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Irvine Recognized as One of the Best Places for Families in 2025

Issue # 0445

Author

Joshua Tjia
17 Jul

In this Irvine Insider Issue . . .

😁 Laugh Of The Day

🌤️ Irvine Weather

🏡🌟 Irvine Recognized as One of the Best Places for Families in 2025

🍿🎬 Free Movie and Concert in Irvine This Weekend: 'Mufasa' and Family Style Band

🩰 Experience the Magic of Giselle with American Ballet Theatre at Segerstrom Hall

🍉🌶️🍉 Cool Off with a Kick: Sunright Tea Studio Debuts Watermelon Chamoy Frostie

🚲 IUSD and Irvine Police Partner to Promote E-Vehicle Safety for Students

🪼 How to Handle Jellyfish Stings: Hoag Urgent Care Shares Beach Safety Tips

🐍🌱 Snake Season Safety: What to Know About Rattlesnakes in Irvine

🩰 A Stage for Innovation: NCI Brings Bold New Ballets to Life at Irvine Barclay Theatre

🎼🎼 Upcoming High School Music Calendar

🐈🐕 25 Pets Find New Homes in Irvine; 7 Reunited with Owners

🏐 UCI Men’s Volleyball to Represent Team USA at 2025 World University Games in Germany

🏀🏐🎾⚾ UCI Anteaters Upcoming Home Games

🏀🏀 Upcoming home games for the IVC LASERS

🏈🎾 High School Athletics Calendar

🚓🚰 Drinking Fountain Stolen from Woodbury Center; Authorities Request Public Assistance

🍏🥭🍑 Local Farmers Markets

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

📅📅 Lots of Local Events

📞💡 Useful Contact Information

What did the beach say when the tide came in?

Long time no sea!

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

Irvine Recognized as One of the Best Places for Families in 2025

In WalletHub’s 2025 rankings of the Best Places to Raise a Family, Irvine secured the No. 4 spot nationwide.

  • The analysis evaluated over 180 U.S. cities across 45 metrics in areas like family fun, health and safety, education and childcare, affordability, and socioeconomic conditions.

  • Irvine’s strong performance was driven by its exceptional schools, healthcare, parks, job opportunities, and community resources—reinforcing its reputation as a top-tier city for families.

Free Movie and Concert in Irvine This Weekend: 'Mufasa' and Family Style Band

Enjoy a fun-filled weekend in Irvine with two free "Summer in the City" events!

  • On Friday, July 18, catch "Mufasa: The Lion King" at Hicks Canyon Community Park—festivities start at 6 p.m., with the movie screening after sunset.

  • Then on Saturday, July 19, groove to live soul and blues from Family Style at Mike Ward Community Park – Woodbridge starting at 5:30 p.m.

  • Both events will have food trucks.

  • Don’t forget your low-back chairs and blankets.

Full details at cityofirvine.org/summer.

Experience the Magic of Giselle with American Ballet Theatre at Segerstrom Hall

American Ballet Theatre performs Giselle at Segerstrom Hall from July 24–27, featuring live accompaniment by the Pacific Symphony. This classic, two‑act ballet tells a story of love, betrayal, and forgiveness set in the Rhineland and is acclaimed for its emotional depth and ethereal staging. Featuring a rotating cast of principal dancers, the production is part of ABT’s summer engagement at Segerstrom Center for the Arts. Find more information here

Cool Off with a Kick: Sunright Tea Studio Debuts Watermelon Chamoy Frostie

Sunright Tea Studio is launching a new summer treat—Watermelon Chamoy Frostie. This icy blended drink combines the sweet and tangy kick of chamoy with refreshing watermelon for a bold, nostalgic twist. Available at all SoCal locations while supplies last.

IUSD and Irvine Police Partner to Promote E-Vehicle Safety for Students

IUSD middle and high schools have partnered with the Irvine Police Department to provide required e-vehicle safety presentations as part of the registration program.

  • Attendance is mandatory to receive a parking permit for e-bikes, scooters, and skateboards on campus.

  • Middle school students must attend with a parent or guardian.

  • For more information, contact your school’s administration office.

Upcoming Safety Presentation Dates (all held at each school's Performing Arts Center):

  • August 14, 6:00 PM – University High School

  • August 21, 5:00 PM – Portola High School

  • August 28, 6:00 PM – Woodbridge High School

  • September 2, 6:00 PM – Irvine High School

  • September 9, 6:00 PM – Northwood High School

How to Handle Jellyfish Stings: Hoag Urgent Care Shares Beach Safety Tips

Summer in Southern California means fun at the beach—but also potential jellyfish stings, which can cause pain and irritation. Hoag Urgent Care reminds beachgoers to stay safe and seek proper treatment to avoid complications. Here are a few quick tips to handle jellyfish stings:

  • Get out of the water immediately and stay calm.

  • Remove tentacles carefully—use gloves, a plastic bag, towel, or a dull stick (never bare hands).

  • Immerse the area in hot water (as hot as tolerated, not scalding) for at least 20 minutes or until relief begins

  • Avoid rubbing or applying pressure/compression—don’t use elastic bandages .

  • Watch for serious symptoms, such as severe allergic reaction, shock, or stings to face/neck, or involvement of a known lethal or unknown marine species—if present, call 9‑1‑1

  • Seek medical care if pain or swelling persists, or if tentacles caused punctures or lacerations

  • Find more information here.

Snake Season Safety: What to Know About Rattlesnakes in Irvine

With the arrival of warmer weather, snakes become more active throughout Irvine. Here’s a quick guide to staying informed and safe during snake season:

  • Only One Venomous Species: The rattlesnake is the only venomous snake native to Irvine.

  • What to Do if You See One: Do not approach. Observe from a distance and contact Animal Services.

  • Helpful Non-Venomous Snakes: Gopher snakes, kingsnakes, and coachwhips are harmless and help control rodents.

  • Natural Pest Control: Kingsnakes and coachwhips can even prey on rattlesnakes.

  • Respect Wildlife: Snakes typically avoid people and only strike when threatened. Give them space and they’ll steer clear.

A Stage for Innovation: NCI Brings Bold New Ballets to Life at Irvine Barclay Theatre

The National Choreographers Initiative (NCI) returns to the Irvine Barclay Theatre on July 26, for its 21st season.

  • Artistic Director Molly Lynch credits NCI’s longevity to strong support from the community, the Barclay Theatre, and UCI’s dance program.

  • NCI offers choreographers a low-pressure environment to explore new ideas without needing to complete a finished piece.

  • Lynch curates a mix of emerging, mid-career, and established artists to ensure stylistic diversity.

  • First-time attendees can expect a variety of ballet and dance works, introductions by the choreographers, and a post-performance Q&A to discuss the creative process.

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

25 Pets Find New Homes in Irvine; 7 Reunited with Owners

Between July 7–13, the Irvine Animal Care Center celebrated 25 adoptions, including 5 dogs (Bandit, Chickpea, Chico, Dallas, and Jack), 19 cats (including Alexandra, Felix, and Sparkle), and 1 guinea pig named Linguini.

  • One dog, Vivi, was transferred to a rescue organization.

  • 7 lost pets—3 dogs, 1 cat, and 3 birds—were happily reunited with their owners.

  • For more adoption info and hours, visit cityofirvine.org/animals.

UCI Men’s Volleyball to Represent Team USA at 2025 World University Games in Germany

UC Irvine men’s volleyball team will represent the U.S. at the 2025 World University Games in Germany, held July 17–24.

  • Competing in Group D, the Anteaters will face Germany (July 17), Korea (July 18), and Italy (July 19), with further matches determined by group results.

  • Former UCI Athletic Director and 2025 Hall of Fame inductee Dan Guerrero will serve as Head of Delegation for Team UniUSA.

  • The event is a major international showcase of collegiate sports, held biennially and featuring athletes from around the world.

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.

Drinking Fountain Stolen from Woodbury Center; Authorities Request Public Assistance

The Irvine Police Department is requesting public assistance in identifying a suspect involved in the theft of a drinking fountain from the Woodbury Community Center. Community members with any relevant information are encouraged to contact Investigator X. Guzman at [email protected].

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

July 12 - End of August Tanaka Farms Melong Tasting Tours

July 22 Library Card Sign-Up Event 4:30 - 6:30 PM

July 26 Umami Summerfest 11 AM - 7 PM

July 26 Spectrum Silent Disco 6 - 9 PM

July 27 Umami Summerfest 11 am - 6 pm

July 29 Library Card Sign-Up Event 4:30 - 6:30 PM

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