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Pedal Through Irvine: Free Community Bike Ride Set for June 6

Issue # 0410

Author

Joshua Tjia
19 May

In this Irvine Insider Issue . . .

😁 Laugh Of The Day

🌤️ Irvine Weather

🚶🚲 Irvine Plans Pedestrian and Bicycle Safety Improvements Near Schools

🚔 Irvine Police Focus on Road Safety in Portola Area and Great Park

🚴🏻‍♂️ Pedal Through Irvine: Free Community Bike Ride Set for June 6

🍊🍞 Orange Cream Bun Now Available at 85°C Bakery Café Irvine

📙📖 Scholastic Book Fair Set for May 19–21 at Westpark Elementary

🧡💭💛 Caring for Your Mind: Gentle Ways to Boost Mental Wellness

🌳 Top 20 Irvine Hikes to Explore This Spring

🎨 Spring Ceramics & Jewelry Classes Now Open for Registration in Irvine

🎼🎼 Upcoming High School Music Calendar

🐾 Lend a Paw: Irvine Animal Shelter Seeks Towel Donations

⚾️ UC Irvine Baseball Clinches Big West Title with 12–10 Win Over Fullerton on Senior Day

🏀🏐🎾⚾ UCI Anteaters Upcoming Home Games

🏀🏀 Upcoming home games for the IVC LASERS

⚾️ Irvine Baseball Shuts Out St. Bernard 8-0 in CIF Playoff Opener

🏈🎾 High School Athletics Calendar

🚔🚨 Five Suspects Arrested in Irvine Home Burglary Linked to Crime Ring

🍏🥭🍑 Local Farmers Markets

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

📅📅 Lots of Local Events

📞💡 Useful Contact Information

When do you go on red and stop on green?

When you are eating a watermelon.

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

Irvine Plans Pedestrian and Bicycle Safety Improvements Near Schools

The City of Irvine is creating pedestrian and bicycle safety action plans to support safer, more active travel to and from school. Community members are invited to participate in a Suggested Routes to School Virtual Public Workshop on Wednesday, May 21, at 5 p.m. to provide input on transportation needs near all 45 public schools in Irvine.

  • The project aims to improve walking, biking, and rolling conditions, with potential benefits for neighborhood streets citywide.

  • Details and registration are available at cityofirvine.org/sharestheway.

Irvine Police Focus on Road Safety in Portola Area and Great Park

On Wednesday, Irvine Police conducted High-Visibility Enforcement in two areas. In the Portola area, 34 citations were issued—mostly for cell phone use while driving. Later, near Great Park, 14 citations were given for pedestrian and bike safety violations. Officers are also continuing efforts to reduce loud exhaust and reckless driving citywide.

Pedal Through Irvine: Free Community Bike Ride Set for June 6

Join a free community bike ride on Friday, June 6, hosted by the City of Irvine and the Orange County Cycling Business Coalition.

  • The event begins and ends at Hangar 244 in the Great Park (8000 Great Park Blvd).

  • Choose between a 5-mile scenic loop or a 25-mile advanced route through Irvine’s bikeways.

  • Check-in runs from 2:00–2:30 p.m., and the ride is from 2:30–4:30 p.m.

  • All skill levels are welcome. Register in advance at cityofirvine.org/yourirvine.

Orange Cream Bun Now Available at 85°C Bakery Café Irvine

85°C Bakery Café introduces its newest treat— the Orange Cream Bun! This soft, buttery danish is filled with a smooth orange cream and topped with a candied orange slice for a light citrus touch. Whether you're looking for a cozy companion to your morning coffee or a cheerful afternoon treat, this bun is sure to brighten your day. Stop by your nearest 85°C Bakery Café in Irvine and enjoy this refreshing new delight!

Scholastic Book Fair Set for May 19–21 at Westpark Elementary


Westpark Elementary (IUSD) will host the Scholastic Book Fair from May 19 to 21, giving students the opportunity to purchase books during school hours.

  • An eWallet option is available for cash-free transactions, with unused funds applicable to future Scholastic Store purchases.

  • Parents are encouraged to check with their child’s teacher for their Book Fair visit date.

Caring for Your Mind: Gentle Ways to Boost Mental Wellness

Mental health is essential to overall well-being, influencing how we think, feel, act, and handle stress. Raising awareness reduces stigma and encourages people to seek support.

  • Mental health disorders like anxiety, depression, psychosis, eating disorders, and substance abuse can affect anyone and impact relationships, productivity, and society.

  • Recognizing early signs and seeking help are key.

  • Maintaining good mental health involves exercise, nutritious food, adequate sleep, relaxation, goal setting, gratitude, positive thinking, and social support.

Top 20 Irvine Hikes to Explore This Spring

From wildflowers to coastal views, Irvine offers scenic hikes for every level. Trail guide Lynette Brasfield shares 20 local favorites perfect for spring weather:

  • Red Rock Wilderness – 8+ miles, red rock views, prehistoric feel (wilderness access days only).

  • Orchard Hills Loop – 3 miles, steep climbs, big coastal views.

  • Creek Trail – 0.25 miles, shaded benches, wildflowers.

  • Tomato Springs – Short, easy hike with sunset views.

  • Jeffrey Open Space Trail – 4 miles, history panels, open to all.

  • Limestone to Dripping Springs – 5.5 miles, waterfall cave (guided only).

  • Bommer Meadow Loop – 2.75 miles, native plants and quiet paths.

  • Hicks Canyon – 4 miles, family-friendly with rest areas.

  • Venta Spur Trail – 3.7 miles, birdwatching and flowers.

  • Quail Trail to Nix Center – 9 miles, rolling terrain, poppy views.

  • Turtle Rock French Hill – 4.1 miles, wildflowers and steep climbs.

  • Laurel & Willow Loop – 4 miles, Ghost Rock and shaded paths.

  • Shady Canyon Trail – 7.8 miles, wildlife and golf course views.

  • Rabbit & Fox Run – Steep, rocky trails (wilderness access only).

  • Bommer Canyon – 3 miles, lupine and city views.

  • Sunset Park Trail – 1.7 miles, ocean sunsets and mountain views.

  • Quail Hill Loop – 2 miles, easy stroll with nature views.

  • Crystal Cove Loop – 9 miles, scenic and strenuous with ocean outlooks.

  • Mariposa & Sunflower – 2.5 miles, blooming lilies and lake views.

  • San Joaquin Marsh – 2.6 miles, birdwatcher’s dream with 300+ species.

Spring Ceramics & Jewelry Classes Now Open for Registration in Irvine

Spring registration is now open for adult ceramics and jewelry classes at the Irvine Fine Arts Center. Whether you're new to the pottery wheel or metalworking, these hands-on classes offer a chance to learn and grow your artistic skills. Spots fill quickly—sign up today at cityofirvine.org/yourirvine.

Upcoming Northwood High School’s Music Calendar

  1. May 21st - 22nd, 7:00 PM: POPS Concerts, NHS Theater

  2. May 30th, 7:00 PM: POPS Gala, NHS Theater

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

Upcoming University High School's Choirs Calendar

No upcoming events

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. May 23, 6:00 - 9:00 PM: Jazz & Percussion Concert

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

Upcoming Woodbridge High School’s Vocal Music Calendar

  1. May 30, 7:00 PM: Broadway Rocks Concert, 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

No upcoming events

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

Upcoming Portola High School’s Music Calendar

  1. May 30, 7:00 PM: Vocal Concert

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

Lend a Paw: Irvine Animal Shelter Seeks Towel Donations

The Irvine Animal Care Center is requesting donations of clean, new or gently-used bath towels and washcloths (no holes, stains, or tears) to help care for animals.

  • These items are used for drying pets and lining their living spaces.

  • No blankets or pet beds are currently needed.

  • Donations can be dropped off during regular hours at the front entrance bin.

  • Visit cityofirvine.org/animals to learn more or view adoptable pets.

UC Irvine Baseball Clinches Big West Title with 12–10 Win Over Fullerton on Senior Day

On Senior Day at Anteater Ballpark, No. 12 UC Irvine clinched the Big West regular season baseball title with a thrilling 12-10 win over Cal State Fullerton. The back-and-forth game saw UCI lead four times, ultimately pulling ahead in the sixth on Frankie Carney’s two-run double. Alonso Reyes had a standout four-hit performance, contributing three RBIs and scoring twice. Seniors Danny Suarez and David Utagawa pitched key relief innings, and Max Martin earned his 13th save. The win marks UCI’s third Big West title (2009, 2021, 2025) and second under head coach Ben Orloff. UCI begins Big West Championship play on Thursday, May 22 at 3:00 PM, facing the winner of the 4/5 seed game.

UCI Anteaters Upcoming Home Games

No upcoming events

🏐⚽🏀 Upcoming home games for the IVC LASERS 

No upcoming events

Irvine Baseball Shuts Out St. Bernard 8-0 in CIF Playoff Opener

Irvine High School’s baseball team shut out St. Bernard 8-0 in the CIF Division 4 playoff opener, delivering a complete performance in front of a packed home crowd. Starter Drake Brito pitched five strong innings, striking out seven and allowing only three hits. Roshan Patel and Jason Alderson closed the game with two scoreless innings. Leadoff hitter Evan Tamayo led the offense, going 2-for-2 with two runs and two RBI, while Adam Valencia and Owen Featherston added key RBIs. The Vaqueros capitalized on walks and wild pitches to break the game open in the fourth. With strong defense and pitching, Irvine (16-12) now advances to face Woodbridge on Tuesday at Ryan Lemmon Stadium.

High School Athletics Calendar

** Updated With May Schedule

Northwood High School Monthly Athletics Calendar (All Level)

No upcoming events

Upcoming Irvine High School’s Varsity home games:

No upcoming events

Five Suspects Arrested in Irvine Home Burglary Linked to Crime Ring

On Easter Sunday, April 20, Irvine Police responded to a home burglary in progress on Cultivate after a resident reported unknown individuals inside via surveillance alerts. Though the suspects fled, officers later stopped and arrested 24-year-old Jhon Osorioarias of Fontana, who was found with suspicious items. An extensive investigation linked him to a transnational organized burglary ring. On May 16, IPD arrested four additional suspects in Fontana and Colton — Jesus Hernandezchavez, John Fredy Sanabria, Duber Salarte, and Isneidy Ortiz Valencia. All were booked into Orange County Jail on burglary, conspiracy, and narcotics charges. The investigation is ongoing. Anyone with information is urged to contact Detective Jeff Hause at 949-724-7085 or [email protected].

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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