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New Pickleball Complex Coming to Great Park in 2026

Issue # 0374

Author

Joshua Tjia
28 Mar

In this Irvine Insider Issue . . .

😁 Laugh Of The Day

🌤️ Irvine Weather

🚔 Irvine Police Investigate Juvenile Shooting Death—Circumstances Still Unclear

🌶️🥘 From Sichuan Peppercorns to Carolina Reapers: Explore Irvine’s Spiciest Restaurants

🚲🏗️ New Protected Bikeway Coming to Phantom Starting March 31

🌳🏓 New Pickleball Complex Coming to Great Park in 2026

🌷🌸🌷Spring Harvest Festival at Tanaka Farms Runs Through April 20

🥗🥧 Spring Recipes to Refresh Your Diet and Boost Wellness

🌾🥾 Explore Irvine's Hidden Trails at Bommer Canyon Exploration Day – April 11

🎨✈️ John Wayne Airport Launches “Main Character Energy” Exhibit Celebrating Illustration and Storytelling

🎼🎼 Upcoming High School Music Calendar

🐾 How to Trim Your Dog’s Nails at Home: A Simple Guide for Pet Owners

🎾 UC Irvine Women’s Tennis Sweeps Monmouth 7-0 for First Win of 2025 Season

🏀🏐🎾⚾ UCI Anteaters Upcoming Home Games

🎾 IVC Men’s Tennis Tops Linfield 7-2, Extends Win Streak to Seven

🏀🏀 Upcoming home games for the IVC LASERS

🏈🎾 High School Athletics Calendar

🚔🚨 Irvine Police Arrest Robbery Suspect Linked to Seven Local Thefts

🍏🥭🍑 Local Farmers Markets

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

📅📅 Lots of Local Events

📞💡 Useful Contact Information

Why did the lettuce break up with the tomato?

It just couldn’t romaine faithful.

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

Irvine Police Investigate Juvenile Shooting Death—Circumstances Still Unclear

Yesterday at 2:42 p.m., a juvenile was found with a gunshot wound near Heathergreen and Weepingwood in Irvine. Irvine Police and the Orange County Fire Authority responded quickly and provided medical aid, but the juvenile sadly passed away shortly after. The injury is believed to be self-inflicted, though it's still under investigation whether it was accidental or intentional. The victim did not reside at the home. Irvine Police are working with Irvine Unified School District to support students and staff at Southlake Middle School. Free gun locks and firearm safety info are available through the Irvine Police Department. Anyone with information is asked to contact Detective Steen at [email protected].

From Sichuan Peppercorns to Carolina Reapers: Explore Irvine’s Spiciest Restaurants

Spicy food lovers can find fiery delights across Irvine.

  • Kuan Zhai Alley (Los Olivos) brings Sichuan heat with dishes like Dry Chili Chicken and Mapo Tofu.

  • Yup Dduk (Campus Plaza) serves “bizarrely spicy” Korean rice cakes in a ttangcho pepper broth—“mild” still brings the burn.

  • Southern Spice Indian Kitchen (Crossroads) highlights South Indian heat with Andhra Chilli Chicken and minty Green Chilli with goat or shrimp.

  • And Cluck Kitchen turns up the American spice with its Nashville Hot Sandwich—go for the Carolina Reaper only if you're brave.

New Protected Bikeway Coming to Phantom Starting March 31


Starting Monday, March 31, Irvine will begin construction on a Class IV Protected Bikeway on Phantom between Ridge Valley and Corsair. Work runs weekdays from 9 a.m. to 3 p.m. through mid-April.

  • This bikeway will be physically separated from vehicle traffic, enhancing cyclist safety.

  • Expect lane reductions, lane shifts, and construction noise, though no full road closures are planned—consider alternate routes.

  • This is Irvine’s second protected bikeway, following the one on Cadence that opened in November.

New Pickleball Complex Coming to Great Park in 2026

A new pickleball complex with 24 courts, a championship court, amenities, and parking is coming to the Great Park, just north of the current tennis courts at Bosque and Great Park Boulevard. The project is in the design phase, with construction expected to begin in Spring 2026. More info at greatparkframework.org.

Spring Harvest Festival at Tanaka Farms Runs Through April 20

Join the seasonal celebration at Tanaka Farms happening weekends now through April 20! Enjoy festive farm activities, sweet treats, and family-friendly fun in the heart of spring.

  • When: Weekends until April 20

  • Where: Tanaka Farms

  • Entry Fee: $6 (includes Barnyard access)

  • Activity Tickets: $3 each

  • Strawberry Picking Tours: Reservation required (book online)

  • Festival Entry: No reservation needed

Spring Recipes to Refresh Your Diet and Boost Wellness

Spring is the perfect time to refresh your diet with light, nutrient-rich foods that boost energy and health. UCI Health experts suggest tuning into your body’s seasonal cravings and incorporating fresh, detoxifying ingredients. Three standout recipes from Executive Chef Jessica VanRoo offer delicious, wholesome options:

  • Pear and Gruyère Bites (crunchy phyllo tarts with fiber-packed pears, calcium-rich cheese, walnuts, and honey)

  • White Bean and Spring Pea Dip with Roasted Shallots (a protein- and fiber-rich dip served with fresh veggies)

  • Guilt-free Chocolate Truffles (low-calorie, magnesium-rich treats that support heart health and better sleep)

These simple recipes make the most of seasonal ingredients to help you feel lighter, healthier, and ready for sunnier days ahead.

Find the recipes here

Explore Irvine's Hidden Trails at Bommer Canyon Exploration Day – April 11

Experience the beauty of Irvine’s southern Open Space Preserve during Bommer Canyon Exploration Day on Friday, April 11, from 8:00 AM to 1:00 PM. This special event offers self-guided access to rarely opened trails in Bommer and Shady Canyons for hiking and biking. With scenic views and peaceful paths, it’s the perfect opportunity to connect with nature and enjoy Irvine’s open spaces.

John Wayne Airport Launches “Main Character Energy” Exhibit Celebrating Illustration and Storytelling

John Wayne Airport's new exhibit, Main Character Energy, is a vibrant group show celebrating the art of illustration, character design, and storytelling, running until June 30. Featuring colorful, imaginative works—including zines, paintings, sculptures, and even clay figures—the exhibit highlights artists who create recurring characters and immersive worlds. It also aims to elevate often-overlooked mediums like comics and zines to the status of fine art. Curated by Heather Bowling and featuring artists like Cheyne Ellett and the Prietos of Piñata Design Studio, the exhibit is located post-security in Terminal A’s Vi Smith Gallery (Gates 2–4). Learn more at www.ocair.com/terminal/artexhibits.

Upcoming Northwood High School’s Music Calendar

  1. Apr 12th, 1:00 PM: Friends of Jazz Performance, Lone Wolf Brewing Co., Yorba Linda

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

Upcoming University High School's Choirs Calendar

  1. May 1-2, 7:00 PM: Broadway Rocks!, 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. April 17, 7:00 PM: IUSD Honors Concert, Segerstrom 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. April 17, 7:00 PM: IUSD Honors Concert, Segerstrom Concert Hall.

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

Upcoming Irvine High School's Music Calendar

  1. May 2, 7:30 PM: Music Under the Stars (MUTS), Irvine Amphitheater

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

How to Trim Your Dog’s Nails at Home: A Simple Guide for Pet Owners

Keeping a dog’s nails trimmed is key to their comfort and health. With the right tools and a bit of patience, most dogs can be trained to tolerate nail trims at home. Here are the basics:

  • Trim frequency: Every 3–4 weeks, depending on activity level and surface walked on.

  • When to trim: If nails touch the ground or click on floors, it’s time.

  • Clipper types: Choose between guillotine or scissor-style—both work, pick what’s comfortable.

  • How to trim: Cut just before the quick (visible in light nails); for dark nails, trim tiny amounts slowly.

  • Don’t forget dewclaws: They don’t touch the ground and can grow into the paw if neglected.

  • If you hit the quick: Use styptic powder, flour, or cornstarch to stop bleeding.

  • Make it easier: Use treats, peanut butter, or a helper to distract or comfort your dog.

  • Grinders as an option: Smooth finish and less risk of cutting the quick, but use carefully to avoid burns or tangled hair.

With practice and rewards, most dogs can become comfortable with regular nail trims at home.

UC Irvine Women’s Tennis Sweeps Monmouth 7-0 for First Win of 2025 Season

UC Irvine women’s tennis earned its first win of the 2025 season with a dominant 7-0 sweep over Monmouth on Friday at Anteater Tennis Stadium. The Anteaters (8-7, 1-3 Big West) started strong with shutout doubles wins by Meraz/H. Huynh and M. Huynh/Perez. UCI carried that momentum into singles, winning all six matches in straight sets, including match-clinching performances by Kim, Perez, and others. Players Lindsay Kim and Nour Khayat highlighted focus and team pride in their post-match comments. UCI heads to Westmont next on March 28 at 12 p.m.

UCI Anteaters Upcoming Home Games

Women's Water Polo

  • Fri, Mar 28 – vs UC Santa Barbara, 12:00 PM

Baseball

  • Fri, Mar 28 – vs UC Riverside, 6:00 PM

Men's Track & Field

  • Fri, Mar 28 – vs Vince O'Boyle Track & Field Classic, TBA

Women's Track & Field

  • Fri, Mar 28 – vs Vince O'Boyle Track & Field Classic, TBA

IVC Men’s Tennis Tops Linfield 7-2, Extends Win Streak to Seven

Irvine Valley men's tennis improved to 8-1 overall after a strong 7-2 home win over NCAA DIII Linfield University, marking their seventh straight victory. The Lasers took two of three doubles matches, with wins by Villar/Hinkel and Ashraf/Diaz, and claimed five singles wins from Moros, Diaz, McCann, Hinkel, and Yung. IVC now prepares for its biggest match of the season, hosting conference leader Riverside on Thursday at 2 p.m., trailing by just one match in the Orange Empire Conference standings.

🏐⚽🏀 Upcoming home games for the IVC LASERS 

Men's Volleyball

  1. Fri, Mar 28 – vs San Diego Miramar, 6:00 PM

Baseball

  1. Sat, Mar 29 – vs Saddleback, 12:00 PM

High School Athletics Calendar

** Updated With March Schedule

Upcoming Irvine High School’s Varsity home games:

March 2025

Friday, March 28 

  • 5:15 PM – Volleyball (Boys, VR) vs Northwood at Irvine High School Game Gym

Saturday, March 29

  • 9:00 AM – Baseball (VR) vs La Serna – Tournament at Great Park Baseball Stadium

Irvine Police Arrest Robbery Suspect Linked to Seven Local Thefts

After a two-month investigation, Irvine police arrested Angelo Sage, 20, of Los Angeles, for a series of robberies and burglaries. Sage, who had been living in Irvine since August, was suspected of targeting seven local businesses by making small purchases, then grabbing cash from open register drawers—sometimes using force. He was notably seen wearing pajama pants during several incidents. This arrest came through solid police work, and officials thank the community for their tips.

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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