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Sierra Vista Middle School Tops State Science Olympiad for Fifth Year in a Row

Issue # 0612

Author

Joshua Tjia
16 Apr

In this Irvine Insider Issue . . .

😁 Laugh of the Day

🌤️ Irvine Weather

🏙️🌳🏡 Irvine Ranked Happiest City in Southern California Again, No. 8 Nationwide

🌃📉 Irvine Officials Remain Divided Over How to Address Budget Deficits

🫖🍰 Tea, Treats, and Fun: Scouts and Families Invited to Spring Tea Fundraiser in OC

🏞️🌌 Adventure Comes to the Big Screen: Banff Mountain Film Festival Returns April 26

💮🧋 Now Available at Jam Jam Tea: Tsubaki Oolong Milk Tea

🚌🔬 Sierra Vista Middle School Tops State Science Olympiad for Fifth Year in a Row

🏡 Join UCI Health’s Free Workshop on Housing Support on April 30

🦉🦆 Irvine Police Honors Animal Services Officers During Appreciation Week

🎷🎸 More Than Shopping: Why Buying Musical Instruments In Person Still Matters

🎼🎼 Upcoming High School Music Calendar

🐈 Healthy Coat, Happy Cat: Simple Grooming Tips for Pet Owners

🏃🏾‍♀️ Women’s Track & Field: Joy Anderson Breaks School Record, Named Anteater of the Week

🏀🏐🎾⚽️ UCI Anteaters Upcoming Home Games

🏀🏀 Upcoming home games for the IVC LASERS

⚾️🏈 Crean Lutheran Celebrates Four Student-Athletes Signing With Colleges

🏈🎾 High School Athletics Calendar

🍏🥭🍑 Local Farmers Markets

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

📅📅 Lots of Local Events

📞💡 Useful Contact Information

When is a car like a frog?

When it's being toad!

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

Irvine Ranked Happiest City in Southern California Again, No. 8 Nationwide

Irvine has once again been recognized as the happiest city in Southern California, ranking No. 8 overall nationwide in WalletHub’s 2026 “Happiest Cities in America” list. The ranking compared 182 major U.S. cities across factors such as emotional and physical well-being, income and employment, and community environment, with Irvine earning especially high marks for quality of life and placing second in the nation for the lowest separation and divorce rate.

Irvine Officials Remain Divided Over How to Address Budget Deficits

Irvine city officials are divided over how to address projected budget deficits that could reach $47 million within the next five years, with an estimated $9 million shortfall next year and reserves potentially depleted by 2030 if no changes are made.

  • Some council members, including James Mai, are urging immediate cost-cutting measures such as a hiring freeze and spending reductions, while others, including Mayor Larry Agran, say it is too early to act and want more discussion before making decisions.

  • The discussion also raised concerns about transparency, as talks about a possible tax increase and resident polling were reportedly conducted before the full City Council was informed.

  • Further budget discussions are expected at a special meeting on May 5.

Tea, Treats, and Fun: Scouts and Families Invited to Spring Tea Fundraiser in OC

Families, Scouts, and community members across Orange County are invited to the Parent-Scout Spring Tea Party on Saturday, May 2, from 2–4 p.m. at Pamela’s Tea Room in Old World Village, Huntington Beach.

  • Guests can enjoy an afternoon of tea, sandwiches, family-friendly activities, and time to connect and unwind, while also learning more about Scouting America.

  • The event is open to the community, and all funds raised will support local scouting programs.

Registration is available online here

Adventure Comes to the Big Screen: Banff Mountain Film Festival Returns April 26

Join the Banff Mountain Film Festival World Tour at Irvine Barclay Theatre on Sunday, April 26 at 3 p.m. for an unforgettable afternoon of award-winning adventure films celebrating exploration, mountain sports, remote cultures, and the world’s wildest landscapes. The program features inspiring stories ranging from high-speed skate descents and adaptive mountain biking to backcountry skiing, climbing, ranch life, and personal resilience, offering something for outdoor enthusiasts and film lovers alike.

Now Available at Jam Jam Tea: Tsubaki Oolong Milk Tea

Jam Jam Tea is offering a new spring drink, Tsubaki Oolong Milk Tea, featuring premium oolong tea infused with camellia blossoms. Blended with the shop’s house cream, it has a smooth, silky texture and soft floral flavor.

Sierra Vista Middle School Tops State Science Olympiad for Fifth Year in a Row

Sierra Vista Middle School earned top honors at the 2026 State Science Olympiad, winning the Southern California championship for the fifth consecutive year. Several other Irvine Unified schools also delivered strong performances, including University High School, which placed second in the high school division. Sierra Vista now advances to the Science Olympiad National Competition.

Join UCI Health’s Free Workshop on Housing Support on April 30

Join UCI Health’s next free Find Help Workshop on Thursday, April 30, from 12–1 p.m. on Zoom, featuring a discussion on housing support resources, including help for those experiencing homelessness, group homes, and emergency housing options. Hosted with the Illumination Foundation, this online session is designed to help patients, families, and community members connect with trusted local services and free or low-cost support resources.

Irvine Police Honors Animal Services Officers During Appreciation Week

The Irvine Police Department is recognizing its Animal Services Officers during National Animal Control Appreciation Week for their dedicated work in the community. From rescuing animals in need to responding to situations that require compassion, skill, and quick thinking, these officers play an important behind-the-scenes role in helping keep both animals and neighborhoods safe.

More Than Shopping: Why Buying Musical Instruments In Person Still Matters

Even with the convenience of online shopping, visiting a music store still offers something truly special for musicians. Being able to hold and play an instrument in person helps players find the right feel, sound, and comfort that specs alone can’t show, and staff can help answer questions and guide the decision-making process. Music stores also make it easier to discover new gear, sounds, and creative ideas you may not have considered before. Beyond the shopping experience, they often bring musicians together through conversations, recommendations, and local connections, making them a valuable part of the music community.

Upcoming Northwood High School’s Music Calendar

  1. April 28: American in Paris Joint Concert, Portola HS

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

Upcoming Woodbridge High School’s Vocal Music Calendar

No further upcoming events 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. April 18, 8:00 AM - 2:00 PM: Choirs Host Forum Festival

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

Upcoming Portola High School Music’s Calendar

No further upcoming events for this month

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

Healthy Coat, Happy Cat: Simple Grooming Tips for Pet Owners

Keeping your cat’s coat healthy is one of the easiest ways to support their overall well-being. A little regular grooming can help keep their fur soft and clean while also giving you a chance to spot any tangles, skin issues, or other concerns early.

Helpful grooming tips for your cat:

  • Brush regularly: Long-haired cats usually do best with daily brushing, while short-haired cats may only need it a few times a week.

  • Do quick coat checks: Take a moment to look for tangles, mats, fleas, ticks, or bumps, especially behind the ears and under the legs.

  • Use the right brush: Different coat types need different tools, such as soft bristle brushes for short coats and metal combs for longer fur.

  • Handle mats carefully: Gently work out small tangles, and for larger mats, it’s safest to use clippers or visit a professional groomer or vet.

  • Only bathe when necessary: Most cats keep themselves very clean and rarely need baths, unless they get especially dirty or need extra care.

  • Use cat shampoo only: Always choose a shampoo made specifically for cats, since human shampoos can irritate their skin.

  • Check with your vet if something seems off: A dull coat, extra shedding, or greasy fur can sometimes be a sign of a health issue.

Women’s Track & Field: Joy Anderson Breaks School Record, Named Anteater of the Week

UC Irvine freshman Joy Anderson was named Anteater of the Week after setting a new school record in her first career heptathlon, scoring 5,572 points at the Bryan Clay Multis and breaking a 17-year-old program mark. Her standout performance now ranks first in the Big West and among the top 15 in NCAA Division I.

UCI Anteaters Upcoming Home Games

Men’s Tennis

  • Fri, Apr 17 - Hawai'i, 12:00 PM

Baseball

  • Fri, Apr 17 - UC Santa Barbara, 6:00 PM

  • Sat, Apr 18 - UC Santa Barbara, 1:00 PM

  • Sun, Apr 19 - UC Santa Barbara, 1:00 PM

Men’s Volleyball

  • Sat, Apr 18 -Long Beach State, 6:00 PM

🏐⚽🏀 Upcoming home games for the IVC LASERS 

Baseball

  • Thu, April 16 – Santa Ana, 2:00 PM

Crean Lutheran Celebrates Four Student-Athletes Signing With Colleges

Four student-athletes from Crean Lutheran High School were recognized during a campus signing ceremony after officially committing to continue their athletic careers in college. The signees included:

  • Hayli McIIroy (girls flag football, Warner University)

  • Olivia Viola (track and field, Lipscomb University)

  • Cole Mora (baseball, Hope International University)

  • Benjamin Ricketts (baseball, Biola University)

High School Athletics Calendar

**

Updated With April Schedule

Upcoming Irvine High School’s Varsity home games:

April 2026

Thursday, April 16

  • Golf, Boys - 4:40 PM vs Sage Hill

  • Volleyball, Boys - 5:15 PM vs Sage Hill

Friday, April 17

  • Baseball - 3:30 PM vs Sage Hill

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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