• Irvine Insider
  • Posts
  • Irvine Named Best City to Live in Orange County for 11th Straight Year

Irvine Named Best City to Live in Orange County for 11th Straight Year

Issue # 0715

Author

Joshua Tjia
15 Oct

In this Irvine Insider Issue . . .

😁 Laugh of the Day

🌤️ Irvine Weather

🏙️🌟Irvine Named Best City to Live in Orange County for 11th Straight Year

☔️🌧️ Irvine to Host El Niño Preparedness Town Hall on October 26

🩵🤲🏼 6th Annual Love Irvine Serve Day Returns November 7

🌸🍒 Hello Kitty Cafe Irvine Introduces Kuromi’s Cherry Chai Latte

🍂🦃 Join Woodbridge's Thanksgiving Food Drive to Help Local Families in Need

🤸🏻 Make Fitness Fun with These 5 Easy Motivation Tips

🌾🎨 Join a Nature-Inspired Watercolor Painting Workshop at Irvine’s Native Seed Farm

🎶🎤 Join Concordia University for Its Annual Fall Choral Concert

🎼🎼 Upcoming High School Music Calendar

🐕🐈‍⬛ Give a Long-Waiting Shelter Pet a Chance at a Loving Home

🏌🏻‍♀️ UC Irvine Golfer Jio Yoo Named Anteater of the Week

🏀🏐🎾⚽️ UCI Anteaters Upcoming Home Games

🏀🏀 Upcoming home games for the IVC LASERS

🏈 University High School Football Defeats Estancia 22-21

🏈🎾 High School Athletics Calendar

🚓🚨 Irvine Police Investigate Sexual Assault Case Involving a Minor

🍏🥭🍑 Local Farmers Markets

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

📅📅 Lots of Local Events

📞💡 Useful Contact Information

What’s a pumpkin’s favorite genre?

Pulp fiction.

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

Irvine Named Best City to Live in Orange County for 11th Straight Year

Irvine has been voted Best City to Live in Orange County for the 11th consecutive year in the Orange County Register’s annual reader rankings. The city was recognized for its well-planned neighborhoods, beautiful parks, green spaces, and quality of life. Several Irvine destinations also earned top honors, including:

  • Irvine Spectrum Center for shopping and dining

  • Regal Irvine Spectrum for movie theaters

  • UC Irvine for four-year universities

  • Tanaka Farms for farmers markets

  • Esperanza Apartment Homes for apartment communities

  • Handel’s Homemade Ice Cream and Lazy Dog Restaurant & Bar received first-place awards

  • Crestview at Orchard Hills ranked among the top three new-home communities

Irvine to Host El Niño Preparedness Town Hall on October 26

The City of Irvine will host a free El Niño Preparedness Town Hall on Monday, October 26, from 5:30 to 7 p.m. at Irvine City Hall. Experts from the National Weather Service, Orange County Fire Authority, and City departments will discuss potential winter storms, heavy rain, flooding, and emergency preparedness. Residents will learn about storm response plans, sandbag availability, emergency alerts, and ways to protect their homes and businesses. The event includes a Q&A session and is available in person or via Zoom.

6th Annual Love Irvine Serve Day Returns November 7

Join your neighbors for the 6th Annual Love Irvine Serve Day on Saturday, November 7, from 8 a.m. to noon. This community-wide event brings residents together for hands-on volunteer projects throughout Irvine. Last year, more than 750 volunteers participated in 30 projects across the city. This year, there are currently over 20 projects planned, with more than 500 volunteer opportunities available. Individuals, families, and groups are encouraged to sign up and make a positive difference in the community.

To volunteer, visit loveirvine.org/serveday.

Hello Kitty Cafe Irvine Introduces Kuromi’s Cherry Chai Latte

Hello Kitty Cafe Irvine is offering Kuromi’s Cherry Chai Latte, a refreshing iced drink featuring black cherry chai topped with cherry cold foam. Customers will also receive a free Kuromi sticker with every purchase of this special drink.

Join Woodbridge's Thanksgiving Food Drive to Help Local Families in Need

Join the Woodbridge Village Association in supporting Families Forward’s annual Thanksgiving Food Drive, helping nearly 800 local families enjoy a warm and memorable holiday meal. Community members are encouraged to donate Thanksgiving food items throughout October and early November.

Most-needed donations include:

  • Dried beans and rice (1 lb. bags)

  • Boxed potatoes and stuffing

  • Broth and canned vegetables (corn and green beans)

  • Canned cranberry sauce and fruit

  • Canned or packaged gravy

  • Cornbread or muffin mix

  • Dessert mixes (cookies, brownies, or cakes)

  • Thanksgiving greeting cards

Donation Drop-Off: Woodbridge Community Center

Deadline: Monday, November 9

Make Fitness Fun with These 5 Easy Motivation Tips

Staying motivated to exercise can be challenging, especially when workouts become repetitive or results take time. Here are five simple tips to make fitness more enjoyable and help you stay on track:

  • Set Realistic Goals: Start with small, achievable goals and gradually work toward bigger fitness milestones.

  • Track Your Progress: Use a fitness app to record your workouts, monitor improvements, and stay motivated.

  • Exercise with a Friend: Invite a friend or family member to work out together for extra encouragement and fun.

  • Mix Up Your Activities: Try dancing, sports, or new exercises to keep workouts interesting and avoid boredom.

  • Refresh Your Playlist: Listen to upbeat music and update your workout playlist regularly to stay energized.

Join a Nature-Inspired Watercolor Painting Workshop at Irvine’s Native Seed Farm

Join Art on the Landmarks: Painting Local Flora on Saturday, October 17, from 9 a.m. to noon at the Native Seed Farm. Led by local artist and naturalist Lainey Atwood, this outdoor workshop invites participants to explore native plants and create watercolor paintings inspired by nature.

Share Irvine Insider

Join Concordia University for Its Annual Fall Choral Concert

Enjoy an evening of classical choral music at Concordia University Irvine’s Fall Choral Concert on Friday, October 23, from 7–8:30 p.m. Featuring Donne di Canto and the Men’s Chorus, the concert will treat audiences to an evening of beautiful harmonies, classical choral music, and a touch of humor.

Upcoming Northwood High School’s Music Calendar

  • October 14 - 15 - Fall Concert, 7:00 - 9:00 PM

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

Upcoming Woodbridge High School’s Vocal Music Calendar

  • October 22 - Fall Concert, 7:00 PM

  • October 29 - IUSD High School Vocal Festival, 7:00 PM

For the latest updates or additional details, please visit https://woodbridgechoirs.weebly.com/calendar.html

Upcoming Irvine High Choral’s Music Calendar

No further events scheduled for this month.

For the latest updates or additional details, please visit https://www.ihschoralmusic.org/calendar.html 

Upcoming Portola High School Music’s Calendar

No further events scheduled for this month.

For the latest updates or additional details, please visit https://www.phsmusicbooster.org/buy-ticket

Give a Long-Waiting Shelter Pet a Chance at a Loving Home

Some of the longest-staying pets at the Irvine Animal Care Center are still waiting for loving homes. Visitors can look for purple kennel cards to identify these featured animals, meet them in person, and possibly find a new furry companion.

Visit cityofirvine.gov/animals to view available pets and learn more about adoption.

UC Irvine Golfer Jio Yoo Named Anteater of the Week

UC Irvine freshman golfer Jio Yoo was named Anteater of the Week after finishing second at the Seattle University Pat Lesser Harbottle Invitational with a career-best 4-under-par score of 212, helping the team finish fourth.

UCI Anteaters Upcoming Home Games

Women’s Soccer

  • Sat, Oct 17 - vs Long Beach State, 6:00 PM

🏐⚽🏀 Upcoming home games for the IVC LASERS 

Men’s Soccer

  • Fri, Oct 16 - vs Golden West, 3:00 PM

  • Fri, Oct 23 - vs Santa Ana, 3:00 PM

Women’s Volleyball

  • Fri, Oct 16 - vs Fullerton, 4:00 PM

Women’s Basketball

  • Tue, Oct 20 - vs San Diego City, 1:30 PM

Women’s Soccer

  • Tue, Oct 20 - vs Orange Coast, 3:00 PM

Men’s Basketball

  • Thu, Oct 22 - vs El Camino and Chaffey, TBA

  • Thu, Oct 22 - vs San Diego City, TBA

University High School Football Defeats Estancia 22-21

University High School's football team pulled off a 22-21 victory over Estancia on Friday night, with Trevor Pattock kicking the winning 20-yard field goal with just 12 seconds remaining.

High School Athletics Calendar

**

Updated with October Schedule

Upcoming Irvine High School’s Varsity home games:

October 2026

Friday, October 16

  • Football - 7:00 PM vs El Toro

Irvine Police Investigate Sexual Assault Case Involving a Minor

Irvine Police arrested 25-year-old Juan Carlos Amaya on October 1 following an investigation into the alleged sexual assault of a 13-year-old girl he met through Snapchat while posing as a 17-year-old. Amaya faces four criminal charges, and detectives believe there may be additional victims. Anyone who interacted with his Snapchat accounts, "amayaaajr" or "chamgagnealex_8," or has relevant information is encouraged to contact Detective Robinson 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

We could use your help

We’ve got big plans as we get up to speed! But we need your help!

One huge way that you can help us is to spread the word for us.

Know somebody who lives in the Irvine and surrounding areas and would benefit from being kept in the know?

Please share Irvine Insider with them! It’s simple!

1