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  • Special Deals at University Center & Campus Plaza During CicloIrvine on May 3

Special Deals at University Center & Campus Plaza During CicloIrvine on May 3

Issue # 0390

Author

Joshua Tjia
21 Apr

In this Irvine Insider Issue . . .

😁 Laugh Of The Day

🌤️ Irvine Weather

🚔💥 Fatal Solo Vehicle Crash in Irvine Claims Life of Male Driver

📄🎻 Applications Now Open for 2025–26 Pacific Symphony Youth Ensembles

☕️🥪 Special Deals at University Center & Campus Plaza During CicloIrvine on May 3

🧋✨ Jam Jam Tea Lab Celebrates 1-Year Anniversary with Gardenia Milk Tea Return and Lifetime Discount

📖🦉 Snuggle Up for Stories! Baby-Toddler Storytime Happening April 24

🩺 UCI Health Hosts Free Virtual Diabetes Workshop on April 30

🌱🧤 Learn About Native Plants While Giving Back: Join Takedown Tuesdays at Irvine’s Native Seed Farm

☀️🌌 Glow Up Your Evening: Make Solar Light Jars at Heritage Park Library

🎼🎼 Upcoming High School Music Calendar

🐾 How to Keep Baby Wildlife Safe During Outdoor Adventures

🎾 UC Irvine Men’s Tennis Defeats UC Davis, Secures No. 2 Seed for Big West Quarterfinals

🏀🏐🎾⚾ UCI Anteaters Upcoming Home Games

🏀 Four Irvine Valley Players Earn All-Conference Basketball Honors

🏀🏀 Upcoming home games for the IVC LASERS

🏀 John Goins Named New Varsity Boys Basketball Coach at University High

🏈🎾 High School Athletics Calendar

🚓🚨 Irvine PD Seeks Help Identifying Suspect in Westpark Elementary Vehicle Burglaries

🍏🥭🍑 Local Farmers Markets

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

📅📅 Lots of Local Events

📞💡 Useful Contact Information

Why can't you play poker in the jungle?

Too many cheetahs!

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

Fatal Solo Vehicle Crash in Irvine Claims Life of Male Driver

On Saturday, April 19, at 12:32 a.m., Irvine Police and the Orange County Fire Authority responded to a crash at Irvine Center Drive and Protocol. A Chevy SUV was found crashed into a light pole with a male driver, Thomas Joseph Kaczan, who was pronounced deceased at the scene. No other passengers were involved. The cause is still under investigation by IPD’s Major Accident Investigation Team. Anyone with information is urged to contact Detective David Juarez at 949-724-7047 or [email protected].

Applications Now Open for 2025–26 Pacific Symphony Youth Ensembles

Auditions for the 2025–26 Pacific Symphony Youth Ensembles (PSYE) are now open for students in grades 6–12, but the deadline to apply is Friday, May 2.

  • This pre-professional music program offers young musicians the chance to perform at top venues like the Renée and Henry Segerstrom Concert Hall, rehearse with Pacific Symphony pros and guest artists, and grow in a high-level, supportive environment.

  • Open to string, wind, brass, and percussion players.

  • Apply at PacificSymphony.org/auditions or email [email protected] for questions.

Special Deals at University Center & Campus Plaza During CicloIrvine on May 3

During CicloIrvine on Saturday, May 3 (11 AM – 4 PM), participants can enjoy exclusive special offers at University Center and Campus Plaza in Irvine. Stop by to refuel and relax with deals like discounted meals, free drinks, and giveaways from local favorites including CHA for Tea, Eureka!, Gelatissimo, Peet’s, Jersey Mike’s, and more.

Here are some of the deals:

  • CHA for Tea: $14 chicken entree + boba

  • Eureka!: Free crispy Brussels sprouts with entree

  • Peet’s Coffee: $1 off breakfast item or 50% off pastry with espresso

  • Jersey Mike’s: Buy 1 sub, get 2nd 50% off

  • Albertsons: Free granola bars & bottled water

Jam Jam Tea Lab Celebrates 1-Year Anniversary with Gardenia Milk Tea Return and Lifetime Discount

Jam Jam Tea Lab is celebrating its 1-year anniversary with a limited-time return of their fan-favorite Gardenia Milk Tea, available from April 20 to May 4. As a special thank you, they’re offering exclusive members 10% off for life — no expiration, just ongoing savings.

Snuggle Up for Stories! Baby-Toddler Storytime Happening April 24

Bring your little ones (ages 0–3) to Baby-Toddler Storytime at Irvine Heritage Park Library on Thursday, April 24, from 11:30–11:50 AM. Enjoy a fun-filled morning of stories, songs, and rhymes designed for young children and their parents or caregivers. This in-person program supports early literacy and bonding in a playful, welcoming setting.

UCI Health Hosts Free Virtual Diabetes Workshop on April 30

Join the free virtual Diabetes Workshop Series hosted by UCI Health, designed for those with diabetes, at risk, caregivers, or anyone wanting to learn more.

  • The next session is Wednesday, April 30, from 3:30–4:30 p.m. on Zoom and will cover a Diabetes Overview.

  • Led by certified diabetes educators, the session offers tools for better diabetes understanding and health.

  • Registration is required here

Learn About Native Plants While Giving Back: Join Takedown Tuesdays at Irvine’s Native Seed Farm

Join Takedown Tuesdays on April 22, from 5:00–6:30 PM at the Native Seed Farm for an evening of weeding and stewardship with the Irvine Ranch Conservancy. Volunteers will help remove invasive plants while learning about local native species.

Glow Up Your Evening: Make Solar Light Jars at Heritage Park Library

Teens and tweens are invited to a fun, hands-on Solar Lantern Craft event at Irvine Heritage Park Library on Thursday, April 24, from 4:00–5:00 PM. Participants will create solar light jars with a limited supply of materials provided.

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

How to Keep Baby Wildlife Safe During Outdoor Adventures

Meet Goose 🐾—one of the longest residents at the Irvine Animal Care Center! While Goose waits patiently for a forever home, he’s sharing some helpful wildlife safety tips for your next outdoor adventure. Whether you’re hiking, walking your dog, or enjoying a local park, here’s how to protect both yourself and the wild animals you may encounter:

  • Don’t touch baby animals. Even if they seem alone, handling them can lead to abandonment or harm their survival.

  • Keep your distance. A mother is often nearby, quietly watching and waiting.

  • Stay quiet and calm. Loud noises or sudden movements can easily frighten baby animals.

  • If an animal seems abandoned or in danger, contact Animal Services at 949-724-7092 for guidance.

And if you're thinking about making a difference, consider adopting! Goose and many other lovable pets are available for adoption weekdays from 12 to 5 p.m. at the Irvine Animal Care Center.

UC Irvine Men’s Tennis Defeats UC Davis, Secures No. 2 Seed for Big West Quarterfinals

UC Irvine men’s tennis closed the regular season with a 4-2 win over UC Davis at Anteater Tennis Stadium, improving to 15-4 overall and 5-1 in Big West play. Despite dropping the doubles point, UCI surged back in singles with wins by Max Fardanesh, Andy Nguyen (now on a 16-match unbeaten streak), Noah Zamora, and Sohrob Amiryavari, who clinched the match. With the win, the Anteaters secured the No. 2 seed for the Big West Championships and will face No. 7 seed UC Riverside in the quarterfinals at 9:00 AM on Friday, April 25 at Barnes Tennis Center in San Diego. UCI also celebrated seniors Rithvik Krishna, Hiroki Sakagawa, Lawee Sherif, and Noah Zamora after the match.

UCI Anteaters Upcoming Home Games

Baseball

  • Tue, Apr 22 – vs UCLA, 6:00 PM

Women's Water Polo

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

Four Irvine Valley Players Earn All-Conference Basketball Honors

Four Irvine Valley College men’s basketball players earned all-Orange Empire Conference honors for the 2024–25 season. Freshman Matt Mowers made the first team after averaging 13.3 points and 6.1 rebounds, including a 27-point performance against Riverside. Sophomore Josiah Reed and freshman Allen Moser received second team recognition, while sophomore Ammon Allan earned honorable mention. The team, led by first-year head coach Jason Garey, finished 17-14 overall and reached the Southern California regional playoffs.

🏐⚽🏀 Upcoming home games for the IVC LASERS 

Women's Beach Volleyball

  • Wed, Apr 23 OEC Pairs Play-Ins (Round of 32's and 16's)

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

Baseball

  • Thu, Apr 24 – vs Orange Coast*, 2:00 PM

John Goins Named New Varsity Boys Basketball Coach at University High

University High School has hired John Goins as the new varsity boys basketball coach. Goins previously coached at Beckman High from 2016–2022, where he led the team to its first league title and multiple CIF playoff appearances. He stepped away in 2022 to prioritize family time. Known for his emphasis on community and education, Goins is also a high school English teacher and lives in Tustin with his wife and daughter. He takes over from Beau Budde, who resigned early last season after a 3–7 start; University finished the season 5–20 overall.

High School Athletics Calendar

** Updated With April Schedule

Upcoming Irvine High School’s Varsity home games:

April 2025

Tuesday, April 22

  • Boys' Golf (VR) – 3:30 PM vs. Portola at TBD

Wednesday, April 23

  • Baseball (VR) – 3:30 PM vs. Sage Hill at Irvine High School Baseball Field

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

Irvine PD Seeks Help Identifying Suspect in Westpark Elementary Vehicle Burglaries

On March 30, two suspects broke into two parked vehicles at Westpark Elementary in Irvine and fled in cars with stolen license plates. One suspect is believed to have used a victim’s access card to make fraudulent purchases at Target. Irvine PD is asking for the public’s help in identifying the man pictured—contact [email protected] with any information. Authorities also remind residents not to leave valuables like wallets in parked vehicles.

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

April 24 Hiromi's Sonicwonder 8 PM

April 25 Irvine Community Bike Tour 2:30 to 4:30 PM

April 26 Used Oil Filter Exchange 8 am - 2PM

April 26 Spectrum Silent Disco 6:00 PM - 9:00 PM

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