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Shop Local & Have Fun: Modern Makers Mart Returns to Woodbury Jan 10–11

Issue # 0542

Author

Joshua Tjia
06 Jan

In this Irvine Insider Issue . . .

😁 Laugh of the Day

🌤️ Irvine Weather

🐦‍🔥🎻 Pacific Symphony Presents Stravinsky’s “The Firebird” with Immersive Visuals This January

🏨⛳️ New Hijinx Hotel and Holey Moley Bring Immersive Games and Mini Golf to Irvine Spectrum

🎉📚 A New Chapter Begins: Katie Wheeler Library Opening This Spring in Irvine

♻️💡 Got Broken Christmas Lights? Recycle Them for Free

🌟🛝 Sweet Shade Universal Playground Wins Best Project of the Year Honors

👀🦈 How 400-Year-Old Greenland Sharks Are Giving Scientists New Insights Into Lifelong Eye Health

🌳🚶🏻‍♀️🌳 Slow Down and Reconnect: Join a Restorative Woodland Wellness Walk on Jan. 16

🌴🛍️ Shop Local & Have Fun: Modern Makers Mart Returns to Woodbury Jan 10–11

🎼🎼 Upcoming High School Music Calendar

🐈‍⬛🐕 Happy Tails in Irvine: 10 Pets Find Homes in One Week

🏀 UC Irvine Men’s Basketball Cruises Past Cal State Fullerton, 86–64

🏀🏐🎾⚽️ UCI Anteaters Upcoming Home Games

🏈 Lasers Flag Football Returns for 2026 Following Breakout First Year

🏀🏀 Upcoming home games for the IVC LASERS

🏈 Northwood Begins Search for New Football Coach Following Erik Terry’s Resignation

🏈🎾 High School Athletics Calendar

🚓📲 Irvine Police Warn of Jury Duty Phone Scam Targeting Residents

🍏🥭🍑 Local Farmers Markets

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

📅📅 Lots of Local Events

📞💡 Useful Contact Information

What do snowmen like to do on New Year’s Eve?

Chill out.

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

Pacific Symphony Presents Stravinsky’s “The Firebird” with Immersive Visuals This January

Pacific Symphony brings Stravinsky’s The Firebird to life this January at Renée and Henry Segerstrom Concert Hall with immersive animation, celebrated guest artists, and performances led by Alexander Shelley.

  • Thu–Sat, January 15–17 | Shelley Conducts Stravinsky’s Firebird
    Full classical program featuring John Adams’ Short Ride in a Fast Machine, Korngold’s Violin Concerto with violinist Aubree Oliverson, and Stravinsky’s The Firebird with full-length animated visuals by Fowler Amusement.

  • Sun, January 18 | 3:00 PM | The Firebird (Sunday Matinee)
    A focused, no-intermission performance of Stravinsky’s The Firebird with full-length animation, plus pre-concert commentary from Alexander Shelley.

Find more information here

New Hijinx Hotel and Holey Moley Bring Immersive Games and Mini Golf to Irvine Spectrum

A new 35,000-square-foot entertainment venue has opened at the Irvine Spectrum Center, bringing together Hijinx Hotel and Holey Moley in one location.

  • Designed by Funlab, the complex combines interactive challenge rooms, themed indoor miniature golf, food, and beverage service in a single destination.

  • Hijinx Hotel focuses on short, team-based physical and mental games, along with amenities such as a bar, karaoke rooms, and a speakeasy-style lounge, while Holey Moley features three distinct 9-hole courses inspired by pop culture, art, and classic games, as well as casual dining and specialty drinks.

  • Open daily, the duo delivers a lively, all-ages escape ideal for date nights, group outings, and celebrations.

A New Chapter Begins: Katie Wheeler Library Opening This Spring in Irvine

The Irvine Public Library is growing, and the Katie Wheeler Library is officially joining the system. Opening to the public this spring, the new library will offer a welcoming space for reading, learning, and connecting with the community, along with books, programs, and helpful resources for all ages.

More details will be shared soon—stay tuned at cityofirvine.org/library.

Got Broken Christmas Lights? Recycle Them for Free

As the holidays wrap up, OC Waste & Recycling is reminding residents that damaged Christmas lights can be recycled for free at an OC Household Hazardous Waste Collection Center.

Locations and hours are available at OClandfills.com/HHW.

Sweet Shade Universal Playground Wins Best Project of the Year Honors

Sweet Shade Universal Playground has been named Best Project of the Year by the American Public Works Association Southern California Chapter, standing out among more than 200 nominations from 75 agencies.

  • Opened in November 2024 as the City’s first universal playground, Sweet Shade was recognized for its thoughtful design, inclusive planning, and construction that supports all abilities.

  • The playground features multigenerational and adaptive elements—such as Bankshot Basketball, adaptive swings, and family restrooms—creating a welcoming space for individuals with disabilities, their families, and caregivers.

How 400-Year-Old Greenland Sharks Are Giving Scientists New Insights Into Lifelong Eye Health

Researchers at UC Irvine have uncovered surprising new insights about Greenland sharks that could one day help protect human vision as we age. Led by Dorota Skowronska-Krawczyk, the study found that these extremely long-lived sharks—some living up to 400 years—are not blind as once believed. Instead, they use powerful DNA repair mechanisms to keep their eyes healthy and functioning in dark, harsh environments for centuries, offering promising clues for preventing age-related eye diseases like macular degeneration and glaucoma.

Slow Down and Reconnect: Join a Restorative Woodland Wellness Walk on Jan. 16

Join a guided Woodland Wellness Walk at Irvine Regional Park on Friday, January 16, from 10 a.m. to 12 p.m. Inspired by the Japanese practice of shinrin-yoku (forest bathing), this slow-paced, interpretive walk encourages participants to mindfully connect with nature through the senses, with time for relaxation and meditation.

Shop Local & Have Fun: Modern Makers Mart Returns to Woodbury Jan 10–11

The Modern Makers Mart returns to Woodbury Town Center for a two-day outdoor market on January 10–11, from 10 a.m. to 4 p.m. Featuring 55+ local makers, artists, and small businesses, the market highlights unique, handcrafted goods..

  • Guests can enjoy live music, a kids’ craft station, and a hands-on junk journaling craft experience both days from 12–3 p.m. 

  • The event takes place at 6460 Irvine Blvd, Irvine, CA 92620.

Those interested in becoming a vendor can apply at modernmakersmart.com/irvine.

Upcoming Northwood High School’s Music Calendar

  1. January 8: Northwood Area Concert

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

Upcoming Woodbridge High School's Music Calendar

  1. January 14, 7:00 – 10:00 PM: Dance Company: Winter Show, WHS Performing Arts

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

Upcoming Woodbridge High School’s Vocal Music Calendar

No further events scheduled for this month.

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

Upcoming Irvine High Choral’s Music Calendar

  1. January 23 - 24: Advanced Choirs Retreat Weekend, Pali Retreat

For the latest updates or additional details, please visit https://www.ihschoralmusic.org/calendar.html 

Upcoming Portola High School Music’s Calendar

No further events scheduled for this month.

For the latest updates or additional details, please visit https://www.phsmusicbooster.org/buy-ticket

Happy Tails in Irvine: 10 Pets Find Homes in One Week

From December 29 to January 4, Irvine Animal Care Center celebrated 10 successful adoptions—

  • 2 dogs (Azul and Biscuit)

  • 8 cats (Dan, Millie, Pepper, Pickles, Spot, Sven, Toodles, and Vega)

  • One cat (Bam) was transferred to rescue

  • 9 pets (6 dogs, 2 cats, and 1 bird) were reunited with their owners

For adoption details and hours, visit cityofirvine.org/animals.

UC Irvine Men’s Basketball Cruises Past Cal State Fullerton, 86–64

UC Irvine men’s basketball delivered a dominant all-around performance, defeating Cal State Fullerton 86–64 on the road. UCI improved to 11–5 overall and 4–0 in Big West play and will host rival Long Beach State on Jan. 8 at 7 p.m. at the Bren Events Center.

UCI Anteaters Upcoming Home Games

Men’s Basketball

  • Thur, Jan 8 – vs Long Beach State, 7:00 PM

Women’s Basketball

  • Sat, Jan 10 – vs Hawai'i, 2:00 PM

Lasers Flag Football Returns for 2026 Following Breakout First Year

Irvine Valley College’s 2026 flag football schedule is set as the Lasers build on a successful inaugural season that ended 11–5 under second-year head coach Sami Logan. IVC opens the season Saturday, Feb. 7 at Redlands, hosts Ventura in its home opener on March 4, and begins Orange Empire Conference play at home against Cypress on Thursday, March 12.

🏐⚽🏀 Upcoming home games for the IVC LASERS 

Women’s Basketball

  • Wed, Jan 7 - vs Cypress, 7:00 PM

Men’s Basketball

  • Wed, Jan 7 - vs Cypress, 5:00 PM

  • Wed, Jan 14 - vs Santiago Canyon, 5:00 PM

Baseball

  • Sat, Jan 17 - vs Mt. San Antonio, 11:00 AM

Northwood Begins Search for New Football Coach Following Erik Terry’s Resignation

Northwood is searching for a new varsity football coach after Erik Terry resigned following one season to focus on family. Terry, who led the team to a 4–6 record, will remain as a teacher and co-athletic director at Northwood High School. Assistant coaches JC Clarke and Dean Toohey will handle offseason conditioning as the position is advertised.

High School Athletics Calendar

**

Updated With January Schedule

Upcoming Irvine High School’s Varsity home games:

January 2026

Tuesday, January 6

  • Basketball, Boys - 7:00 PM vs Woodbridge

Wednesday, January 7

  • Water Polo, Girls - 4:00 PM vs Rosary Academy

  • Wrestling, Girls - 4:00 PM vs Portola

  • Wrestling, Boys - 4:00 PM vs Portola

Friday, January 9

  • Soccer, Boys - 5:00 PM vs Portola

  • Basketball, Boys - 7:00 PM vs Portola

Irvine Police Warn of Jury Duty Phone Scam Targeting Residents

The Irvine Police Department is advising residents to be aware of a phone scam in which callers falsely claim to be from IPD and say payment is required for missing jury duty. Please note that this is a scam—IPD will never contact individuals by phone to request payment. These callers may use fake caller ID information and create a sense of urgency to pressure residents.

What to do if you get a call like this:

  • 🛑 Pause and stay calm — real police officers will not rush or pressure you

  • 🧾 Ask for information — name, badge number, department, and a phone number

  • ☎️ Hang up and verify — call the Irvine Police Department directly at (949) 724-7000

  • 🔁 Confirm before continuing — ask IPD to transfer you to the officer only after verifying the call

  • 🚫 Do not send money — never pay fines or fees over the phone

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

January 8 Free Grocery Food Box 9 AM - 12 PM

January 10 - 11 Modern Makers Mart - Woodbury Town Center 10 AM to 4 PM

January 18 The Firebird 3 PM

January 22 Blade Runner 8 PM

January 24 Free Paper Shredding Event 9 - 11 AM

January 28 Seong-jin Cho, piano 8 PM

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