚📖 Irvine Libraries Transition Timeline: Key Dates and Closures

🏗️🚧 Rancho Senior Center Undergoes Upgrades to Improve Accessibility and Facilities

🥗🛒 Asian Grocer T&T Supermarket Is Coming to Irvine’s Great Park Neighborhood by Winter 2026

🚌🧋 Celebrate Teachers with Free Boba at Cha for Tea – May 6–10

📝📔 Earn Free College Credit This Summer and Fall with IVC and Saddleback

🥙🌯 Healthy Meals That Boost Your Happy Hormones, Naturally

🌷🌸🌷 Stroll Through Spring Blooms at the Native Seed Farm – Join the Wildflower Walk

🎨 Drop In for Crafts and Fun! Join Irvine’s Library Craft Day, May 3

🎼🎼 Upcoming High School Music Calendar

🥾🐾 Hit the Trails with Your Dog: Top Tips for a Safe and Fun Adventure

🎾 UC Irvine Men’s Tennis Wins Second-Straight Big West Title, Earns NCAA Tournament Bid

🏀🏐🎾⚾ UCI Anteaters Upcoming Home Games

🏀🏀 Upcoming home games for the IVC LASERS

⚾️ Crean Lutheran Baseball Defeats Canyon 6-1 to Split Series

🏈🎾 High School Athletics Calendar

🍏🥭🍑 Local Farmers Markets

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

📅📅 Lots of Local Events

📞💡 Useful Contact Information

Why was the baker fired from his job?

He was loafing around too much.

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

Irvine Libraries Transition Timeline: Key Dates and Closures

The City of Irvine is transitioning its libraries from the Orange County Public Library (OCPL) system to the new Irvine Public Library system. Key dates include:

  • Through May 15: Heritage Park and University Park Libraries operate with reduced hours under OCPL.

    • Service Hours From April 1–May 15: 

      • Monday-Thursday: 10 a.m.–6 p.m.

      • Friday-Saturday: 9 a.m.–5 p.m.

      • Sunday: closed

  • May 16–August 3: Heritage Park and University Park Libraries will be closed for the transfer of services.

  • August 4: Heritage Park and University Park Libraries are expected to reopen as part of the Irvine Public Library system.

  • Through June 30: Katie Wheeler Library operates with reduced hours under OCPL.

  • July 1–December 31: Katie Wheeler Library will close for facility transition work.

  • January 2026: Katie Wheeler Library is expected to reopen under the Irvine Public Library system.

For more details and updates, visit irvinepubliclibrary.org.

Rancho Senior Center Undergoes Upgrades to Improve Accessibility and Facilities

Improvements are underway at Rancho Senior Center, including updates to interior walls and accessibility enhancements with new concrete work and striping. Construction is expected to be completed next month. Although efforts are being made to minimize disruptions, there will be some impacts to the entrance and parking lot. For more information about the center’s classes and programs, visit irvineolderadults.org.

Asian Grocer T&T Supermarket Is Coming to Irvine’s Great Park Neighborhood by Winter 2026

T&T Supermarket, a Canada-based Asian grocery chain, announced plans to open its first Southern California location in Irvine in winter 2026 at The Canopy at Great Park.

  • The 34,000-square-foot store will feature a self-service hot bar, barbecue station, sushi counter, Peking duck, and made-to-order street food like Chinese crepes and Taiwanese rice rolls, along with over 200 private label products.

  • It will create 180 jobs. This will be T&T’s third California store and fifth in the U.S., following expansions in Washington and planned openings in San Jose and San Francisco.

  • Owned by Loblaw Companies since 2009, T&T is known for its wide appeal, particularly among Asian-American communities, with Irvine’s population being over 40% Asian as of 2023.

Celebrate Teachers with Free Boba at Cha for Tea – May 6–10

Cha for Tea at Woodbridge Village Center is celebrating teachers from May 6–10! Show appreciation with Cha Gift Certificates or, if you’re a teacher, enjoy a FREE medium boba tea with the purchase of any entree by showing your school or teaching ID. Offer is valid for in-store orders only.

Earn Free College Credit This Summer and Fall with IVC and Saddleback

IUSD high school students can earn free college credit through Dual Enrollment with Irvine Valley College (IVC) and Saddleback College.

  • For Summer 2025 (June 12–July 25), current 9th–11th graders and incoming 9th graders can register for free IVC courses starting April 29.

  • For Fall 2025, IVC will offer CSU and UC transferable courses on high school campuses, with registration beginning May 8.

  • New this fall, IUSD and Saddleback College are offering Arabic 1 online, fulfilling two years of high school language credit.

Learn more: IVC Dual Enrollment 

Healthy Meals That Boost Your Happy Hormones, Naturally

Eating healthy foods can naturally boost your happy hormones — serotonin, dopamine, endorphins, and oxytocin — improving mood, motivation, and emotional regulation. Two delicious "happy meals" created by UCI Health’s Jessica VanRoo highlight this:

  •  Grilled Tempeh and Veggie Skewers provide tyrosine for dopamine production, probiotics for gut health, antioxidants for brain support, and capsaicin from chili to trigger endorphins.

  • Roast Turkey and Sweet Potato Bowls offer tryptophan for serotonin, complex carbs from quinoa and sweet potatoes, magnesium from greens and avocados for oxytocin, and healthy fats and B vitamins for emotional balance.

Both dishes use ingredients that work together to boost well-being naturally — turning everyday meals into mood-boosters!

Find the recipes here

Stroll Through Spring Blooms at the Native Seed Farm – Join the Wildflower Walk

Join a relaxed Wildflower Walk at the Native Seed Farm on Saturday, May 10, from 12:00 PM to 1:30 PM. Enjoy blooming wildflowers, spot pollinators, and explore fields of grasses and woody plants. The walk covers 1 mile with 100 feet elevation change, is easy difficulty, and is open to ages 8 and up.

Drop In for Crafts and Fun! Join Irvine’s Library Craft Day, May 3

Library Craft Day is a free, in-person event happening on Saturday, May 3, from 10:00 AM to 1:00 PM at the Irvine University Park Library. Children ages birth to 11 and their families are invited to enjoy seasonal crafts with help from Irvine’s Assisteens. No registration is required—just drop in and join the creativity!

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. May 2, 7:00-10:00 PM: WHS Warrior Dance Company Spring Show

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

Upcoming Woodbridge High School’s Vocal Music Calendar

  1. May 10, 7:00 PM: Open Mic Night, Black Box.

  2. May 30, 7:00 PM: Broadway Rocks 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. 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

Hit the Trails with Your Dog: Top Tips for a Safe and Fun Adventure

Hiking is a great way to enjoy the outdoors and spend quality time with your dog, but a little preparation goes a long way toward making it a safe and fun experience. Before you hit the trail, follow these simple tips to protect your pet and the environment:

  • Pack the essentials: Bring water, snacks, waste bags, and make sure your dog has an ID tag.

  • Use a leash: Keep your dog leashed for their safety, respect for others, and to follow trail rules.

  • Check the weather: Hike during cooler parts of the day and watch for signs of overheating.

  • Stay on the trail: Stick to marked paths to protect wildlife, plants, and your dog.

  • Keep your dog hydrated: Offer water every 30 minutes.

  • Know your dog’s limits: Adjust your hike if your dog shows signs of fatigue.

UC Irvine Men’s Tennis Wins Second-Straight Big West Title, Earns NCAA Tournament Bid

The 49th-ranked UC Irvine men’s tennis team defeated No. 34 UC Santa Barbara, 4-3, to win their second-straight Big West Championship and third title in four years. Senior Noah Zamora, ranked No. 70, clinched the dramatic victory with a comeback three-set win, ending his Big West career with a 25-1 record. The Anteaters (18-5) secured an automatic NCAA Tournament berth and will learn their next opponent during the NCAA Selection Show. UCSB initially led by winning the doubles point and early singles matches, but UCI rallied with key singles victories from Rithvik Krishna, Andy Nguyen, and Max Fardanesh. This marks UCI's sixth Big West tournament title overall, with previous wins in 2024, 2022, 2011, 2010, and 2005.

UCI Anteaters Upcoming Home Games

Men's Track & Field

  • Fri, May 2 – vs Steve Scott Invitational, TBA
    Sat, May 3 – vs Steve Scott Invitational, TBA

Women's Track & Field

  • Fri, May 2 – vs Steve Scott Invitational, TBA

  • Sat, May 3 – vs Steve Scott Invitational, TBA

Baseball

  • Fri, May 2 – vs UC San Diego, 6:00 PM

  • Sat, May 3 – vs UC San Diego, 1:00 PM

  • Sun, May 4 – vs UC San Diego, 1:00 PM

🏐⚽🏀 Upcoming home games for the IVC LASERS 

Women's Flat Football

  • Fri, May 2 – vs National University, 5:00 PM

Crean Lutheran Baseball Defeats Canyon 6-1 to Split Series

Crean Lutheran High School’s baseball team (16-8, 5-3) bounced back from a tough 11-9 loss to Canyon (17-7, 8-2) by defeating the league leaders 6-1 on Thursday. Pitcher Ethan Chavez dominated with six strong innings, allowing just two hits and striking out five, while Griffin Theetge closed the game with a scoreless seventh. Offensively, Brady McKay, Ian McDermott, and Blake Armstrong led the Saints, who outhit Canyon 9-2. Coach Jake Haney praised the team's execution and sees this win as momentum heading into their critical series against second-place La Habra (15-8, 5-2).

High School Athletics Calendar

** Updated With April Schedule

Upcoming Irvine High School’s Varsity home games:

April 2025

Monday, April 28

  • Boys' Tennis (VR) – 3:00 PM vs. Canyon/Anaheim at Irvine High School Heritage Park

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

Wednesday, April 30

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

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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