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Join a Free Swim Safety Workshop for Families at University Park Library

Issue # 0685

Author

Joshua Tjia
11 Aug

In this Irvine Insider Issue . . .

😁 Laugh of the Day

🌤️ Irvine Weather

🥭🍛🥢  Manaao Thai Comfort Food Expands with New Irvine Spectrum Restaurant

☀️💡 Join a Free Irvine Workshop to Explore Energy-Efficient Home Upgrades

🍧🌺  Enjoy Free Shave Ice Saturdays at OluKai This August

💬🍪 Practice Mandarin Over Snacks at South Coast Chinese Cultural Center

🏊💧 Join a Free Swim Safety Workshop for Families at University Park Library

⚠️🌊 Beach Safety Tips to Help Prevent Body Boarding and Skim Boarding Injuries

🌼🌾 Grow a Garden That Helps Local Wildlife with California Native Plants

🎨 Teens Invited to Get Creative at Katie Wheeler Library's Teen Art Lab

🎼🎼 Upcoming High School Music Calendar

🐈‍⬛🐩 Irvine Animal Care Center Celebrates 21 Pet Adoptions and Six Happy Reunions

⚽️ UC Irvine Women's Soccer Opens 2026 Season with Two Home Matches

🏀🏐🎾⚽️ UCI Anteaters Upcoming Home Games

🏀🏀 Upcoming home games for the IVC LASERS

🏈🎾 High School Athletics Calendar

🚓💥 Vehicle Break-In at Diamond Jamboree Results in $13K Pokémon Card Theft

🍏🥭🍑 Local Farmers Markets

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

📅📅 Lots of Local Events

📞💡 Useful Contact Information

Why are pirates such great swimmers?

Because they just arrrrr!

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

Manaao Thai Comfort Food Expands with New Irvine Spectrum Restaurant

Manaao Thai Comfort Food, founded by Chef Kanate Ungkasrithongkul and Anita Lin, is opening a new location at Irvine Spectrum Center this month. The restaurant will serve authentic Thai dishes inspired by the chef's childhood. Following the success of its Tustin location, which received Thailand's Thai Select recognition and was recognized by the Los Angeles Times for its khao soi, the Irvine restaurant will offer about 40 traditional Thai dishes, expanding beyond well-known favorites like pad thai.

Join a Free Irvine Workshop to Explore Energy-Efficient Home Upgrades

Join the Electrify Irvine workshop on Thursday, August 13, from 6:30–8 p.m. at the Deerfield Community Center to learn about energy-efficient home upgrades. Hosted by the City of Irvine, OC Goes Solar, and Home Energy Academy, the workshop will provide practical information on heat pump heating, air conditioning, and water heating, as well as available rebates, financing options, group discounts, and how to request free quotes from community-screened installers. The event is free, open to the public, and complimentary snacks and beverages will be provided.

Enjoy Free Shave Ice Saturdays at OluKai This August

Cool off with complimentary shave ice every Saturday in August from 2–5 p.m. at OluKai at the Irvine Spectrum, now through August 29. Visitors can enjoy a refreshing treat while browsing the store’s latest styles.

Practice Mandarin Over Snacks at South Coast Chinese Cultural Center

The South Coast Chinese Cultural Center is hosting Chinese Snack & Chat, a free pilot event for adults to enjoy Chinese snacks, Taiwanese-inspired root beer floats, and casual Mandarin or "Chinglish" conversation in a relaxed setting. The event will take place on August 29, from 2:00 -3:15 PM at the Chinese Garden in Irvine and is designed to help participants connect with others, practice Chinese, and provide feedback to shape future cultural programs.

RSVP here

Join a Free Swim Safety Workshop for Families at University Park Library

Join a free Swim Safety workshop on Wednesday, August 12, from 3–4 p.m. at University Park Library. Hosted by the City of Irvine in partnership with the Orange County Fire Authority and AAP-Orange County pediatricians, the workshop covers simple ways to help prevent drowning, explains why U.S. Coast Guard-approved life jackets are safer than inflatable floaties, and offers properly fitted life jackets for children who attend with a parent or caregiver.

Beach Safety Tips to Help Prevent Body Boarding and Skim Boarding Injuries

Heading to the beach for body boarding or skim boarding? Here are a few safety tips that can help reduce the risk of injury and make your day on the water safer.

Key safety tips:

  • Check surf, weather, and rip current conditions before entering the water.

  • Choose beaches with lifeguards and follow their instructions.

  • Ride within your skill level and avoid advanced tricks before you're ready.

  • Learn how to wipe out safely—avoid diving headfirst and protect your head and neck if you lose control. Allow the wave to carry you rather than fighting it.

  • Wear the right gear, including a leash, properly fitted fins, a helmet when appropriate, and water shoes for skim boarding.

  • For body boarding, ride across the wave instead of straight toward shore to help avoid diving headfirst into the sand.

  • For skim boarding, practice getting on the board smoothly and staying in control before trying tricks.

  • Keep children within sight, take frequent breaks, and choose waves that match their experience level.

  • If conditions look unsafe, wait for calmer surf or ask a lifeguard for guidance.

Grow a Garden That Helps Local Wildlife with California Native Plants

Choosing California native plants is a simple way to help protect local wildlands while creating a beautiful, drought-friendly garden. Some popular ornamental plants can spread beyond your yard and compete with native species, while native plants provide food and habitat for pollinators, birds, and other wildlife.

Plant swaps to consider:

  • Pampas grass → Deer grass: Deer grass is a California native that uses less water, supports local wildlife, and stays where it's planted.

  • Gazania → Bush sunflower: Bush sunflower produces bright yellow blooms that attract pollinators and thrive in California's climate.

  • Butterfly bush → California buckwheat: California buckwheat provides nectar for butterflies, bees, and other beneficial insects while supporting local ecosystems.

Teens Invited to Get Creative at Katie Wheeler Library's Teen Art Lab

Teens are invited to get creative at the Teen Art Lab on Thursday, August 13, from 5–6 p.m. at the Katie Wheeler Library. Explore a variety of art supplies, try new techniques, work on creative projects with friends, or discover a new hobby. All materials are provided, and no registration is required.

Upcoming Northwood High School’s Music Calendar

No further events scheduled for this month.

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

Upcoming Woodbridge High School’s Vocal Music Calendar

No further events scheduled for this month.

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

Irvine Animal Care Center Celebrates 21 Pet Adoptions and Six Happy Reunions

The Irvine Animal Care Center celebrated another successful week of pet adoptions from August 3–9, with 11 dogs and 10 cats finding new homes. In addition, five dogs and one tortoise were reunited with their owners.

Those interested in adopting a pet or visiting the shelter can find more information, including adoption details and operating hours, on the Irvine Animal Care Center website.

UC Irvine Women's Soccer Opens 2026 Season with Two Home Matches

UC Irvine women's soccer opens the 2026 season this week with a home opener against Utah Tech on Wednesday at 6 p.m. at Anteater Stadium, followed by a home exhibition against Concordia Irvine on Saturday at 6 p.m. The Anteaters bring back many of their top players and team leaders while adding several transfers.

UCI Anteaters Upcoming Home Games

Women’s Soccer

  • Wed, Aug 12 - vs Utah Tech, 6:00 PM

  • Wed, Aug 12 - vs Concordia Irvine, 6:00 PM

Women’s Volleyball

  • Sat, Aug 15 - vs USC, 12:00 PM

🏐⚽🏀 Upcoming home games for the IVC LASERS 

Women’s Soccer

  • Tue, Aug 25 - vs Norco, 3:00 PM

Women’s Volleyball

  • Sat, Aug 15 - vs Alumni, 10:00 AM

  • Fri, Aug 21 - vs Chaffey, TBA

  • Fri, Aug 21 - Scrimmage Tournament, 9:00 AM

High School Athletics Calendar

**

Updated with August Schedule

Upcoming Irvine High School’s Varsity home games:

August 2026

Wednesday, August 12

  • Flag Football, Girls - 6:30 PM vs Capistrano Valley Christian

Thursday, August 13

  • Volleyball, Girls - 5:15 PM vs Canyon/Anahiem

Friday, August 14

  • Football - 5:00 PM vs Pacifica/Garden Grove

Vehicle Break-In at Diamond Jamboree Results in $13K Pokémon Card Theft

Approximately $13,000 worth of Pokémon cards was stolen during a vehicle break-in at Diamond Jamboree. The theft occurred after the victim attended a Pokémon convention. Police are reminding the public to keep valuables out of sight and remain alert, as suspects may target and follow victims carrying high-value items.

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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