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Students present a symphony of talent
Student musicians shine at 42nd annual Donald Bren Honors Concert
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May 4, 2026
Council approves nature park zoning
The Irvine City Council voted 7-0 last month to approve a zoning amendment allowing an alternative option for the privately …
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May 4, 2026
BLK Dot Coffee opens Alton location
Irvine’s thriving coffee scene is getting a fresh jolt with the opening of BLK Dot Coffee at Alton Retail Center. …
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May 4, 2026
The Dish highlights area’s best eats
Irvine food lovers now have a new way to discover their next unforgettable meal with the launch of The Dish …
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Hidden Irvine
Discover surprises across the city
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10 happenings in May
1. Wilderness Access DayHikers and mountain bikers are invited to explore the network of trails at Bommer Canyon Preserve. This…
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UC Irvine choreographer revels in 35 years of dance
Molly Lynch launched the National Choreographers Initiative more than 20 years ago. This summer’s event will be the final one.
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Art hits the court at Great Park
In collaboration with Irvine-based nonprofit Project Backboard, artist Katy Ann Gilmore has transformed four basketball courts at Great Park into…
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University High alum sets novels in iconic OC spots
University High alumna Nicola Harrison’s latest historical novel, “The Island Club,” follows three women whose lives are unraveling in shockingly…
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Q&A: Making free connections across the community
Getting around town has never been easier, cheaper or more convenient with Irvine Connect. The free shuttle service between Irvine’s…
HIghlights
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University boys soccer captures state title
University High’s boys soccer team brought home the CIF State Division IV crown with a 3-2 victory over Del Mar in the final. It capped a memorable postseason run for […]
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Great Park is base for Men’s National Team
The U.S. Soccer Men’s National Team has selected Championship Soccer Stadium at Great Park as its official training base during the 2026 FIFA World Cup.…
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Great Park Ice: Elevating skaters to elite heights
The place has helped produce Olympians and world champions and a growing number of stars who have represented America and beyond. Great Park Ice can…
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Open skating for everyone
Home to skating champions, Great Park Ice also offers opportunities to those who’ve never skated at all. “A lot of people in Southern California might…
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OCSC upgrades stadium ahead of 2026 season
Orange County Soccer Club will expand capacity and upgrade fan experiences at Championship Soccer Stadium ahead of the upcoming season, responding to rising demand following…
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Council approves nature park zoning
The Irvine City Council voted 7-0 last month to approve a zoning amendment allowing an alternative option for the privately owned Oak Creek Golf Club.…
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Q&A: Stargazing mysteries at Jeffrey Open Space Trail
After Artemis II’s successful mission last month, the world got a new perspective on the moon. If that close-up view piqued your interest in space,…
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Irvine’s nationally ranked park system may get even better
Community collaboration guides the vision for a new nature park in the center of the city
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Quail Hill
Celebrating 20 years of open space and amazing views in Irvine
Master Plan
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The Irvine advantage
Cities inevitably change. A well-conceived master plan’s value lies in how its fundamentals can remain consistent even as conditions change over the years. By identifying…
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Irvine is area’s best city for renters
Irvine once again affirmed its reputation as one of the nation’s premier places to live by earning the top spot among Southern California cities for…
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Best city for families in Southern California
WalletHub recognized Irvine as the fourth-best city for families in the U.S. for 2025.
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Irvine is top city in the state
Irvine has been named California’s best city to live in – and the fifth best in the U.S. – by Niche, a national platform for…
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Irvine earns Master Plan accolade
The master-planned city of Irvine has been recognized as the nation’s best planned community by Zonda, an international real estate research organization.
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Hidden in plain sight: Subtleties of the Master Plan
A master plan may sound like a formidable document full of statistics and theories, but done right – as in Irvine – it’s a blueprint…
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A secret to Irvine’s beauty
The landscape architecture of Irvine is a key part of why the city is such a desirable place to live. Pick a place in Irvine,…
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Early attention to infrastructure pays off
Every great city is built upon a solid foundation, known as infrastructure. Across America, it’s often overlooked or crumbling. In Irvine, however, infrastructure was master…
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Q&A: Early success for concertmaster
At age 13, Owen Lo is already a familiar face on the stage of Renée and Henry Segerstrom Concert Hall. The Sierra Vista Middle School eighth grader served as concertmaster […]
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Irvine schools earn top state honor
Seven Irvine Unified schools have been named 2026 California Distinguished Schools, the state’s highest honor for public schools. Lakeside, Rancho San Joaquin, Sierra Vista, South…
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Natural Sciences Center brings IVC students together
The new Natural Sciences Center at Irvine Valley College is a win-win for Hinanui Swider. She benefits as both a student and a tutor. Now…
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Young Irvine leaders help fund vehicle for Police Explorer program
For Irvine teenagers interested in law enforcement, the city’s Police Explorer program offers a chance to volunteer alongside officers, assist at community events and learn…
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IUSD dominates at science olympiad
Irvine Unified School District again proved its strength in STEM education at the 2026 OC Regional Science Olympiad, sending more teams to the state competition…
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Bacchus Bar & Bistro adds lunch and brunch
Danny Choi was no wine connoisseur when he bought Bacchus Wine Bar in 2017. He preferred Michelob to merlot, had never set foot in a winery and had no plans […]
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Celebrating Small Business: Quail Hill Shopping Center
OLIVER’S TRATTORIAOpened by chef Erik De Marchi at Quail Hill Shopping Center in 2023 “One of my favorite places in OC. Every detail is perfected…
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Q&A: Secret spaces at Spectrum Center
Blaise Witnish is Global CEO of Funlab, the parent company of Holey Moley and Hijinks Hotel. She shares strategy and secrets at these instantly Instagrammable…
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How Mag’s Donuts & Bakery savors its success in Irvine
The maple bacon cronut – flaky, chewy, sweet and savory – is one of the chief attractions at Mag’s Donuts & Bakery in University Park…
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Celebrating Small Business: Culver Plaza
JUNBI MATCHA & TEAOwner: Khanh MongOpened at Culver Plaza in October 2023 “Culver Plaza is a lively, community-centered hub that perfectly aligns with Junbi’s inviting,…
Sustainability
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Irvine among first Clean California Communities
The city of Irvine has been named one of the first 33 communities in the state to earn the new Clean California Community designation from Caltrans, the state agency responsible for highway maintenance and transportation infrastructure.
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Concepts of environmental sustainability were pioneered in Irvine and continue to guide the city today
Nature was on the minds of Irvine Company planners as far back as 1959. Though “environmental sustainability” is widely recognized today, it was largely unknown…
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Irvine among nation’s greenest cities
Thanks to its abundance of parks, open spaces and trees, Irvine has been named one of the “Greenest Cities in America” by the finance website…
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EV drivers boosted by more city chargers
Electric vehicle owners in Irvine have a growing number of options to charge up.
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Water-wise tips for fall
In September, plants’ water needs drop by approximately 30% even if the temperature is hot. Because the days are shorter, evaporation decreases. Plus, plants begin…
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Welcome to Irvine Standard, a community paper that celebrates the people, places and experiences that make Irvine America’s best master-planned city. Thanks for reading.