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Irvine Officials Fast-Track Plans for New Public Aquatic Center at Great Park

Issue # 0356

Author

Joshua Tjia
04 Mar

In this Irvine Insider Issue . . .

😁 Laugh Of The Day

🌤️ Irvine Weather

🏊💦 Irvine Officials Fast-Track Plans for New Public Aquatic Center at Great Park

🏗️🎾 North Lake Tennis Club Set for Renovations – Community Input Welcome

🥡🥢 Weekday Wins: 50% Off Your Favorite Chinese Dishes at EverSpring - March Only

✂️📝 In-Person Homework Help for K-8 Students at Irvine Heritage Park Library

🩺❤️ Advancing Maternal Healthcare: Addressing Cardiovascular Risks in Pregnancy

🌼🌱 🌼 Discover Local Plants: Guided Hike at Bommer Canyon on March 5

🎺🎼 UCI Symphony Orchestra Presents an Evening of Orchestral Classics – March 6

🎼🎼 Upcoming High School Music Calendar

🐕🐾 3 Easy Tricks You Can Teach Your Dog at Home

🎾 UC Irvine Women's Tennis Sweeps UTEP 4-0 to Conclude Road Trip

🏀🏐🎾⚾ UCI Anteaters Upcoming Home Games

🎾 Irvine Valley Men's Tennis Dominates San Diego City, Wins 8-1

🏀🏀 Upcoming home games for the IVC LASERS

⚾️ Woodbridge Shuts Out Beckman 3-0 in Non-League Baseball Rivalry

🏈🎾 High School Athletics Calendar

🚓🐾 K9 Officer Uncovers Stolen Van Packed with Drugs, Stolen Mail, and Fraudulent Items

🍏🥭🍑 Local Farmers Markets

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

📅📅 Lots of Local Events

📞💡 Useful Contact Information

Why do leprechauns hate running?

They’d rather jig than jog.

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

Irvine Officials Fast-Track Plans for New Public Aquatic Center at Great Park

Irvine officials are fast-tracking plans for a new public aquatic center at the Great Park to address overcrowding at the William Woollett Jr. Aquatics Center. On Feb. 25, the Great Park Board voted unanimously (5-0) to expedite the project, with staff expected to present location options within 30 days. Councilmember William Go, who introduced the item, highlighted the city's growing demand for swimming facilities. Previous plans for a $250 million Olympic-level swim stadium and an $80 million USA Water Polo partnership facility were delayed, but officials now aim to accelerate development. While some council members raised financial concerns, Mayor Larry Agran stressed the need for a community-oriented facility rather than an elite competition venue. The board will revisit the proposal once staff presents updated plans.

North Lake Tennis Club Set for Renovations – Community Input Welcome

The North Lake Tennis Club is undergoing planned renovations, with a construction manager and design services already engaged. Proposed upgrades include shaded seating, restroom and lounge renovations, accessibility improvements, and landscaping enhancements. Funded by reserve funds, the project is still in the design phase with no set construction timeline. Community input is welcome at [email protected]. More updates will be provided as construction nears.

Weekday Wins: 50% Off Your Favorite Chinese Dishes at EverSpring - March Only

EverSpring Modern Chinese at The Market Place is offering 50% off select daily dishes Monday–Friday from 11 AM – 5 PM throughout March. Enjoy delicious specials each day:

  • Monday: Orange Chicken

  • Tuesday: Crispy Beef

  • Wednesday: Mongolian Beef

  • Thursday: Kung Pao Chicken

  • Friday: Sweet Chili Garlic Eggplant

Offer valid for one dish per order. Call (949) 818‐3388 for details or visit their website.

In-Person Homework Help for K-8 Students at Irvine Heritage Park Library

K-8 students can get in-person homework help from teen volunteers at Irvine Heritage Park Library on Tuesday, March 4, from 4:30 PM - 6:00 PM. Bring necessary supplies. Open to kids ages 6-11.

Advancing Maternal Healthcare: Addressing Cardiovascular Risks in Pregnancy

Heart disease is the leading cause of maternal deaths, accounting for one in four cases in California. Dr. Afshan Hameed of UCI Health highlights the challenge of under-recognition by both patients and providers, which can have devastating consequences.

  • Congenital heart disease is the most common cardiovascular condition in women of childbearing age, while peripartum cardiomyopathy, a pregnancy-specific disorder, can cause severe heart issues.

  • Risk factors include age, diabetes, hypertension, obesity, and substance use, but any woman can be affected.

  • Hameed has developed a screening tool with the California Maternal Quality Care Collaborative to help maternity care providers identify at-risk women, with hopes of establishing a national standard.

  • Symptoms such as fatigue, swelling, shortness of breath, chest pain, and dizziness should not be ignored, as early diagnosis and treatment significantly improve outcomes.

Discover Local Plants: Guided Hike at Bommer Canyon on March 5

Join an interpretive hike at Bommer Canyon Preserve on March 5, from 8:00 AM to 10:30 AM, to explore local plants, distinguish native from non-native species, and understand their ecological impact. The 3-mile, level-2 difficulty hike will follow either Ridge Route or East Fork trail with a 700-ft elevation gain.

UCI Symphony Orchestra Presents an Evening of Orchestral Classics – March 6

The UCI Symphony Orchestra, conducted by Dr. Geoffrey Pope, will perform an evening of orchestral classics on Thursday, March 6, at 8 p.m. at the Irvine Barclay Theatre, with a pre-concert conversation at 7 p.m.

  • The concert features a special performance by the 2025 UC Irvine Concerto Competition winner and showcases symphonic masterpieces.

  • The orchestra, a premier ensemble in Orange County, has been a cornerstone of UCI’s music program since 1966.

  • Tickets range from $10–$21, with discounts for seniors, faculty, and groups.

Upcoming Northwood High School’s Music Calendar

  1. March 5-6, 7-8:30 : Instrumental Music Spring Festival Concert, NHS Theater

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

Upcoming University High School's Choirs Calendar

  1. March 6,7,8, 7:00 PM: Guys and Dolls Musical, 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. March 13, 7:00 PM-9:00 PM: Orchestra Music Festival Concerts, 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. March 21, 7:00 PM: Spring 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. March 5-8, 7:00 PM: Mary Poppins Musical, Irvine Performing Arts Center.

  2. March 13, 6:30 PM: Festival Concert, Irvine Performing Arts Center.

  3. March 15, All Day: Irvine Jazz Festival, Irvine High School Campus.

  4. March 18, 7:00 PM: District Jazz Festival, Woodbridge HS Performing Arts Center.

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

3 Easy Tricks You Can Teach Your Dog at Home

Want to teach your dog some fun and easy tricks? Here are three simple ones to try:

Chin

  • Hold a treat in your hand.

  • Lure your dog forward with the treat.

  • Encourage them to rest their chin on your hand.

  • Reward with a treat.

Sleep

  • Hold a treat in your hand.

  • Have your dog lie down.

  • Use the treat to lure them into rolling onto one side.

  • Reward with a treat.

Spin

  • Hold a treat in your hand.

  • Use the treat to lure your dog in a circle.

  • Reward with a treat.

For a step-by-step demonstration, watch this video.

UC Irvine Women's Tennis Sweeps UTEP 4-0 to Conclude Road Trip

UC Irvine Tennis (5-5, 1-1) swept UTEP 4-0 to cap their southwest road trip, overcoming tough, gusty conditions. The Anteaters secured the doubles point with wins from Meraz/Perez (6-3) and Fowler/Y. Huynh (6-4). In singles, Y. Huynh dominated 6-2, 6-0, while M. Huynh’s match ended in a retirement (7-6, 2-1). H. Huynh sealed the victory with a 6-4, 6-3 win. UCI led on all courts when the match was called. Coach Ferris Smith praised the team’s resilience and adaptability. Up next, UCI returns home for a three-match stretch starting Mar. 9 vs. Utah State.

UCI Anteaters Upcoming Home Games

Men's Tennis

  • Tue, Mar 4 – vs Villanova, 1:00 PM

  • Sat, Mar 8 – vs Grand Canyon, 12:00 PM

  • Sun, Mar 9 – vs LMU, 12:00 PM

Women's Tennis

  • Sun, Mar 9 – vs Utah State, 2:00 PM

  • Tue, Mar 11 – vs Illinois State, 2:00 PM

Women's Basketball

  • Thu, Mar 6 – vs UC Davis, 6:00 PM

  • Sat, Mar 8 – vs UC Santa Barbara, 1:00 PM

Men's Volleyball

  • Fri, Mar 7 – vs Pepperdine, 7:00 PM

  • Sat, Mar 8 – vs Sacred Heart, 7:00 PM

Baseball

  • Fri, Mar 7 – vs Long Beach State, 6:00 PM

  • Sat, Mar 8 – vs Long Beach State, 1:00 PM

  • Sun, Mar 9 – vs Long Beach State, 1:00 PM

Irvine Valley Men's Tennis Dominates San Diego City, Wins 8-1

Irvine Valley men's tennis secured its best win of the season with an 8-1 victory over San Diego City, sweeping all six singles matches in straight sets. The Lasers also won two of three doubles matches, with Luis Moros and Nevin McCann dominating 8-0 at No. 2 doubles. IVC, now 4-1, was coming off a 9-0 win over Bakersfield and handed San Diego City just its second loss of the season.

🏐⚽🏀 Upcoming home games for the IVC LASERS 

Men's Tennis

  1. Tue, Mar 4 – vs Orange Coast, 2:00 PM

  2. Thu, Mar 6 – vs Saddleback, 2:00 PM

  3. Tue, Mar 11 – vs Riverside, 2:00 PM

Baseball

  1. Wed, Mar 6 – vs Golden West, 2:00 PM

  2. Tue, Mar 11 – vs Santa Ana, 2:00 PM

  3. Fri, Mar 14 – vs Santa Ana, 1:00 PM

Men's Volleyball

  1. Fri, Mar 7 – vs Grossmont, 6:00 PM

  2. Wed, Mar 12 – vs Golden West, 6:00 PM

Women's Beach Volleyball

  1. Fri, Mar 7 – vs Santiago Canyon, 9:00 AM

  2. Fri, Mar 7 – vs Saddleback, 11:00 AM

Woodbridge Shuts Out Beckman 3-0 in Non-League Baseball Rivalry

Woodbridge and Beckman, longtime baseball rivals, met in a non-league matchup after Beckman moved to the Sea View League, while Woodbridge stayed in the Pacific Coast League. Woodbridge secured a 3-0 win on a hot afternoon at Patriot Park. Junior Vincent DeMarco (2-0) dominated on the mound, allowing two hits and striking out nine in six innings, while Caden Camacho closed with a scoreless seventh. Woodbridge struck early with RBIs from Nolan Stottlemyer and Henry Uhrik, and Nevan Namgoong led the offense, going 3-for-4. Beckman, coming off a 2024 CIF Division 3 title, is struggling with key injuries. Coach Kevin Lavalle acknowledged the team’s challenges, emphasizing the need to gain experience. Meanwhile, longtime OC coach Bob Flint, who just turned 80, is back as Woodbridge’s pitching coach.

High School Athletics Calendar

** Updated With March Schedule

Upcoming Irvine High School’s Varsity home games:

March 2025

Tuesday, March 4

  • 3:15 PM - Baseball (VR) vs Mission Viejo at Irvine High School Baseball Field

  • 3:30 PM - Softball (VR) vs El Toro at Irvine High School Softball Field

Wednesday, March 5

  • 4:30 PM - Lacrosse (Girls, VR) vs Santa Barbara at Irvine High School Stadium

Friday, March 7

  • 3:00 PM - Track & Field (Boys, VR) – IRVINE INVITATIONAL at Irvine High School Stadium

  • 3:00 PM - Track & Field (Girls, VR) – IRVINE INVITATIONAL at Irvine High School Stadium

  • 3:30 PM - Beach Volleyball (Girls, VR) vs Laguna Hills at Deerfield Park Beach Courts

Saturday, March 8

  • 3:00 PM - Track & Field (Boys, VR) – IRVINE INVITATIONAL at Irvine High School Stadium

  • 3:00 PM - Track & Field (Girls, VR) – IRVINE INVITATIONAL at Irvine High School Stadium

K9 Officer Uncovers Stolen Van Packed with Drugs, Stolen Mail, and Fraudulent Items

On Saturday, an Irvine K9 officer stopped a suspicious van in Sky Park's commercial area and found it was stolen. Inside, officers discovered narcotics, stolen mail from Irvine residents, and three access cards belonging to others. One passenger also had a blank check from another person. The three Santa Ana residents in the van were arrested on multiple charges.

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

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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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