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All Aboard! Don’t Miss the Dazzling Train of Lights at Irvine Park

Issue # 0302

Author

Joshua Tjia
04 Dec

In this Irvine Insider Issue . . .

😁 Laugh Of The Day

🌤️ Irvine Weather

🛣️🏙️ 405 Improvement Project Wins Top Honors in Southern California

🎄🚂 All Aboard! Don’t Miss the Dazzling Train of Lights at Irvine Park

🏮🎄 Tanaka Farms Offers 50% Off Hikari Admission for Irvine Residents and Students

🀄️ Get in the Game: Join the Mahjongg Club Interest List at Woodbridge

🎄🎁 OCFA’s Spark of Love Toy Drive: Donate Toys and Bring Joy to Local Kids

😷 Stay Healthy This Winter: Tips to Avoid Norovirus and Its Unpleasant Symptoms

🌲🦋 Save Butterflies This Holiday: Adopt a Tecate Cypress Tree

🩰🍪 An Exclusive Holiday Delight: Sweet Seats at ABT’s The Nutcracker

🎼🎼 Upcoming High School Music Calendar

⚠️🎄 Essential Holiday Safety Tips from OCFA to Keep Your Family Safe and Cozy

🏀 UC Irvine Women’s Basketball Opens Big West Play Against Cal State Bakersfield

🏀🏐🎾⚾ UCI Anteaters Upcoming Home Games

🏀 Irvine Valley Men’s Basketball Dominates El Camino, 79-48

🏀🏀 Upcoming home games for the IVC LASERS

🏆 Irvine Schools Celebrate Historic CIF Championship Wins in Fall Sports

🏈🎾 High School Athletics Calendar

🚔👮 Two Arrested in Irvine for EBT Fraud and Grand Theft After Brief Pursuit

🍏🥭🍑 Local Farmers Markets

🌟🏪🎉Irvine’s Best Kept Secrets: Is Your Business One of Them?

📅📅 Lots of Local Events

📞💡 Useful Contact Information

What is it called when a snowman has a temper tantrum?

A meltdown.

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

405 Improvement Project Wins Top Honors in Southern California

The $2.16 billion, 16-mile 405 Improvement Project has been recognized as Project of the Year by the American Society of Civil Engineers OC Branch and Best Highway or Bridge Project by ENR. Completed in December, it has halved commute times for 400,000 daily drivers with the 405 Express Lanes, funded largely by Measure M. The project highlights OCTA’s commitment to improving mobility, including $42.4 million in recent funds for enhanced transit options benefiting cities like Irvine.

All Aboard! Don’t Miss the Dazzling Train of Lights at Irvine Park

Get ready for a festive adventure this holiday season with the Train of Lights at Irvine Park Railroad, running from December 26–30, 2024. Here’s everything you need to know:

  • Dates & Times: December 26–30, from 5:00 PM to 9:00 PM daily.

  • What to Expect:

    • A one-mile train ride through dazzling holiday lights and festive scenes.

    • Operates rain or shine.

  • Ticket Information:

    • Online sales begin December 9 at 10:00 AM.

    • Prices:

      • 5:00 PM – 6:00 PM: $16

      • 6:00 PM – 7:00 PM: $14

      • 7:00 PM – 8:00 PM: $12

      • 8:00 PM – 9:00 PM: $10

    • Children under 24 months ride free.

  • Santa's Village:

    • Open from 10:00 AM to 9:00 PM during the event.

    • Free entry, with activity tickets available for $8 each or $100 for 15.

  • Parking: $3–$7 depending on the day, free after 6:00 PM.

For more details and to purchase tickets, visit the Irvine Park Railroad website.

Tanaka Farms Offers 50% Off Hikari Admission for Irvine Residents and Students

Irvine Appreciation Nights at Tanaka Farms offer 50% off admission for Irvine residents and local college students every Wednesday and Thursday. Simply show proof of address or student ID for the discount (walk-up only). The festivities kick off December 4th with a special visit from the Irvine police, including Officer Mendoza and the Community Outreach Team. Join Tanaka Farms in celebrating the season!

Get in the Game: Join the Mahjongg Club Interest List at Woodbridge

The Woodbridge Association is starting a Mahjongg Club for intermediate and experienced players, meeting Thursdays, 12:30–3:30 p.m., at the Woodbridge Community Center to play American Mahjongg. Call (949) 786-1800 during business hours to join the interest list or volunteer as the club leader. Updates will be shared in the Reflections newsletter.

OCFA’s Spark of Love Toy Drive: Donate Toys and Bring Joy to Local Kids

The OCFA's Spark of Love Toy Drive, in partnership with KWAVE, collects new, unwrapped toys for children in need across 23 cities in Orange County, excluding cities with their own fire departments (e.g., Anaheim, Newport Beach). Last year, 38,000 toys were collected through fire stations, businesses, and events like Stuff-A-Bus. This year’s drive runs from November 8 to December 13, with collection points at all 78 OCFA fire stations, headquarters, and special events. Businesses can donate via an online form, and individuals seeking toys should contact KWAVE. Monetary donations can also be made online or by calling (714) 573-6000. For questions, email [email protected].

Stay Healthy This Winter: Tips to Avoid Norovirus and Its Unpleasant Symptoms

Winter is all about cozy nights and festive fun, but it also brings norovirus, the pesky "stomach flu" that loves to crash the party.This virus spreads through contaminated food, water, surfaces, and close contact, causing nausea, vomiting, diarrhea, and stomach pain.

  • To prevent infection, practice good hygiene like frequent handwashing, ensure safe food handling, disinfect shared spaces, stay home when sick, and be cautious while traveling.

  • Norovirus symptoms are usually self-limiting but staying hydrated and resting are crucial.

  • For persistent symptoms or concerns, Family Care Centers Medical Group is here to help maintain your health this winter.

Save Butterflies This Holiday: Adopt a Tecate Cypress Tree

Roger’s Gardens is offering a unique way to celebrate the season while supporting conservation efforts. Their potted Tecate Cypress, a Federally Endangered Species native to Orange County and crucial for the Thorne’s Hairstreak butterfly, serves as a beautiful potted Christmas tree or a long-term landscape addition. Known for its vibrant green color and drought tolerance, the Tecate Cypress combines practicality with purpose. For every tree sold, $10 will be donated to the Irvine Ranch Conservancy to aid in restoration efforts, helping to secure a brighter future for this rare species.

An Exclusive Holiday Delight: Sweet Seats at ABT’s The Nutcracker

ABT’s The Nutcracker offers an exclusive Sweet Seats experience for the holiday season. Guests enjoy premium Orchestra seating along with special perks, including a keepsake ornament, a collectible poster, Läderach chocolates, a holiday cookie, and a Segerstrom Center tote bag. With limited availability, this magical offer is the perfect way to celebrate the iconic American Ballet Theatre performance. Learn more

Upcoming Northwood High School’s Music Calendar

  1. Wed, December 4-5, 7:00 - 8:30 PM: Instumental Music Winter Concert

  2. Fri, December 13, 7:00 - 8:30 PM: Winter Gala Concert

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

Upcoming University High School's Choirs Calendar

  1. Thu, December 5, 7:00 PM: A Winter Celebration at Big Theater.

For the latest updates or additional details, please visit https://www.uhschoirs.org/2024-25-season.html

Upcoming Woodbridge High School's Music Calendar

  1. Thurs, December 12, 7:00 - 9:00 PM: Winter Concerts: Concert Orchestra, Symphonic Orchestra and Philharmonic Orchestra

  2. Fri, December 13, 7:00 - 9:00 PM: Winter Concerts: Concert Band, Symphonic Band and Wind Ensemble

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

Upcoming Woodbridge High School’s Vocal Music Calendar

  1. Fri, December 6, 7:00 PM: Winter Celebration Concert at WHS Performing Arts Center.

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

Upcoming Irvine High School's Music Calendar

  1. Wed, December 18, 6:00-10:00 PM: IM Winter Concert

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

Essential Holiday Safety Tips from OCFA to Keep Your Family Safe and Cozy

The holidays are the perfect time to cozy up with festive candles, twinkling lights, and a beautifully decorated tree. To keep the cheer going strong, here are some easy safety tips to follow:

Switch to flameless candles or use flame-resistant holders, and always keep candles out of reach of kids, pets, and anything flammable. Never leave them unattended or burning when you head to bed.

For holiday lights, check for any frayed wires or loose connections, and replace burned-out bulbs with the same wattage. Don’t overload your outlets, and make sure outdoor lights are plugged into GFCI-protected circuits. Always turn off your holiday lights before leaving the house or going to sleep.

If you have a Christmas tree, keep it away from heaters, fireplaces, and vents. Place it in a spot where it won’t block doorways or get in the way of daily activities. Choose flame-resistant decorations and remember to take the tree out shortly after the holidays—it’s amazing how fast a dry tree can catch fire.

UC Irvine Women’s Basketball Opens Big West Play Against Cal State Bakersfield

UC Irvine women’s basketball (5-3) kicks off Big West play against Cal State Bakersfield (0-6) on Thursday, Dec. 5, at 6:30 p.m. at the Icardo Center. UCI, on a 46-day road stretch, seeks its fifth-straight conference-opening win. Key players include sophomore Summah Hanson, averaging 17.0 points and 8.8 rebounds in recent games, and junior Hunter Hernandez, leading the team with 15.7 ppg. The Anteaters, defending Big West champions, are ranked 20th nationally in free-throw percentage (78.1%) and excel defensively, allowing just 58.6 ppg. Cal State Bakersfield seeks its first win this season, with Caitie Gingras and Ary Dizon leading the Roadrunners. UCI has dominated the series recently, winning seven of the last eight meetings.

UCI Anteaters Upcoming Home Games

Men’s Basketball

  1. Thu, Dec 5: vs Cal State Bakersfield, 7:00 PM

Irvine Valley Men’s Basketball Dominates El Camino, 79-48

The Irvine Valley men’s basketball team secured its third consecutive win with a dominant 79-48 victory over El Camino at home. Freshman guard Parker Tuttle led with 19 points, shooting 7 of 11 from the field and 4 of 8 from three, along with five rebounds and three steals. Yanis Aldeguer added 11 points, and Ethan Tauber contributed 10 points and three assists. The team shot an impressive 56.4% from the field and out-rebounded El Camino 41-19, with bench players outscoring the Warriors 40-5.

🏐⚽🏀 Upcoming home games for the IVC LASERS 

Women’s Basketball

  1. Sat, Dec 14: vs Glendale, 3:00 PM

Men’s Basketball

  1. Fri, Dec 13: vs Mt. San Antonio, 5:00 PM

  2. Fri, Dec 20: vs Cypress, 7:00 PM

  3. Mon, Dec 30: vs Alumni, 6:00 PM

Irvine Schools Celebrate Historic CIF Championship Wins in Fall Sports

Three Irvine schools celebrated remarkable CIF championship victories this fall!

  • 🏆 Northwood High's Flag Football team made history, claiming the inaugural Division 2 title.

  • 🏈 Portola High's Football team earned their first-ever CIF championship with a thrilling win.

  • ⛳ Portola Girls Golf secured the Division 2 title by a 10-stroke lead—marking their second championship in three seasons.

Congratulations to all the student-athletes and coaches! Read more: iusd.org/CIFChampions2024 

High School Athletics Calendar

** Updated With December Schedule

Upcoming Irvine High School’s Varsity home games:

November 2024  

Wednesday, December 4

  • 04:00 PM: Water Polo, Girls VR vs. Canyon (Anaheim) at Woolett Pool

Friday, December 6

  • 05:00 PM: Soccer, Boys VR vs. Estancia at Irvine High School Stadium

Tuesday, December 10

  • 04:00 PM: Water Polo, Girls VR vs. Portola at Woolett Pool

Two Arrested in Irvine for EBT Fraud and Grand Theft After Brief Pursuit

Detectives investigating a transnational EBT fraud scheme spotted suspicious activity near Culver and Irvine Center Drive. When attempting to stop the suspects, they fled—leading to a brief car chase ending near Culver and Irvine Blvd. One suspect was detained in the car, while the other was found hiding in a dumpster. Christian Margel, 22, of Anaheim, and Teresa Margel, 20, of Fullerton, were arrested and charged with grand theft, felony evasion, and resisting arrest. Both are now in Orange County Jail.

Irvine’s Best Kept Secrets: Is Your Business One of Them?

We know our community is brimming with businesses that have fascinating stories and big hearts. If you’re a local business owner making waves, crafting unique experiences, or simply putting a smile on our faces, we want to chat with you! “Irvine Insider” is eager to shine a light on the unsung heroes of our city. Let’s collaborate and let the community know what makes your business special.

Click the link below and fill out the Local Business Spotlight Application Form to be featured and let’s celebrate the spirit of Irvine together!

Irvine Insider is sent to a local audience of Irvine residence Monday through Friday with 50% - 60% open rate. Our newsletter is a great way to reach Irvine residents.

  • 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

November 1 - December 14 Annual Holiday Toy Drive

November 18 – December 13 Letters to Santa

November 29– December 29 Hikari Festival of Lights

December 5 - 7 Art of the Spanish Guitar 8 PM

December 7 - 8 Holiday Market 3 - 8 PM

December 7 - 15 Holiday Makers Mart 10 AM - 4 PM

December 8 Handel's Glorious Messiah 3 PM

December 17 Holiday Organ Spectacular 7:30 PM

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