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Irvine Ranked 3rd Happiest City in the U.S. by WalletHub

Issue # 0427

Author

Joshua Tjia
12 Jun

In this Irvine Insider Issue . . .

😁 Laugh Of The Day

🌤️ Irvine Weather

🍕🍝 Cucina Turns 16: Savor California-Italian Bites with $16 Anniversary Menu

🏙️🎉 Irvine Ranked 3rd Happiest City in the U.S. by WalletHub

🐟🎣 Bass Pro Shops Hosts Free Father's Day Weekend Activities at Irvine Spectrum

🥚🥢🥚 Limited-Time Dashimaki Week! Live Cooking at Taiko OC

🔬🌟 IUSD Honors Sierra Vista Mustangs for Historic Science Olympiad Victory

🥒🍉 Stay Cool & Hydrated: Top Summer Foods to Beat the Heat

🥋 Register Now for Summer Brazilian Jiu-Jitsu Classes in Woodbridge

🌳🎨 Outdoor Art Workshop with Jessica Beck at Bommer Canyon – June 14

🎼🎼 Upcoming High School Music Calendar

🐾 Meet Katara: A Gentle Pup Looking for a Loving Home

🔪 Liam Miksic to Represent UC Irvine at NCAA Track & Field Championships in Javelin

🏀🏐🎾⚾ UCI Anteaters Upcoming Home Games

🏀🏀 Upcoming home games for the IVC LASERS

🏈🎾 High School Athletics Calendar

🚓🚲 Irvine Police Seek Suspect in E-Bike Theft at Crossroads Target

🍏🥭🍑 Local Farmers Markets

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

📅📅 Lots of Local Events

📞💡 Useful Contact Information

When is it safe to dive into a pool?

It deep ends.

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

Cucina Turns 16: Savor California-Italian Bites with $16 Anniversary Menu

Cucina is marking its 16th anniversary with a limited-time "Sweet 16" menu available Sundays through Wednesdays in June at all locations, including the Irvine Spectrum Center. Founded in 2009, the restaurant brand is recognized for its California-Italian cuisine and design-forward spaces. The anniversary menu features select dishes and drinks—such as the Giant Cucina Meatball, vasi jar trio, margherita pizza, lasagna, and various wines—each priced at $16.

Irvine Ranked 3rd Happiest City in the U.S. by WalletHub

Irvine has been ranked the third happiest city in the United States, according to a recent WalletHub study, improving from fifth place the previous year.

  • The ranking evaluated over 180 cities using 29 indicators of happiness, including depression rates, income growth, average leisure time, and physical health.

  • Irvine scored highly due to its residents’ strong mental and physical well-being, low divorce rates, high life expectancy, and widespread participation in physical activities.

  • The city also reported the third-highest percentage of adults in “good or excellent” health and one of the highest rates of life expectancy nationally.

Bass Pro Shops Hosts Free Father's Day Weekend Activities at Irvine Spectrum

Bass Pro Shops at Alton Marketplace in Irvine Spectrum is celebrating Father’s Day weekend with free, family-friendly activities from June 13–15. Kids can enjoy hands-on fishing fun, get a free digital photo, and explore outdoor-themed experiences near Dave & Buster’s.

Upcoming Event:

  • 🎣 Catch-and-Release Fishing Game (In-Store):

    • Friday, June 13: 11:00 a.m. – 2:00 p.m.

    • Saturday, June 14: 11:00 a.m. – 2:00 p.m.

    • Sunday, June 15: 10:00 a.m. – 1:00 p.m.

    • Free digital photo downloads and knot-tying kits (while supplies last)

  • 🚤 Interactive Boat Display (Irvine Spectrum near Dave & Buster’s):

    • Now through Sunday, June 15

    • 10:00 a.m. – 8:00 p.m. daily

    • Kid-friendly activities and outdoor fun for the whole family

Limited-Time Dashimaki Week! Live Cooking at Taiko OC

Alton Marketplace runs June 8–15 at Alton Marketplace in Irvine! Watch chef Mr. ASAO (visiting from Japan/Singapore) prepare authentic Japanese omelettes live. Enjoy limited-time flavors: Mixed Cheese, Cream Cheese & Mentaiko, and Eel.

📍14775 Jeffrey Rd Ste K, Irvine, CA

IUSD Honors Sierra Vista Mustangs for Historic Science Olympiad Victory

At the June 10 IUSD Board Meeting, Sierra Vista Middle School’s Science Olympiad team was honored for winning their second national championship and setting a new tournament record with 93 points—surpassing the previous best by over 50. The team medaled in 18 events and 2 exhibitions, broke their own medal record, and gained national acclaim for their Rube Goldberg machine.

Stay Cool & Hydrated: Top Summer Foods to Beat the Heat

Summer’s heat can take a toll, but staying refreshed and healthy is easier with the right foods.

  • Choosing light, water-rich options like cucumbers, watermelon, leafy greens, and berries can help keep you cool and hydrated.

  • Adding electrolyte-rich foods—like bananas, yogurt, and coconut water—can also support your energy and well-being.

  • Try simple, cooling meals like fruit salads, green smoothies, chilled wraps, and homemade popsicles to beat the heat.

  • Remember to sip water often, go easy on heavy meals, and enjoy fresh herbs like mint and basil.

Register Now for Summer Brazilian Jiu-Jitsu Classes in Woodbridge

Bushido-Kai Brazilian Jiu-Jitsu (BBJJ) is offering a community martial arts program at Woodbridge Community Center from June 30 to August 7. Classes are taught by experienced BJJ black belt Eugene Char and follow a 12-week curriculum covering self-defense, Judo, submissions, and more—no experience needed. Sessions are split by age:

  • Ages 7–9 meet Mon & Thu, 5:30–6:25 p.m., $175

  • Ages 10–15 meet Mon & Thu, 6:30–7:25 p.m., $175

  • Adults meet Mon, Tue & Thu, 7:30–9:00 p.m., $200

Register early at 31 Creek Road or call (949) 786-1800.

Outdoor Art Workshop with Jessica Beck at Bommer Canyon – June 14

Join Art on the Landmarks this Saturday, June 14, from 8:30 a.m. to 12:00 p.m. at Bommer Canyon Preserve for a relaxing outdoor art session led by professional artist and Saddleback College instructor Jessica Beck. Explore wildflower meadows and scenic hills while sketching or painting in nature—no experience necessary.

Register here

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

Meet Katara: A Gentle Pup Looking for a Loving Home

Katara is a shy but sweet pup with a heart full of love, patiently waiting for her forever home. She’s been through a lot and is looking for someone kind and patient to help her blossom. Katara loves being brushed, adores attention, and can’t resist a good treat.Meet Katara at Irvine Animal Care Center and see if she’s the missing piece in your life.

Liam Miksic to Represent UC Irvine at NCAA Track & Field Championships in Javelin

UC Irvine senior Liam Miksic is set to compete in the javelin at the 2025 NCAA Men’s Outdoor Track & Field Championships from June 11–14 at Hayward Field in Eugene, Oregon. This marks UCI’s fourth national qualifier in five years, and Miksic’s first NCAA Championship appearance. He earned his spot by finishing 12th at the NCAA West First Round and recently threw a career-second-best 68.57m. A standout season includes defending his Big West title with a school-record 71.06m, five individual wins, and top-12 finishes in all eight 2025 meets. Miksic is UCI’s first men’s javelin qualifier at the NCAA Division I level and the first men’s thrower to reach nationals since 2006.

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.

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

Irvine Police Seek Suspect in E-Bike Theft at Crossroads Target

Irvine Police are seeking help identifying a male suspect who stole a beige Kasen E-bike from the Target in Crossroads. Wearing Crocs and a “Top Tier” beanie, he casually took the unlocked bike from just inside the entrance and exited the store. He briefly met with another individual on a Surron bike before fleeing toward a nearby alley and bike trail. Authorities are asking the public to assist in resolving the case.

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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