Happy weekend, Irvine! In today’s happening-today edition: Free gyros opening offer, carnivorous plant show and sale, and Father’s Day brunch buffet + events worth checking out today & tomorrow.
Today’s sponsor, GoldCo, 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.* |
01 — Worth knowing In the newsThree local stories this week, plus a few worth your money.
Greek chain expands locally: Nick the Greek will open June 25 in Santa Ana with a free lunch for people in line, marking the brand’s seventh Orange County location -- see the opening offer.
Major redevelopment underway: Demolition began this week on a vacant 84,000-square-foot Tustin office as New American Funding plans a 103,566-square-foot industrial building with 36-foot clear heights, targeting completion in second quarter of 2027 -- read the full project details.
Personalized home design center: PulteGroup opened the Home Expressions Studio in Irvine, giving Southern California homebuyers personalized design guidance and curated options for Pulte Homes, Del Webb and Explore by Del Webb communities -- see what the studio offers.
Thoughtful Father's Day gifts, ready by Sunday. Father's Day is tomorrow, which makes shipping anything now a gamble you'll probably lose. Skip it entirely. A whole range of Father's Day gifts is ready for same-day pickup in hours, so something personal is well within reach by tomorrow. -- get it today.*
The bill all retirees should double check: Car insurance. If you’ve been on the same plan for years, you might be paying way more than you need to. It’s an easy one to forget about, but switching could save you up to $600 this year. Case in point: I shopped around and ended up cutting my premium in half — this free comparison tool makes it easy.*
Your insurance won't cover a $12,000 HVAC bill: If your furnace quits before it warms up, your homeowners insurance will tell you it's a "maintenance issue" and wish you luck. Insurance covers sudden disasters. It doesn't cover the systems that wear out over time, and those are the expensive ones. A home warranty is built for exactly this. HVAC, water heater, appliances, plumbing, electrical... all covered for less than $1/day with no age restrictions on what's covered. You call, they send a tech, you pay a service fee. They handle the rest -- this one's $150 off right now.* Highlights this week: |
02 — From our sponsor 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, GoldCo 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.* |
03 — On our radar
Local business spotlightNearby spots we'd actually send a friend to.
Beach-and-trail sanity check: Need a quick nature reset that isn't a whole weekend production? Crystal Cove State Park serves up 3.2 miles of sandy coves and tide pools plus 2,400 acres of legit hiking and biking, perfect for a breezy after-work loop or a sunrise you actually wake up for.
Hook-to-table vibes: OC Fish Grill keeps it simple, fresh, and actually satisfying, with grilled fish plates, fish tacos, and a clam chowder bread bowl that hits the cozy button. Easy weeknight move for Irvine folks who want seafood that tastes like someone cared.
Worth a member invite: If you can swing an invite, Shady Canyon Golf Club is the kind of serene, tucked away private track that makes weekday golf feel like you left Irvine without actually leaving. Bring your short game and your “I’m definitely not checking email” face.
|
04 — Our recommendations
We got your backA handful of products and services we think are worth a look.
The real retirement risk isn't a bad year, it's a long life: 40 years of saving, and the hard part is making it stretch across 30 more. SmartAsset's free quiz matches you with vetted fiduciary advisors who serve your area and are legally required to act in your best interests. The plan is built around you, not their commission. No obligation to hire anyone. *Start the quiz →
Carrying $5,000 or more on your cards? Stop the interest charges: A balance that size racks up interest fast, and at today's rates it barely budges no matter how much you pay. This card gives you 0% intro APR until 2028 on balance transfers (made in the first 60 days), with a $0 annual fee. That means almost two years to pay down what you owe with no interest charges. *See if it's a fit →
The slower you walk, the more it works: Tai Chi walking is trending online. Turns out it's centuries old — slow deliberate steps, paced breath, attention on the body. Thirty minutes a day burns fat, lifts your mood, and builds balance. No gym, no treadmill, no pounding on the joints. Take the quick quiz to see if it fits, then use code BASELOCAL for a discount on the coaching plan. *See how it works →
The conversation no man wants to have with his doctor: Turns out ~70% of men over 50 are avoiding the exact same one. The hesitation, the awkward throat-clear, the hoping it just sorts itself out… you're far from alone. The good news? You don't need the waiting room at all. What used to mean a face-to-face appointment and an uncomfortable pharmacy run now takes a few clicks from the couch — discreet online evaluation, personalized treatment shipped straight to your door. *No appointment, no awkward small talk →
Get cash back on your gas, groceries, and dining: This is real cash, not points you have to convert like credit card rewards. There are no coupons to clip and no deals to hunt down, you just claim an offer, pay with your linked card, and the cash back lands automatically. You can set it up in minutes and start earning on your very next purchase. *Start earning → |
Have an event to share? We (and our readers) can't wait to hear about it! Submit an event → |
|
05 — The event calendar Around town today & tomorrowOur favorite events going on the rest of this weekend. Dates, times, and locations are subject to change. Always check official event pages before heading out.
🧘 Ociw International Yoga Day @ Sweet Shade Park | Saturday (6/20) at 7:30 AM – Celebrate International Yoga Day at Sweet Shade Park with an all-level yoga flow from Tejal Modi, then linger for a throwback playdate and potluck. Think Kho Kho, simple games, and the kind of laughter that doubles as core work, plus actual stretching.
🛍 Community Yard Sale @ Annunciation Byzantine Catholic Church (Anaheim) | Saturday (6/20) at 9:00 AM – Think you know your way around a good bargain? The community yard sale at Annunciation Byzantine Catholic Church in Anaheim gathers a multi-vendor spread of garage-sale treasures, flea-market oddities, and neighborly banter, all in one parking lot. Expect haggling, nostalgia, and the perfect just-because find.
🏃 OCME’s June Run Weekend @ Orange County Model Engineers (Costa Mesa) | Saturday (6/20) at 10:00 AM – Whether you’re a closet railfan or just need to entertain the grandkids, Goathill Junction is running free train rides for June Run Weekend. Expect a 12 to 15 minute loop through Fairview Nature Park, 31 inches and up, gift shop temptation included, donations appreciated.
🛍 2026 Sccpe Show & Sale @ Sherman Library and Gardens (Corona del Mar) | Saturday (6/20) at 10:30 AM – Father’s Day weekend is getting delightfully bitey as carnivorous plants take over Sherman Library & Gardens with a Best in Show competition, care talks, and thousands for sale. Think sundews, pitcher mouths, and flytrap jaws. Perfect for Dad, camera, and a healthy respect for fingers.
🎉 Juneteenth Festival @ Centennial Regional Park (Santa Ana) | Saturday (6/20) at 12:00 PM – Grab your lawn chair and celebrate Juneteenth with live entertainment, cultural showcases, vendors, good food, and family fun that actually delivers. Expect community resources, meaningful connection, and OC pride as we honor history and celebrate resilience, plus that neighbor who knows every line dance.
🐶 Amazing Adoption Event @ Petco (Santa Ana) | Saturday (6/20) at 12:00 PM – Take a break from errands and swing by Petco in Santa Ana to meet absurdly adoptable pups, all vaccinated, fixed, and microchipped. Walk in, fall in love, repeat. Adoption fees start at $250, which beats retail therapy, and help the rescue care for hundreds more.
👨 Father’s Day Brunch Buffet @ Habana | Sunday (6/21) at 9:45 AM – Celebrate Father’s Day the right way, with Habana’s Cuban-inspired brunch buffet at Irvine Spectrum. Think tropical flavors, slow-roasted lechon, paella, and ceviche, basically a Caribbean vacation without battling LAX. Dad gets the feast, you get peace, and maybe a nap. Live music & entertainment:
Want more? Browse our full events calendar | Submit an event |
06 — The Irvine report Weather forecastToday — High: 73°F — Low: 60°F — Precip: 1%
Mostly sunny, with a high near 73. Southwest wind 0 to 10 mph, with gusts as high as 20 mph. Later: Partly cloudy, with a low around 60. Southwest wind 0 to 10 mph, with gusts as high as 20 mph.
Tomorrow — High: 74°F — Low: 61°F — Precip: 0%
Mostly sunny, with a high near 74. Later: Partly cloudy, with a low around 61. This house is wildThis highly upgraded 5-bed, 5.5-bath Orchard Hills stunner spans about 4,460 square feet on a rare oversized corner lot with city lights on one side and avocado grove views on the other. A skylit enclosed courtyard adds 450 square feet of year-round hangout space, while the backyard brings a built-in BBQ, putting green, and room for a future pool.
Take a peek inside → |
| |
