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It’s Friday, Irvine! Let’s finish this week strong.
In today’s can’t-miss-weekend-plans edition: Bobcat kitten rescue, Aimee Mann, and overlanding expo + a stacked lineup of events this weekend.
Today’s sponsor (FinanceBuzz) built a free comparison tool that helped me cut my car insurance premiums in half. It took about 3 minutes, and honestly… I wish I’d done it sooner. If you haven’t shopped around in a while, you can easily check the best rates here.
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📰 In the news
New voices guiding regional rail: LOSSAN, which manages the Amtrak Pacific Surfliner, announced its 2026 board leadership, with Fred Strong and Jewel Edson tapped for roles that could shape service Irvine riders rely on — see who was selected.
Wildlife rescue success story: Found unresponsive in Orange County bushes, a bobcat kitten survived care at San Diego Humane Society and was released into the wild on February 22, heartening news for local wildlife — learn about her recovery.
Spotlight on community leadership: In Orange County, Garden Grove Unified superintendent Gabrielle Mafi was named 2026 Woman of the Year by Assemblymember Tri Ta, while Christine Cordon received the 2025 Ethical Hero Award — learn why they were honored.
Gold & silver are hot: Coming off gold’s best year since 1979, the momentum is carrying well into 2026 with silver remaining one of the most talked-about assets. Curious why they’re back in focus? American Hartford Gold has a free guide that explains what’s happening and how people are approaching it today. It’s free – and definitely worth a read.
Someone Googled you this week: Whether you’re dating again, selling something locally, or just meeting new neighbors… people are going to look you up. Like it or not, the internet has a way of surfacing past mistakes and outdated information that no longer reflects who you are. Thankfully, there’s a really easy way for you (or someone you care about) to clean up all that up – learn more here.
Highlights this week:
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🚗 Are you quietly overpaying for car insurance?
Together with our sponsor FinanceBuzz
Auto insurance premiums have been climbing across the country… and most folks won’t notice until it’s time to renew and they’re hit with a higher bill.
The frustrating part? Loyalty rarely gets rewarded. Insurers adjust prices constantly, and new customers often qualify for better rates than long-time policyholders.
I learned that the hard way. I had the same policy for half a decade. Autopay was on, I saw the charges come in every month and never thought twice about them. Turns out I was paying well above the national average ($175/mo) for a single car… for years.
This free comparison tool lets you check rates from multiple insurers in just a few minutes. It costs nothing to look, and it could save you hundreds this year.
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🫶 We got your back
Weeknight burger fix: When you want dinner with no drama, Nice Burger 100% Vegan serves charbroiled classics, crispy tenders, and dairy-free shakes that taste like pure nostalgia. Ideal for a quick solo bite, a last-minute hang, or that inevitable “nobody’s cooking” group text.
Treasure-hunting, upgraded: Whether you’re chasing mid-century furniture, nostalgic vinyl, or oddly perfect knickknacks, Orange Circle Antique Mall gathers 125+ dealers under one roof, meaning hours of easy browsing and spontaneous finds. It’s a low-key local reset when you want to wander and let something cool find you.
Brows + welded sparkle: If your mornings need less penciling and more shine, BlinKiss Beauty Studio blends natural-looking permanent makeup with clasp-free welded jewelry in a calm, appointment-only setting. Expect brows or lips on autopilot and a delicate bracelet that stays put without fuss.
An emergency vet visit could cost you $7,000+ (ask me how I know 🙃). From the initial fee just to be seen to x-rays, surgery, medicine, and aftercare, it adds up quicker than a chew toy turns into a crime scene. The good news? You could get up to 90% cash back on your vet bill with this pet insurance plan.
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📆 Around town this weekend
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.
🍷 Love Grows by Giving Wine Tasting @ Hyatt Regency | Friday (3/6) at 5:30 PM – Proof you can be charitable and picky about pinot, this Hyatt on PCH soirée pours wine and beer, shakes martinis, serves local bites, and adds live entertainment and auctions, all for Waymakers Huntington Beach Youth Shelter. Early birds save, everyone leaves happy, and fed.
🎤 Aimee Mann @ Pacific Electric | Friday (3/6) at 8:00 PM – If you’ve been waiting for a sign to trade chores for cathartic songwriting, Aimee Mann is in town with wry, heart-stopping tunes that age as well as your vinyl. Expect pin-drop quiet, sly laughs, and a singalong you’ll keep tasteful. Grab tickets soon.
🔧 Fix a Leak Workshop @ IRWD Headquarters | Saturday (3/7) at 9:00 AM – Nothing beats slaying a sneaky water bill with neighbors who know where the shutoff is. IRWD’s free Fix a Leak Workshop packs leak-finding know-how, expert Q&A, and dye tablets, plus gift card drawings and a sweepstakes boost. IRWD customers only, 16+, registration required.
🚗 Vikings Cruise Car Show @ Marina High School – Home of the Vikings | Saturday (3/7) at 10:00 AM – Roll into Marina High for a hometown car show with sea breeze, chrome, and DJ Curt keeping the vibe smooth. Support the Class of 2026 while you kick tires, trade stories, and eye those shiny trophies. Registration opens soon, so limber up your polishing arm.
🏛 Women in History Tours @ Fairhaven Memorial Park & Mortuary | Saturday (3/7) at 11:00 AM – Trade brunch gossip for a 45-minute golf cart tour at Fairhaven Memorial Park, where trailblazing women rest and their stories move. Meet the first woman to fly solo in the U.S., OC’s first female attorney, a Holocaust rescuer, a princess, and more. Registration required.
🎩 Mad Hatter’s Tea Party Playday @ Huntington Central Park Equestrian Center | Sunday (3/8) at 10:00 AM – Mad Hatter play day at Huntington Central Park Equestrian Center, open to the public, new date March 8. Dress up, BYO horse for $10 a class, or skip the saddle and enjoy the food truck, face painting, and top-tier people-watching.
🍽 Orange County Restaurant Week 2026 @ Chapter One: the modern local | Sunday (3/8) at 10:00 AM – Restaurant Week is taking over OC with prix fixe menus at the good spots, including Chapter One, the Modern Local. Think chefy comfort, solid pours, and no guesswork on the bill. Pick a neighborhood, book a table, and call it quality time with zero kitchen cleanup.
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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📻 Irvine report
Weather forecast
Today – High: 77°F – Low: 53°F – Precip: 0%
Sunny, with a high near 77. North wind 10 to 20 mph, with gusts as high as 30 mph. Later: Clear, with a low around 53. North wind 0 to 10 mph, with gusts as high as 20 mph.
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Tomorrow – High: 82°F – Low: 56°F – Precip: 0%
Sunny, with a high near 82. Northeast wind 10 to 20 mph, with gusts as high as 35 mph. Later: Clear, with a low around 56.
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This house is wild
At Skyline at Summit at Orchard Hills by Toll Brothers, Homesite 45 crowns the hillside in a staff-gated enclave, delivering elevated privacy. The Joris plan pairs an Italianate exterior with 4,908 square feet, 5 en-suite bedrooms, and 5.5 baths. Highlights include a great room with fireplace, chef kitchen with Wolf and Sub-Zero, loft, refined outdoor living, and saltwater pools.
Take a peek inside →
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