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Irvine to Host Two Memorial Day Ceremonies Honoring Fallen Service Members

Issue # 0638

Author

Joshua Tjia
22 May

In this Irvine Insider Issue . . .

😁 Laugh of the Day

🌤️ Irvine Weather

💐🌷 Irvine to Host Two Memorial Day Ceremonies Honoring Fallen Service Members

🗳️ Irvine Vote Centers Open May 23 for Early Voting in 2026 Primary Election

🍉🧋 Sip Into Summer With Tastea’s New Watermelon Series

🐇🎩 Discover the Secrets of Magic at Wodbridge's Summer Camp for Kids

☀️🤸‍♀️ Smart Summer Safety and Hydration Tips for Children and Families

🎶🐦‍⬛ Discover Birding Through Sound at Bommer Canyon’s Accessible Nature Walk, June 6

✍🏻🎨 Join the Fun at Artist Academy With Drawing, Painting, and Creative Projects

🎼🎼 Upcoming High School Music Calendar

🐈‍⬛🌳🏠 Indoor vs. Outdoor Cats: Fun and Safe Ways for Your Kitten to Enjoy the Outdoors

🤽‍♀️ Lauren Hett Earns Women’s Water Polo All-America Honors for UC Irvine

🏀🏐🎾⚽️ UCI Anteaters Upcoming Home Games

🏀🏀 Upcoming home games for the IVC LASERS

⚾️ Irvine Baseball Advances to CIF Division 5 Semifinals for First Time Since 1993

🏈🎾 High School Athletics Calendar

🍏🥭🍑 Local Farmers Markets

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

📅📅 Lots of Local Events

📞💡 Useful Contact Information

Why was the fruit afraid of the dark?

Because it was feeling a little pear-anoid!

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

Irvine to Host Two Memorial Day Ceremonies Honoring Fallen Service Members

The City of Irvine will host two Memorial Day ceremonies to honor and remember fallen U.S. service members.

  • The Northwood Memorial Candle Lighting Ceremony takes place Sunday, May 24, at 4 p.m. at Northwood Community Park, featuring a reflection and tribute focused on those who served in Afghanistan and Iraq.

  • Irvine’s annual Memorial Day Ceremony will be held Monday, May 25, at 10 a.m. at Colonel Bill Barber Marine Corps Memorial Park, with remarks from a Commanding Officer of Irvine’s adopted 2/11 Marine Battalion and opportunities for attendees to share messages of appreciation.

Irvine Vote Centers Open May 23 for Early Voting in 2026 Primary Election

Early voting for the 2026 Statewide Direct Primary Election is underway in Irvine, with several Vote Centers and ballot drop-off options available across the city ahead of Election Day on June 2. Residents can vote early in person, use secure ballot drop boxes, or visit additional Vote Centers opening later this month.

  • Vote Centers open May 23 at Irvine Civic Center and Los Olivos Community Center

  • Vote Center hours are 10 a.m.–6 p.m. from May 23 through June 1

  • Election Day hours on June 2 will be 7 a.m.–8 p.m.

  • A pop-up Vote Center will be available May 28 at Sweet Shade Ability Center from 10 a.m.–5 p.m.

  • Twelve more Vote Centers across Irvine will open May 30

  • Voters can also return completed ballots at 11 secure Ballot Drop Box locations

  • More information, locations, and hours are available at cityofirvine.gov/election and ocvote.gov

Sip Into Summer With Tastea’s New Watermelon Series

Tastea’s new Watermelon Series is now available at all locations, featuring drinks made with real watermelon and watermelon juice for a refreshing summer treat. The lineup includes Watermelon Heaven, Muddy Melon, and Jasmine Melon.

Discover the Secrets of Magic at Wodbridge's Summer Camp for Kids

Join Woodbridge’s Magic Camp this June, where kids ages 7–12 can explore the art of performance through hands-on workshops, creative challenges, and fun magic routines. The camp runs Monday through Friday, June 15–19, from 9 a.m. to 12 p.m. at the Woodbridge Community Center

Register here

Smart Summer Safety and Hydration Tips for Children and Families

Summer is a great time for kids to explore, play, and make memories outdoors, but a little preparation can help families avoid common seasonal health concerns. From outdoor adventures and travel days to hot weather and busy activities, planning ahead can help children stay comfortable, active, and safe all season long.

Tips for a Safe Summer with Kids:

  • ☀️ Apply SPF 30+ sunscreen and reapply every 2 hours.

  • 💧 Encourage kids to drink water regularly throughout the day.

  • 🍉 Offer hydrating foods like watermelon, oranges, and cucumbers.

  • 🦟 Use child-safe insect repellent and avoid peak mosquito hours.

  • 👀 Supervise children closely near pools, parks, and busy areas.

  • 🚲 Make sure helmets and protective gear fit properly.

  • 🚗 Never leave children alone in parked cars.

  • 🩹 Keep a small first aid kit handy for cuts, scrapes, and bug bites.

  • 🏠 Choose indoor activities during extreme heat days.

Discover Birding Through Sound at Bommer Canyon’s Accessible Nature Walk, June 6

Bommer Canyon’s “Accessibility for All: Birding Using the Power of Sound” program on Saturday, June 6, offers an inclusive nature experience focused on identifying birds through their songs and calls. Participants will learn how to recognize bird vocalizations by pitch, tone, and pattern before taking a slow half-mile guided walk along a maintained dirt trail to practice listening in nature. No experience is needed, and extra binoculars will be available.

Join the Fun at Artist Academy With Drawing, Painting, and Creative Projects

Join Artist Academy this June and give young artists ages 6–10 a fun opportunity to explore creativity through drawing, painting, collage, and more at Woodbridge Community Center. Held Thursdays from June 4–25 from 2:30–4 p.m., the class focuses on art fundamentals like line, shape, color, texture, and space, with all materials included.

Find more information here

Upcoming Northwood High School’s Music Calendar

  1. May 29, 7:00-8:30 PM: Pops Gala Concert, NHS Theater

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

Upcoming Woodbridge High School’s Vocal Music Calendar

  1. May 29, 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 Choral’s Music Calendar

  1. May 29-30, 7:00 PM: Voices 2026, Irvine High PAC

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

Upcoming Portola High School Music’s Calendar

  1. May 29, 7:00 – 9:00 PM: Portola High School Pop Concert, PHS Performing Arts Center

  2. May 30, 6:30 – 9:00 PM: Portola High School Spring Instrumental Concert, Portola High School Amphitheater

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

Indoor vs. Outdoor Cats: Fun and Safe Ways for Your Kitten to Enjoy the Outdoors

While the outdoors may seem exciting for kittens, keeping them indoors is usually the safest and healthiest option. Outdoor cats face higher risks of injuries, illnesses, parasites, traffic accidents, and harsh weather, but there are still plenty of safe ways for kittens to enjoy fresh air through supervised activities and indoor enrichment.

  • Outdoor kittens can be hurt by cars, other animals, wildlife, or unsafe situations.

  • Spending time outside also increases the risk of diseases like FeLV and FIV, along with fleas, ticks, mites, and worms.

  • Hot weather, cold temperatures, and storms can also be dangerous for young cats.

  • Safe outdoor alternatives include leash training, screened porches, enclosed play pens, and stroller rides.

  • Always supervise outdoor time and keep your kitten up to date on vaccines and parasite prevention.

  • Indoor toys, climbing spaces, and playtime are great ways to keep kittens happy, active, and entertained.

Lauren Hett Earns Women’s Water Polo All-America Honors for UC Irvine

Junior attacker Lauren Hett received Honorable Mention All-America honors after another strong season with UC Irvine Anteaters women’s water polo. She also earned All-Big West First Team honors after leading the team in goals, assists, points, steals, and blocks during her standout junior year.

UCI Anteaters Upcoming Home Games

No further upcoming home games for this month.

🏐⚽🏀 Upcoming home games for the IVC LASERS 

No further upcoming home games for this month.

Irvine Baseball Advances to CIF Division 5 Semifinals for First Time Since 1993

Irvine High School baseball defeated Cathedral 2-1 to advance to the CIF Division 5 semifinals for the first time since 1993. Strong pitching, clutch hits, and solid defense helped the Vaqueros earn their third straight playoff win.

High School Athletics Calendar

**

Updated With May Schedule

Upcoming Irvine High School’s Varsity home games:

No further upcoming varsity home games for this month.

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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