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Rise and shine, Irvine!
In today’s planning-your-week edition: OC Restaurant Week, a major land deal, and the Carroll Shelby Tribute + all our favorite events happening over the next seven days.
Today’s sponsor, American Hartford Gold, is helping folks around Irvine protect their savings as gold and silver continue to gain momentum. Their free guide explains what’s driving the surge… and what to know before adding precious metals to your portfolio. Grab your free copy here.
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đź“° In the news
Where music meets mentorship: Culver Plaza’s Irvine Art & Music celebrates 25 years this year, growing from a family dream into a one-stop shop with lessons, repairs, rentals, and hundreds of students weekly — read the full story.
Date-night dining made easy: OC Restaurant Week returns today through March 14, with prix-fixe menus, cocktails, and wine pairings at over 40 Irvine spots, plus $25 lunches and $50 dinners at Angelina’s Pizzeria Napoletana — read the full story.
Major land deal reshapes site: Lennar bought a 25-acre office complex in Irvine at 16775 Von Karman Avenue for $230 million. The Von Karman Creative Campus is entitled for redevelopment with up to 426 homes — get all the details.
Nothing prepares you for a pet emergency: I learned that the hard way after charging $10k to a credit card for life-saving surgery on my cat, Miss Stache. As soon as we got home, I signed up for Spot. It’s super affordable – and reimburses up to 90% of the bill.
Compare rates for free: The national average for car insurance is around $175/month. Paying more than that? Same, so I did some shopping around and ended up cutting my premium in half. If you haven’t checked in a while, you’re probably overpaying too — here’s the comparison tool I used.
Highlights this week:
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🏆 Gold and silver are heating up
Together with our sponsor American Hartford Gold
Gold just posted its strongest run in decades… and the momentum is carrying into 2026. Silver has become one of the most talked-about assets as investors look for ways to stay ahead of market volatility.
While many are still sitting on the sidelines, others are quietly repositioning.
If you’re wondering whether you’re missing something, AHG has a free guide explaining what’s driving the renewed interest… and how investors are approaching precious metals right now.
It’s free and worth reading before the next move.
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🫶 We got your back
Vietnamese brunch, leveled up: NEP Cafe gives brunch fresh energy with silky egg coffee, sizzling skillets, and Vietnamese plates that actually wake up your weekend. It’s neighborhood-easy, big on flavor, and made for lingering over a late morning or a second cup.
Bolt-hoarder heaven alert: If your stash feels suspiciously tame, M&L Fabrics Discount Store is the sprawling, dig-around-all-afternoon trove where fresh textures and prints practically leap into your cart. Restock essentials, discover wildcards, and finally spark that napkin sketch into reality, one inspired yard at a time.
Coastal diner classic: Harbor House Cafe channels the breezy diner vibe with friendly service, generous plates, and walls lined with old movie posters. When you crave straightforward comfort, think eggs, steaks, and Cali-leaning sandwiches that actually satisfy. This dependable local hangs steady through the week, restoring spirits without fuss.
What doctors wish every 65+ adult had at home: Physicians call it “long-lie,” and it’s the real reason falls are so dangerous for older adults. It’s not a broken bone… it’s lying on the floor for hours waiting for someone to notice. We dug into the options that actually solve this problem, and one stood out. See which one →
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📆 Our favorite events this week
Have an event to share? BaseLocal Verified Businesses can submit them for free! Learn more about how to submit an event here →
All events are subject to change without notice. Always check official event pages for the most up to date information.
🥟 Dumpling Fest @ Mayflower Dumpling Express (Anaheim) | Wednesday (3/11) at 5:00 PM – Treat yourself to a progressive dumpling crawl across Anaheim, sampling Chinese soup dumplings, Indian kofta, Korean mandu, Nepalese momos, and yes, tamales, because we’re flexible. It’s self-guided by car or transit, family friendly, and advance tickets only, so plan accordingly.
đź‘© Women’s Conference @ Irvine City Hall | Friday (3/13) at 8:30 AM – Celebrate Women’s History Month the smart way, with a conference at City Hall, Irvine-style, organized and on time, with panels on wellness, safety resources, money smarts, and entrepreneurship. Councilmember Betty Martinez Franco opens, journalist Jessica De Nova closes, breakfast and lunch included, registration required.
🛍 Mercadito @ Cafe Biaani’ (Anaheim) | Saturday (3/14) at 9:00 AM – Second Saturdays are for Mercadito, where you can browse local crafters and small businesses, chat with neighbors, and pretend you only came for a coffee. Shop with less guilt, because 10% of every purchase goes to a featured nonprofit, and your karma appreciates it.
🏎 7th Annual Carroll Shelby Tribute @ Lyon Air Museum (Santa Ana) | Saturday (3/14) at 10:00 AM – Think a museum day can’t smell like race fuel? The Carroll Shelby Tribute lines up Cobras, GT350s, and more on the Lyon Air Museum flightline, with warbirds, WWII artifacts, and sharp docents, plus Marigold coffee. Shelby owners, pre-register for flightline parking.
🌸 Modern Makers Mart: Cottagecore Spring Faire @ Woodbury Town Center | Saturday (3/14) at 10:00 AM – Woodbury Town Center is going full cottagecore with a handmade market, live music, and enough florals to make your HOA blush. Browse 55+ local makers, let the kids craft, bring the dog, and, if you’re quick, snag a free jam jar. Free entry, easy vibes.
🍀 Shamrock ‘n Run @ Anaheim, California | Sunday (3/15) at 8:30 AM – Throw on some green, the Shamrock ‘n Run 5K and 2K turns Yorba Regional Park into a PYLUSD pep rally on foot, with leashed pups, strollers, and actual neighbors. Run, walk, or proudly shuffle, it all supports student enrichment, and yes, brunch after totally counts.
🍷 Sipping 4 A Cure @ The Original Manassero Farms Market 33 Irvine Center Dr, Irvine, CA 92604 | Sunday (3/15) at 4:00 PM – Sipping 4 A Cure is turning Manassero Farms into a backyard wine bar for its second lap, because your palate and conscience can hang out together. Sommelier-led tastings, a playful wine pull, beer flights, and bites. Fancy bubbles for non-drinkers, all benefiting the MS Society.
Live music & entertainment:
Wanna see more? Browse our full events calendar →
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🔥 Worth a peek
We’re always on the hunt for useful resources, deals, services, and products we think you’ll love. Here’s what caught our eye this week.
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đź“» Irvine report
Weather forecast
Today – High: 73°F – Low: 52°F – Precip: 3%
Sunny, with a high near 73. South wind 0 to 10 mph. Later: Partly cloudy, with a low around 52. South wind 0 to 5 mph.
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Tomorrow – High: 70°F – Low: 50°F – Precip: 1%
Mostly sunny, with a high near 70. South wind 0 to 10 mph. Later: Partly cloudy, with a low around 50.
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