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Sweeten Your Lunar New Year! Buy 3, Get 1 Free Mooncakes at 85°C Bakery

Issue # 0333

In this Irvine Insider Issue . . .

😁 Laugh Of The Day

🌤️ Irvine Weather

📑💵 Free Tax Prep for Eligible Irvine Residents – Schedule Now

🚓🧨 Controlled Explosive Disposal Scheduled in Irvine on January 29

🐐🌱🍓 Pick, Taste, & Explore! Strawberry Fun at Tanaka Farms (Jan 29 – Feb 2)

🥮🧋 Sweeten Your Lunar New Year! Buy 3, Get 1 Free Mooncakes at 85°C Bakery

🧧🍵 Sip Some Tea, Get a Treat—Junbi’s Lunar New Year Can’t Be Beat

🍻🥪 Win Free Super Bowl Sandwich Catering from Board & Brew

🚏🚌 Hop On, No Pass Needed! OC Bus Rides Are Free on Feb. 4

📖🥨 Snack & Study: Free Study Space with Snacks at Irvine Heritage Park Library

😷🩺 Same-Day Care Now Available at UCI Health

🌕🌱 Experience the Magic of a Full Moon Hike – Feb 12 at Bommer Canyon or Hicks Haul Road

🎨🖌️ Relax, Paint, Create – Teen Watercolor Workshop at Katie Wheeler Library

🎼🎼 Upcoming High School Music Calendar

🗑️♻️ Free Bulky Item Pickup Available for OC Residents – Schedule Yours Today

🏐 UC Irvine Men’s Volleyball Sweeps Big West Weekly Awards After Defeating No. 5 BYU

🏀🏐🎾⚾ UCI Anteaters Upcoming Home Games

⚾️ Irvine Valley Baseball Dominates West LA with 10-2 Road Win

🏀🏀 Upcoming home games for the IVC LASERS

🏈🏃🏽 Northwood Wins First Girls Flag Football Title; Beckman Cross-Country Takes Historic State Championship

🏈🎾 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

Why is the moon always so hungry?

Because it’s only full once a month.

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

Free Tax Prep for Eligible Irvine Residents – Schedule Now

The City of Irvine, in partnership with Orange County United Way, is offering free tax preparation for those earning less than $67,000 in 2024.

  • IRS-certified volunteers will assist with filing and help eligible taxpayers claim CalEITC and the Young Child Tax Credit.

  • Services are available at Harvard Community Center (14701 Harvard Ave.) from January 28–April 8 on Tuesdays, noon–6 p.m. 

  • Appointments required. Call 211 to schedule.

  • More info: cityofirvine.org/freetaxfiling.

Controlled Explosive Disposal Scheduled in Irvine on January 29

On Wednesday, January 29, , from 10 a.m. to 1 p.m., the OC Sheriff's Hazardous Devices Section will conduct a controlled disposal of seized explosives at Frank R. Bowerman Landfill in Irvine.

  • Expect loud explosive noises during this time.

  • OC Fire Authority, OC Health Care Agency, and OC Sheriff tactical medics will be present for safety.

Pick, Taste, & Explore! Strawberry Fun at Tanaka Farms (Jan 29 – Feb 2)

Visit Tanaka Farms for a fun-filled strawberry picking tour from Wednesday, Jan 29, to Sunday, Feb 2!

  • For $20 per person (ages 3+), enjoy a scenic tractor ride, pick a 1lb basket of strawberries, taste them fresh in the field, and take home a bonus veggie.

  • Plus, meet adorable barnyard animals!

  • Reservations required—book now here

Sweeten Your Lunar New Year! Buy 3, Get 1 Free Mooncakes at 85°C Bakery

85°C Bakery Cafe is celebrating Lunar New Year with special mooncake gift sets featuring Taro Mochi and Golden Yolk Red Bean pastries, along with custom red envelopes.

  • Enjoy an in-store promotion from January 17 to February 2: Buy 3 mooncakes, get 1 free (mix & match available) or grab an 8-piece gift box (4 of each flavor with red envelopes).

  • Plus, try their new Toffee Latte!

Sip Some Tea, Get a Treat—Junbi’s Lunar New Year Can’t Be Beat

Junbi, a matcha and tea shop, is celebrating with a special offer—spend $25 and receive a red envelope filled with surprises like gift cards, coupons, or merchandise. Plus, enjoy festive activities while you’re here! Don’t miss out!

Win Free Super Bowl Sandwich Catering from Board & Brew

Board & Brew, your go-to spot for fresh, flavorful sandwiches and craft brews, is giving 31 lucky winners (one per location) the chance to win FREE Super Bowl catering! Enter by Sunday, 2/02 for your shot at the ULTIMATE game day spread.

How to enter:
❤️ Like the post here & tag a friend.
 📲 Follow @boardandbrew for game day updates.
 🌐 Click this link to enter.

Winners will be contacted via email—don’t miss out! 🎉

Hop On, No Pass Needed! OC Bus Rides Are Free on Feb. 4

OC Bus will offer free rides all day on Tuesday, February 4, in honor of Transit Equity Day, celebrating Rosa Parks' birthday. No pass is needed—just hop on and ride.

More details here.

Snack & Study: Free Study Space with Snacks at Irvine Heritage Park Library

Need a quiet place to study? Join Snack and Study at Irvine Heritage Park Library on Monday, February 3, from 4:00 PM - 5:00 PM. Enjoy free snacks while you study in a dedicated space. Open to teens (12-17).

Same-Day Care Now Available at UCI Health

UCI Health provides same-day care with multiple options:

  • the new Urgent Care in Irvine (8 AM–8 PM daily)

  • at-home urgent care via DispatchHealth (8 AM–10 PM daily)

  • 24/7 virtual visits with UCI Health On Call

  • and walk-in care for minor issues—no appointment needed

Learn more here.

Experience the Magic of a Full Moon Hike – Feb 12 at Bommer Canyon or Hicks Haul Road

Full Moon Hike – Feb 12! Join for a magical evening hike under the full moon at Bommer Canyon Preserve or Hicks Haul Road on Tuesday, February 12. Spots are filling fast—reserve yours now here.

Relax, Paint, Create – Teen Watercolor Workshop at Katie Wheeler Library

Teens (ages 12-17) can join a free Watercolor Painting Workshop at Irvine Katie Wheeler Library on Friday, February 7, from 3:30 PM - 4:30 PM. Led by a trained Teacher Artist from Partners4Wellness, the session provides instruction, supplies, and snacks. Attend one or all five workshops. Limited spots—register now!

Upcoming Northwood High School’s Music Calendar

  1. February 12 - 15: Musical, NHS Theater

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

Upcoming University High School's Choirs Calendar

  1. February 27 - March 1,6,7,8 7:00 PM: Guys and Dolls Musical, 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. February 27 - March 1, 7:00 PM-10:00 PM: Shrek the Musical, Performing Arts Center

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

Upcoming Woodbridge High School’s Vocal Music Calendar

  1. February 8: SCVA Vocal Jazz Festival, Saugus HS (Santa Clarita).

  2. February 27 - March 1: Shrek the Musical, 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. March 5-8, 7:00 PM: Mary Poppins Musical, Irvine Performing Arts Center.

  2. March 13, 6:30 PM: Festival Concert, Irvine Performing Arts Center.

  3. March 15, All Day: Irvine Jazz Festival, Irvine High School Campus.

  4. March 18, 7:00 PM: District Jazz Festival, Woodbridge HS Performing Arts Center.

For the latest updates or additional details, please visit https://www.vimb.info/calendar

Free Bulky Item Pickup Available for OC Residents – Schedule Yours Today

Upgrading appliances or moving in OC? Many local waste haulers offer free bulky item pickup for old fridges, dishwashers, and more!

Contact your hauler to schedule a pickup. Not sure who it is? Find out here 

UC Irvine Men’s Volleyball Sweeps Big West Weekly Awards After Defeating No. 5 BYU

UC Irvine men's volleyball dominated The Big West weekly awards after sweeping No. 5 BYU.

  • Nolan Flexen earned Offensive Player of the Week with 5.00 kills per set, including a career-high 26 kills in the first match.

  • Joe Karlous was named Setter of the Week, averaging 10.38 assists and 3.50 digs per set, leading UCI to a .335 hitting percentage.

  • Micah Goss took both Defensive and Freshman of the Week honors, averaging 1.88 blocks per set and delivering a crucial solo block in the first win.

No. 2 UCI now heads to No. 9 Stanford for two matches this weekend.

UCI Anteaters Upcoming Home Games

Women's Basketball

  1. Thu, Jan 30: vs Long Beach State, 6:00 PM

Women's Tennis

  1. Fri, Jan 31: vs Caltech, 2:00 PM

Irvine Valley Baseball Dominates West LA with 10-2 Road Win

Irvine Valley baseball secured a dominant 10-2 road win over West Los Angeles, improving to 2-1. The Lasers tallied 10 hits and 12 walks, with sophomore pitcher AJ Roettger delivering 5.1 scoreless innings, striking out seven without a walk. Freshman shortstop Jake Amundson starred at the plate, going 3-for-4 with a double, triple, four RBI, and two runs, boosting his average to .533. Sophomore center fielder Kade Murray added three hits, three runs, and an RBI, while Chase Quezada contributed with two walks, a hit, and two runs. Freshman right fielder Sam Tucci and catcher Shane Flynn each drove in two. IVC led 8-0 by the sixth before sealing the win with a five-run eighth. The Lasers face Compton next on Wednesday at 2 p.m.

🏐🏀 Upcoming home games for the IVC LASERS 

Men’s Basketball

  1. Wed, Jan 29: vs Santa Ana, 6:00 PM

Men’s Volleyball

  1. Wed, Jan 29: vs LA Pierce, 6:00 PM

Women’s Basketball

  1. Fri, Jan 31: vs Santa Ana, 6:00 PM

Northwood Wins First Girls Flag Football Title; Beckman Cross-Country Takes Historic State Championship

Northwood High’s girls flag football team made history, winning the inaugural Division 2 championship in only their second year. Led by experienced seniors, the Timberwolves finished strong with a nine-game winning streak, setting a culture of focus and teamwork. Despite the lack of a state championship, they maximized their season and left a lasting legacy.

Meanwhile, Beckman High’s boys cross-country team secured its first CIF and state title, marking a historic achievement for the school. Coach Corey Schuld credited their success to hard work, consistency, and teamwork, emphasizing the athletes’ dedication since June.

High School Athletics Calendar

** Updated With January Schedule

Upcoming Irvine High School’s Varsity home games:

January 2025

Wednesday, January 29

  • 5:30 PM - Soccer (Girls, VR) vs. Sage Hill at Irvine High School Stadium

Friday, January 31

  • 5:00 PM - Soccer (Boys, VR) vs. Portola at Irvine High School Stadium

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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