• Irvine Insider
  • Posts
  • Irvine Prepares for Independence Day: Celebrations and a Tribute to Veterans

Irvine Prepares for Independence Day: Celebrations and a Tribute to Veterans

Issue # 0197

Author

Joshua Tjia
02 Jul

In this Irvine Insider Issue . . .

😁 Laugh Of The Day

🌤️ Irvine Weather

❤️🤍💙 Irvine Prepares for Independence Day: Celebrations and a Tribute to Veterans

🏥🏗️ Hoag Memorial Hospital Presbyterian Expands Irvine Campus with $1.2 Billion Investment

✈️🥐 John Wayne Airport Revamps Dining with Local O.C. Eateries, Opening in 2025

🌶️🥕 U-Pick Wagon Rides: Harvest Shishito Peppers, Carrots, and Kale This Summer

🔥⚠️ Heatwave Advisory: Protect Vulnerable Groups and Prevent Wildfires in California

👧🏻🎠 Toddlers & Tunes at Irvine Spectrum: Free Rides and Fun Every First Tuesday of the Month

🩺🌬️ Essential Tips for Maintaining Healthy Lungs and Improving Breathing

🏡⛲️ Explore Endless Outdoor Living Space Ideas at IRWD’s Design Workshop This Summer

🎨🧑‍🎨 Teen Art Workshop: Join for Painting and Sculpture at Irvine Katie Wheeler Library

🎼🎼 Upcoming High School Music Calendar

🐇🐕 Irvine Animal Care Center's Third Chance for Pets Program Offers Hope to Animals in Need

🏌🏻‍♀️ Irvine Students Jasmine Chen and Charlotte Ryoo Earn CSC Academic All-District Honors

🏀🏐🎾⚾ UCI Anteaters Upcoming Home Games

🏀 Irvine Valley Women's Basketball Named Scholar Team of the Year

🏀🏀 Upcoming home games for the IVC LASERS

🏈🎾 High School Athletics Calendar

🚨💵 Suspects Steal Over $3,900 in Alton Apartments Vehicle Break-Ins

🍏🥭🍑 Local Farmers Markets

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

📅📅 Lots of Local Events

📞💡 Useful Contact Information

What did the tree say when summer finally arrived?

What a re-leaf.

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

Irvine Prepares for Independence Day: Celebrations and a Tribute to Veterans

Independence Day (Fourth of July) celebrates America's nationhood, commemorating the Declaration of Independence on July 4, 1776. It is a time for Americans to honor their revolutionary history and military through parades, concerts, and fireworks, while also enjoying family and community gatherings. It is also a time to reflect on the sacrifices made by military personnel and civilians over 248 years for the nation's freedom. In Irvine, the 125-acre Veterans Memorial Park & Gardens is currently under construction at the Great Park, transforming the former El Toro Marine Corps Air Station into a tribute set to open in summer 2026, honoring veterans' service and sacrifice.

Hoag Memorial Hospital Presbyterian Expands Irvine Campus with $1.2 Billion Investment

Hoag Memorial Hospital Presbyterian is advancing its $1.2 billion expansion at the Irvine campus, with the first phase expected to be completed by July 2026. The expansion, supported by the $300 million Boldly Hoag campaign, includes a 100,000-square-foot surgical pavilion, two acute care facilities, a women’s hospital, and a cancer and digestive health hospital. The surgical pavilion will feature 24 ICU rooms, 12 pre- and post-operative rooms, and advanced operating facilities, including a hybrid room for cardiac and radiology procedures. Hoag aims to hire bilingual staff to meet community needs. The Sun Family Campus is named after a $50 million donation from David and Diana Sun, and the Du Family Hospital Pavilion is supported by a $25 million donation from Benjamin and Carmela Du. Hoag's current hospital, opened in 2010, previously owned by Tenet Healthcare, has strengthened Hoag's presence in Irvine. Additionally, Hoag is a leader in robot-assisted surgeries with nine da Vinci Surgical Systems and plans to expand this technology in the new facilities.

John Wayne Airport Revamps Dining with Local O.C. Eateries, Opening in 2025

John Wayne Airport is enhancing its dining options to better reflect the Orange County community, with new O.C.-based eateries opening after the 2025 renovations. These include

These 15-year leases promise a long-term presence at the airport, aiming to make it a more delicious place to fly from.

U-Pick Wagon Rides: Harvest Shishito Peppers, Carrots, and Kale This Summer

Summer is here, and it's time for Shishito peppers! Tanaka Farms is picking Shishito peppers, carrots, and kale during their U-Pick Wagon Rides. Shishito peppers are mild like bell peppers, but about 1 in 10 have a spicy kick similar to a jalapeno. They’re delicious raw or sautéed with garlic, salt, and pepper, and paired with a Creamy Sesame Sriracha Sauce. Plan your next trip to Tanaka Farms here.

#californiagrown #local #eatyourvegetables #oc #irvine #farm #whosyourfarmer #farmlife #farmtotable #farmtofork #tanakafarms #nongmo #supportlocal #shopsmall #supportsmallbusiness #upick #upickfarm #shishitopeppers

Heatwave Advisory: Protect Vulnerable Groups and Prevent Wildfires in California

Much of California is expected to face hotter-than-normal temperatures for an extended period, with extreme heat being the leading cause of weather-related fatalities. Watch over vulnerable groups like children, the elderly, and pets. The hot weather increases wildfire risk by drying out plant material, so avoid activities that could spark fires, such as parking on dry grass, dragging chains, or using equipment during peak heat. Remember, one less spark means one less fire.

Toddlers & Tunes at Irvine Spectrum: Free Rides and Fun Every First Tuesday of the Month

Join Toddlers & Tunes at Irvine Spectrum Center for family fun every first Tuesday of the month from 10am-12pm! Enjoy free Giant Wheel & Carousel rides, games, an interactive DJ, and BubblePOP bubbles. Mark your calendars for July 2 and August 6. Plus, get special offers from Brio Italian Grille, Haagen-Dazs, Luna Grill, Rocky Mountain Chocolate Factory, PF Changs, Dave and Busters, and Subway. Don’t miss out on this exciting event!

#ToddlersAndTunes #FamilyFun #BubblePOP #FreeRides #GiantWheelLawn #SummerFun

Essential Tips for Maintaining Healthy Lungs and Improving Breathing

Breathing is essential for one’s overall health, yet most people don't think about their lungs until they face issues. Over 34 million Americans suffer from chronic lung conditions like COPD, asthma, and bronchitis, impacting daily life. Proper breathing ensures one’s organs get the oxygen they need. Common breathing problems include lung diseases, anxiety, and heart disease. Breathing exercises, like diaphragmatic and pursed lip breathing, can help improve lung function. Support lung health with:

  • good posture

  • hydration

  • avoiding pollutants

  • using humidifiers

  • staying active

  • seeking medical help when needed

Visit Irvine Woodbridge Walk-In Urgent Care for diagnosis and treatment.

Explore Endless Outdoor Living Space Ideas at IRWD’s Design Workshop This Summer

Outdoor living spaces are gaining popularity with diverse options to suit any lifestyle, from lively gathering spots to tranquil retreats. This summer, get free design tips at IRWD's Dream-Design Your Yard workshop on July 13. Register at IRWD.com/events. Things to possibly think about include: sunlight, functional connections to your home, hardscape features like grills or fireplaces, and defining elements like planters and lighting. For more ideas, visit IRWD.com/landscape and read the full issue at IRWD.com/thedirt.

Teen Art Workshop: Join for Painting and Sculpture at Irvine Katie Wheeler Library

Join the Teen Art Workshop at the Irvine Katie Wheeler Library on Tuesday, July 16, from 2:00 PM to 3:30 PM. A Teaching Artist from Laguna Playhouse will guide teens aged 12-17 in painting and sculpture. Supplies and snacks are provided.

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

Irvine Animal Care Center's Third Chance for Pets Program Offers Hope to Animals in Need

The Irvine Animal Care Center's Third Chance for Pets program rescues animals from overcrowded shelters and tough situations, offering them a third chance at a loving home. Animals receive this third chance after their first home and second chance at a shelter. The program helps animals from hoarding situations and disaster zones, relying on donations for their care. Support the program by adopting a pet or donating to provide vital care. Learn more at cityofirvine.org/irvine-animal-care-center.

#ThirdChanceForPets #AdoptDontShop #IrvineAnimals #WeAreIrvine

Irvine Students Jasmine Chen and Charlotte Ryoo Earn CSC Academic All-District Honors

Sophomore Jasmine Chen and junior Charlotte Ryoo have been named to the College Sports Communicators (CSC) Women's At-Large Academic All-District Team. Chen had notable performances, including a round of 68 at The Clash at Boulder Creek, and a 75.70 scoring average over 27 rounds. Ryoo achieved a low-round of 70 at the Grand Canyon Invitational and a 77.22 scoring average over 24 rounds. To qualify for CSC Academic All-District honors, student-athletes must be at least sophomores, maintain a minimum 3.5 GPA, and excel in both academics and athletics.

UCI Anteaters Upcoming Home Games

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

Irvine Valley Women's Basketball Named Scholar Team of the Year

The Laser women's basketball team at Irvine Valley was named the scholar team of the year for 2023-24, with six players achieving 4.0 GPAs. Coached by Jason Garey and supported by assistant coaches, the team had a successful season, finishing with a 21-8 overall record and second in the Orange Empire Conference (12-2). They reached the So. Cal. Regional Playoffs, with Makena Tomlinson earning second team all-state honors, and Tomlinson, Christen Ziska, Emily Freeman, and Moka Saiki receiving conference accolades.

🏐⚽🏀 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 calendar events when the schedule is available for the fall semester.

Suspects Steal Over $3,900 in Alton Apartments Vehicle Break-Ins

On June 22, two suspects attempted to enter multiple vehicles in the Alton Apartments parking structure, ultimately stealing items, including credit cards, from one car. The victim's bank later reported fraudulent charges totaling over $3,900. If you have information, email [email protected]. Remember to lock your vehicle and remove valuables.

#irvine #irvinepolice #irvinepd #police #crimeprevention #policeofficer #orangecounty

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 55% - 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

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!