New Year, Same Construction Cones
The new year’s just getting started, but things around town are already picking up — school transfer windows are open, construction crews are back at Tustin Legacy, and a few reminders from local traffic patrols are on the calendar.
In today's Tustin Brief
- TUSD School Transfer Window Open
- Tustin Legacy Residential Development Begins
- Distracted Driving Enforcement Operations
Let's get into it.
DIGEST
TUSD School Transfer Window Opens
Tustin Unified School District's school transfer application window for the 2026-27 school year opened January 6, 2026 at 8:00 AM and closes January 23, 2026 at 3:00 PM. Applications are submitted through the Aeries Parent Portal.
Families requesting transfers to non-magnet schools will receive notifications in March. Decisions for Heritage Elementary and Tustin Memorial Academy will be shared in April, and transitional kindergarten notices will go out April 25.
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Tustin Legacy Residential Development Begins
Work on the new Tustin Legacy residential community is anticipated to begin in January 2026. The 19-acre site, located between Tustin Ranch Road and Warner Avenue, will include 656 residential units, a 0.66-acre publicly accessible park, and a new cafe. Phase 1, including the community park and cafe, is expected to be completed in summer 2028, with full project completion in summer 2029.
Local residents can expect grading of the site followed by work on parking garages, community park, and residential and cafe buildings. All construction work will be conducted Monday-Friday 7:00 AM to 6:00 PM and Saturday 9:00 AM to 5:00 PM.
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Distracted Driving Enforcement Operations
The Orange County Sheriff’s Department is conducting enforcement operations targeting drivers violating hands-free cell phone laws. Operations were scheduled for January 5 and January 9.
Current law prohibits holding a phone or electronic device while driving — something worth remembering before that quick text at a stoplight.
Stories with ($) require a third-party subscription.TUSTIN LOCAL BUSINESSES
Omomo Tea
The Omomo Tea Tustin location is slated to open January 9, 2026. This store is located on 554 E. 1st St. #39, in the Larwin Square Shopping Center. This will be the chain's sixth location, with others in Chino Hills, Irvine-Walnut Village, San Diego-Del Mar Highlands, Brea, and Aliso Viejo.
Veggie Grill Reopening
Veggie Grill at The Marketplace in Tustin is temporarily closed while relocating across the street within The Market Place shopping center. The restaurant is currently slated to open January 31, 2026. The location will continue serving vegan burgers, sandwiches, salads, and bowls.
Costco Warehouse Expansion
The Costco on El Camino Real will resume expansion work this month after pausing for the holidays. The project includes a west-side addition, upgraded optical and food service areas, refreshed restrooms and employee spaces, and a redesigned southwest entrance.
Parking will increase from 597 to 624 spaces — a small but welcome bump for weekend shoppers.
Nothing in this section is sponsored—just what you need to know. We’ll always be clear when something is.ACTIVITIES
Happenin' This Week 🗓️
Winter Fest OC
Winter Fest OC at the OC Fair & Event Center in Costa Mesa runs through January 11, 2026. Hours: Thursday & Friday 5-10 PM, Saturday 4-11 PM, Sunday 4-10 PM. The festival features ice tubing, ice skating, mini slides, snowball tossing, carnival rides, tree lighting ceremonies, and live entertainment.
SnowFest Lake Forest
SnowFest takes place January 10, 2026 at Pittsford Park in Lake Forest. Three sessions available starting at 10:30 AM. Tickets: $10 presale, $15 day-of. Activities include sled rides and snow games.
Later This Month 🗓️
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.
WEATHER
Thursday, January 8
☀️ High 65° | Low 47° | 💧 0% | 💨 Light winds
Friday, January 9
☀️ High 68° | Low 48° | 💧 0% | 💨 Light winds SW
Saturday, January 10
☀️ High 68° | Low 42° | 💧 0% | 💨 Light winds
Sunday, January 11
☀️ High 72° | Low 46° | 💧 0% | 💨 Light winds
Nice weather for easing back into errands — or catching a game.
BOXSCORE
1/7 vs. Trabuco Hills High School | W 66-53
CIVIC NEWS
Planning Commission Meeting Cancelled
The Planning Commission meeting originally scheduled for January 13, 2026 has been cancelled. The next Planning Commission Regular Meeting is scheduled for January 27, 2026, at 6:00 PM.
Anything awaiting approval will have to wait a little longer.
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