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Retail Center Approved for Great Park, Construction to Begin in Phases

Issue # 0394

Author

Joshua Tjia
25 Apr

In this Irvine Insider Issue . . .

😁 Laugh Of The Day

🌤️ Irvine Weather

🏗️🏬 Retail Center Approved for Great Park, Construction to Begin in Phases

💊 Safely Dispose of Prescription Drugs at Irvine Take Back Event on April 26

🏋🤸🏻 New Fitness Studio Alloy Personal Training Debuts in Westpark Plaza on April 27

💐🍰 Pre-Order Mother’s Day Cakes at 85°C Bakery – Get 15% Off In-Store

🚌🚏 OC Youth Ride Free: Easy Transit Access for Students and Teens

🏀🌱⚾️ Spring Sports Safety: Key Injury Care Tips for Parents and Athletes

🌅🥾 Explore Nature After Hours: Join the Scenic Hicks Haul Road Evening Hike on May 1

🎨 Apply Now for the 41st Irvine Annual Juried Art Exhibition — Deadline April 30

🎼🎼 Upcoming High School Music Calendar

♻️ City of Irvine and IUSD Partner for Earth Month Recycling Challenge on April 26

🎾 UC Irvine’s Noah Zamora Named Big West Men’s Tennis Player of the Week

🏀🏐🎾⚾ UCI Anteaters Upcoming Home Games

🎾 Irvine Valley Men’s Tennis Wins 2025 State Championship with 5-2 Comeback over Foothill

🏀🏀 Upcoming home games for the IVC LASERS

⚾️ Northwood Baseball Defeats University 6-3 to Bolster CIF Playoff Chances

🏈🎾 High School Athletics Calendar

🚔🚨 Trio Arrested for Retail Theft Spree Spanning Orange and San Diego Counties

🍏🥭🍑 Local Farmers Markets

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

📅📅 Lots of Local Events

📞💡 Useful Contact Information

Why did the flower crash his bicycle?

He lost control of the petals.

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

Retail Center Approved for Great Park, Construction to Begin in Phases

Irvine’s Great Park neighborhoods are expected to see the addition of a retail center, known as The Canopy, by late 2026 or early 2027. The Irvine City Council recently directed the city manager to finalize a development agreement with Almquist, the selected developer. The project will be built in two phases—Phase 1 on Almquist-owned land will include grocery stores and community spaces, while Phase 2, on city-owned land, will feature additional buildings, parking, and dining options. The city plans to finance $14 million in construction through a 30-year ground lease with Almquist, who will repay the debt through annual lease payments. Construction of the second phase is expected to begin within 90 days of lease execution.

Safely Dispose of Prescription Drugs at Irvine Take Back Event on April 26

The Irvine Police Department is taking part in the National Prescription Drug Take Back Day on Saturday, April 26, from 10 a.m. to 2 p.m. Residents can safely and anonymously dispose of expired or unused prescription medications to prevent misuse, poisoning, or environmental harm.

Drop-off locations include:

  • Irvine Police Department (1 Civic Center Plaza)

  • Hoag Health Center (16105 Sand Canyon Avenue).

New Fitness Studio Alloy Personal Training Debuts in Westpark Plaza on April 27

Alloy Personal Training is celebrating the soft opening of its new Westpark Plaza location on Sunday, April 27, from 11:00 AM to 2:00 PM.

  • Guests can tour the studio, meet local vendors, and schedule a free Starting Point Session fitness assessment (for new visitors only).

  • Plus, attendees can take advantage of a special 20% off lifetime membership offer, valid through June 8.

Pre-Order Mother’s Day Cakes at 85°C Bakery – Get 15% Off In-Store

85°C Bakery Cafe is offering five special 8-inch cakes for Mother’s Day—

  • Ube Cream (Flower Bouquet)

  • Deluxe Strawberry Cream

  • Classic Tiramisu

  • Mango Crème Brulee

  • Deluxe Chocolate Mousse

Pre-order in-store until May 7 to get 15% off. Cakes can be picked up between May 8–11. A limited-time Mother’s Day tote bag promo is also available: spend $30+ in-store and buy a tote for $1.85.

OC Youth Ride Free: Easy Transit Access for Students and Teens

Youth ages 6 to 18 can ride OC Bus for free with the Youth Ride Free pass. This program offers unlimited, no-cost bus rides for school, work, or leisure. Just grab your pass, plan your route, and hop on - no fare required.

Spring Sports Safety: Key Injury Care Tips for Parents and Athletes

As spring sports pick up, it's important to stay prepared for injuries with some basic first aid knowledge and practical precautions. Here are key takeaways to help manage sports injuries safely and effectively:

  • When in doubt, don’t move the athlete—call 911 and stay calm until help arrives.

  • Postpone games or practice if needed during injury response.

  • Watch for signs of concern: limping, swelling, changes in performance, or prolonged pain.

  • Injury evaluation tips: remove player from activity, allow only pain-free movement, avoid unnecessary immobilization.

  • Ice usage is now optional—if helpful, apply 20 minutes every 1–2 hours with a towel barrier.

  • Elevate injured areas above heart level to reduce swelling.

  • Treating cuts and bleeding: apply firm pressure and clean wounds 2–4 times daily with soap and water.

  • Seek urgent care for: visible deformities, loss of limb movement, unusual skin color, increasing pain, or possible head injury.

  • Always keep a first aid kit in your car for emergencies.

These insights are provided by Dr. Phyllis Agran and Dr. Chris Koutures, pediatric and sports medicine specialists in Orange County.

Explore Nature After Hours: Join the Scenic Hicks Haul Road Evening Hike on May 1

Join the City of Irvine and the Irvine Ranch Conservancy for an evening hike on Thursday, May 1, from 6:00–7:30 PM at Hicks Haul Road – Jeffrey. This 3.5-mile, level-3 hike features scenic views, rock formations, and native plants, with an elevation gain of 450 feet. Bring safety essentials (water, flashlight with red tint, proper footwear).

Apply Now for the 41st Irvine Annual Juried Art Exhibition — Deadline April 30

There’s still time to apply for the 41st Irvine Annual, a juried exhibition open to California-based visual artists aged 18 and up. Submit your work—painting, sculpture, photography, fiber, and more—by April 30 for a chance to be featured at the Irvine Fine Arts Center (July 12–August 30). The show offers up to $700 in prizes, exposure to a wide audience, and is juried by respected artists Elizabeth Munzón, Stephanie Sherwood, and Dakota Noot.

Upcoming Northwood High School’s Music Calendar

  1. May 10th, 4-7:00 PM: Instrumental Music Awards and Reception, NHS Theater

  2. May 16th, 5:30 PM: Jazz at the Oak, NHS Oak

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

  4. 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

  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. May 2, 7:00-10:00 PM: WHS Warrior Dance Company Spring Show

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

Upcoming Woodbridge High School’s Vocal Music Calendar

  1. May 10, 7:00 PM: Open Mic Night, Black Box.

  2. 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

  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

City of Irvine and IUSD Partner for Earth Month Recycling Challenge on April 26

In celebration of Earth Month, the City of Irvine and IUSD are hosting Drive to Recycle on Saturday, April 26 from 9 a.m. to noon at Great Park Parking Lot 2.

  • Families are encouraged to bring recyclable items—including mixed paper, CRV cans/bottles, and food/beverage cartons—for a chance to win cash and prizes for IUSD schools.

  • Materials must be bagged and emptied.

  • Recycling partners SEMCO, Ware Disposal, and WM will manage collection and weighing.

UC Irvine’s Noah Zamora Named Big West Men’s Tennis Player of the Week

UC Irvine senior Noah Zamora was named Big West Men’s Tennis Player of the Week for the second time this season and fourth in his career after securing his fifth consecutive singles win. He defeated UC Davis’ Ryan Torres in a top-lineup match to extend his unbeaten streak in Big West singles play to 29 matches (21-0 with 8 unfinished). Zamora, now 10-4 this season at No. 1 and 4-0 in Big West, helped the Anteaters beat UC Davis 4-2 and secure the No. 2 seed in the Big West Championships.

UCI Anteaters Upcoming Home Games

Women's Water Polo

  • Fri, Apr 25 – vs UC Santa Barbara, Big West Championship, 4:30 PM

Irvine Valley Men’s Tennis Wins 2025 State Championship with 5-2 Comeback over Foothill

After falling behind 2-0 in doubles, Irvine Valley College men’s tennis team rallied to defeat Foothill College 5-2 and claim the 2025 3C2A State Championship in Ventura. Sufyan Ashraf and Lucas Diaz salvaged the final doubles match, and IVC stormed through singles play, winning four straight matches. Diaz earned a perfect 6-0, 6-0 win, and freshman Nevin McCann clinched the title with a dominant 6-1, 6-1 performance. The Lasers, seeded No. 4 in Southern California, finished the season 13-2, capturing their fourth program title with playoff wins over top-ranked Ventura and Riverside.

🏐⚽🏀 Upcoming home games for the IVC LASERS 

Women's Beach Volleyball

  • Fri, Apr 25 Orange Empire Conference Pairs (Quarterfinals through Consolations and Finals)

Northwood Baseball Defeats University 6-3 to Bolster CIF Playoff Chances

Northwood earned a critical 6-3 road win over University in Pacific Coast League baseball, moving into a three-way tie for third place and boosting their CIF playoff hopes. Senior Carter Liu pitched a complete game with seven strikeouts, overcoming multiple defensive errors. The game featured back-and-forth action and key moments from both teams, including a late rally by Northwood in the seventh inning, highlighted by Colin Carlson’s go-ahead triple and Joseph Harper’s RBI double. University had taken a brief 3-2 lead in the sixth after capitalizing on Timberwolves’ errors.

High School Athletics Calendar

** Updated With April Schedule

Upcoming Irvine High School’s Varsity home games:

April 2025

Monday, April 28

  • Boys' Tennis (VR) – 3:00 PM vs. Canyon/Anaheim at Irvine High School Heritage Park

  • Softball (VR) – 3:30 PM vs. Rosary Academy at Irvine High School Softball Field

Trio Arrested for Retail Theft Spree Spanning Orange and San Diego Counties

Three suspects linked to multiple retail thefts across Orange and San Diego counties were arrested after stealing medication from Grocery Outlet in Irvine on March 31. Jaylaine Stewart pushed an employee while fleeing the scene with accomplices acting as a distraction and getaway driver. Detectives caught the trio in Oceanside after another theft and found stolen goods tied to five incidents. All three—Jaylaine Stewart (21, Long Beach), Turll Patrick Watson (31, Los Angeles), and Derryon Burks (25, Los Angeles)—were booked into Orange County Jail for robbery, conspiracy, and organized retail theft.

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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