In this Irvine Insider Issue . . .

😁 Laugh Of The Day

🌤️ Irvine Weather

🩸💉🅰️🅱️🆎🅾️ Urgent Blood Drive in Irvine: Save Lives and Win Holiday Gifts

🧸🚚⚓️ Drive-Thru Holiday Cheer: Irvine's Toy Drive for Marine Families!

🐶😺 News Alert: "Irvine Animal Care Center Hosts Major Pet Adoption & Fundraiser – Dec 10: Cats, Dogs, Birds & More!

🌱🌍Eco-Friendly Alert: Irvine Residents, Claim Your Free Compost this Saturday, Dec 9

🧱🤹‍♂️University Park Library's Lego Extravaganza on December 8th: All Ages Welcome

🏥🏆UCI Health Maternity Services Tops U.S. News & World Report Rankings

🏃‍♂️🧘‍♀️🍏Stay Active, Stay Healthy: Sunlight & Vitamin D Foods Key to Health!

🦁🏞️🐾Discover the Secrets of the Mountain Lion: Stealthy Predators of the Wild

⚖️🏆OCSA Mock Trial Team Advances to Top 8

🎼🎼 Upcoming High School Music Calendar

🏀🔥 Dramatic Finish: UC Irvine Women's Basketball Clinches Victory Over New Mexico State in Tense Showdown

⚽🏆🎉Historic Season for UC Irvine's Women's Soccer: Anteaters Clinch Big West Title, Reach Sweet Sixteen with Record-Breaking Performances

🤽‍♂️⚽🏐 UCI Anteaters Upcoming Home Games

🏐⚽🏀 Upcoming home games for the IVC LASERS

🏈🎾 High School Varsity Athletics: Football Face-offs and Sports Calendar

👮 Breaking News: Irvine Police Hunt for Trio in Turtle Rock Home Invasion

👮 Seeking Identity: Man Spotted Tampering with Cars in University Park

📅📅 Lots of Local Events

What do you get if you cross a snowman and a dog?

Answer: Frostbite!

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

Urgent Blood Drive in Irvine: Save Lives and Win Holiday Gifts

Tackle the blood shortage in Orange County, Irvine City and UCI Health are hosting a blood drive on December 20, from 9 a.m. to 3 p.m., at Irvine Civic Center. Donors at this event will receive a $10 gift card, a choice of a t-shirt or beanie, and a chance to win a holiday gift basket. Appointments can be made online but walk-ins are welcome.

Source

Drive-Thru Holiday Cheer: Irvine's Toy Drive for Marine Families!

Join the City of Irvine and the Irvine 2/11 Marine Adoption Committee for a Holiday Toy Drive on December 9, 9 a.m.–noon, at the Irvine Civic Center. Bring new, unwrapped toys for kids up to 12 years old to the drive-thru drop-off in the Civic Center Parking Lot. Volunteers will assist with collecting toys from your car. Your donations will support the families of Irvine's adopted 2/11 Marine Battalion. For more info, visit irvine211marines.org or call 949-724-6892. Let's help make the holidays brighter!

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News Alert: "Irvine Animal Care Center Hosts Major Pet Adoption & Fundraiser – Dec 10: Cats, Dogs, Birds & More!

Visit the Home for the Holidays Pet Adoption and Fundraiser at Irvine Animal Care Center on Sunday, Dec 10, from 10 a.m. to 2 p.m. Adopt cats, dogs, birds, and rabbits from local shelters. Enjoy food trucks, holiday baked goods, and a chance to win prizes like a Dolphin & Whale Safari. Entry is $5 for adults, free for kids and parking. More info at irvineanimals.org/homeholidays. Join for a fun, pet-friendly holiday event!

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Eco-Friendly Alert: Irvine Residents, Claim Your Free Compost this Saturday, Dec 9

Free compost giveaway for Irvine residents on Dec 9 at the Great Park, 9 a.m. - noon. Collect up to three 20-pound bags in Parking Lot 8. Details at https://www.cityofirvine.org/news-media/news-article/get-free-compost-december-9.

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University Park Library's Lego Extravaganza on December 8th: All Ages Welcome

Lego Block Party for all ages at University Park Library (4512 Sandburg Way) on Dec 8th, 3-4pm. Big blocks for young kids, smaller ones for older kids. Info: (949) 786-4001

Source

UCI Health Maternity Services Tops U.S. News & World Report Rankings

UCI Health Maternity Services has been awarded the top rating by U.S. News & World Report for its excellent and safe care for expectant families. Details at https://www.ucihealth.org/news/2023/12/us-news-best-maternity-hospital

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Stay Active, Stay Healthy: Sunlight & Vitamin D Foods Key to Health!

Overcome seasonal blues by getting more sunlight and eating Vitamin D-rich foods; stay active for better health.

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Discover the Secrets of the Mountain Lion: Stealthy Predators of the Wild

Mountain lions, top predators known for their stealth and large padded paws, are adaptable to various ecosystems like mountains, forests, and deserts. They're most active at dawn and dusk, using their excellent night vision for hunting. Discover more about wildlife monitoring at https://letsgooutside.org/about/wildlife-monitoring. 🐾🌲🏔️🌙

Source

OCSA Mock Trial Team Advances to Top 8

OCSA (Orange County School of the Arts) Mock Trial team in round 6! They're in the top 8 of the competition and we're excited for them.

Source

Upcoming Northwood High School’s Music Calendar

1. December 15, 2023: Winter Gala (7:00 pm - 8:30 pm)

2. January 11, 2024: IUSD Winds Area Concert (7:00 pm - 8:30 pm)

3. January 12, 2024: Symphony Irvine Collaboration Concert (7:00 pm - 8:30 pm)

4. March 6, 2024: Spring Festival Concert – Band (7:00 pm - 8:00 pm)

5. March 7, 2024: Spring Festival Concert – Orchestra (7:00 pm - 8:00 pm)

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

7. 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. October 12 & 13: Songs & Stories ('80s!) at 7:00 PM.

2. December 7 & 8: A Winter Celebration at 7:00 PM.

3. February 1 & 2: LEGENDS CONCERT at 7:00 PM.

4. March 7, 8, 9, 14,15, 16: EVITA - Spring Musical at 7:00 PM.

5. 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

1. December 10, 2023: Winter Wind Concert at 4:00 PM

2. December 14, 2023: Winter Concerts at 7:00 PM

3. December 15, 2023: Winter Concerts at 7:00 PM

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

Upcoming Woodbridge High School’s Vocal Music Calendar

1. January 17th-22nd: WHS Music Department Disney World Trip

2. February 29th-March 2nd, 7 PM shows: The Wizard of Oz

3. March 22nd, 7 PM: Spring Concert

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

5. 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

1. Wed Dec 6, 2023, 7pm - 9:30pm: Orchestra Concert

2. Thu Dec 7, 2023, 7pm - 9:30pm: Band Concert

3. Tue Dec 19, 2023, 7pm - 9pm: Jazz the Halls

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

Upcoming Irvine High School's Choral Calendar

1. Sat, Dec. 9, 5:00 PM: Sparkle & Shine Holiday Concert (All choirs) at Game Gym.

2. Wed, Dec. 13, 6-7 PM: Caroling Performance (Singers & Canta Bella) at JWA Airport.

3. Tues, Dec. 19, 7:00 PM: Jazz the Halls (Chordinated Chaos) at IHS Theater.

4. Fri & Sat, Jan. 26 & 27: Weekend Singers & Canta Bella at Pilgrim Pines.

5. Th-Sat, Feb. 1-3, All day: CA All-State Choir Weekend (Any Student) in Sacramento, CA.

6. Th.-Sat, Feb. 29-Mar 2, 7:00 PM: IHS Musical (Any student) at IHS Theater.

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

18. 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

Dramatic Finish: UC Irvine Women's Basketball Clinches Victory Over New Mexico State in Tense Showdown

UC Irvine women's basketball team defeated New Mexico State 61-55 in a closely contested game with 13 ties and nine lead changes. The Anteaters pulled ahead in the fourth quarter, outscoring the Aggies 24-18, and held them without a field goal in the final minutes.

Source

Historic Season for UC Irvine's Women's Soccer: Anteaters Clinch Big West Title, Reach Sweet Sixteen with Record-Breaking Performances

UC Irvine women's soccer had a remarkable 2023 season with a 10-8-6 record:

• First team to beat a No. 1 seed in the first round and reach the Sweet Sixteen.

• Glo Hinojosa tied the program record with 31 career shutouts tying the program record with assistant coach Danielle de Seriere

• This is UCI's 5th trip to the NCAAs with an all-time record now of 6-4-2 including 4-0-1 in the First Round all-time

• Secured their third Big West 3-peat, with a 7-0-1 record in championship matches.

• Fifth-year midfielder Gianna Creighton finishes her career as the program's all-time leader with 87 matches and starts

• The 'Eaters played down a player for the final 15:31 at UCLA and managed to score the game-winner in the 87th minute

• The Anteaters finish ranked #20 in the final United Soccer Coaches rankings, a second year in a row finishing ranked and 3rd time in program history

Source

UCI Anteaters Upcoming Home Games

Men's Basketball

1.  December 16th, 2023 vs South Dakota - 7:00 PM

2.  December 28th, 2023 vs UC Riverside - 7:00 PM

Women's Basketball

1.  December 30th, 2023 vs Cal State Bakersfield - 2:00 PM

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🏐⚽🏀 Upcoming home games for the IVC LASERS

Men’s Basketball:

1. Fri Dec 15 - vs LA Valley. 6:00 PM

2. Tue Dec 19 - vs Orange Coast. 6:00 PM

3. Fri Dec 29: vs Alumni. 5:00 PM

Women’s Basketball:

1. Fri Dec 22 - vs Alumni, Time TBA

High School Athletics Calendar -

** Updated With December Schedule

Northwood High School Monthly Athletics Calendar (All Level)

University High School Monthly Athletics Calendar (All Level)

Woodbridge High School Monthly Athletics Calendar (All Level)

Upcoming Irvine High School’s Varsity home games:

December 2023

- Friday, 8 December

- 05:00 PM: Boys Soccer, Varsity vs. St. Margarets Episcopal (Irvine High School Stadium)

- 07:00 PM: Boys Basketball, Varsity vs. Brea Olinda (Irvine High School Game Gym)

- Tuesday, 12 December

- 06:30 PM: Girls Basketball, Varsity vs. Trabuco Hills (Irvine High School Game Gym)

- Wednesday, 13 December

- 05:00 PM: Boys Soccer, Varsity vs. Aliso Niguel (Irvine High School Stadium)

- Friday, 15 December

- 07:00 PM: Boys Basketball, Varsity vs. Whitney (Irvine High School Game Gym)

- Tuesday, 19 December

- 05:00 PM: Girls Soccer, Varsity vs. Valencia/Placentia (Irvine High School Stadium)

- Wednesday, 20 December

- 05:00 PM: Boys Soccer, Varsity vs. Tustin (Irvine High School Stadium)

- 06:00 PM: Girls Basketball, Varsity vs. Edison (Irvine High School Game Gym)

- Thursday, 21 December

- 03:00 PM: Girls Water Polo, Varsity vs. Trabuco Hills (Woolett Pool)

Breaking News: Irvine Police Hunt for Trio in Turtle Rock Home Invasion

Irvine Police are seeking assistance to identify three suspects caught on camera attempting a burglary in Turtle Rock. They entered a house through the back after no response at the front door but fled when confronted by residents. Tips can be emailed to [email protected] or [email protected].

source

Seeking Identity: Man Spotted Tampering with Cars in University Park

Authorities are seeking identification of a man caught on camera attempting to open vehicle doors in University Park, Irvine, on November 22nd. The incident, which involved a vehicle burglary on the same street, was recorded in the early morning. If recognized, contact [email protected].

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November 24 - December 30 Hikari Festival of Lights at Tanaka Farms 4:30 PM - 10 PM

Click here for discount coupon code

December 7 - Empowering the Youth 5 PM - 7 PM

December 7 Crean Lutheran High School The Joy of Christmas: Christmas Around the World 7 PM

December 8-17 American Ballet Theatre's The Nutcracker

Click here to see the intro video

December 9 Concordia Christmas 

December 9 - 10 123 Andrés 

December 9 - 24 Festival Ballet Theatre: The Nutcracker

December 10 Holidays Around the World 11 AM

December 15 Woodbridge Winter Fest 4 - 6 PM

December 15 - 16 Celtic Woman: Christmas Symphony Tour 8 PM

December 14 - 16 A Merry Little Christmas with Megan Hilty

See video here

December 17 - 18 Tis the Season! 5 PM, 7:30 PM

December 18 The Holidays with Canadian Brass 8 PM

December 19 Holiday Organ Spectacular 7:30 PM

Decmber 22 The Pan American Nutcracker Suite Reimagined 8 PM

December 23 Fiesta Navidad 8 PM

Decmber 30 KC and the Sunshine Band 7:30 PM

December 30 Salute to Vienna New Year's Concert 3 PM