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Join the Earth Day Extravaganza at Quail Hill: Pancakes and Hikes Await

Issue # 0139

Author

Joshua Tjia
10 Apr

In this Irvine Insider Issue . . .

😁 Laugh Of The Day

🌤️ Irvine Weather

🚔🚨 Irvine Police Warn of Sophisticated Phone Scam After Local Loses Millions

🌳🏓 Irvine Moves Forward with Plans for New Pickleball Courts at Mike Ward Community Park

🌏🌱🥞 Join the Earth Day Extravaganza at Quail Hill: Pancakes and Hikes Await

🧑‍💻📲 Irvine City Hall to Host the Second Annual Irvine Tech Week for Innovators and Entrepreneurs

🐒🧸✨ Discover Irvine's Hidden Gem: ZillyMonkey - Irvine's Treasure Trove of Unique Gifts & Enjoy Special Insider Offers

💰📄 Tax Filing Deadlines are Here: Take Advantage of Free Filing Options

🇰🇷📖 Join the Korean-English Bilingual Storytime & Craft Session on April 11 at Irvine University Park

👁️👩🏻‍⚕️ Register Now for UCI Health's Lecture on Eye Health This April 16

☔️🌳 UCI Ecological Preserve Flourishes Following Recent Rains, Opens Doors for Nature Enthusiasts

🎨🧑‍🎨 30th Annual Studio Arts Festival Set for June 1: Discover Unique Handmade Artworks

🎼🎼 Upcoming High School Music Calendar

🐈🐢 Meet the Lucky Pets Adopted This Week in Irvine – From Kittens and Puppies to a Tortoise

🏃🏾‍♀️💨 UC Irvine Breaks Records with 16 Athletes on the 2024 MPSF Women's Indoor Track & Field All-Academic Team

⚽️ UC Irvine Women’s Soccer Welcomes Newcomer Alissey Fang to the Anteaters' Roster

🏀🏐🎾⚾ UCI Anteaters Upcoming Home Games

🏀🏀 Upcoming home games for the IVC LASERS

⚾️ Baseball Showdown Ends in Woodbridge's Favor, Edges Out Irvine in Pacific Coast League Nail-Biter

🏈🎾 High School Athletics Calendar

👮🚓 Trio Arrested for Stealing Apple AirTags in Irvine Retail Heist

🍏🥭🍑 Local Farmers Markets

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

📅📅 Lots of Local Events

📞💡 Useful Contact Information

Why can’t you argue with the wind?

Because he doesn’t listen; he just storms out!

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

Irvine Police Warn of Sophisticated Phone Scam After Local Loses Millions

Law enforcement and government agencies do not ask for payments like fines or bail through phone or email. An elderly person lost over $3 million to a scam by sending money to fake Chinese law enforcement, thinking it would prevent extradition. This serves as a warning about such scams. If you receive similar demands, contact the authorities. Share this info with others to prevent further scams.

#irvine #police #scamawareness

Irvine Moves Forward with Plans for New Pickleball Courts at Mike Ward Community Park

The City of Irvine is planning to potentially add pickleball courts at Mike Ward Community Park — Woodbridge. Currently, there are six lit courts at Portola Springs Community Park and two at Los Olivos Community Park, along with nine hybrid courts across several other parks. A community event on June 23 helped gather public input for the project. Following a January 4, 2023, approval of a park design modification, the project is moving towards the bidding and construction phase, expected to start in summer 2024 and complete by Fall 2025. For more information, contact Farhad Bolourchi at [email protected].

Join the Earth Day Extravaganza at Quail Hill: Pancakes and Hikes Await

Celebrate Earth Day at Quail Hill on Saturday, April 13, with activities starting at 9 a.m. at Quail Hill Trailhead, including a free pancake breakfast, family activities, and a guided hike at 10:30 a.m.

Main events begin at 11 a.m. at Quail Hill Community Center, featuring guided hikes at 11:30 a.m. and 1:30 p.m., solar energy and composting demos, and interactive activities. Learn more at cityofirvine.org/earthday.

#EarthDay2024 #WeAreIrvine

Irvine City Hall to Host the Second Annual Irvine Tech Week for Innovators and Entrepreneurs

The 2nd Irvine Tech Week runs from April 16-21, featuring entrepreneurs, investors, and experts. It kicks off at Irvine City Hall. For details on startup collaboration and learning opportunities, visit irvinetechweek.com.

#IrvineTechWeek #WeAreIrvine #IrvineBusiness

Local Business Spotlight Feature

Discover Irvine's Hidden Gem: ZillyMonkey - Irvine's Treasure Trove of Unique Gifts & Enjoy Special Insider Offers

Welcome to this week’s special edition of Irvine Insider, where we shine a spotlight on the heart and soul of our community: local businesses that add a unique flair to our vibrant city. Today, we’re excited to feature a local gem that has been making waves with its extraordinary collection of gifts and contemporary merchandise, ZillyMonkey.

Founded in 2010 by Vivian Cheng, a former engineer with a lifelong dream of opening a gift shop, ZillyMonkey stands as a testament to the power of dreams fueled by passion and determination. Situated at 18011 Sky Park Circle, Ste P, Irvine, CA 92614, ZillyMonkey is more than just a store; it's a destination for those seeking the extraordinary.

Contemporary, Modern, Affordable

ZillyMonkey operates under a simple, yet powerful slogan: “Contemporary, Modern, Affordable.” This philosophy drives its selection of creatively designed, high-quality merchandise that won’t break the bank. From unique home decor to whimsical gifts, every item in the store is handpicked for its innovative design and uniqueness, sourced directly from globally recognized designers and popular international brands.

A Unique Shopping Experience

What sets ZillyMonkey apart is not just its vast array of products, but the shopping experience it offers. The store carries niche and hard-to-find items that shoppers won't easily find elsewhere, including on major platforms like Amazon. This commitment to providing exclusive, quality products makes shopping at ZillyMonkey not just a purchase, but an adventure.

Community and Recognition

ZillyMonkey's impact on the Irvine community goes beyond commerce. In March 2023, the store was honored with the Local Business Spotlight by Assemblywoman Cottie Petrie-Norris, a testament to its significance and contribution to the local economy. This recognition reflects ZillyMonkey’s commitment to enriching the Irvine community, not just through its products, but through its spirit and dedication.

Looking Forward

The future looks bright for ZillyMonkey. After 14 years of operation, the store recently moved to a larger location to accommodate its growing inventory and customer base. With a soft opening already under its belt since September 2023, ZillyMonkey is eagerly planning a grand opening sometime in 2024, promising even more unique finds and delightful surprises for its customers.

Connect with ZillyMonkey

To explore ZillyMonkey's wide range of products and stay updated on their latest collections and events, visit their website at zillymonkey.com. You can also follow their journey and connect with them on social media through Instagram, TikTok, Pinterest, Facebook, and Yelp.

Receive a complimentary gift with your purchase, no minimum required, exclusively for walk-in customers who mention "Irvine Insider." This special offer is valid through April 30, 2024.

In the heart of Irvine, ZillyMonkey stands as a beacon for those seeking gifts that tell a story, items that add a touch of whimsy to their homes, or simply a place to find joy in the beautifully designed. Vivian Cheng’s dream of bringing contemporary, modern, and affordable gifts to the community has indeed come true, making ZillyMonkey a cherished part of our local landscape.

As we continue to support and celebrate the businesses that make Irvine unique, we invite you to visit ZillyMonkey. Discover the joy of finding the perfect gift and experience the wonder of a store where every item has a story waiting to be told.

Tax Filing Deadlines are Here: Take Advantage of Free Filing Options

As of March 29, 90 million households have filed their tax returns, with an expected 20 million more submissions as the deadline approaches. There are multiple free filing options available: Tax prep companies offer free software through the Free File program for those earning under $80,000 annually. Additionally, the IRS’s new Direct File tool allows taxpayers in 12 states with simple tax situations to file for free. Everyone has the option to file for free online or on paper by manually completing the tax forms.

Join the Korean-English Bilingual Storytime & Craft Session on April 11 at Irvine University Park

Join a Korean Bilingual Storytime & Craft event for an in-person experience featuring stories, songs, and crafts in both English and Korean. Participants are not required to have any knowledge of Korean, nor is there a need for registration. The event is scheduled for Thursday, April 11 from 10:30 to 11:15 AM at Irvine University Park. It is designed for families and kids ranging from birth to 5 years old.

Register Now for UCI Health's Lecture on Eye Health This April 16

Join UCI Health & Gavin Herbert Eye Institute's lecture on April 16 about the importance of annual eye exams with Timothy Scott Liegler, OD. It's a free virtual event but requires registration. Sign up here.

UCI Ecological Preserve Flourishes Following Recent Rains, Opens Doors for Nature Enthusiasts

The UCI Ecological Preserve, a 60-acre sanctuary located on the UC Irvine campus, showcases Orange County's natural heritage with its sage scrub, grasslands, and diverse wildlife. It serves as a center for education, research, and community engagement, emphasizing the importance of conserving local ecosystems. The preserve features varied landscapes, including hills, ridgetop vistas, and a riparian drainage zone, supporting a multitude of life-forms. Established in the mid-1990s, it's part of a broader conservation effort under the state’s Natural Community Conservation Planning program. Recent rains have significantly benefited the plant life, making it an ideal time for visitors to explore its trails, observe its wildlife, and participate in volunteer opportunities. The preserve enforces specific rules for visitors to ensure the protection and sustainability of its natural resources.

30th Annual Studio Arts Festival Set for June 1: Discover Unique Handmade Artworks

Attend the 30th annual Studio Arts Festival on Saturday, June 1, from 9 a.m. to 5 p.m., featuring over 100 local artists selling unique handmade items like glasswork, ceramics, jewelry, and more. Free admission and parking. Check out last year's festival highlights here.

Upcoming Northwood High School’s Music Calendar

  1. May 11, 2024: Instrumental Music Awards

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

Upcoming University High School's Choirs Calendar

  1. May 2 & 3: Broadway Rocks! at 7:00 PM.

For the latest updates or additional details, please visit https://www.uhschoirs.org/2023-24-season.html

Upcoming Woodbridge High School's Music Calendar

No events scheduled for April.

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

Upcoming Woodbridge High School’s Vocal Music Calendar

  1. April 16th, 7 PM: IUSD Honors Concert

  2. May 31st, 7 PM: Broadway Rocks Concert

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

Upcoming Irvine High School's Music Calendar

No events scheduled for April.

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

Upcoming Irvine High School's Choral Calendar

  1. Tues, April 16, 7:00 PM: IUSD Honors Concert (Selected Members) at OCPAC.

  2. Wed, April 17, 6:30 PM: 8th Grade Parent Night at IHS Gym.

  3. TBD: Aliso Women’s Festival (Canta Bella) - Location TBD.

  4. Wed, April 17, All day: Forum Festival (Concert Chorale, Chorale & Viva Cantar) at Knott’s Berry Farm.

  5. Wed, April 26, 6:00 PM: SPUR Awards (Chordinated Chaos) at IHS Theater.

  6. Tues & Wed, May 28 & 29, 3:30-6:30 PM: Dress rehearsal “Voices” (All Choirs) at IHS Theater.

  7. Thurs.- Sat, May 30-June 1, 7:00 PM: Voices 2024 (All Choirs) at IHS Theater.

  8. Wed, June 5, 7:00 PM: Heritage Awards (Chorale) at IHS Gym.

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

Meet the Lucky Pets Adopted This Week in Irvine – From Kittens and Puppies to a Tortoise

From April 1–7, three dogs (Coconut, Daisy, Toula), ten cats (Billy, Brooke, Chia, Maeve, Merlin, Oakley, Reed, River, Star, Tommy), and one tortoise (Tortie) were adopted. Additionally, nine dogs were returned to their owners. For more on adoption and viewing hours click here.

UC Irvine Breaks Records with 16 Athletes on the 2024 MPSF Women's Indoor Track & Field All-Academic Team

UC Irvine set a record with 16 athletes named to the 2024 MPSF Women's Indoor Track & Field All-Academic Team. Montgomery Allison, Sameen Andar, Maggie Sczupak, and Deandra Tyler earned this honor for the second consecutive year, while 12 others were recognized for the first time. Andar notably finished second in the 5,000-meter at the MPSF Championships, setting a new school record, while Johnson won the long jump and broke a school record as well. Tyler won the shot put, and Robinson placed third in the pentathlon. Eligibility for the All-Academic Team requires a minimum 3.0 GPA, sophomore academic standing, completion of one full academic year at the institution, and participation in at least 50% of the team's meets.

UC Irvine Women’s Soccer Welcomes Newcomer Alissey Fang to the Anteaters' Roster

UC Irvine women's soccer has recruited Alissey Fang, a versatile defender from Long Beach, as a promising freshman. She has a strong background with three league championships at Millikan High School and Slammers FC, leading in assists in 2024 and earning significant accolades. Fang is not only talented on the field but also engaged off it, with interests in hiking and baking, and a strong academic focus, particularly in biology. She founded The Prom Spot to assist girls facing financial barriers to attending prom. Coach Scott Juniper praises her for her flexibility in playing positions and soccer intelligence.

UCI Anteaters Upcoming Home Games

Baseball

  1. Wed, Apr 17: vs USC, 6:00 PM

  2. Fri, Apr 19: vs San Diego State, 6:00 PM

  3. Sun, Apr 21: vs San Diego State, 1:00 PM

  4. Fri, Apr 26: vs Steve Scott Invitational, All Day

  5. Sat, Apr 27: vs Steve Scott Invitational, All Day

Men's Volleyball

  1. Fri, Apr 12: vs Long Beach State, 6:00 PM

Women's Water Polo

  1. Sat, Apr 13: vs Cal State Fullerton, 12:00 PM

Men's Tennis

  1. Sat, Apr 20: vs Hawai'i, 12:00 PM

Women's Tennis

  1. Sat, Apr 13: vs Cal Poly, 11:00 AM

  2. Sun, Apr 14: vs UC Santa Barbara, 11:00 AM

Men's & Women's Track & Field

  1. Fri, Apr 26: vs Steve Scott Invitational, All Day

  2. Sat, Apr 27: vs Steve Scott Invitational, All Day

🏐⚽🏀 Upcoming home games for the IVC LASERS

Baseball

  1. Fri, Apr 12: vs Fullerton, 1:00 PM

  2. Tue, Apr 16: vs Golden West, 2:00 PM

  3. Sat, Apr 20: vs Golden West, 12:00 PM

  4. Thu, Apr 25: vs Saddleback, 2:00 PM

Men’s Volleyball

  1. Fri, Apr 12: vs Orange Coast, 6:00 PM

Women’s Beach Volleyball

  1. Fri, Apr 19: vs Riverside, 12:00 PM

  2. Wed, Apr 24: vs OEC Pairs Tournament, 12:00 PM

  3. Fri, Apr 26: vs OEC Pairs Tournament, 10:00 AM

Baseball Showdown Ends in Woodbridge's Favor, Edges Out Irvine in Pacific Coast League Nail-Biter

In an extra-inning Pacific Coast League game, Woodbridge High School's baseball team defeated Irvine with a score of 2-1, after scoring the decisive run in the top of the eighth inning and then halting Irvine's rally in the bottom of the same inning. Both teams were previously tied for third place in their league, and this match was the first in a series of three games scheduled between them. Woodbridge's coach praised the quality of the game and the effective pitching from both sides, particularly highlighting their own starting pitcher and the relievers' performances. The winning run in the eighth was scored by Anthony DeMarco, who later scored on a hit by Henry Uhrik. Woodbridge's reliever Vincent DeMarco secured the win by overcoming a potential rally from Irvine. Both teams showed commendable effort, with Irvine's coach acknowledging the close competition and looking forward to the next game.

High School Athletics Calendar -

** Updated With April Schedule

Upcoming Irvine High School’s Varsity home games:

April 2024

Wednesday, April 10

  • 03:30 PM: Softball VR vs. Northwood High School at Irvine High School Softball Field

  • 05:00 PM: Lacrosse, Girls VR vs. Woodbridge at Irvine High School Stadium

Thursday, April 11

  • 03:30 PM: Golf, Boys VR vs. Woodbridge

Friday, April 12

  • 03:00 PM: Beach Volleyball, Girls VR vs. Bishop Conaty-Loretto at Deerfield Park Beach Courts

  • 03:30 PM: Baseball VR vs. Woodbridge at Irvine High School Baseball Field

  • 03:30 PM: Softball VR vs. University at Irvine High School Softball Field

  • 05:15 PM: Volleyball, Boys VR vs. Sage Hill at Irvine High School Game Gym

Monday, April 15

  • 07:00 PM: Lacrosse, Boys VR vs. Beckman, Arnold at Irvine High School Stadium

Tuesday, April 16

  • 03:15 PM: Tennis, Boys VR vs. Portola at Irvine High School Heritage Park

Wednesday, April 17

  • 03:30 PM: Baseball VR vs. Portola at Irvine High School Baseball Field

  • 03:30 PM: Swimming & Diving, Boys VR vs. University at Woolett Pool

  • 03:30 PM: Swimming & Diving, Girls VR vs. University at Woolett Pool

  • 05:15 PM: Volleyball, Boys VR vs. Laguna Hills at Irvine High School Game Gym

  • 07:00 PM: Lacrosse, Boys VR vs. Laguna Hills at Irvine High School Stadium

Thursday, April 18

  • 07:00 PM: Lacrosse, Boys VR vs. Canyon/Anaheim at Irvine High School Stadium

Monday, April 22

  • 05:00 PM: Lacrosse, Girls VR vs. Portola at Irvine High School Stadium

Tuesday, April 23

  • 03:15 PM: Tennis, Boys VR vs. Northwood High School at Irvine High School Heritage Park

  • 03:30 PM: Golf, Boys VR vs. Portola

  • 03:30 PM: Baseball VR vs. Beckman, Arnold at Irvine High School Baseball Field

Wednesday, April 24

  • 03:30 PM: Softball VR vs. Beckman, Arnold at Irvine High School Softball Field

  • 05:00 PM: Lacrosse, Girls VR vs. Northwood High School at Irvine High School Stadium

Thursday, April 25

  • 03:30 PM: Golf, Boys VR vs. Northwood High School

  • 03:30 PM: Baseball VR vs. Beckman, Arnold at Irvine High School Baseball Field

  • 05:00 PM: Lacrosse, Girls VR vs. Sage Hill at Irvine High School Stadium

Trio Arrested for Stealing Apple AirTags in Irvine Retail Heist

Irvine PD swiftly arrested three suspects for stealing Apple AirTags from Target. The theft was uncovered during a follow-up investigation. The suspects, who had also stolen AirTags from another store, were charged with burglary, providing false information, and organized retail theft.

#dontcommitcrimeinirvine

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 55% - 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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