Forward Together: This Week in Tustin
Morning, Neighbors! We hope you're enjoying your long weekend. It's been a busy week with lots of updates. Below are a few more updates to get you caught up.
In today's brief:
- OCDE 5-3-1 Strategic Plan Update
- This Week in TUSD
- Barnes & Noble Returns
THE DIGEST
OCDE 5-3-1 Strategic Plan Update
OCDE's 5-3-1 Strategic Plan completed its first year of full implementation in 2025. Looking ahead to 2026, the work focuses on developing key performance indicators to track progress and connect the plan to measurable outcomes. The plan centers on five key initiatives, three core support objectives, and one goal focused on transforming outcomes in ACCESS and Connections student programs.
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This Week in TUSD
- Ladera Elementary STEAM Lab: Students explore hands-on projects furthering understanding of scientific concepts while building problem-solving skills. The program encourages creativity and practical application of science learning.
- College Tours: Tustin Tillers visited UCLA as part of numerous college tours for students and families to explore campuses across Southern California. Tours help students learn about different colleges before making decisions.
- Loma Vista Character Education: Classes across Loma Vista are studying John Wooden's Pyramid of Success, learning principles of success through character development. The program helps students apply traits like loyalty and friendship in daily interactions.
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Barnes & Noble Reopens
Barnes & Noble is returning to South Coast Plaza in Costa Mesa at the former Macy's Home wing (3333 Bear St). The bookstore will feature an onsite B&N Café. The company recently opened locations in Brea, Tustin, and Orange as part of a nationwide expansion plan with 60 new stores planned for 2026.
LOCAL BUSINESS
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White Sparrow Coffee ☕
Specialty coffee shop and market in Old Town Tustin serving gourmet coffee, seasonal beverages, brunch, and lunch. Recently opened White Sparrow Market featuring curated pantry items, snacks, and beverages.
Instagram: @whitesparrowcoffee
Utopia Caffee
European-style cafe at The District serving premium teas, gourmet coffee, fine pastries, and full breakfast, brunch, and lunch menus with Mediterranean influences. Features indoor and outdoor seating.
Instagram: @utopiaeurocaffe
GameCraft Brewing - Tustin Frontier 🍺
Seasonal outdoor beer garden pop-up in Old Town Tustin featuring craft beer, board games, cornhole, foosball, and family-friendly atmosphere. A portion of proceeds supports the Tustin Community Foundation.
Instagram: @gamecraftbrewing
ACTIVITIES
Happenin' This Week 🗓️
Old Town Tustin Farmers Markets
The farmers markets provide access to fresh, locally-sourced produce and support small businesses in the community.
Saturday: 8:00 a.m. - 12:00 p.m.
Location: 245 El Camino Real (Corner of El Camino Real & Third St)
The Wiz at Segerstrom Center for the Arts
The Broadway production of The Wiz runs January 13-25, 2026 at Segerstrom Center for the Arts in Costa Mesa. This groundbreaking twist on The Wizard of Oz features updated choreography and music.
OCSA Connects Community Arts Festival
Free event at Orange County School of the Arts, 1010 N. Main St., Santa Ana. This festival is designed for children ages 5-11 and families, featuring interactive arts play areas, live performances by OCSA students, and inclusive programming celebrating all cultures. Registration required; space available on first-come, first-served basis.
January 17, 2026, 10:00 AM - 4:00 PM
Monster Jam at Angel Stadium
Monster Jam’s biggest tournament roars into Angel Stadium in mid-January. The Stadium Championship Series features top drivers competing in racing, freestyle, and skills challenges over two action-packed days, with pit parties, interactive experiences, and VIP options that bring fans up close to the trucks and drivers.
January 17-18, 2026
Later This Month 🗓️
Festival of India at Bowers Museum
Free family festival with live performances, art activities, face painting, and complimentary treats
Sunday, February 1, 11 am - 3pm
Location: 2002 N. Main Street, Santa Ana
Great Park Gallery Opening Reception
Exhibitions run through April 12. Activities include Orizomegami workshop and Jazz in the Palm Court performance.
Saturday, January 25, 1–3 p.m
Top of the Morning Tustin
The Tustin Chamber of Commerce hosting a networking event to provide opportunities for local professionals to connect with community leaders and learn about initiatives shaping Tustin. The event features Erin Nielsen, Executive Director of the Tustin Community Foundation. Registration: $20 members, $30 non-members.
Monday, January 26, 2026, 7:30-9:00 AM
Location: Even House, 15771 Red Hill Ave Suite 500
CIVIC NEWS
MLK Day Closure
We're sure you already knew this but this a friendly reminder that city offices will be closed on Monday, January 19, 2026 in observance of Martin Luther King Jr. Day.
City Council Meeting
Tuesday, January 20, 2026 at 6:00 PM
- In-person: City Hall Council Chamber, 300 Centennial Way
- Zoom: Meeting ID 940 8640 1921, Passcode 600222
- Public comments accepted via Zoom, SpeakUp portal, or in-person
WEATHER
Sunday, January 18
⛅ High 81° | Low 50° | 💧 6% | 💨 SSW 6 mph
Monday, January 19
☀️ High 77° | Low 53° | 💧 2% | 💨 S 7 mph
Tuesday, January 18
☀️ High 78° | Low 51° | 💧 1% | 💨 S 7mph
Warm, mostly sunny weather continues through early week, with afternoon highs in the upper 70s to low 80s, cool mornings in the low 50s, light southerly breezes, and little to no chance of rain.
THANK YOU
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