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Adventure Awaits: Irvine's Expanded Wilderness Trails Offer Fresh Explorations

Issue # 0112

Author

Joshua Tjia
04 Mar

In this Irvine Insider Issue . . .

😁 Laugh Of The Day

🌤️ Irvine Weather

🏥😷 Comprehensive Care Closer to Home: Inside the New Joe C. Wen & Family Center for Advanced Care

🚧⚠ Breaking Ground on Great Park's Next Phase: Demolition Begins in Northern Sector

🍪🎉 Exciting New Opening: Chip Cookies Brings Gourmet Flavors to Irvine

♻🌱 Transform Your Garden: Grab Your Free Compost from OC Waste & Recycling Today

🧒👕 Join the Joy: Dive Into Westpark's Kindness Week with Unique Daily Challenges

🩺💙 Unlock Resources for Recovery: UCI's Latest Workshop on Post-Pandemic Substance Abuse

🚶‍♂️🌳 Adventure Awaits: Irvine's Expanded Wilderness Trails Offer Fresh Explorations

📰🖼 Step Back in Time: Explore History and Art at Orange County's Archives Event

💎💍 "Modern Alchemy" Exhibition: Where Fine Art Meets Jewelry at Laguna Art Museum

🎼🎼 Upcoming High School Music Calendar

🐇🐈 Support Irvine's Furry Friends: Donate to the Foster Drive This March

⚾ UC Irvine Baseball Triumphs Over UCLA 5-2 at Dodger Stadium, Maintains Perfect Season Start

🎾 UC Irvine Men's Tennis Team Dominates Portland with a 6-1 Victory at Home

🏀🏐🎾⚾ UCI Anteaters Upcoming Home Games

🏐 Irvine Valley Women's Beach Volleyball Team Remains Undefeated in Conference Play

⚾ Irvine Valley Baseball Rebounds with Strong Win Over LA Mission Ahead of Conference Play

🏀🏀 Upcoming home games for the IVC LASERS

🏈🎾 High School Athletics Calendar

🚨🏍 Motorcycle Safety Alert: Irvine Theft Leads to Arrest and Security Tips

🍏🥭🍑 Local Farmers Markets

📅📅 Lots of Local Events

📞💡 Useful Contact Information

Why was the calendar so embarrassed in March?

Because it had too many dates!

We hope this joke brings some laughter to your day! 😁

Comprehensive Care Closer to Home: Inside the New Joe C. Wen & Family Center for Advanced Care

The Joe C. Wen & Family Center for Advanced Care, opening in 2024 on the UCI campus in Orange County, is a significant development in healthcare, supported by a $20 million donation from Joe C. Wen and his family. This five-story, 168,000-square-foot outpatient facility will enhance access to specialty clinical expertise for residents of coastal and south Orange County. It includes the Chao Family Comprehensive Cancer Center & Ambulatory Care, the new Acute Care Hospital, and offers a wide range of services such as urgent and primary care, various specialized health institutes, and comprehensive support for neurodevelopmental disorders including autism. Additionally, the Children’s Hospital of Orange County (CHOC) will provide extensive pediatric care and specialty clinics within the center, ensuring a one-stop healthcare solution for both adults and children.

Breaking Ground on Great Park's Next Phase: Demolition Begins in Northern Sector

Work on the next demolition phase in the Northern Sector of the Great Park, covering the Great Meadow and North and South Lakes, starts this week. The project involves removing utilities like water, sewer, and electrical systems within the area. Operations are scheduled for weekdays from 7 a.m. to 3:30 p.m. and weekends from 9 a.m. to 3 p.m., without affecting local neighborhoods, traffic, or park sports activities post-school. City staff will oversee daily progress, with the entire process expected to take around five months. For details, visit greatparkframework.org.

#WeAreIrvine #GreatParkFramework #GreatParkDevelopment

Exciting New Opening: Chip Cookies Brings Gourmet Flavors to Irvine

Chip Cookies, a newly opened bakery, invites everyone to indulge in its gourmet cookie selection. Known for its original chocolate chip, famous Biscoff, and cream cheese frosted cookies, the bakery also offers a weekly rotating menu. This week's highlight is the Mint Brownie Chip, a warm cocoa-based cookie adorned with housemade mint buttercream and a chocolate drizzle. Located in Irvine, CA, Chip Cookies is the go-to destination for those seeking to explore a variety of exquisite cookie flavors.

Transform Your Garden: Grab Your Free Compost from OC Waste & Recycling Today

OC Waste & Recycling offers free STA certified compost and mulch from its recovered organic waste program, benefiting yards, gardens, and landscaping. Available to residents, businesses, and government agencies in OC, details and appointments for pickup can be found at OCLandfills.com/compost.

Join the Joy: Dive Into Westpark's Kindness Week with Unique Daily Challenges

Westpark's Kindness Week starts now, featuring daily themes and challenges to promote joy, friendship, and understanding. Highlights include:

  • Westpark Shirt Day to foster new friendships

  • Animation Day for sharing laughs

  • Future Career Day encouraging big dreams and self-care

  • Tie-Dye Day to appreciate diversity

  • Colorful Backpack Day focusing on creativity and environmental care

Participants are encouraged to share their experiences using the #WestparkKindnessWeek.

Unlock Resources for Recovery: UCI's Latest Workshop on Post-Pandemic Substance Abuse

This workshop series tackles economic challenges by offering access to UCI resources, community aid, and self-help skills. The latest session, led by UCI Health's Katelin Quijada, focuses on drug use post-COVID19 and finding community resources. Registration is free and provides access to presentation details, resource handouts, and community contacts. Sign up at https://bit.ly/48C4ymn.

Adventure Awaits: Irvine's Expanded Wilderness Trails Offer Fresh Explorations

Irvine's northern open space, a 20,000-acre area recognized as a "Natural Landmark" for its unique biology and geology, introduces new trails at Gypsum Canyon and Saddleback Wilderness with amenities like picnic tables, restrooms, and free parking.

These trails offer views of geological formations and vistas of Irvine Lake and the Pacific Ocean. Funded by the Irvine Company, these additions enhance the existing network of trails, including the Orchard Hills Loop, Dripping Springs Trail, and Fremont Canyon trail, known as Orange County's Yosemite. These developments are part of a collaborative effort to preserve 60% of Irvine Ranch for public enjoyment, with trail access available through guided and self-guided programs via ocparks.com/irvine-ranch-open-space.

Step Back in Time: Explore History and Art at Orange County's Archives Event

Join the free "Orange County Archives Bazaar: Making History: Art and Artists' Legacies" on Saturday, March 9, from 11 a.m. to 4 p.m. at the Great Park Gallery. This event features historical exhibits, expert talks, and a family-friendly zine workshop, celebrating Orange County's history and artistic heritage. Connect with your community and explore contributions from local libraries, collections, and cultural institutions.

#OCArchives #MakingHistory #ArtHistory #CommunityEvent #YourGreatPark #WeAreIrvine

"Modern Alchemy" Exhibition: Where Fine Art Meets Jewelry at Laguna Art Museum

The Laguna Art Museum is hosting its first decorative art exhibition, "Modern Alchemy: The Fusion of Art and Nature in the Jewelry Designs of Adam Neeley," until July 29. This exhibition, part of the museum's Art and Nature Festival initiated in 2013, showcases Neeley's unique jewelry pieces that blend art with natural inspiration. Neeley, known for his innovative Spectra Gold technique and intricate designs, presents a collection that includes one-of-a-kind pieces, some of which are for sale. The exhibition highlights Neeley's journey from a young apprentice to a master jeweler, with his work now being recognized as fine art. Guest curated by Timothy Adams, a scholar in historical gold work, the show also pays homage to the influence of Peter Carl Fabergé and acknowledges the legacy of Dr. Peter C. Keller, a mentor in the field.

Upcoming Northwood High School’s Music Calendar

  1. March 16, 2024: Irvine Jazz Festival (8:00 am - 5:00 pm)

  2. May 11, 2024: Instrumental Music Awards

For the latest updates or additional details, please visit https://timbmusic.org/events/

Upcoming University High School's Choirs Calendar

  1. March 9, 14,15, 16: EVITA - Spring Musical at 7:00 PM.

  2. May 2 & 3: Broadway Rocks! at 7:00 PM.

For the latest updates or additional details, please visit https://www.uhschoirs.org/2023-24-season.html

Upcoming Woodbridge High School's Music Calendar

No events scheduled for March.

For the latest updates or additional details, please visit https://www.whs-music.org/

Upcoming Woodbridge High School’s Vocal Music Calendar

  1. March 22nd, 7 PM: Spring Concert

  2. April 16th, 7 PM: IUSD Honors Concert

  3. May 31st, 7 PM: Broadway Rocks Concert

For the latest updates or additional details, please visit https://woodbridgechoirs.weebly.com/calendar.html

Upcoming Irvine High School's Music Calendar

No events scheduled for March.

For the latest updates or additional details, please visit https://www.vimb.info/calendar

Upcoming Irvine High School's Choral Calendar

  1. March 12 or 13, Morning: IHS Arts Assembly (Canta Bella & Irvine Singers) at IHS Game Gym.

  2. Mon, Mar. 18, 7:00 PM: Spring Concert (All Choirs) at Concordia Univ.

  3. Fri, March 22, Morning: CSU Fullerton Festival (Irvine Singers) at CSUF Meng Hall.

  4. April 1st - 5th, 2024: TBD.

  5. Tues, April 16, 7:00 PM: IUSD Honors Concert (Selected Members) at OCPAC.

  6. Wed, April 17, 6:30 PM: 8th Grade Parent Night at IHS Gym.

  7. TBD: Aliso Women’s Festival (Canta Bella) - Location TBD.

  8. Wed, April 17, All day: Forum Festival (Concert Chorale, Chorale & Viva Cantar) at Knott’s Berry Farm.

  9. Wed, April 26, 6:00 PM: SPUR Awards (Chordinated Chaos) at IHS Theater.

  10. Tues & Wed, May 28 & 29, 3:30-6:30 PM: Dress rehearsal “Voices” (All Choirs) at IHS Theater.

  11. Thurs.- Sat, May 30-June 1, 7:00 PM: Voices 2024 (All Choirs) at IHS Theater.

  12. Wed, June 5, 7:00 PM: Heritage Awards (Chorale) at IHS Gym.

For the latest updates or additional details, please visit https://www.ihschoralmusic.org/calendar.html

Support Irvine's Furry Friends: Donate to the Foster Drive This March

The Irvine Animal Care Center invites the community to its Foster Donation Celebration on Saturday, March 9, from 1–3 p.m. Attendees are encouraged to bring new pet supplies from the center's wish list to support animals in need and will receive an exclusive supporter sticker as a token of appreciation.

Throughout March, the center's annual Foster Donation Drive aims to gather essential items for foster pets and those recovering from illness or injury. Donations can be made through the center's Amazon and Chewy Wish Lists, accessible at irvineanimals.org/foster. This initiative offers an opportunity for the community to learn more about the impact of their generosity and to come together in support of a worthy cause.

#FosterDonationDrive #IrvineAnimals

UC Irvine Baseball Triumphs Over UCLA 5-2 at Dodger Stadium, Maintains Perfect Season Start

UC Irvine baseball secured a 5-2 victory over UCLA at Dodger Stadium, with standout performances including Myles Smith's opening home run and Caden Kendle's seventh-inning grand slam. Pitcher Trevor Hansen started strong, and Ricky Ojeda earned his first collegiate win, while Ricky Tibbett clinched his third save. This win marks UC Irvine's best season start at 9-0, continuing a 15-game winning streak from last season and maintaining their unbeaten status among five national programs. The team also improved their record against UCLA and at Dodger Stadium. Players expressed their excitement and pride in playing and winning at such a prestigious venue, highlighting the special nature of the game and their contributions.

UC Irvine Men's Tennis Team Dominates Portland with a 6-1 Victory at Home

The UC Irvine men's tennis team secured a 6-1 victory over Portland at home, maintaining their unbeaten record at Anteater Tennis Stadium with a 4-0 standing. Despite a weather delay, the Anteaters quickly gained a 3-0 lead in singles matches, with notable wins by Ali Amiri, Lawee Sherif, and Hiroki Sakagawa. Enrique Luque Rico clinched the match for UC Irvine with a hard-fought win at the top of the lineup. The doubles matches proceeded with UC Irvine capturing the doubles point, despite a close loss in one of the matches. UC Irvine's overall record improved to 5-3. They are set to face Villanova next.

UCI Anteaters Upcoming Home Games

Baseball

  1. Tue, Mar 5: vs California Baptist, 6:00 PM

  2. Wed, Mar 13: vs UConn, 6:00 PM

  3. Fri, Mar 15: vs UC Davis, 6:00 PM

  4. Sat, Mar 16: vs UC Davis, 1:00 PM

  5. Sun, Mar 17: vs UC Davis, 1:00 PM

  6. Fri, Mar 22: vs Cal State Bakersfield, 6:00 PM

  7. Sat, Mar 23: vs Cal State Bakersfield, 1:00 PM

  8. Sun, Mar 24: vs Cal State Bakersfield, 1:00 PM

Men's Basketball

  1. Thu, Mar 7: vs Cal Poly, 7:00 PM

Women's Basketball

  1. Sat, Mar 9: vs Cal State Fullerton, 2:00 PM

Men's Tennis

  1. Tue, Mar 5: vs Villanova, 1:00 PM

  2. Mon, Mar 11: vs Case Western Reserve, 1:00 PM

  3. Fri, Mar 15: vs Columbia, 10:00 AM

  4. Sat, Mar 23: vs Gonzaga, 11:00 AM

Men's Volleyball

  1. Wed, Mar 13: vs UC Santa Barbara, 6:00 PM

  2. Sat, Mar 30: vs CSUN, 6:00 PM

Women's Golf

  1. Mon, Mar 11: vs Silicon Valley Showcase, 8:00 AM

Women's Tennis

  1. Fri, Mar 15: vs Dartmouth, 2:00 PM

  2. Sun, Mar 24: vs CSUN, 12:00 PM

Women's Water Polo

  1. Fri, Mar 8: vs UC San Diego, 6:00 PM

  2. Sat, Mar 9: vs Alumni Game, 12:00 PM

  3. Wed, Mar 13: vs Concordia Irvine, 6:00 PM

  4. Tue, Mar 26: vs Brown, 4:00 PM

Men's Track & Field

  1. Fri, Mar 29: vs Vince O'Boyle Track & Field Classic, All Day

  2. Sat, Mar 30: vs Vince O'Boyle Track & Field Classic, All Day

Women's Track & Field

  1. Fri, Mar 29: vs Vince O'Boyle Track & Field Classic, All Day

  2. Sat, Mar 30: vs Vince O'Boyle Track & Field Classic, All Day

Irvine Valley Women's Beach Volleyball Team Remains Undefeated in Conference Play

Irvine Valley's women's beach volleyball team maintained their unbeaten record in the Orange Empire Conference by defeating Fullerton and Saddleback in home matches, improving their overall record to 5-4 and conference record to 4-0. Against Fullerton, IVC secured wins on the first four courts in straight sets, with a default win on court No. 5. The sophomore duo of Tessa Marocco and Kenzie Dews, along with other team pairs, showcased dominant performances. In the matches against Saddleback, despite two matches extending to three sets, IVC emerged victorious across all courts, with Marocco and Dews overcoming a first-set loss to win their match. The team is set to compete again in Huntington Beach against Santiago Canyon and Golden West.

Irvine Valley Baseball Rebounds with Strong Win Over LA Mission Ahead of Conference Play

Irvine Valley's baseball team recovered from a tough loss to LA Valley with a 9-6 win against LA Mission, evening their record at 8-8. The win came ahead of their Orange Empire Conference play, with a series against Orange Coast starting next week. Key performances included Drew Seidel and Jackson Snitko, with Seidel scoring and driving in runs, and Snitko contributing with three RBI. Freshman pitcher Kade Murray made a notable debut on the mound, helping secure the victory. The team is preparing for their next games against Orange Coast.

🏐⚽🏀 Upcoming home games for the IVC LASERS

Baseball

  1. Tue, Mar 05: vs Orange Coast, 2:00 PM

  2. Sat, Mar 09: vs Orange Coast, 12:00 PM

  3. Thu, Mar 14: vs Santa Ana, 2:00 PM

  4. Thu, Mar 21: vs Cypress, 2:00 PM

  5. Tue, Mar 26: vs LA Harbor, 2:00 PM

Men’s Tennis

  1. Tue, Mar 05: vs Saddleback, 2:00 PM

  2. Thu, Mar 14: vs Orange Coast, 2:00 PM

  3. Sat, Mar 16: vs Bakersfield, 10:00 AM

  4. Tue, Mar 19: vs Fullerton, 2:00 PM

  5. Tue, Mar 26: vs Riverside, Tentatively rescheduled for 3/26 or 3/27, 2:00 PM

  6. Thu, Mar 28: vs Gustavus Adolphus, 2:00 PM

Men’s Volleyball

  1. Wed, Mar 06: vs San Diego Mesa, 6:00 PM

  2. Fri, Mar 08: vs Xavier University, 11:00 AM

  3. Fri, Mar 15: vs Santiago Canyon *, 6:00 PM

  4. Fri, Mar 29: vs Golden West *, 6:00 PM

High School Athletics Calendar -

** Updated With February Schedule

Upcoming Irvine High School’s Varsity home games:

March 2024

Monday, 4th

  • 03:15 PM: Tennis, Boys Varsity (VR) vs. Crean Lutheran at Irvine High School Heritage Park

  • 07:00 PM: Lacrosse, Boys Varsity (VR) vs. Corona at Irvine High School Stadium

Wednesday, 6th

  • 03:00 PM: Baseball Varsity (VR) vs. Laguna Hills at Irvine High School Baseball Field

  • 07:00 PM: Lacrosse, Boys Varsity (VR) vs. University at Irvine High School Stadium

Thursday, 7th

  • 03:15 PM: Tennis, Boys Varsity (VR) vs. Beckman, Arnold at Irvine High School Heritage Park

Friday, 8th

  • 07:00 AM: Track & Field, Boys and Girls Varsity (VR) Invitational at Irvine High School Stadium

  • 05:45 PM: Volleyball, Boys Varsity (VR) vs. Bolsa Grande at Irvine High School Game Gym

Saturday, 9th

  • 07:00 AM: Track & Field, Boys and Girls Varsity (VR) Invitational at Irvine High School Stadium

  • 09:00 AM: Softball Varsity (VR) vs. Poly/Long Beach at Irvine High School Softball Field

Monday, 11th

  • 03:15 PM: Tennis, Boys Varsity (VR) vs. Santa Margarita at Irvine High School Heritage Park

Motorcycle Safety Alert: Irvine Theft Leads to Arrest and Security Tips

A man was arrested for stealing two motorcycles in Irvine last November, identified and caught by police through diligent investigation. Oscar Jesus Gutierrez, 34, from Tijuana, was apprehended by Customs and Border Protection as he tried to re-enter the U.S. He faces charges of auto theft and burglary, though the motorcycles remain missing.

Irvine police recommend using brake locks, cable locks, or alarms to deter motorcycle theft.

  • Kaiser Permanente Irvine Farmers Market

  • Saturday Farmers Market at Mariners Church Irvine

    • When: Saturday, 8 AM - 12 PM

    • Where: 5428 Bonita Canyon Dr, Irvine, CA 92603

  • Great Park Certified Farmers Market

  • Manassero Farmers

    • When: Daily, 9 AM - 4:30 PM

    • Where: 33 Irvine Valley, Irvine, CA 92604

  • Tanaka Farms

    • When: Daily, 9 AM - 5 PM

    • Where: 5380 3/4 University Dr, Irvine, CA 92612

    • More Info: Tanaka Farms

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