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Limited Valentine’s Treat! Preorder Tanaka Farms’ Chocolate-Covered Strawberries

Issue # 0335

In this Irvine Insider Issue . . .

😁 Laugh Of The Day

🌤️ Irvine Weather

🏨🛀 Irvine City Council Repeals Hotel Worker Workload Protections in 4-2 Vote

🚓🚦 Irvine Police Issue 45 Citations in Traffic Enforcement Near Culver & Campus

⚠️🚧 I-5 Lane & Off-Ramp Closures This Weekend for Bridge Work

🍫🍓 Limited Valentine’s Treat! Preorder Tanaka Farms’ Chocolate-Covered Strawberries

🔥 Burning to Save: How Controlled Fires Protect Our Communities

🍿🎬 Grab a Blanket & Enjoy The Garfield Movie – Free Screening in Irvine

🍐🐠 Steaming & Poaching: Easy, Healthy Cooking for Maximum Flavor

♻️ Got Hazardous Waste? Here’s Where to Safely Dispose of It

🌳🌧️ Irvine’s Open Space Trails Reopen After Rain Closure

🩰 Experience Dance Like Never Before—Celebrate Twyla Tharp’s 60th Anniversary

🎼🎼 Upcoming High School Music Calendar

🐈‍⬛ Meet Nova: A Gentle Companion Looking for a Quiet Home

🤽‍♀️ UCI Women’s Water Polo Heads to Triton Invitational for Four-Game Weekend

🏀🏐🎾⚾ UCI Anteaters Upcoming Home Games

🏀🏀 Upcoming home games for the IVC LASERS

🤽‍♀️ Crean Lutheran Girls Water Polo Wins First-Ever League Championship

🏈🎾 High School Athletics Calendar

🚓🚨 Irvine Police Support National Human Trafficking Prevention Efforts

🍏🥭🍑 Local Farmers Markets

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

📅📅 Lots of Local Events

📞💡 Useful Contact Information

When does a horse talk?

Whinney wants to!

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

Irvine City Council Repeals Hotel Worker Workload Protections in 4-2 Vote

The Irvine City Council voted 4-2 to repeal hotel worker workload protections, removing limits on room cleaning and extra pay for exceeding them. The decision, originally passed in 2022 to protect housekeepers from excessive workloads, was delayed for a second vote to include newly elected council members. Treseder and Mayor Agran opposed the repeal, while James Mai, Melinda Lui, and William Go supported it, citing financial strain on hotels. The panic button safety measure remains in place. Hotel industry representatives argued the law was costly and burdensome, while labor advocates condemned the move as prioritizing business over worker welfare. Unite Here Local 11 vowed to strategize next steps.

Irvine Police Issue 45 Citations in Traffic Enforcement Near Culver & Campus

The Irvine Traffic Bureau conducted a High-Visibility Traffic Enforcement operation last morning near Culver Dr. and Campus Dr., issuing 45 citations for violations like cell phone use, helmet noncompliance, and failure to obey crossing guards.

Drivers are reminded to follow Crossing Guard instructions and slow down in school zones when children are present.

I-5 Lane & Off-Ramp Closures This Weekend for Bridge Work

Partial lane closures on I-5 between Culver Dr. and Sand Canyon Ave. this weekend for concrete placement on the Jeffrey Open Space Trail Bridge.

  • Both Jeffrey Rd. off-ramps (NB & SB) will be closed.

  • Work hours: Jan 31 (9 PM) – Feb 1 (7 AM) and Feb 1 (9 PM) – Feb 2 (7 AM). 

Limited Valentine’s Treat! Preorder Tanaka Farms’ Chocolate-Covered Strawberries

Celebrate Valentine’s Day with chocolate-dipped strawberries from Tanaka Farms! Hand-picked, farm-fresh, and coated in decadent chocolate, these sweet treats make the perfect gift. Preorder now! 

  • Pick-up: Feb. 13 & 14 (8:30 AM - 4:30 PM).

  • Price: $22.99 for a 6-pack—

  • choose a Variety Pack (dark, milk & white chocolate) or a Classic Pack (dark chocolate with drizzles).

  • 🎀 Add a bow for $6!

Burning to Save: How Controlled Fires Protect Our Communities

Fighting fire with fire may sound counterintuitive, but controlled burns (Prescribed Fires) help reduce wildfire risk by removing excess fuel and creating containment lines for firefighters. Fire is a natural part of the ecosystem, and CAL FIRE uses it alongside other methods to protect communities and restore forest health. Learn more at PreventWildfireCA.org because wildfire prevention isn’t optional—it’s essential!

Grab a Blanket & Enjoy The Garfield Movie – Free Screening in Irvine


Enjoy a free Movie Matinee featuring The Garfield Movie (Rated PG) on Wednesday, February 5, from 3:00 PM to 5:00 PM at the Irvine Katie Wheeler Library. Open to all ages—bring a blanket for comfy viewing!

Steaming & Poaching: Easy, Healthy Cooking for Maximum Flavor

Steaming and poaching are underrated cooking methods that are easy, healthy, and nutrient-rich alternatives to frying or roasting. Dietitian Katie Rankell of UCI Health highlights their benefits—steaming preserves vitamins and flavors with minimal fat, while poaching gently cooks proteins and fruit, enhancing taste without heavy seasonings.

Featured recipes include Chinese-style steamed fish with scallions and ginger, a light and nutritious dish ideal for Lunar New Year, and poached pears with cinnamon, honey, Greek yogurt, and granola, a fiber-rich, heart-healthy treat. These recipes emphasize whole ingredients, antioxidants, and essential nutrients.

Find recipes here

Got Hazardous Waste? Here’s Where to Safely Dispose of It

Check what your local Household Hazardous Waste (HHW) Center accepts at OClandfills.com/hazardous-waste, including paint, batteries, motor oil, pesticides, e-waste, fluorescent bulbs, and more.

Irvine’s Open Space Trails Reopen After Rain Closure

Trails Reopened! Irvine's Open Space Trails are open again after a temporary closure due to Sunday's rain. Explore the scenic routes and upcoming activities at letsgooutside.org/iosp.

Experience Dance Like Never Before—Celebrate Twyla Tharp’s 60th Anniversary

Celebrate Twyla Tharp’s 60th Anniversary with an electrifying fusion of ballet, jazz, and modern dance in a stunning tribute to the legendary choreographer. Don’t miss this unforgettable performance on February 15 & 16!

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 Nova: A Gentle Companion Looking for a Quiet Home

Meet Nova, a gentle, loyal kitty who starts as a secret admirer but blossoms into a loving companion once she feels at home. She thrives in a quiet environment with a cat-savvy family (16+). No drama, just sweet companionship! Meet her at the Irvine Animal Care Center, open daily from noon to 5 p.m. Learn more at cityofirvine.org/animals.

UCI Women’s Water Polo Heads to Triton Invitational for Four-Game Weekend

No. 6/8 UC Irvine heads to La Jolla for the Triton Invitational (Jan. 31–Feb. 2) at UC San Diego.

  • The Anteaters, ranked sixth in the CWPA and eighth in the ACWPC poll, will open against No. 22 California Baptist on Jan. 31 at 12 PM, followed by matchups against No. 10 Long Beach State or No. 18 San Diego State, and two additional games over the weekend.

  • UCI split their opening weekend, defeating No. 25 Pomona-Pitzer (12-6) before falling to No. 3/4 USC (18-15).

  • Key players include Lauren Hett (four goals in both games), Kennedy East (two goals vs. Pomona-Pitzer), and goalkeeper Rachel Kirchner (six saves vs. USC).

  • California Baptist enters the tournament with a 3-5 record, led by Kyra Kahahawai (18 goals), while Long Beach State (2-4) and San Diego State (2-2) round out potential opponents.

UCI Anteaters Upcoming Home Games

Women's Tennis

  1. Fri, Jan 31: vs Caltech, 2:00 PM

🏐🏀 Upcoming home games for the IVC LASERS 

Women’s Basketball

  1. Fri, Jan 31: vs Santa Ana, 6:00 PM

Crean Lutheran Girls Water Polo Wins First-Ever League Championship

Crean Lutheran Girls Water Polo made history as the 2024 North Hills League Champions, securing their first-ever title with an 11-3 win over El Modena. The Saints dominated league play with a perfect 4-0 record and now head to the CIF Playoffs. Congratulations, Saints!

"I can do all things through Christ who gives me strength." – Philippians 4:13.

High School Athletics Calendar

** Updated With January Schedule

Upcoming Irvine High School’s Varsity home games:

January 2025

Friday, January 31

  • 5:00 PM - Soccer (Boys, VR) vs. Portola at Irvine High School Stadium

Irvine Police Support National Human Trafficking Prevention Efforts

The Irvine Police Department is honored to be part of the Orange County Human Trafficking Task Force (OCHTTF), where dedicated detectives work to protect and support victims. In recognition of National Human Trafficking Prevention Month, the department highlights OCHTTF’s efforts in victim rescue, offender prosecution, law enforcement training, and community awareness. Those who suspect human trafficking can contact the National Human Trafficking Hotline at 888-373-7888 (anonymous, 24/7) or call 9-1-1 in emergencies.

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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