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All Five IUSD Comprehensive High Schools Earn AP School Honor Roll Recognition

Issue # 0550

Author

Joshua Tjia
16 Jan

In this Irvine Insider Issue . . .

😁 Fun Fact Friday

🌤️ Irvine Weather

🌮🍹 One-Night Taco Takeover with Michelin Chef Arturo Rivera at Puesto Irvine

🚜🏗️ Construction Progresses at The Canopy in Irvine’s Great Park

✈️🚒 OCFA Live Fire Training Underway at John Wayne Airport, Jan. 14–19

🧷 Diapers Available for Families in Need Through Crime Survivors Resource Center

🚌🌟 All Five IUSD Comprehensive High Schools Earn AP School Honor Roll Recognition

🛌 Tips and Simple Habits for Improved Sleep

🚲🚶🐎 Trail Etiquette 101: Tips for Bikers, Hikers, and Equestrians

🎨✋🏼 Crafts for a Cause: Irvine Libraries Offers Teen Volunteer Activities With Community Service Credit

🎼🎼 Upcoming High School Music Calendar

🛍️🛒 Plastic Carryout Bags Prohibited at California Retail Stores Starting 2026

🏐 UCI Men’s Volleyball: Andrej Jokanovic Named Anteater of the Week

🏀🏐🎾⚽️ UCI Anteaters Upcoming Home Games

🏀🏀 Upcoming home games for the IVC LASERS

🤼 Woodbridge Wrestling Goes Undefeated, Wins First League Title Since 2007

🏈🎾 High School Athletics Calendar

🚓🛒 Irvine Police Arrest Woman After Walmart Theft Investigation

🍏🥭🍑 Local Farmers Markets

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

📅📅 Lots of Local Events

📞💡 Useful Contact Information

Did you know…?

Coyotes don’t just howl—they perform! They can make at least 11 different sounds, from barks and yelps to group yip-howls and greeting songs. Thanks to this wide vocal range, just two coyotes can sound like an entire pack, using their “voices” to chat with family members and warn outsiders to stay away.

We hope this fun fact brings a smile to your day! 😁

One-Night Taco Takeover with Michelin Chef Arturo Rivera at Puesto Irvine

On Thursday, January 22, Puesto Park Place in Irvine will host a one-night-only Taco Takeover featuring Michelin-acclaimed Mexico City chef Arturo Rivera. From 5 p.m. to close, guests can enjoy Rivera’s signature Gaonera and Costilla tacos alongside Puesto favorites like Filet Mignon and Chicken al Pastor. The $40 prix-fixe menu includes starters, two tacos, esquites, and access to Puesto’s craft drinks.

Construction Progresses at The Canopy in Irvine’s Great Park

Construction at The Canopy in Irvine’s Great Park is progressing, with buildings underway, underground utilities expected to be completed within the next two months, and the first layer of asphalt installed along main drive aisles.

  • Site work has also begun for a future In-N-Out Burger location.

  • The Canopy is planned as a 12-acre mixed-use destination with over 90,000 square feet of retail, dining, and everyday services, and is currently slated to open in late 2026.

OCFA Live Fire Training Underway at John Wayne Airport, Jan. 14–19

The Orange County Fire Authority is conducting FAA-required live fire training at John Wayne Airport from January 14–19. Fire or light smoke may be visible during this time in a designated training area. The exercises use clean-burning propane, produce minimal smoke, and are not expected to affect airport operations. The training supports preparedness for emergency response at the airport.

Diapers Available for Families in Need Through Crime Survivors Resource Center

Crime Survivors Resource Center has diapers available for pickup, supporting approximately 100–150 children each month thanks to community partners and donors. Families in need can schedule a pickup by appointment, and donations of wipes, powder, and other baby essentials are also welcomed.

For assistance or to help, contact [email protected], call (844) 853-HOPE, or visit crimesurvivors.org.

All Five IUSD Comprehensive High Schools Earn AP School Honor Roll Recognition

All five Irvine Unified School District comprehensive high schools were named to the College Board’s AP School Honor Roll for 2025. The national recognition acknowledges the district’s efforts to expand access to Advanced Placement coursework and support student participation and performance. The honor reflects the work of students and educators across Irvine, Northwood, Portola, University, and Woodbridge high schools.

Tips and Simple Habits for Improved Sleep

Having trouble sleeping is very common. Many people experience sleep difficulties, and when sleep is consistently poor, it can affect both health and daily well-being. Stress, medical issues, medications, stimulants, and sleep habits can all play a role. If sleep problems continue, checking in with a healthcare provider can help identify the cause and guide next steps.

Sleep Tips

  • Keep a steady bedtime and wake time

  • Go to bed when you feel sleepy; step away if you’re awake too long

  • Dim lights and limit screens before bed

  • Use your bed mainly for sleep

  • Exercise during the day, not late at night

  • Wind down with calming activities like reading or relaxation

  • Limit caffeine, alcohol, and smoking before bedtime

  • Keep naps short and earlier in the day

When Extra Support May Help

  • Sleep issues last more than a few weeks

  • You feel tired, unfocused, or low during the day

  • Others notice snoring or restless sleep

Sleep aids can help temporarily, but it’s best to talk with a healthcare professional about ongoing sleep concerns.

Trail Etiquette 101: Tips for Bikers, Hikers, and Equestrians

Heading out on the trails? Here are a few simple trail-etiquette tips to help keep the experience safe, welcoming, and enjoyable for all users.

Trail Tips:

  • Yield respectfully: Bikers yield to hikers, and both yield to equestrians.

  • Communicate early: A friendly call-out when approaching helps avoid surprises.

  • Stay on the trail: Use marked paths to protect habitats and prevent erosion.

Crafts for a Cause: Irvine Libraries Offers Teen Volunteer Activities With Community Service Credit

Irvine Public Library is offering Teen Kindness with a Cause activities where high school students (ages 13+) can earn up to one hour of school community service credit while supporting local organizations through hands-on craft projects like making stuffies and blankets.

Upcoming Dates:

  • Tuesday, January 20 — Heritage Park Library, 5:00–6:00 PM

  • Tuesday, January 27 — University Park Library, 5:00–6:00 PM

  • Find more information here

Upcoming Northwood High School’s Music Calendar

No further events scheduled for this month.

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

Upcoming Woodbridge High School's Music Calendar

No further events scheduled for this month.

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

Upcoming Woodbridge High School’s Vocal Music Calendar

No further events scheduled for this month.

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

Upcoming Irvine High Choral’s Music Calendar

  1. January 23 - 24: Advanced Choirs Retreat Weekend, Pali Retreat

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

Upcoming Portola High School Music’s Calendar

No further events scheduled for this month.

For the latest updates or additional details, please visit https://www.phsmusicbooster.org/buy-ticket

Plastic Carryout Bags Prohibited at California Retail Stores Starting 2026

As of January 1, 2026, California state law prohibits plastic carryout bags at grocery, pharmacy, and convenience stores. Retailers will provide recycled paper bags, and customers may also bring reusable bags. The policy is intended to reduce plastic waste statewide.

UCI Men’s Volleyball: Andrej Jokanovic Named Anteater of the Week

UC Irvine men’s volleyball freshman Andrej Jokanovic was named Anteater of the Week after leading the Anteaters to a 3–0 sweep at the UCSB Invitational. The outside hitter totaled 30 kills on .578 hitting, added seven aces, 38.5 points, 16 digs, and three blocks, including two error-free matches.

UCI Anteaters Upcoming Home Games

Women’s Tennis

  • Fri, Jan 16– vs Houston, 2:00 PM

  • Sun, Jan 18– vs Nevada, 11:00 AM

Women’s Basketball

  • Sat, Jan 17– vs UC Davis, 2:00 PM

🏐⚽🏀 Upcoming home games for the IVC LASERS 

Baseball

  • Sat, Jan 17 - vs Mt. San Antonio, 11:00 AM

Woodbridge Wrestling Goes Undefeated, Wins First League Title Since 2007

Woodbridge High School’s boys wrestling team finished undefeated (5–0) and captured the Pacific Coast League championship for the first time since 2007, highlighted by a dominant 64–9 win over University. The Warriors also posted decisive victories over Northwood, Irvine, Portola, and Laguna Beach, showcasing depth across all weight classes.

High School Athletics Calendar

**

Updated With January Schedule

Upcoming Irvine High School’s Varsity home games:

January 2026

Friday, January 16

  • Water Polo, Girls - 4:15 PM vs Northwood

  • Basketball, Girls - 5:30 PM vs University

  • Soccer, Boys - 6:00 PM vs Laguna Beach

Irvine Police Arrest Woman After Walmart Theft Investigation

Irvine Police arrested a 61-year-old Santa Ana woman after responding to a theft call at Walmart. Officers detained her for allegedly concealing stolen items, including lighters and candy, and discovered illegal drugs during a search of her backpack. The woman, identified as Maria Carmen Penaflor, was booked into Orange County Jail on charges of theft, drug sales, and trespassing.

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

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