We already had one for mayor, where y'all at?

They didn’t even use the duck crossing /s

Hi Irvine Apartment Company Renter Redditors:

Throwing this out there because you all have such a breadth of experience and perspectives and I'm hoping you can help me. I will be moving from Rancho San Joaquin (RSJ) in about 4 weeks and am befuddled at the selection of apartments I have visited.

\* The place I'm looking to rent will be 2BR or 1 BR +Den with 1 or 2 Baths. Budget between $3500-4000. I am currently paying within that range for 2BR/2BA on the golf course at RSJ. 

\* I need to stay in the area (near University/Culver, but could stretch a bit--1 or 2 mile radius may be OK) to be near my aging parents. I WFH, so work location won't affect my decision. I've lived in IAC apartments for the past 10 years at Parkwood and RSJ, so I'm not unfamiliar with IAC's management practices and have plenty of complaints about them, but I'm assuming those policies will be similar across properties.

\* RSJ works really well for me because of the location, but the amenities are poor, the complex buildings are old, the in-apartment fixtures (fridge, bathrooms, AC) are worn, there's no in-unit W&D and covered parking (only). Due to the age of the community, we've had massive ant infestations, annual roof repairs, etc.  

\* I've looked at Baypointe, Newport North, Turtle Ridge, Santa Clara, Santa Rosa, Baywood, Villa Sienna, Park Place, Woodbridge Villas, Quail Ridge, Park Newport and another place at RSJ and I'm completely confused. Apartments at Santa Clara have gated community, newer fixtures, swank amenities, W&D in the apt, dedicated garage. The gym and facilities at Park Place are so much better than RSJ, it's like it's not even the same grade of residence!?!? Yet all the places I've seen are going between $3500-4000. Seems like ICA has a lock on pricing and inventory and just needs to fill apartments however they can, monopolistically keeping the prices as high as they can. What gives? 

\* I can tell some places are better for families and that's not important to me. I don't have a lot of deal breakers, though location is probably the most important consideration for me (thus I'm not considering Spectrum or Tustin Marketplace properties). 

\* I'm confused when I compare the fit and finish of apartments between the various complexes, there's such a range of quality so why can a 2 BR/2BA at RSJ command the same as Villa Sienna, Park Place or Santa Clara (with W&D in unit, garages, beautiful amenities). I guess I think that that, comparatively, RSJ and some of the other older communities should be cheaper. I know location is an important factor, but the variance of quality and wear is staggering.

Thanks in advance for your generous consideration. I'd be grateful to benefit from your wisdom and experiences to hear your thoughts on how to make sense of this search.   

Also, some places don't have microwaves; what's up with that? I thought that was kind of a mandatory.

TLDR: Why is there such a variance in quality with such uniform pricing across IAC apartments in Irvine and what can I do to make the best decision?

Does anyone know of a breakfast joint in the area that serves scratch-made corned beef hash? I'm not interested in the warmed-over premade hash like they serve at Broken Yolk Cafe and other restaurants I've found with corned beef hash on the menu. I have a craving for the kind of corned beef hash I used to be able to get at Quinn's Old Town Grill before they went out of business (see photo) rather than something that looks like it came out of a can of dog food.

May this reach fellow Irvine animal lovers. 🙏🐟

Irvine Lake is set to close down for a few years again while they renovate the dam.

They plan to start draining it on 10/26, but there has been no announcement on plans to salvage and re-locate the fish. Of particular concern are the majestic world-record size blue catfish and white sturgeon which have been growing there for 30+ years.

I grew up fishing that lake. Knowing there were giant cat-fish in those depths filled me with wonder.

I also grew up fishing Lake Mission Viejo... 

I know how devastating and heart-breaking it is to witness a complete kill-off.

I'd hate to see that happen again, especially if something could have been done about it.

From Western Outdoor News:

"We need to implore anglers, guides, and conservation advocates to push for a full fish‑salvage and relocation plan, white sturgeon verification by CDFW, mitigation and restocking commitments and protection of a public trust fishery managed through OC Parks. We need to urge the fishing community and agencies to act before the October 26, 2026 drawdown. Irvine Lake is a historic fishery with a warmwater ecosystem found nowhere else in Southern California. Dewatering without salvage would erase decades of fishery development and destroy one of the region’s most beloved angling destinations. Whether Irvine Lake’s legendary fish survive depends on what happens next and how loudly the fishing community speaks.” Wendy Tochihara

The Santa Ana Regional Water Quality Control Board will be discussing the drainage permit on Friday, October 23, 2026 

Our California Department of Fish and Wildlife (CDFW) is actually quite good and responsive.

If you would like to submit formal comments regarding fish salvage prior to the decision, you can contact:

• Santa Ana Regional Water Quality Control Board: [region8info@waterboards.ca.gov](mailto:region8info@waterboards.ca.gov)
• California Fish and Game Commission: [fgc@fgc.ca.gov](mailto:fgc@fgc.ca.gov)

Thanks 💖

Hi! I’m trying to decide between Jenny Hart Early Education Center and Turtle Rock Preschool in Irvine for my 2-year-old.

Would love to hear from any parents who have experience with either school! How has your experience been with the teachers, overall environment, and quality of care? The price difference is about $500 so just trying to weight my options. Any feedback, positive or negative, would be really appreciated.

Thanks so much!

Has anyone been inside here is it only gardens

My kid has expressed a renewed interest in Pokemon cards and asked whether we could check out a few local stores (Target, Walmart, Best Buy). I've driven by the Target at Marketplace a handful of times, and have seen a line snaking around the building, which makes me wonder (a) how these people knew the store had a restock that day, and (b) what time people started getting in line.

I was at the Target at District this morning, and the employee I spoke with claims there is no "set" restock day, and that it is all a crapshoot. Frankly, I find it hard to believe that people would just line up with no guarantee that a restock is happening that day, but maybe that is part of the hunt.

With all that said, does anyone have any tips for how to get Pokemon cards during these restocks? Better yet, any recommendations on how to get Pokemon cards without supporting the scalpers? I honestly do not know what cards/packs my son is hoping to score, but I'd like to give him a fighting chance to score a pack.

Thanks!

EDIT: our son said he was specifically looking for the 30th Celebration Elite Trainer Box, the Ascended Heroes Elite Trainer Box, and booster bundles for both boxes.

We are switching to HMO insurance. The current dentist for the kids doesn't take HMO. Any recs?

Per this TikTok and Ice Out: https://www.tiktok.com/t/ZTfjWHLYS/

On Yale Lp and Briarwood. Confirmed with my own eyes.

https://iceout.org/reportInfo/157109

Hello! I'm located in the great parks area. Does anyone have a recommendation for a handyman or contractor who can remove just the quartz countertop (7 1/2' x 5') from my kitchen island without removing or damaging the kitchen cabinets underneath?

I’m only looking to have the countertop removed, not the cabinets or the entire island. If you’ve had something similar done, I’d appreciate any recommendations and a rough idea of how much it might cost.

Also willing to sell the quartz if interested.

Thank you in advance for your help!

They were next to the taco stand but I didn't see them tonight, despite it being their usual operating time. Anyone know where they went? Do they have a brick and mortar location?

Hello! Looking for some fun, yummy Halloween or spooky season treats. Not looking to place an order for something custom, just thinking about grabbing either some cookies or donuts for my kids. Any place have some fun, festive treats?

Wondering since the tickets are $5 and parking is $15, if the food and vibe is worth it before going.

Edit: thanks everyone! My family decided not to go and we went to eat really good Chinese food instead. No wait times or gimmicks there.​

Friends' boo-kstore at Katie Wheeler Library 13109 Old Myford Rd. Irvine, CA 92602

We're considering doing extensive renovations on whatever next house we want to buy, but realized it might actually be easier to rebuild from scratch due to some fundamental limitations that are hard to overcome (8 ft ceilings, etc), and maybe save some money?

Seems like a good way to get a good house with larger lot in an established community. Unfortunately most of the HOA ones (excluding turtle rock) seem to have strict limitations that houses must match the architecture of the neighborhood, so this rules out a lot of options.

Has anyone done any sort of rebuild here (or even extensive reno)? Curious what it cost and what the experience was like, esp dealing with HOA/city

I really like this style of modern architecture which is common in LA, but to my knowledge this style is not common in Irvine except for Altair and some new builds in Orchard Hills. Hoping to get something much more affordable lol than the $4-5m it would take there

I saw this last night. The Jeffrey Trail bridge now has blue lights in certain sections.

Hi!
I have been buying the orange Trader Joe’s bag and grinding them in the store for a while. The most recent batch was not good IMO and I want to switch to something better. I was also buying Sprouts Rainforest Blend but their prices have gone higher.
Pre-defense: yes, store-bought coffees roasted many weeks ago and I of course, do not compare them to local roasters.
I am open to suggestions to pay up to $12-13 per lb.
And I don’t have a mill grinder at home so I prefer options with in-store grinders.
Thank you!

We are switching to Hoag HMO and need to find new doctors for my kids (8 months old and 5 years old). I am leaning towards the doctors at Foothill Ranch, 114 Pacifica and Woodbridge. Any recs?

Does anyone know a butcher or grocery store where I can buy chicken backs and necks for stock? I went to my local HMart and had no luck.

Hello!

Recently, my airpods max's charging port has stopped working for some reason. I've tried searching for headphone repair shops around Irvine but I could only find places that repair computers and phones - does anyone know any places where I can get my headphones fixed around the area?

We live right outside UCI, and previously had Cox internet, and it worked perfectly fine. However, ever since the transition to Spectrum, we've been experiencing frequent internet disconnections for several weeks now.

The internet randomly goes down 3–4 times every single day, usually for just 1–2 minutes. It's incredibly frustrating, especially when we're on work calls, streaming, or even just browsing.

We've contacted Spectrum, but they haven't provided a clear explanation or timeline for a resolution.

Is anyone else in Irvine experiencing similar issues? Has anyone managed to get Spectrum to fix this permanently or has gotten a timeline/root cause from them?

Trying to figure out whether this is a widespread issue or something specific to our connection. Thanks!

Wow 2 years waiting for this gym to open up just for that….

Everything feels crammed, couldn’t imagine what this gym will be like if 50 people were working out at once. No steam room, jacuzzi, pool, or sauna. Only 3 showers.

Such a fail execution with this gym…. I would have rather not have it open than to experience that. Definitely not worth the price for what you get. Huge disappointment.

I can’t believe they fumbled both Irvine locations… while the Upland gym in the IE is far superior 🤦‍♂️

Recommendations sought near Woodbridge for HS math tutors.

Looking for someone with genuine passion for mathematics, and communication skills that can make math simple and beautiful. That might be asking too much, but worth a try.