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Irvine Ranks #2 Nationwide, #1 in California for Park System in 2024 ParkScore Index

Issue # 0413

Author

Joshua Tjia
22 May

In this Irvine Insider Issue . . .

😁 Laugh Of The Day

🌤️ Irvine Weather

🎻🎼 Symphonic Finale: UCI Orchestra Takes the Stage June 6

🚔 Irvine Police Issue 50 Citations in Jamboree Road Traffic Enforcement Operation

🏞️🛝 Irvine Ranks #2 Nationwide, #1 in California for Park System in 2024 ParkScore Index

🌸🍑🌸 Fresh Peaches and Apricots Arrive at Tanaka Farms This Friday

🏫🌟 Three IUSD Seniors Named Semifinalists in 2025 U.S. Presidential Scholars Program

☀️💧 8 Smart Summer Tips to Keep You Cool, Safe, and Feeling Great

🌅🥾 Join the Evening Hike on Hicks Haul Road – June 5 in Irvine Open Space Preserve

🎨 Studio Arts Festival Returns to Heritage Community Park on June 7

🎼🎼 Upcoming High School Music Calendar

🐕🐾 Local Shelter Seeks Homes for Longtime Canine Residents

🏆 Jazzmine Davis Named Anteater of the Week After Leading UCI to Historic Track & Field Title

🏀🏐🎾⚾ UCI Anteaters Upcoming Home Games

🏀🏀 Upcoming home games for the IVC LASERS

🏈🎾 High School Athletics Calendar

🚔📀 Irvine Police Recover 121 Stolen DVDs, Arrest One Suspect in Spectrum Theft

🍏🥭🍑 Local Farmers Markets

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

📅📅 Lots of Local Events

📞💡 Useful Contact Information

What do you call a sunburned librarian?

Well red.

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

Symphonic Finale: UCI Orchestra Takes the Stage June 6


Don't miss the UCI Symphony Orchestra's season finale on Friday, June 6 at 8 PM, conducted by Dr. Geoffrey Pope.

  • The evening features classical masterworks by Saint-Saëns, Berg, and Shostakovich

  • with standout performances by Dylan Lee (piano) and Lisa Yoshida (violin)—winners of the 2025 UCI Concerto Competition.

  • Arrive early for a pre-concert talk with Maestro Pope at 7 PM.

Irvine Police Issue 50 Citations in Jamboree Road Traffic Enforcement Operation

Irvine Police conducted a High Visibility Enforcement (HVE) operation along Jamboree Road (between Campus Drive and Barranca Parkway) in response to community concerns. Officers issued 50 citations, primarily for illegal cell phone use, red light violations, speeding, and expired vehicle registration. This initiative reflects the department’s continued focus on roadway safety and encourages all drivers to follow traffic laws.

Irvine Ranks #2 Nationwide, #1 in California for Park System in 2024 ParkScore Index

The City of Irvine has been ranked second nationally and first in California in the 2024 Trust for Public Land’s ParkScore Index, maintaining a position in the national top 10 for the 10th consecutive year.

  • According to the report, 94% of Irvine residents live within a half-mile walk of a park.

  • Irvine received a perfect score for investment, with $681 per capita spent annually on parks and recreation.

  • The city also scored highly in amenities, including 459 basketball hoops, 220 playgrounds, 25 senior/recreation centers, and 184 public restrooms.

  • Recent and upcoming projects include a universal playground at Sweet Shade Park, additional bocce and pickleball courts, and a planned municipal fieldhouse.

Fresh Peaches and Apricots Arrive at Tanaka Farms This Friday

Tanaka Farms' Produce Market Stand will be offering fresh white peaches, yellow peaches, and apricots starting this Friday. These seasonal fruits are ripe, flavorful, and available for a limited time — a perfect way to enjoy the taste of summer while it lasts.

Three IUSD Seniors Named Semifinalists in 2025 U.S. Presidential Scholars Program

Three IUSD seniors—Matthew Chang (Woodbridge High), Joelle Cheeseman (Northwood High), and Riya Gupta (Northwood High)—have been named semifinalists in the 2025 U.S. Presidential Scholars Program, placing them among the nation’s top graduating students.

  • Out of over 6,000 candidates, only 621 were selected nationwide, including just 14 from Orange County.

  • This prestigious program recognizes excellence in academics, the arts, and career technical education.

8 Smart Summer Tips to Keep You Cool, Safe, and Feeling Great

Summer is all about sunshine, adventure, and making memories—but a little planning goes a long way in keeping things safe and fun. Here are some gentle reminders to help you enjoy every moment:

  • Protect your skin: Apply SPF 30+ sunscreen often, wear a hat and sunglasses, and try to stay in the shade during peak sun hours.

  • Be water-wise: Always swim with a buddy, keep a close eye on kids, and wear a life jacket when boating.

  • Stay cool: Drink plenty of water, take breaks in the shade, and avoid strenuous activities during the hottest part of the day.

  • Enjoy the outdoors safely: Use bug spray, wear long sleeves in wooded areas, and steer clear of plants like poison ivy.

  • Plan smart for trips: Pack water, snacks, and a small first-aid kit. If you're heading far, check for any travel health tips.

  • Eat fresh & move gently: Enjoy seasonal fruits and veggies like berries and cucumbers. Exercise earlier or later in the day—or try a swim!

  • Care for your well-being: Keep up with medications and get regular rest, even when your schedule gets busy.

  • Keep hydrated: Sip water throughout the day and snack on water-rich foods like watermelon and oranges.

Join the Evening Hike on Hicks Haul Road – June 5 in Irvine Open Space Preserve

Join the Evening Hike on Hicks Haul Road on Thursday, June 5, from 6:00 to 7:30 PM, hosted by the City of Irvine at the Irvine Open Space Preserve. This guided, 3.5-mile roundtrip hike to Loma Ridge offers scenic views, native plants, and nature sounds. It's rated difficulty level 3 with a 450-ft elevation gain. Bring water, proper footwear, and a red-tinted flashlight (for post-sunset return).

Studio Arts Festival Returns to Heritage Community Park on June 7

The Studio Arts Festival returns to Heritage Community Park on Saturday, June 7, from 9 a.m. to 5 p.m., showcasing original, handcrafted works from local and regional artists.

  • Visitors can explore a wide range of media including ceramics, sculpture, painting, photography, jewelry, and more.

  • Details at cityofirvine.org/arts.

Upcoming Northwood High School’s Music Calendar

  1. 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

No upcoming events

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 23, 6:00 - 9:00 PM: Jazz & Percussion Concert

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

Upcoming Woodbridge High School’s Vocal Music Calendar

  1. 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

No upcoming events

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

Upcoming Portola High School’s Music Calendar

  1. May 30, 7:00 PM: Vocal Concert

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

Local Shelter Seeks Homes for Longtime Canine Residents

The Irvine Animal Care Center is spotlighting rescue dogs and the impact of adoption, emphasizing how each adopted pet creates room for another in need. Longtime residents Chickpea, Dallas, and Goose are still searching for their forever homes. Whether adopting or simply helping spread the word, community support plays a vital role in giving these dogs a fresh start.

Learn more and view adoptable pets at cityofirvine.org/animals.

Jazzmine Davis Named Anteater of the Week After Leading UCI to Historic Track & Field Title

UC Irvine senior Jazzmine Davis has been named Sgt. Pepperoni’s Anteater of the Week for her standout performance at the Big West Championships, where she helped secure the women’s track & field team’s first-ever team title.

  • Davis earned three podium finishes, including a win in the 400m hurdles with a personal-best 58.14 (No. 3 in school history) and third place in the 100m hurdles.

  • She also contributed heavily in both the 4x100 (2nd place, 2nd fastest in school history) and 4x400 relays, making a key comeback run in the latter to help UCI clinch the title.

  • Overall, Davis scored 31 points across individual and relay events and is now ranked regionally in multiple events.

UCI Anteaters Upcoming Home Games

No upcoming events

🏐⚽🏀 Upcoming home games for the IVC LASERS 

No upcoming events

High School Athletics Calendar

** Updated With May Schedule

Northwood High School Monthly Athletics Calendar (All Level)

No upcoming events

Upcoming Irvine High School’s Varsity home games:

No upcoming events

Irvine Police Recover 121 Stolen DVDs, Arrest One Suspect in Spectrum Theft

Two men stole about $600 worth of DVDs from Barnes & Noble at the Irvine Spectrum on Sunday. Thanks to security partners and license plate readers, Irvine officers tracked down the suspects near Laguna Hills and recovered 121 stolen DVDs. Edward Joseph Alviso, 47, of Antelope, was arrested and booked into Orange County Jail for theft and possession of stolen property. The second suspect was released pending review by the District Attorney.

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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