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Sunshine, Trails, and Views: Quail Hill Celebrates 20 Years This April

Issue # 0613

Author

Joshua Tjia
17 Apr

In this Irvine Insider Issue . . .

😁 Laugh of the Day

🌤️ Irvine Weather

🌅🌾 Sunshine, Trails, and Views: Quail Hill Celebrates 20 Years This April

🌳🏡 Oak Creek Update: City OKs Framework for Nature Park, Housing Questions Remain

🚜🌱 Happening Today: Pick Fresh Blackberries at Tanaka Farms

🌳🛝 Community Meeting Set for Great Park Library Plans on April 20

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

⚽️☀️ Stay Active This Summer with Crean Lutheran Youth Sports Camps

🌬️ How to Strengthen Your Lungs and Breathe Better Every Day

🌕🌌 Hike Under the Full Moon at Hicks Haul Road on May 1

🎶🎵 Join Concordia Musicians for a Free Night of Hymns and Live Music, Apr. 24

🎼🎼 Upcoming High School Music Calendar

🐕🐈 Working From Home With Pets: Easy Ways to Keep Them Entertained

🏃‍♀️ Record-Breaking Run: Samantha Bartz Sets New 100m Mark for UC Irvine

🏀🏐🎾⚽️ UCI Anteaters Upcoming Home Games

🏀🏀 Upcoming home games for the IVC LASERS

🏈🎾 High School Athletics Calendar

🚓🎯 Irvine Police Arrest Suspect in Nationwide Lego Theft Scheme

🍏🥭🍑 Local Farmers Markets

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

📅📅 Lots of Local Events

📞💡 Useful Contact Information

If you drive a Subaru in reverse, what are you?

U r a bus.

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

Sunshine, Trails, and Views: Quail Hill Celebrates 20 Years This April

Quail Hill Nature Preserve is celebrating 20 years as a beautiful, easy-to-enjoy outdoor spot. The 1.8-mile Quail Hill Loop offers a relaxed hike with scenic views, spring wildflowers, and chances to spot local wildlife, making it great for all ages. On April 18 from 11 a.m.–2 p.m., the Quail Hill Community Center will host a family-friendly Earth Month event with composting and solar energy demos, plus guided hikes led by Irvine Ranch Conservancy.

Oak Creek Update: City OKs Framework for Nature Park, Housing Questions Remain

Irvine City Council approved a zoning change on April 14, allowing a proposed 50-acre nature park to count as open space in the Oak Creek area. The Irvine Company is considering the park as part of a larger Oak Park Village plan, which could also include future housing on parts of the current golf course, though details are still being worked out. The Woodbridge Village Association has raised concerns about potential impacts to open space, traffic, and housing, noting that major changes may require voter approval.

Happening Today: Pick Fresh Blackberries at Tanaka Farms

Tanaka Farms is hosting a special one-day Blackberry Picking Tour happening today, April 17 at 1:00 p.m., offering a limited, hands-on farm experience. The tour includes a tractor ride, a 6 oz box of fresh blackberries to pick and take home, one vegetable to harvest, and a visit with barnyard animals. With just one tractor ride available, spots are limited—be sure to grab yours early before they’re gone!

Book your tickets here

Community Meeting Set for Great Park Library Plans on April 20

The City of Irvine is continuing plans for a future Irvine Public Library at the Great Park and is inviting the community to a meeting on Monday, April 20 at 6 p.m. at the Great Park Studio. The session will share updates, reflect on feedback from earlier meetings, and outline the next steps.

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

Stay Active This Summer with Crean Lutheran Youth Sports Camps

Crean Lutheran High School’s 2026 Summer Youth Sports Camps invite students from 1st–12th grade to stay active, build skills, and grow confidence in a fun, faith-based environment. Running weekly from June 1 through August 7, the camps focus on skill development, teamwork, and friendly competition. With flexible daily schedules—including morning and afternoon sessions plus optional extended care—families can plan a summer filled with movement, growth, and connection.

How to Strengthen Your Lungs and Breathe Better Every Day

Lung health plays a vital role in overall well-being, yet it’s often overlooked until problems arise. Factors like lifestyle, environment, and underlying conditions can affect breathing, but simple habits and exercises can help improve lung function, support oxygen flow, and make breathing easier over time.

Health Tips to Support Better Breathing

  • Practice diaphragmatic (belly) breathing:
    Focus on slow, deep breaths using your diaphragm to strengthen breathing muscles and improve oxygen intake.

  • Use pursed-lip breathing:
    Inhale through your nose and exhale slowly through pursed lips to help keep airways open and improve airflow.

  • Try rib stretch exercises:
    Expand lung capacity by inhaling deeply, holding briefly, and exhaling slowly to stretch chest muscles.

  • Maintain good posture:
    Sit and stand upright to allow your lungs to fully expand and function efficiently.

  • Stay hydrated:
    Drink enough fluids to keep mucus thin and easier for your lungs to clear.

  • Limit exposure to pollutants:
    If possiblle, reduce time in poor air quality environments and consider indoor air filters to protect your airways.

  • Use a humidifier when needed:
    Add moisture to dry air to help prevent irritation, especially if you have allergies or respiratory issues.

  • Stay physically active:
    Regular exercise like walking or biking helps strengthen lung capacity and breathing muscles.

Hike Under the Full Moon at Hicks Haul Road on May 1

The Full Moon Hike on Hicks Haul Road returns Friday, May 1 from 8:00–10:00 p.m., offering a relaxed, 3.5-mile round-trip evening hike to scenic Loma Ridge. Participants can enjoy views of unique rock formations, native plants, and the peaceful sounds of nature under the moonlight. Registration opens today, and spots tend to fill up quickly.

Join Concordia Musicians for a Free Night of Hymns and Live Music, Apr. 24

Join Concordia’s American Hymns and Anthems concert on Friday, April 24 from 7:00–8:00 p.m. at St. John's Lutheran Church. Featuring the Concordia Wind Orchestra, Concert Handbells, and Concordia Brass—along with organist Karissa Raebel—the performance invites the community to sing along to classic American hymns. Admission is free with no tickets required.

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

Working From Home With Pets: Easy Ways to Keep Them Entertained

Working from home often means sharing your space—and your attention—with your pets, which can lead to interruptions during meetings or focused tasks. Creating a routine and offering engaging activities throughout the day can help reduce distractions while keeping your pet content and stimulated, making the workday smoother for both of you.

Tips to keep pets busy while you work:

  • Set up a window viewing spot: Create a comfortable perch near a window so your pet can watch birds, squirrels, and daily neighborhood activity for natural, passive entertainment.

  • Use interactive toys and puzzle feeders: Fill treat-dispensing toys or puzzles with kibble or snacks to encourage problem-solving and keep your pet mentally engaged for longer periods.

  • Offer long-lasting chews or frozen treats: Give dogs safe chews or homemade frozen treats that take time to finish and keep them occupied.

  • Plan short walks and play breaks: Build in quick walks or indoor games between tasks to release energy and prevent boredom-related behaviors.

  • Provide vertical spaces and scratch areas: Use cat trees or scratching posts to give cats an outlet for climbing, stretching, and natural instincts.

  • Create a dedicated pet zone: Set up a cozy, designated area with toys and bedding where your pet can relax independently while you focus.

Record-Breaking Run: Samantha Bartz Sets New 100m Mark for UC Irvine

The UC Irvine women’s track & field team had a strong showing at the Pacific Coast Invitational, highlighted by senior Samantha Bartz breaking the school 100m record with an 11.43 finish, placing her second out of 85 runners. The team also saw multiple personal bests and top performances across events, including high jump, throws, hurdles, and steeplechase.

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 

Women's Beach Volleyball

  • Fri, April 17 – Riverside, 11:00 AM

  • Fri, April 17 – Saddleback, 12:00 PM

  • Wed, April 22 - OEC Pairs Tournament, 12:00 PM

  • Fri, April 24 - OEC Pairs Tournament, 10:00 AM

Men’s Tennis

  • Sat, April 18 – Glendale, 3C2A SoCal Regional Finals, 2:00 PM

Baseball

  • Thu, April 23 – Saddleback, 2:00 PM

High School Athletics Calendar

**

Updated With April Schedule

Upcoming Irvine High School’s Varsity home games:

April 2026

Friday, April 17

  • Baseball - 3:30 PM vs Sage Hill

Irvine Police Arrest Suspect in Nationwide Lego Theft Scheme

Irvine Police Department arrested a 28-year-old suspect after a nationwide Lego theft scheme involving at least 70 incidents and roughly $34,000 in losses reported by Target. The suspect allegedly purchased Lego sets, removed valuable minifigures and pieces, and in some cases replaced them with dried pasta before returning them. Detectives identified and arrested the individual following surveillance, and he was booked into Orange County Jail on grand theft charges.

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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