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Happy weekend, Irvine! In today’s edition: Major land sale, The Addams Family Musical, Holi Milan, and more. Let’s get to it!

— Cait Baker

🏆 Most popular this week

Curated by popular demand — here are this week’s most-clicked events, local spots, and stories.

Major Orange County land sale: Big change is coming to the Irvine Business Complex. A Lennar affiliate and TPG Angelo Gordon bought a 24-acre office campus for $232.1 million and will convert it into over 400 homes. Construction is expected to start within months, with completion in 18 to 24 months. Read the full story.

Garden-fresh date night: At Farmhouse at Roger’s Gardens, seasonal, locally sourced dishes and cocktails draw on nearby farms and a garden of vibrant herbs. On the patio, Chef Rich Mead’s menu proves how simple, peak-season ingredients shine, from crisp salads to bright, balanced sips.

Build real-world protection skills: UC Irvine launched an executive protection certificate designed by retired Secret Service experts. Three courses mix classroom learning and simulations. The first course begins May 11, 2026, with enrollment open — get dates and program details.

Eight years of meaningful showcases: Irvine dancers continue Lunar New Year celebrations at South Coast Chinese Cultural Center, sharing Chinese folk traditions led by Dr. Cheer Pan and highlighting styles from 56 recognized ethnic groups — read the full story.

What local health officials know: A localized measles outbreak is underway in western Riverside County, with three cases that may be linked, all recovering at home, as Southern California, including Orange County, sees more cases — see where cases are rising.

Sustainable closet glow-up: Twice The Style keeps it local with curated designer clothing, shoes, and accessories that feel fresh without the new-price sting. Clear space by consigning once-loved pieces, then hunt for your next favorite find in Costa Mesa, where a smarter, lighter closet feels as good as it looks.

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 precious metals are 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.

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.

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.

What do people see when they search your name? Search results can surface past mistakes or outdated information that no longer reflects who you are. BetterReputation helps remove and clean up unwanted content so your online presence matches your real life today. Not worried about yourself? Doesn’t hurt to mention it to family or friends who might be.

🔥 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.

• Got debt? See if you qualify to pay up to 45% less
• This is the best home warranty (and it’s $150 off right now)
• This free tool makes it easy to find a financial advisor
• Over 62? Learn how to turn home equity into tax-free cash
• This pet insurance plan reimburses up to 90%
• Open a GoldCo account & get up to 10% in free gold/silver

📆 Sneak peek at next 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.

🌈 Holi Milan @ Sweet Shade Park | Wednesday (3/4) at 5:00 PM – Celebrate Holi on the actual day, right at Sweet Shade Park, with color, laughter, and that neighborly chaos we secretly love. It’s free, BYO colors and snacks to share, and yes, wear the shirt you never quite forgave. Everyone’s welcome, kids to grandparents.

🍽 Shine: Honoring Her Story @ University United Methodist Church | Wednesday (3/4) at 5:30 PM – Nothing beats a free community dinner that feels like community, celebrating Women’s History Month and honoring women in faith, history, and right here at home. All ages welcome, with crafts, activities, and a low-key service project, no pre-registration, just neighbors, conversation, and someone else cooking.

💉 Annual Blood Drive @ Highland Park at Portola Springs | Friday (3/6) at 9:00 AM – Skip the errand list and swing by Highland Park in Portola Springs to donate blood with City of Hope. Easiest good deed you will do all week, and yes, they let you sit, snack, and feel heroic. Reserve a spot, bring a neighbor.

🍷 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.

🎶 Steel Parade @ Taco Surf – Surf Side | Friday (3/6) at 6:00 PM – Steel Parade is taking over Taco Surf-Surfside for First Friday, serving dancing, drinking, drumming, and a few new songs with your tacos. It’s free, all ages, and delightfully local. Grab a cerveza, sway like your chiropractor’s watching, and call it a win.

💡 Encore for Innovation @ Lido Theatre | Friday (3/6) at 6:30 PM – Chris Isaak croons, you two actually have a conversation, and Hoag turns your ticket into healthcare innovation. Come for the velvet falsetto, stay for the satisfaction of funding tech breakthroughs, pioneering research, and better patient care for the community we call home.

🦇 The Addams Family Musical @ Musical Theatre Village | Friday (3/6) at 7:30 PM – Snap snap, The Addams Family Musical is haunting Musical Theatre Village, with a local parent-kid duo among the Ancestors. Expect spooky laughs, catchy tunes, and that cozy community-theater charm, then clap for the whole crew, even when our ghouls have the night off.

Wanna see more? Browse our full events calendar →

📻 Irvine report

Weather forecast

Today – High: 85°F – Low: 56°F – Precip: 0%

Mostly sunny, with a high near 85. South wind 0 to 5 mph. Later: Mostly clear, with a low around 56. South wind 0 to 5 mph.

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Tomorrow – High: 79°F – Low: 53°F – Precip: 0%

Sunny, with a high near 79. West wind 0 to 10 mph. Later: Patchy fog after 10pm. Partly cloudy, with a low around 53.

Most popular house this week

This Aliento design by Brookfield Residential crowns a homesite in the Summit at Orchard Hills with sparkling city-light views. A two-story foyer leads to a great room, with options for a prep kitchen and fireplace. The first-floor multi-gen suite brings a kitchenette and retreat, and upstairs offers en-suite secondary bedrooms and an oversized primary closet, plus Design Center Credit.

Take a peek inside →