University of California campus locale

IRVINE

["This Southern California city is home to a major UC research institution."]

The clue refers to a specific campus of the University of California, and "Irvine" is one of its well-known locations. The answer is straightforward, naming the city where UC Irvine is situated. There’s no wordplay here—it’s a direct reference to the university’s campus in Irvine, California.