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New Shelves, New System: Irvine Libraries Reopen August 3

Issue # 0453

Author

Joshua Tjia
29 Jul

In this Irvine Insider Issue . . .

😁 Laugh Of The Day

🌤️ Irvine Weather

📚📖 New Shelves, New System: Irvine Libraries Reopen August 3

📄⛳️ Irvine Plans Special Election on Future of Oak Creek Golf Course

🚧 Jamboree & Michelson Lane Closures Begin—Bridge Project Underway Through 2027

🧊🍑🧊 Cool Off Fast with Tastea’s Fruity Frozen Favorites

🧑‍🍳🍴 Northwood Community Center Hosts Parent-Child Cooking Session - August 13

💧 Why Hydration Matters: Hoag Urgent Care Shares Summer Wellness Tips

🌳🥾 Join the After Work Fitness Hike on Hicks Haul Road – July 30

👾 Join the Conversation: How PAC-MAN Shaped Generations of Game Creators

🎼🎼 Upcoming High School Music Calendar

🐈‍⬛🐇 Free Pet Adoptions at Irvine Animal Care Center August 2–3

⚽️ UC Irvine Adds Oregon Transfer Ariane Haysman Boaler to Women’s Soccer Roster

🏀🏐🎾⚾ UCI Anteaters Upcoming Home Games

🏀🏀 Upcoming home games for the IVC LASERS

🏈 Connor McBride Named Head Football Coach at Woodbridge High

🏈🎾 High School Athletics Calendar

🚓🚨 Man Arrested in Irvine Target Robbery, Tied to Dozens of Thefts

🍏🥭🍑 Local Farmers Markets

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

📅📅 Lots of Local Events

📞💡 Useful Contact Information

Where do cats keep their lipstick?

In their purrrs.

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

New Shelves, New System: Irvine Libraries Reopen August 3

This Sunday, August 3, the Heritage Park and University Park libraries will reopen under the newly established Irvine Public Library system, following Irvine’s transition away from the Orange County Public Libraries (OCPL).

  • Celebrations include ribbon-cuttings, live entertainment, refreshments, and activities from 1–4 p.m. at Heritage Park Library and 2–5 p.m. at University Park Library.

  • The city expects to save millions annually by operating its own system, allowing for expanded services, updated facilities, and new library branches in the future.

  • OCPL cardholders will still have countywide access, but Irvine residents will need a new Irvine Public Library card for city libraries.

  • Katie Wheeler Library will reopen in January after renovations.

Irvine Plans Special Election on Future of Oak Creek Golf Course

Irvine officials are preparing for a potential special election to determine the future of the Oak Creek Golf Course, a site currently designated as open space.

  • Election Date: Tentatively set for November 18, pending City Council approval.

  • Proposal: Replace Oak Creek Golf Course with 3,100 housing units, a school, parks, and community spaces.

  • Council Review: Ballot measure options will be published August 5 and formally considered on August 12.

  • Community Concerns: Residents argue the land is protected under a 1988 voter-approved open space initiative.

  • Legal Dispute: A letter from local groups challenges the city’s legal authority to allow development without a vote.

  • Cost: The special election is estimated to cost nearly $2 million.

Jamboree & Michelson Lane Closures Begin—Bridge Project Underway Through 2027

As of yesterday, July 28, dedicated right-turn lanes at southbound Jamboree to westbound Michelson and westbound Michelson to northbound Jamboree are closed for construction on the Jamboree & Michelson Pedestrian Bridge project.

  • These closures will remain in place through July 2027.

  • Right turns are still allowed from adjacent right lanes.

  • The project aims to enhance pedestrian safety, ease traffic, and create a gateway to the Irvine Business Complex.

  • More info: cityofirvine.org/pedestrianbridge.

Cool Off Fast with Tastea’s Fruity Frozen Favorites

Tastea is serving up summer refreshment with their Peach Me Freeze and Lychee Freezie, two icy slush-style drinks packed with fruity flavor. These frozen beverages are perfect for beating the heat and keeping cool all season long.

Northwood Community Center Hosts Parent-Child Cooking Session - August 13

The “Kid Cooks” class at the Northwood Community Center offers a fun and educational cooking experience for children ages 3–5. Kids will learn kitchen safety and basic cooking skills while preparing food from scratch.

  • 📆 Wednesday, August 13, from 1:30–2:30 PM

  • 💵 $22 for residents ($27 for non-residents)

  • 📍4531 Bryan Ave, Irvine, CA 92620

  • 📝 Registration is open from May 15 to August 13

Register here

Why Hydration Matters: Hoag Urgent Care Shares Summer Wellness Tips

Hydration plays a crucial role in overall health—especially during hot summer days in California. Whether you're out enjoying the sunshine or getting active on the trails, make water your go-to companion.

  • Even slight dehydration can lead to fatigue, headaches, and reduced focus.

  • Research shows that losing just 1.36% of fluids after exercise affects mood and concentration.

  • A great habit to try: drink 16 oz. of water first thing in the morning for 30 days and see how you feel.

Join the After Work Fitness Hike on Hicks Haul Road – July 30

Join OC Parks for a Wednesday evening fitness hike on the paved Hicks Haul Road in the Irvine Ranch Open Space.

  • This 3.5-mile, moderately challenging (Level 3) hike climbs 450 feet to Loma Ridge and offers beautiful sunset views over Orange County.

  • The hike is fitness-focused and moves at 3–3.5 mph, with most finishing in about an hour.

  • The next hike is Wednesday, July 30, from 6:00 to 7:30 p.m., starting at the Hicks Haul Road staging area in Limestone Canyon.

Join the Conversation: How PAC-MAN Shaped Generations of Game Creators

Celebrate 45 years of PAC-MAN at Gaming Through the Ages: A Discussion on Sunday, August 9, from 1–3 p.m. at the Great Park Gallery. Join game designers and industry experts as they explore what makes a game timeless and how PAC-MAN shaped digital storytelling. This engaging panel is part of the exhibition Journey Through the Maze: 45 Years of PAC-MAN. Open to gamers and curious minds alike. Find more information here

We will resume with the high school music calendar events when the schedule is available for the fall semester.

Free Pet Adoptions at Irvine Animal Care Center August 2–3

The Irvine Animal Care Center will host ASPCA Rescue Effect adoption days on August 2–3, during which adoption fees will be waived for all resident animals. This two-day event offers a no-cost opportunity to give pets a safe and loving home, while supporting a national animal rescue effort.

Visit cityofirvine.org/animals to browse available pets and begin the adoption process.

UC Irvine Adds Oregon Transfer Ariane Haysman Boaler to Women’s Soccer Roster

UC Irvine women’s soccer has added Ariane Haysman Boaler, a transfer from the University of Oregon.

  • As a freshman forward at Oregon, Haysman Boaler played in 17 matches, scored once in conference play, and stood out as the only freshman to net a goal in Big Ten competition.

  • Originally from Stanford, CA, she played club soccer for Silicon Valley Soccer Academy, led her league in scoring, and earned honors in the NorCal Olympic Development Program.

  • UC Irvine coaches praise her versatility and look forward to integrating her into their dynamic attacking lineup.

UCI Anteaters Upcoming Home Games

We will resume with UCI’s athletic calendar events when the schedule is available for the fall quarter.

🏐⚽🏀 Upcoming home games for the IVC LASERS 

We will resume with IVC’s athletic calendar events when the schedule is available for the fall semester.

Connor McBride Named Head Football Coach at Woodbridge High

Connor McBride, a former record-setting running back at Woodbridge High, has been named the school’s new head varsity football coach at age 27.

  • Returning to his alma mater, McBride brings a mix of youthful energy and experienced support from longtime coaches and alumni.

  • As fall practice begins, he is focused on building a strong team culture and preparing for the season opener on August 22 against Calvary Chapel.

  • Senior linemen and veteran players will lead the team, while a quarterback competition is underway.

We will resume with the high school athletic calendar events when the schedule is available for the fall semester.

Man Arrested in Irvine Target Robbery, Tied to Dozens of Thefts

On June 26, Irvine patrol officers responded to a robbery at the Spectrum Target, where a suspect accessed a cash register and pushed an employee while fleeing. Detectives linked the suspect to over 35 similar thefts across Southern California. Last Tuesday, they arrested Anthony Steven Machuca, 29, of Baldwin Park, at a hotel in Corona. While in custody, he injured a detective. Machuca was charged with robbery and battery on a police officer.

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

July 12 - End of August Tanaka Farms Melong Tasting Tours

July 29 Library Card Sign-Up Event 4:30 - 6:30 PM

August 5 Toddlers & Tunes 10 AM - 12 PM

August 5 2025 National Night Out 5:30 - 7:30 PM

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