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Irvine Ranked Safest Big City in America for 20 Consecutive Years

Issue # 0476

Author

Joshua Tjia
29 Aug

In this Irvine Insider Issue . . .

😁 Laugh Of The Day

🌤️ Irvine Weather

🏙️🌟 Irvine Ranked Safest Big City in America for 20 Consecutive Years

📖📚 From Teens to Teachers: Find Your Perfect Card at Irvine Public Library

🧋🍂 Sip Into Fall: Pumpkin Drinks Are Back at 85°C Bakery Café

🚌 Childcare and After-School Programs in Irvine Schools

🍅🥬 Cool, Fresh, and No-Cook: Summer Recipes to Beat the Heat

🌳👣 Little Explorers: Tips for Hiking as a Family

🩰 Showtime Dance Parent/Tot – A Fun Class for Kids and Parents to Dance Together

🎼🎼 Upcoming High School Music Calendar

🐈‍⬛ 7 Simple Tips to Reduce Cat Stress During Vet Visits

🤽🏻‍♂️ UC Irvine Men’s Water Polo Hosts Home Opener at Anteater Aquatics Complex

🏀🏐🎾⚽️ UCI Anteaters Upcoming Home Games

🏀🏀 Upcoming home games for the IVC LASERS

🏈🎾 High School Athletics Calendar

🚓⛳️ Irvine Police Arrest Man in $10K Golf Club Theft

🍏🥭🍑 Local Farmers Markets

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

📅📅 Lots of Local Events

📞💡 Useful Contact Information

Did you know…?

Neptune is the windiest planet we know: its atmospheric winds can soar to over 1,200 mph (2,000 km/h)—that’s three times Jupiter’s speed and nearly nine times Earth’s strongest winds.

We hope this fun fact brings a smile to your day! 😁

Irvine Ranked Safest Big City in America for 20 Consecutive Years

Irvine has been recognized nationally for safety, parks, and overall livability, supported by decades of city planning.

  • Public Safety: Honored as America’s “Safest Big City” for two decades.

  • Parks & Open Space: Rated best in California and second in the U.S.; more than 10,000 acres of open space with new additions underway; nearly all residents live within a short walk to a park.

  • Community Rankings: Frequently listed among the top cities for families, health, happiness, and overall quality of life.

  • Growth Over Time: The population has grown from about 85,000 to over 315,000 in 40 years, alongside schools, employment opportunities, and housing.

  • Transportation Initiatives: The City has supported expanded bus service, a growing shuttle system, new bikeways, and pedestrian bridges to help ease traffic.

From Teens to Teachers: Find Your Perfect Card at Irvine Public Library

Irvine Public Library offers several types of library cards, each designed to fit different needs and make the most of your library experience:

  • Standard Card – The go-to card for most patrons, offering full borrowing privileges on books, media, and other materials.

  • Computer Use Card – Perfect for visitors or those who don’t need borrowing rights but want quick and easy access to public computers.

  • Limited Access Teen Card – Designed for younger users, this card encourages responsible borrowing with limits on checkouts, holds, and digital resources.

  • Educator Card – Tailored for teachers and school staff, giving them access to extra resources that support classroom learning.

Sip Into Fall: Pumpkin Drinks Are Back at 85°C Bakery Café

Pumpkin season is in full swing at 85°C Bakery Café, where you can enjoy three limited-time fall favorites.

  • Sip on the classic Pumpkin Spice Latte (PSL) with espresso, milk, and warm pumpkin-cinnamon notes

  • try the creamy Matcha Oat PSL layered with premium matcha

  • or refresh with the Pumpkin Spice Milk Tea.

Available at all 85°C Bakery Café stores — grab yours before they’re gone!

Childcare and After-School Programs in Irvine Schools

IUSD, in collaboration with community partners, offers a range of childcare and after-school programs for students across all grade levels:

  • 📚 ACE Program: Enrichment classes for elementary and middle school students.

  • 🍎 Childcare (K–6): On-campus care at every elementary school, with additional affordable options at 29 schools through the City of Irvine.

  • 🙌 Middle School Program: Recreational and skill-building activities.

  • 🌟 Youth Action Team: High school students develop and lead peer programs.

  • 💡 Tuition Assistance: Available through the Irvine Child Care Project for eligible families, as funding allows.

Cool, Fresh, and No-Cook: Summer Recipes to Beat the Heat

Stay cool this summer with two no-cook recipes from UCI Health chef Jessica VanRoo, featuring fresh seasonal produce and simple, healthy ingredients.

  • Tomato, Peach & Basil Gazpacho – A chilled soup blending tomatoes, peaches, cucumbers, and basil for a hydrating, antioxidant-rich dish.

  • Shrimp & Avocado Salad – A refreshing mix of shrimp, avocado, and veggies, offering lean protein and heart-healthy fats.

Little Explorers: Tips for Hiking as a Family

Hiking with children is a wonderful way to spend time together and enjoy nature. Here are some trail tips to keep the experience safe, fun, and memorable for everyone.

  • Snacks & water – Bring plenty of healthy snacks and drinks to keep energy high.

  • Light packs – Encourage kids to carry small items, but step in when it gets too heavy.

  • Plan together – Let children help choose trails or activities so they feel involved.

  • Short & slow – Start with short distances and follow their pace without rushing.

  • Fun roles – Rotate duties like leader, tracker, or wildlife spotter for engagement.

  • Explore nature – Play simple games, take photos, sketch, or watch for animal signs.

  • Stay cool & safe – Kids heat up quickly, so use sunscreen, hats, and take breaks often.

Find more trail tips here

Showtime Dance Parent/Tot – A Fun Class for Kids and Parents to Dance Together

Join Showtime Dance Parent/Tot, a fun Monday morning class where little ones (18 months–3 years) explore beginner dance steps and social skills while bonding with a parent or guardian. Adults get a light workout too!

  • When: Mondays, 9:30–10:00 a.m.

    • Sept 8–Oct 6

  • Where: Woodbridge Community Center

  • Cost: $85 for 5-week session

  • Register: At least 1 week before session starts

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

7 Simple Tips to Reduce Cat Stress During Vet Visits

Veterinary visits can be stressful for cats, who are creatures of routine and comfort. With the right preparation, pet owners can make each trip calmer, safer, and a more positive experience.

  • Secure carrier: A sturdy, easy-to-clean carrier that fits well keeps cats safe during travel.

  • Familiar space: Leave the carrier out with bedding, toys, or treats so it feels safe.

  • Smart travel: Cover and secure the carrier, drive smoothly, and try using pheromone sprays to ease anxiety.

  • Clinic comfort: Bring a towel from home, book quieter times, and let cats stay in the carrier when possible.

  • Calming aids: Treats, swaddling, or vet-approved meds can help very anxious cats.

  • Early training: Kittens adapt best with short rides and positive “happy visits” to the vet.

  • Owner’s role: Staying calm and reassuring helps cats feel more secure.

UC Irvine Men’s Water Polo Hosts Home Opener at Anteater Aquatics Complex

UC Irvine men’s water polo, ranked No. 7, starts the season with the UCI Invitational on Aug. 29–30 at the Anteater Aquatics Complex.

  • They’ll play LMU, California Baptist, Cal State Fullerton, and Concordia.

  • The Anteaters bring back most of last year’s high-scoring team, led by star players Luka Krstic and Johann Thrall, with Zayd Mahmoud taking over as goalie.

  • Irvine will also host the Big West Championships in November.

UCI Anteaters Upcoming Home Games

Men’s Soccer

  • Sun, Aug 31 – 4:00 PM – vs North Florida

Men’s Water Polo – UCI Invitational

  • Fri, Aug 29 – 10:00 AM – vs LMU

  • Fri, Aug 29 – 4:15 PM – vs California Baptist

  • Sat, Aug 30 – 11:30 AM – vs Cal State Fullerton

  • Sat, Aug 30 – 6:00 PM – vs Concordia University Irvine

🏐⚽🏀 Upcoming home games for the IVC LASERS 

Women’s Soccer

  • Fri, Aug 29 – vs Grossmont, 3:00 PM

High School Athletics Calendar

** Updated With August Schedule

Upcoming Irvine High School’s Varsity home games:

August 2025

Friday, August 29

  • Girls Volleyball – 6:30 PM Alumni Scrimmage at Irvine High School Game Gym

Irvine Police Arrest Man in $10K Golf Club Theft

Irvine Police arrested 39-year-old Marcus Anthony Watts of Gardena after he stole more than $10,000 worth of golf clubs from the PGA store.

  • Investigators later discovered that Watts had also taken $3,000 worth of clubs from the same store the previous month.

  • He was booked into Orange County Jail following his arrest.

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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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