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Summer in the City: Free Movies, Concerts, and Symphony Events in Irvine Parks

Issue # 0433

Author

Joshua Tjia
20 Jun

In this Irvine Insider Issue . . .

😁 Laugh Of The Day

🌤️ Irvine Weather

🚌✏️ Portola High’s Shelley Godett Named IUSD High School Teacher of the Year

🍿🎶🎺 Summer in the City: Free Movies, Concerts, and Symphony Events in Irvine Parks

☀️🧋 BOGO Free Fruit Tea at Sunright Tea Studio This Summer Solstice, June 20

🍮 Sweet News: 85°C Debuts Caramel German Pudding Tart at All Locations

💧💦 Splash, Learn, and Play: Join Piper Preschool’s Waterworks Adventure June 21

☀️🧴 Sun Protection Made Simple: Why Wearing Sunscreen Every Day Matters

🌼🌷🌼 Explore Blooming Wildflowers at Irvine’s Native Seed Farm on June 21

🎨🖌️ Print and Paint: Dive into Creative Fun at Woodbridge’s Summer Art Camp

🎼🎼 Upcoming High School Music Calendar

🐈🐈‍⬛ Tips for Earning a Shy Cat’s Trust and Building a Safe Space

🏀 Nick Booker Returns to UC Irvine as Assistant Men's Basketball Coach

🏀🏐🎾⚾ UCI Anteaters Upcoming Home Games

⚾️ IVC Baseball’s Chase Quezada Commits to St. Edward’s University

🏀🏀 Upcoming home games for the IVC LASERS

🏈🎾 High School Athletics Calendar

🚓💥 Man Arrested in Irvine for Felony Hit-and-Run Following Road Rage Incident

🍏🥭🍑 Local Farmers Markets

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

📅📅 Lots of Local Events

📞💡 Useful Contact Information

What do you call a sausage who's been sunbathing all day?

Done!

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

Portola High’s Shelley Godett Named IUSD High School Teacher of the Year

Shelley Godett, a beloved math teacher at Portola High School, has been named the Irvine Unified School District’s High School Teacher of the Year.

  • Inspired by a Saddleback College professor, Godett discovered her passion for math and teaching, eventually earning a degree from Cal Poly and spending the last 26 years educating students—10 of them at Portola.

  • Known for her engaging teaching style, which includes trigonometry songs, mnemonics, and daily conversations with each of her nearly 200 students, she’s praised by former students like Harvard senior Kevin Du for making math intuitive and meaningful.

Summer in the City: Free Movies, Concerts, and Symphony Events in Irvine Parks

This summer, the City of Irvine invites the community to enjoy a variety of free outdoor events at local parks. The “Summer in the City” series includes movie nights, live concerts, and a symphony performance—open to all with no tickets or registration required. Guests are encouraged to bring blankets, low-back chairs, and picnic meals, or enjoy food from available food trucks.

Movies on the Lawn
Fridays at Hicks Canyon Community Park | After sunset

  • July 18 – The Lion King (Mufasa)

  • July 25 – Sonic the Hedgehog 3

  • August 8 – Inside Out 2

Summer Concerts
Saturdays at Mike Ward Community Park | 5:30 PM

  • July 19 – Family Style

  • July 26 – 1969 The Tribute

  • August 2 – Your Mom

  • August 9 – DW3

Symphony in the Cities
Sunday, August 3 at Mike Ward Community Park

  • Pre-concert activities begin at 5:30 PM

  • Pacific Symphony performance at 7:00 PM

BOGO Free Fruit Tea at Sunright Tea Studio This Summer Solstice, June 20

Celebrate Sunright Day on Friday, June 20 (Summer Solstice) at Sunright Tea Studio, a tea and boba shop. Enjoy a Buy One, Get One Free deal on Sunright Fruit Tea—no code needed. Plus, the first 100 customers per store will receive a surprise gift.

Sweet News: 85°C Debuts Caramel German Pudding Tart at All Locations

85°C Bakery Café introduces its new Caramel German Pudding Tart, featuring a crunchy crust and a smooth, custardy caramel filling. This warm and sweet dessert is perfect for any occasion—or just to treat yourself.

Splash, Learn, and Play: Join Piper Preschool’s Waterworks Adventure June 21

Piper Preschool invites families to a Waterworks Playdate on Saturday, June 21, from 10–11:30 AM at Los Olivos Marketplace. Kids can enjoy hands-on, water-themed activities while parents meet the school’s teachers and learn more about the Piper experience. It’s a morning of fun, learning, and exploration.

Sun Protection Made Simple: Why Wearing Sunscreen Every Day Matters

Sun care is an easy habit that can make a big difference. UCI Health dermatologist Dr. Melissa Shive encourages everyone—no matter their age—to apply sunscreen daily, even on cloudy days.

  • While some social media claims question the need for sunscreen, years of research show it helps protect against skin cancer and early aging.

  • Many young people may not realize that sun exposure, even from tanning, can cause long-term damage.

  • Dr. Shive recommends using a broad-spectrum SPF 30+ sunscreen, reapplying often when outdoors, wearing protective clothing and sunglasses, seeking shade during peak sun hours, and keeping an eye on any skin changes.

  • Starting small with these habits can lead to lifelong benefits.

Explore Blooming Wildflowers at Irvine’s Native Seed Farm on June 21

Join the City of Irvine and Irvine Ranch Conservancy for a guided Wildflower Walk at the Native Seed Farm on Saturday, June 21, from 12:00–1:30 PM. This leisurely, 1-mile walk on flat roads showcases blooming wildflower plots, native grasses, and pollinator activity, with insights into the farm’s conservation efforts.

Print and Paint: Dive into Creative Fun at Woodbridge’s Summer Art Camp

Get creative this summer at Woodbridge Village Association’s hands-on art camp, where participants will explore painting and printmaking techniques. Exciting projects include foam printed gardens, collagraph printed villages, and sun botanical printing. To register, visit the office at 31 Creek Road or call (949) 786-1800 during business hours.

We will resume with the high school music calendar events when the schedule is available for the fall semester.

Tips for Earning a Shy Cat’s Trust and Building a Safe Space

If your cat is shy or fearful, creating a secure and low-stress environment can help them feel more at ease:

  • Hideaways: Offer cozy spots like A-frame beds, donut beds, or towel-lined boxes in each room.

  • Go at Their Pace: Let your cat approach you on their own terms—never force interaction.

  • Positive Reinforcement: Reward small steps with treats or clicker training; keep distance if needed.

  • Gentle Play: Use fishing pole toys for low-pressure, interactive play while keeping space.

  • Watch Body Language: Respect signals that your cat wants space.

  • Easy Access: Place food, litter, and scratching posts in quiet areas with covered paths or tunnels.

  • Add Enrichment: Use puzzle feeders and toys to build confidence through solo play.

These steps help your cat feel safe, build trust, and adjust comfortably to their home.

Nick Booker Returns to UC Irvine as Assistant Men's Basketball Coach

Nick Booker has been appointed assistant coach for UC Irvine men’s basketball as of June 2025, returning to the program where he previously served from 2010 to 2017. During his earlier tenure, Booker contributed to UCI’s 2015 NCAA Tournament appearance and record-setting season. His coaching career includes roles at UC San Diego, Eastern Washington, and Cal State San Marcos, where he most recently served as head coach. Booker holds a bachelor’s degree from Davidson College and a master’s from Azusa Pacific, and brings experience in player development, recruitment, and program transition.

UCI Anteaters Upcoming Home Games

We will resume with UCI’s athletic calendar events when the schedule is available for the fall quarter.

IVC Baseball’s Chase Quezada Commits to St. Edward’s University

Irvine Valley College sophomore infielder Chase Quezada, a two-year starter and Woodbridge High alum, has committed to NCAA Division II St. Edward’s University in Texas. Known for his speed and consistency at the plate, Quezada batted .363 as a freshman, tallied 55 career hits, 43 runs, and 26 steals, and posted a .447 on-base percentage in 2024. Versatile at both shortstop and second base, he joins a strong Hilltoppers program in Austin that finished 37-23 overall and advanced to the NCAA DII South Central Regional.

🏐⚽🏀 Upcoming home games for the IVC LASERS 

We will resume with IVC’s athletic calendar events when the schedule is available for the fall semester.

We will resume with the high school athletic calendar events when the schedule is available for the fall semester.

Man Arrested in Irvine for Felony Hit-and-Run Following Road Rage Incident

An 18-year-old Laguna Hills man, Kaleb Patrick Hardisonhaper, was arrested for felony hit-and-run after causing a road rage-related crash in Irvine on Wednesday. The suspect fled the scene, leaving the other driver with minor injuries, and was later found watching a movie at the Irvine Spectrum. Thanks to community help, Irvine PD located and booked him into Orange County Jail. Authorities are still seeking info about the other driver in the incident, a gray Honda CRV. Contact Detective Juarez at [email protected] with tips.

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

June 20 Ballet Nights 8 PM

June 21 Piper Preschool: Dive Into Fun 10 - 11:30 AM

June 22 Pop-up Library 1 - 4 PM

June 27 Super Swim Lesson 6 PM

June 6 Pop-up Library 1 - 4 PM

July 12 CorePower Yoga: Summer Yoga on The Lawn 9:30 – 10:30 AM

July 12 - 13 Woodbury Town Center: Summer Makers Mart 10:00 – 4:00 PM

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