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Orange County Set to Witness Spectacular Partial Solar Eclipse

Issue # 0137

Author

Joshua Tjia
08 Apr

In this Irvine Insider Issue . . .

😁 Laugh Of The Day

🌤️ Irvine Weather

🌖🌙 Orange County Set to Witness Spectacular Partial Solar Eclipse

🦺💯 Irvine's CERT Program Marks Milestone with 100th Class Graduation

🇵🇱🎈 Food, Dance, History: Join Irvine's Polish Cultural Celebration

🌱🧤 Discover the Secrets of Urban Gardening: Join the Workshop at the Great Park on April 13

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

🍙👧🏻 Pretend City's Action-Packed Week: From Sensory-Friendly Nights to Culinary Adventures with Manga Rice Balls

🧑‍⚕️🩺 Handle With Care: UCI Experts Detail the Unseen Risks of Cannabis Edibles

🌳🏇 Volunteers Wanted: Inside the World of Mountain Biking and Horse Riding at Irvine Ranch

💍💎 Elevate Your Craft: Join a Fold Forming Workshop for Jewelry Artists

🎼🎼 Upcoming High School Music Calendar

🐶🐾 National Dog Bite Prevention Week: Essential Safety Tips

🤽‍♀️ UCI Women’s Water Polo Seniors Bid Farewell with a Spectacular Win Against UC Davis

🏆 Justin Willingham Shatters UC Irvine's Shot Put Record Again at the Triton Invitational

🏀🏐🎾⚾ UCI Anteaters Upcoming Home Games

🏐 Irvine Valley Men's Volleyball Team Sweeps Fullerton

🏀🏀 Upcoming home games for the IVC LASERS

🏈🎾 High School Athletics Calendar

👮🐾 Irvine K9 Officer Cracks Down on Suspicious Activity, Leading to Multiple Arrests and Citations

🍏🥭🍑 Local Farmers Markets

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

📅📅 Lots of Local Events

📞💡 Useful Contact Information

Why didn’t the vulture bring any check-in luggage onto the airplane?

Because he only needed a carrion!

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

Orange County Set to Witness Spectacular Partial Solar Eclipse


Orange County residents are gearing up for a partial view of the total solar eclipse today, Monday, April 8, 2024. Although not directly in the path of totality, which stretches from Texas to Maine, Orange County will experience the moon covering about 51% of the sun at its peak. The eclipse events in Orange County include:

  • Partial eclipse starts at 10:05 a.m., with totality beginning at 10:35 a.m.

  • Maximum eclipse coverage at 11:12 a.m., ending totality at 11:50 a.m., and the partial eclipse concludes at 12:23 p.m.

  • The total duration of the eclipse from start to finish in Orange County is approximately 2 minutes and 18 seconds.

  • Weather predictions for the day of the eclipse suggest partly sunny and mild conditions.

  • Regardless of the eclipse's totality level, eye protection is crucial for safe viewing.

This celestial event is a part of a larger eclipse that begins in Mexico and passes through various states in the U.S. before moving into Canada, affecting over 32 million Americans.

Irvine's CERT Program Marks Milestone with 100th Class Graduation

Since 2000, Irvine's CERT program has trained nearly 3,000 residents, recently celebrating its 100th class and 39 new graduates with FEMA certificates. Over 200 guests from previous classes joined the celebration. The program equips citizens with essential skills for disaster response, enhancing community safety. For more info or to join, visit cityofirvine.org/cert.

#WeAreIrvine #CERT #EmergencyPreparedness

Food, Dance, History: Join Irvine's Polish Cultural Celebration

Join the Irvine Multicultural Association (IMA) for a cultural journey to Poland at the "Exploring Our World" event on May 8, from 5 to 7 p.m., at the Lakeview Senior Center. This celebration of Polish culture, supported by the Consulate General of Poland, will feature traditional food, dance, and informative sessions about Poland's heritage and history. For an enriching experience of cultural exchange, register at yourirvine.org or call 949-724-6900.

#WeAreIrvine

Discover the Secrets of Urban Gardening: Join the Workshop at the Great Park on April 13

Transform your outdoor space into a green oasis with the "From the Ground Up Vegetable Gardening at Home" workshop on April 13, 10–11 a.m., at the Great Park Farm + Food Lab. Learn all about soil, planting, watering, and the best plants for your area from master gardeners. Register at https://bit.ly/3TAshhn. 

#YourGreatPark #GardeningWorkshop

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.

Pretend City's Action-Packed Week: From Sensory-Friendly Nights to Culinary Adventures with Manga Rice Balls

This week at Pretend City:

  • Neurodivergent Family Night (4/9, 5-7pm): A free, sensory-friendly evening for neurodiverse children and their families. Pre-registration required.

  • Cooking In the City (4/11): Make Manga Character Rice Balls with Marukome at 11am and 2:30pm.

  • Way to Play Day (4/12, 10am-3pm): Free developmental screenings for children up to 6 years old. Learn about milestones and early intervention.

  • Baby Steps (4/14): Activities for infants (0-18 months) and their parents focused on developmental milestones. No older siblings. $12 fee, pre-registration necessary, free for infants and Pretend City Members.

Handle With Care: UCI Experts Detail the Unseen Risks of Cannabis Edibles

UCI's cannabis expert Daniele Piomelli advises caution with cannabis edibles, noting they can be easily overconsumed due to delayed effects. Research indicates daily cannabis use increases the risk of heart issues, but edibles avoid lung irritation. Piomelli, a renowned researcher with extensive publications and patents, emphasizes the importance of dosage control for experienced users.

Volunteers Wanted: Inside the World of Mountain Biking and Horse Riding at Irvine Ranch

IRC is seeking volunteers to lead mountain bike and equestrian rides at Irvine Ranch National Natural Landmarks. This opportunity allows you to enjoy the outdoors, contribute to land care, and connect with the community. Various volunteer roles are available, from one-time activities to becoming a regular leader. For more details, visit their latest blog.

Elevate Your Craft: Join a Fold Forming Workshop for Jewelry Artists

Join a one-day workshop on fold forming for jewelry and metal artists. The workshop is scheduled for Saturday, April 13, from 10 a.m. to 3:30 p.m. Interested individuals can register online at yourirvine.org.

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

National Dog Bite Prevention Week: Essential Safety Tips

This week marks National Dog Bite Prevention Week, emphasizing the importance of safe interactions between humans and dogs. Key tips include:

  • asking the owner before petting an unfamiliar dog

  • letting dogs sniff your closed hand before gentle petting

  • understanding dog body language to recognize discomfort

  • allowing dogs to approach you first

  • supervising children around dogs

  • leashing your dog in public

These measures aim to prevent dog bites and promote positive experiences. More pet care tips can be found here.

#DogBitePreventionWeek

UCI Women’s Water Polo Seniors Bid Farewell with a Spectacular Win Against UC Davis

In their last match, UC Irvine women’s polo, ranked 8th, celebrated a victory and their seniors with an 11-9 win against 13th ranked UC Davis. The match highlighted the careers of seniors Jordan Frost, Faith Tedesco, Kili Skibby, Airian Grisham, Sabina Shackelford, Jensine Bugelli, and Michaela Strickland, acknowledging their contributions like a regular season championship in 2023 and two consecutive Big West Championships in 2022 and 2023. Libby Alexander led UC Irvine with a perfect shooting score, contributing to her third four-goal game of the season. Lauren Hett achieved her seventh hat-trick, while Kennedy East and Annabelle Mundelius also scored. Jordan Frost and Faith Tedesco shared goalie duties, demonstrating strong defense. The match saw UC Irvine maintaining their winning streak against UC Davis in 2024, capitalizing on their power play opportunities more efficiently than UC Davis. UC Irvine's next game is at the Anteater Aquatic Complex against Cal State Fullerton.

Justin Willingham Shatters UC Irvine's Shot Put Record Again at the Triton Invitational

At the Triton Invitational in La Jolla, California, Justin Willingham of the UC Irvine men's track & field team set a new school shot put record of 18.68 meters, marking his third record-breaking performance this season and his third victory in six competitions. He also achieved a personal best in discus, ranking seventh in program history. Teammate Jacob Hawkins placed second in shot put and 10th in discus. Other notable performances included Alan Vuong in high jump, Garren Haynes in long jump, Roman Mendoza and Jarel Sayles in hurdles, Max Daniels in 110m hurdles, Alex Skalmowski and Bryce Bushnell in sprints, with Bushnell and Brandon Burns achieving season-bests. UC Irvine is set for multiple meets this week, including the Bryan Clay Invitational and others.

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. Mon, Apr 8: vs UC Riverside, 1:00 PM

  2. 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

Irvine Valley Men's Volleyball Team Sweeps Fullerton

Irvine Valley's men's volleyball team notched their second Orange Empire Conference win of the week by sweeping Fullerton at home on Friday, following a victory over Santiago Canyon on Wednesday. This win places them third in the conference standings, with an 11-6 overall record and a 5-2 record in conference play. Standout performances included Grant Dvorak's seven kills and 15 assists, with Matt Reid and Drake Goering contributing seven and five kills, respectively. The team is set to face the undefeated No. 1 Orange Coast at home on Friday.

🏐⚽🏀 Upcoming home games for the IVC LASERS

Baseball

  1. Tue, Apr 9: vs Fullerton, 2:00 PM

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

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

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

  5. 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

High School Athletics Calendar -

** Updated With April Schedule

Upcoming Irvine High School’s Varsity home games:

April 2024

Monday, April 8

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

Tuesday, April 9

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

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

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

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

Irvine K9 Officer Cracks Down on Suspicious Activity, Leading to Multiple Arrests and Citations

On Sunday, a Irvine K9 officer encountered four individuals in a suspicious vehicle at Michelson and University, leading to multiple arrests and citations. Two men, from Upland and Colton, were arrested for outstanding warrants, narcotics, and burglary tools. A woman from San Bernardino was cited for narcotics, drug paraphernalia, and possessing cards of others. Further charges are anticipated as the investigation continues.

#dontcommitcrimeinirvine #irvine #police

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

April 4-9 La Bohème 8 PM

April 11 Ébène Quartet 7:30 PM

April 25 - 27 Tchaikovsky's Sixth 8 PM

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