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Irvine Special Election on April 15: District 5 to Elect New Councilmember

Issue # 0338

Author

Joshua Tjia
05 Feb

In this Irvine Insider Issue . . .

😁 Laugh Of The Day

🌤️ Irvine Weather

🗳️📫 Irvine Special Election on April 15: District 5 to Elect New Councilmember

🎼🎻 Pacific Symphony Brings Respighi’s Pines of Rome to Life – Feb. 6–8

🚙🏙️ Hyundai America Technical Center Expands with 91,600-Sq.-Ft. Lease in Irvine

🍫🍓🥐 Sweet Valentine’s Deals at 85°C Bakery: Buy 3, Get 1 Free on Strawberries

🔥🏡 Strengthening Wildfire Resilience: Implementing Defensible Space and Fire-Resistant Strategies to Protect Homes

📖🐇 Join Bilingual Chinese Storytime – Fun for Kids & Families at Irvine Heritage Park Library

😷 5 Easy Ways to Strengthen Your Immune System Against the Flu

🌿🐸 Hop into Action: Discover Spadefoot Toads on Scenic Hike on Feb. 13

🎨 DIY Button-Making & Live Jazz at Palm Court – Free Event on Feb. 15

🎼🎼 Upcoming High School Music Calendar

🐹🌟Meet Cosmos: A Playful Guinea Pig Ready for Adoption at Irvine Animal Care Center

🏐 UCI Volleyball’s Henno and Karlous Earn Big West Weekly Honors After Stanford Wins

🏀🏐🎾⚾ UCI Anteaters Upcoming Home Games

🏐 Irvine Valley Men’s Volleyball Sweeps Antelope Valley, Improves to 2-0

🏀🏀 Upcoming home games for the IVC LASERS

🏈🎾 High School Athletics Calendar

🚙🚓 Stolen Volkswagen Recovered, Two Men Arrested in Irvine

🍏🥭🍑 Local Farmers Markets

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

📅📅 Lots of Local Events

📞💡 Useful Contact Information

What’s a cloud’s favorite type of story?

A mist-ery!

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

Irvine Special Election on April 15: District 5 to Elect New Councilmember

The City of Irvine will hold a Special Municipal Election on Tuesday, April 15, to elect a District 5 Councilmemberfor a term ending December 2026. All registered voters in District 5 will receive a voter guide and mail-in ballotstarting the week of March 17. Voter registration is open until March 31 at ocvote.gov or via forms at city offices, libraries, and post offices.

Ballot Drop Box Locations (Available Starting March 17):

  • Rancho Senior Center – 3 Ethel Coplen Way

  • University Park Branch Library – 4512 Sandburg Way

Vote Center Locations & Hours:

  • Irvine City Hall – 1 Civic Center Plaza (Opens April 5)

  • University Community Center – 1 Beech Tree (Opens April 12)

Vote Center Hours:

  • April 5–11: 8 AM–5 PM (Irvine City Hall only)

  • April 12–14: 8 AM–8 PM (Both locations)

  • Election Day, April 15: 7 AM–8 PM (Both locations)

Find District 5 boundaries at cityofirvine.org/yourdistrict and election details at cityofirvine.org/election.

Pacific Symphony Brings Respighi’s Pines of Rome to Life – Feb. 6–8

Pacific Symphony presents Pines of Rome by Respighi, February 6–8 at the Renée and Henry Segerstrom Concert Hall. The program includes world premieres by Adolphus Hailstork and Composer-in-Residence Viet Cuong, plus Bernstein’s Slava!—a thrilling mix of nature, music, and history. Get tickets: pacificsymphony.org. 

Hyundai America Technical Center Expands with 91,600-Sq.-Ft. Lease in Irvine

Hyundai America Technical Center has leased a 91,600 sq. ft. warehouse at LogistiCenter at Irvine II, expanding its presence in Irvine, CA. The lease, brokered by CBRE, reflects high demand for modern industrial spaces. Located at 2 Sterling, the facility features 8,200 sq. ft. of office space, 36-foot clear height, 11 dock-high doors, and 74 parking stalls, with LEED certification in progress. Dermody Properties, the landlord, is also developing LogistiCenter at Irvine I, a 133,320 sq. ft. industrial property set to open later this year. Hyundai, which has been in Orange County since 2003, continues to invest in the region’s industrial market.

Sweet Valentine’s Deals at 85°C Bakery: Buy 3, Get 1 Free on Strawberries

Valentine’s Day Specials at 85°C Bakery! From Feb. 7–14 (in-store only), enjoy Buy 3, Get 1 Free chocolate-covered strawberries —perfect for sharing! Plus, try their new Royal Hazelnut Pastry—a 2-piece set of flaky pastries filled with smooth red bean and a crunchy hazelnut surprise.

 Important Details:

  • Strawberries: Buy 3, get 1 free (individual pieces only).

  • Pastry: Comes in a 2-piece set.

  • Offer valid in-store only. Not available online or for delivery.

Make your Valentine’s or Galentine’s even sweeter with 85°C Bakery’s delicious treats!

Strengthening Wildfire Resilience: Implementing Defensible Space and Fire-Resistant Strategies to Protect Homes

The devastating Los Angeles fires, which have destroyed over 12,000 structures, highlight the increasing wildfire risks in hot, dry regions. Experts stress that while extreme fires can be unstoppable, many homes can survive lower-intensity fires with proper preparation. Defensible space—a fire-resistant perimeter around homes—plays a crucial role in wildfire protection. Key strategies include:

  • Create a 5-foot perimeter (Zone 0): Remove flammable items like dry leaves, wooden fences, and outdoor furniture. Ensure embers cannot enter vents or crawl spaces.

  • Maintain landscaping: Trim trees, clear dead branches, and limb trees up one-third of their height to prevent fire from spreading to the canopy.

  • Use fire-resistant materials: Opt for non-combustible walls, ember-resistant vents, and avoid wood-based decks or fences near homes.

  • Prepare beyond Zone 0: Maintain a "lean, clean, and green" area up to 100 feet around the home, reducing fuel sources and ensuring clear access for firefighters.

  • Close garage doors during evacuations: Open garages can allow fire to spread, and power outages may prevent manual closing, making battery backups essential.

With wildfire risks growing nationwide, states like Oregon, New Mexico, and Colorado are adopting fire safety measures. Proactive steps can help communities protect their homes and reduce wildfire destruction.

Join Bilingual Chinese Storytime – Fun for Kids & Families at Irvine Heritage Park Library

Enjoy Bilingual Chinese Storytime at Irvine Heritage Park Library today, February 5, from 3:30 PM to 4:00 PM. Families and kids can join for stories, songs, and rhymes in both English and Chinese.

5 Easy Ways to Strengthen Your Immune System Against the Flu

To stay healthy during flu season, UCI Health expert Dr. Shruti Gohil recommends eating a diverse diet of whole foods rich in micronutrients to support immunity.

  • Staying hydrated is also crucial, as water helps maintain proper blood flow and cell function.

  • Prioritizing rest, regular handwashing, and avoiding close contact with sick individuals can further reduce your risk.

  • Dr. Gohil, a leader in infection prevention, emphasizes these simple yet effective habits to keep your immune system strong this winter.

Hop into Action: Discover Spadefoot Toads on Scenic Hike on Feb. 13

Join a 3.5-mile interpretive hike on Thursday, February 13, from 9:00 AM to 12:00 PM at Shoestring’s vernal pools in Limestone Canyon Nature Preserve. Learn about IRC’s habitat restoration for the Western Spadefoot Toad in collaboration with USGS.

  • The hike will highlight conservation efforts, research, and seasonal projects.

  • Meeting point: Augustine Staging Area.

  • Difficulty: Moderate (4.5 miles, 1,000 ft elevation).

  • Pre-registration required.

  • More info: Event Link.

DIY Button-Making & Live Jazz at Palm Court – Free Event on Feb. 15

The "Wear California on Your Sleeve: DIY Button-Making" event, along with Jazz in the Palm Court, will take place on Saturday, Feb. 15, from 1–3 p.m. at the Palm Court Arts Complex. Attendees can create custom buttons inspired by California’s cultural and culinary diversity using provided graphics or their own designs. Live jazz music will accompany the crafting experience, which is open to all skill levels. This free event invites the community to enjoy a creative afternoon.

Upcoming Northwood High School’s Music Calendar

  1. February 12 - 15: Musical, NHS Theater

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

Upcoming University High School's Choirs Calendar

  1. February 27 - March 1,6,7,8 7:00 PM: Guys and Dolls Musical, Big Theater

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. February 27 - March 1, 7:00 PM-10:00 PM: Shrek the Musical, Performing Arts Center

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

Upcoming Woodbridge High School’s Vocal Music Calendar

  1. February 8: SCVA Vocal Jazz Festival, Saugus HS (Santa Clarita).

  2. February 27 - March 1: Shrek the Musical, 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

  1. March 5-8, 7:00 PM: Mary Poppins Musical, Irvine Performing Arts Center.

  2. March 13, 6:30 PM: Festival Concert, Irvine Performing Arts Center.

  3. March 15, All Day: Irvine Jazz Festival, Irvine High School Campus.

  4. March 18, 7:00 PM: District Jazz Festival, Woodbridge HS Performing Arts Center.

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

Meet Cosmos: A Playful Guinea Pig Ready for Adoption at Irvine Animal Care Center

Meet Cosmos, an adorable and playful guinea pig looking for a loving home! He enjoys fresh veggies, cozy spaces, and playing with his favorite toy. If you're ready for a cute and cuddly companion, visit the Irvine Animal Care Center from 11 a.m. to 4 p.m. to meet Cosmos and other adoptable pets. Learn more at cityofirvine.org/animals.

UCI Volleyball’s Henno and Karlous Earn Big West Weekly Honors After Stanford Wins

UC Irvine men's volleyball stars Hilir Henno and Joe Karlous earned Big West weekly honors after leading the No. 2 Anteaters to two road wins over No. 9 Stanford. Henno, named Big West Offensive Player of the Week, averaged 5.83 points, 4.67 kills, and 0.83 aces, setting a UCI career ace record of 203. Karlous secured Setter of the Week for the second straight time, averaging 8.33 assists and 2.50 digs. UCI remains undefeated at 7-0, leading the nation in aces (2.88). Next, they face Concordia on Feb. 8 at 7 p.m.

UCI Anteaters Upcoming Home Games

Men’s Basketball

  • Sat, Feb 8: Men’s Basketball vs UC San Diego, 7:00 PM

  • Thu, Feb 13: Men’s Basketball vs UC Santa Barbara, 7:00 PM

Women’s Basketball

  • Sat, Feb 15: Women’s Basketball vs Hawai’i, 2:00 PM

Men’s Tennis

  • Fri, Feb 7: Men’s Tennis vs Pacific, 1:00 PM

Women’s Tennis

  • Sat, Feb 8: Women’s Tennis vs Santa Clara, 11:00 AM

  • Fri, Feb 14: Women’s Tennis vs Monmouth University, 1:00 PM

  • Sun, Feb 16: Women’s Tennis vs UC Davis

Men’s Golf

  • Mon, Feb 10: Men’s Golf at Orange County Collegiate Classic, TBA

  • Tue, Feb 11: Men’s Golf at Orange County Collegiate Classic, TBA

Men’s Volleyball

  • Wed, Feb 12: Men’s Volleyball vs Southern California, 6:00 PM

Women’s Water Polo

  • Sat, Feb 15: Women’s Water Polo vs UCLA, 12:00 PM

  • Sun, Feb 16: Women’s Water Polo vs Alumni, 11:00 AM

Irvine Valley Men’s Volleyball Sweeps Antelope Valley, Improves to 2-0

Irvine Valley's men's volleyball team dominated Antelope Valley in a 25-18, 25-9, 25-18 sweep, improving to 2-0 on the season. The Lasers showcased strong offense, hitting .479 as a team, led by freshman Tucker McClain’s 11 kills on a .786 hitting percentage. Setter Ian Nelson recorded nine assists and five digs, with freshman setters Anthony Diosdado and Sam Zive adding seven and six assists, respectively. IVC is expected to rank among the state's top teams in the upcoming poll. They host Santa Barbara on today, Wednesday at 1 p.m., before men's and women's basketball doubleheaders at 5 p.m. and 7 p.m.

🏐⚽🏀 Upcoming home games for the IVC LASERS 

Baseball

  1. Sat, Feb 15 – vs West LA, 12:00 PM

Men’s Basketball

  1. Wed, Feb 5 – vs Riverside, 7:00 PM

  2. Fri, Feb 7 – vs Orange Coast, 6:00

Men’s Tennis

  1. Tue, Feb 11 – vs Stanton University Scrimmage, 2:00 PM

  2. Thu, Feb 13 – vs San Diego City, 2:00 PM

Men’s Tennis

  1. Wed, Feb 5 – vs Santa Barbara, 1:00 PM

  2. Wed, Feb 12 – vs Fullerton, 6:00 PM

Women's Basketball

  1. Wed, Feb 5 – vs Cypress, 5:00 PM

  2. Thu, Feb 13 – vs Saddleback, 6:00 PM

Women's Beach Volleyball

  1. Fri, Feb 7 – vs Cerritos, 9:00 AM

  2. Fri, Feb 7 – vs MiraCosta, 11:00 AM

  3. Sat, Feb 15 – vs Mt. San Jacinto, 9:00 AM

  4. Sat, Feb 15 – vs Santa Barbara, 11:00 AM

High School Athletics Calendar

** Updated With February Schedule

Upcoming Irvine High School’s Varsity home games:

February 2025

Friday, February 7

  • 12:00 PM - Wrestling (Boys, VR) - League Finals Tournament at Irvine High School Game Gym

  • 12:00 PM - Wrestling (Girls, VR) - League Finals Tournament at Irvine High School Game Gym

Stolen Volkswagen Recovered, Two Men Arrested in Irvine

Irvine PD quickly recovered a stolen Volkswagen after the victim tracked its location using AirPods near Michelson and Culver. Officers found the car in a shopping center parking lot with two suspects inside. Steve Vorrath (30) and Marcel George Urban (34), both from Texas, were arrested for possession of a stolen vehicle and conspiracy to commit a crime. They were transported to Orange County Jail.

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

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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!

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  • Kaiser Permanente Irvine Farmers Market

  • Saturday Farmers Market at Mariners Church Irvine

    • When: Saturday, 8 AM - 12 PM

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    • When: Daily, 9 AM - 5 PM

    • Where: 5380 3/4 University Dr, Irvine, CA 92612

    • More Info:Tanaka Farms

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