Irvine Blog - Posts from Local Experts

On Wednesday night, teams of talented high school students premiered their work at the Only in Irvine Student Film Competition at the Irvine Spectrum Center. Teams from Northwood, University, Woodbridge, Beckman, and Irvine high schools were given the same mission: create a film that best expresses what they love about their home town.

Irvine will celebrate it's 45 birthday this year.  The Only in Irvine campaign was created to help tell the story of the city through the personal stories of its residents.

The High School film competition is part of a year-long effort to share the personal side of this city of more than 240,000 residents, through the words of the people who live here.

 

The twilight sky and Great Wheel provided the perfect backdrop for the screening. A team of judges made up of media professionals watched along with proud parents as each film was presented.  Before their films, each student spoke of what they learned from the experience. All shared the same sentiment: they loved exploring the city and finding a new appreciation for the place they live.

"I've lived here all my life, " said David from Irvine High School. "I never realized how great this place is. There's so much out there that people don't know about.  It was great to get out there and explore."

The films were technically impressive, but what mattered most were the sentiments they conveyed: Irvine is not just a city, it's a community.

Do yourself a favor and check out each of the film on the Only in Irvine website.  If you like, you can vote for your favorite. The team with the most votes will win $5000 for their school. But if you're like me, you'll find it hard to choose a favorite...

Voting continues until May 11^th.

 

If you're inspired to tell your own Irvine story,  you can submit a short video! Every month,  accepted entries will be entered into a contest and each monthly winner will receive a GoPro Hero4 Black camera.

Is it the award-winning school district? The 40,000 acres of natural open spaces to explore? The neighborhoods? The sense of community? 

So how about it Irvine?

What makes your hometown the best town?

Only in Irvine    www.onlyinirvine.com

By Agnes Constante

Did you know that today is the 46th annual Earth Day? Since 1970, the Earth Day Network has celebrated this modern environmental movement every April 22, a day for the nation to focus on the environment.

Today, Earth Day campaigns are focused on global warming and pushing for clean energy.

This annual day is typically associated with events that show support for environmental protection. And here in Irvine, a perfect example of a protected environment is the Irvine Ranch Water District's San Joaquin Marsh & Wildlife Sanctuary. It's a hidden gem not frequented by many, but it's a beautiful 300-acre space (nearly two-thirds the size of Central Park in New York City!) of coastal freshwater wetlands.

The San Joaquin Marsh is truly a treasure in Irvine. It provides a nearby quiet getaway right in the heart of the busy city. When driving to this nature spot, upon turning onto Riparian View, you'll have to proceed several hundred feet to reach the parking lot. This is one of the best parts, because once deep into the marsh, cars are inaudible, making it a peaceful escape.

This nature respite features 12 miles of trails for visitors to walk/jog on and picturesque scenery that offers a relaxing environment. It also doesn't hurt to bring a camera along, given the gorgeous views and the fact that there are more than 200 bird species that swing by the marsh.

Apart from the aesthetics of this Irvine gem, the San Joaquin Marsh is an important part of the water district's Natural Treatment System: the wetlands contribute to protecting the Upper Newport Bay and naturally clean urban runoff from the San Diego Creek. The Irvine Ranch Water District's website further states that:

"After interacting with the bulrush and other plants for seven to ten days, up to 70 percent of the nitrogen is removed. The cleaner water is returned to the creek to continue its journey to Upper Newport Bay and the ocean."

If you're looking for a way to celebrate Earth Day by appreciating the planet's beauty, be sure to stop by the San Joaquin Marsh. It's the perfect place to appreciate a pocket of the Earth's splendor - both in appearance and in the way it functions - right in your backyard. It is open seven days a week from dawn till dusk and is located at:

5 Riparian View.
Irvine, CA 92612

Happy Earth Day!

*Photos by Agnes Constante

 

 

If you haven't gotten the chance to visit the recently opened Whole Foods Market in Irvine near the Irvine Spectrum, here's an excuse to! You're in for a treat as there is a robust list of programming at this location for the month of April. Starting this weekend there are events catered to foodies, the kids, beauty buffs, adults and families; these events are hands-on and interactive, don't miss out on the fun and an opportunity to connect with the community and the Whole Foods culture! Some events require an RSVP, for you to purchase tickets, or they are free! I've got my eye on the FREE mini facials on April 16th!

WHAT: Whole Foods Market Irvine invites the community to a variety of events in April. Sampling, mini facials, events for kids and more. See below for details.

WHERE: Whole Foods Market Irvine
8525 Irvine Center Drive, Irvine, CA 92618

EVENTS:

KIND Bar Takeover

Date: Sunday, April 10
Time: 11:00 a.m. - 3:00 p.m.

Come visit the KIND Bar pop-up shop in the produce department and sample KIND snacks made with whole nuts, fruits, spices and honey. Free KIND tote bag for all guests who purchase a case. Raffle prizes will be given throughout the day.

Mini Facials in Whole Body Department

Date: Saturday, April 16
Time: 11:00 a.m. - 2:00 p.m.

Stop by for a FREE mini facial in the Whole Body department with any $20 purchase. Trained beauty experts will make your skin glow with all natural products that meet Whole Foods Market's quality standards.

Whole Kids Club Presents: Build your own seed starter

Date: Sunday, April 17
Time: 2:00 p.m. - 3:00 p.m.

The Whole Kids Club presents a hands-on seed starter event in
celebration of Earth Day. Kids will create a seed starter from egg cartons using soil and seeds supplied by Whole Foods Market. Free for all kids. Join us on the patio! RSVP here.

Paint & Sip at Whole Foods Market Irvine

Date: Wednesday, April 20
Time: 7:00 p.m. - 9:00 p.m.

Relax, paint and sip on a favorite wine or beer with local painting
experts from A Toast 2 Artistry. Attendees receive a canvas, painting instructors and access to varieties of wine or beer found at Whole Foods Market Irvine. Limited space available. Must be 21+ to participate. Tickets are $25 and include canvas, art supplies, paint and appetizers. Alcohol available for purchase before and during the event. Purchase tickets here.

Great idea for date night, ladies night or social outing!

DIY Avocado Face Mask Tutorial

Date: Saturday, April 23
Time: 2:00 p.m. - 3:00 p.m.

Join us on the patio to get hands on creating a DIY Aloe &
Avocado Sheet Mask. Learn about ingredients from our experts and how easy it is to make yourself. Each guest will create their own mask during this one hour workshop. Tickets are $10 and can be purchased online.

Header Image c/o FEASTFASHIONFAVES (the HELLO BEAUTY BAG exclusively sold at WHOLE FOODS MARKET)