California Rolls Out New 2026 Traffic Laws

Issue # 0541

Author

Joshua Tjia
05 Jan

In this Irvine Insider Issue . . .

😁 Laugh of the Day

🌤️ Irvine Weather

📦🥬🥦 Irvine Free Food Box Program Moves to Great Park in 2026

💚📞 Make Someone’s Day: Join Irvine’s Care Call Volunteer Program Supporting Older Adults

🚔 Irvine Police Conduct High Visibility Enforcement in West Irvine

♻️🎄 Christmas Tree Curbside Pickup Runs Dec. 26–Jan. 16

🚓🚦 California Rolls Out New 2026 Traffic Laws

⚡️🚲 What E-Bike Riders Need to Know About California’s New 2026 Rules

🎶⭐️ IUSD Music Teachers Named CMA Foundation Music Teachers of Excellence Semifinalists

🩻🌟 UCI Health Spine Center Earns National Recognition for Innovation and Team-Based Care

🌧️🚲 Wet Weather Prompts Closures Along Peters Canyon Bike Trail

🧵🎨 Refresh Your Craft Stash at Heritage Park Library’s Craft Supplies Swap

🎼🎼 Upcoming High School Music Calendar

🛍️ California Expands Plastic Grocery Bag Ban in 2026

🏀 UCI Women's Basketball Stays Perfect in Big West with 64–51 Win Over Fullerton

🏀🏐🎾⚽️ UCI Anteaters Upcoming Home Games

⚽️ Former IVC Soccer Player Domenyk Jara Fuels Concordia’s Best Season in Years

🏀🏀 Upcoming home games for the IVC LASERS

🏀 Crean Lutheran Boys Basketball Opens League Play With Comeback Win

🏈🎾 High School Athletics Calendar

🚓 Suspect Taken Into Custody After SWAT Standoff in Irvine’s Timberwood Area

🍏🥭🍑 Local Farmers Markets

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

📅📅 Lots of Local Events

📞💡 Useful Contact Information

What was the spider's New Year's resolution?

To spend less time on the web.

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

Irvine Free Food Box Program Moves to Great Park in 2026

The City of Irvine is continuing its monthly Free Grocery Food Box Program in 2026 at a new location—Great Park, Parking Lot 2. Eligible households can receive one free ~30-pound food box per month, first-come, first-served, with items like fresh produce, canned and frozen vegetables, beans, juice, grains, and meat or dairy when available.

  • The next distribution day will be on Thursday, January 8, 9 AM - 12 PM.

  • If you would like to volunteer to support monthly distributions, find more information here.

Make Someone’s Day: Join Irvine’s Care Call Volunteer Program Supporting Older Adults

The City of Irvine is seeking volunteers for its Care Call program, which connects older adults with friendly, supportive phone conversations to reduce loneliness and build community.

  • Volunteers (ages 21+) make regular 15–20 minute calls, provide companionship, share concerns with City staff, and receive City-led training.

  • Flexible volunteer hours are available Monday–Friday, 9 a.m.–4 p.m.

  • Interested residents can sign up for a volunteer orientation here 

  • Subscribe to the Older Adults E-Newsletter for updates on programs and opportunities.

Irvine Police Conduct High Visibility Enforcement in West Irvine

Irvine Police conducted a High Visibility Enforcement (HVE) operation in west Irvine near Gilette and Armstrong to address complaints about reckless driving and loud exhaust. Officers made 23 traffic stops, issuing 10 citations and 11 warnings, arresting and releasing two drivers on misdemeanor violations, towing two vehicles, and referring two others to the state referee for inspection.

Christmas Tree Curbside Pickup Runs Dec. 26–Jan. 16

Waste Management will collect holiday trees until January 16, 2026. Simply place your natural tree at the curb on your regular collection day.

✅ What to Do Before Pickup

  • Place trees at the curb on your regular collection day

  • Cut trees over 6 feet in half

  • Remove all decorations & tree stands

🚫 What Not to Do

  • No lights, ornaments, tinsel, or bags

  • Artificial trees do not go with green waste

♻️ After January 16

  • Cut trees and place pieces in the green waste cart or

  • Schedule a bulk pickup with WM

California Rolls Out New 2026 Traffic Laws

New California traffic laws take effect across California in 2026, bringing changes aimed at improving roadway safety, protecting pedestrians and cyclists, and keeping pace with evolving vehicle technology.

🚙 Driving & Speed Rules

  • Slow down or move over: You must slow down or change lanes for any stopped vehicle using hazard lights, cones, or flares — not just police or tow trucks.

  • Lower speed limits allowed: Caltrans can reduce highway speed limits by 5 mph.

    • Drivers get warnings only for the first 30 days after a change.

  • Work zone speed cameras (pilot program): Speeding in construction zones may be enforced using radar or laser systems that photograph license plates and mail citations.

🚸 School & Pedestrian Safety

  • School zones may drop to 20 mph: Cities can lower school zone speed limits from 25 mph to 20 mph.

  • Automatic change coming: By 2031, school zones will default to 20 mph where signs are posted.

🚔 Vehicle Stops & Impoundment

  • Police can impound certain vehicles for 48+ hours if:

    • The vehicle has fewer than four wheels and isn’t an e-bike

    • A high-speed electric vehicle (over 20 mph) is driven without a license

    • A Class 3 e-bike is ridden by someone under 16

  • Safety class may be required before the vehicle is released if a minor is involved.

🤖 Self-Driving Vehicles

  • Manufacturers can be cited: Police may issue violation notices directly to autonomous vehicle companies.

  • Emergency communication required (July 1, 2026): Driverless cars must have two-way communication so first responders can interact with them.

What E-Bike Riders Need to Know About California’s New 2026 Rules

To improve safety for riders, pedestrians, and drivers, California is updating several electric bicycle (e-bike) laws starting in 2026.

🚲 E-Bikes & Electric Motorcycles

  • E-bikes must have rear lights at all times: A red reflector or red light is required day and night.

  • Minors & helmet tickets: Kids cited for not wearing an e-bike helmet can complete a CHP online safety course instead.

  • Electric dirt bikes (“eMotos”):

    • Count as off-highway vehicles

    • Helmets required

    • Must display DMV-issued ID if not street-registered

🔋 E-Bike & Battery Safety

  • Stricter safety standards:

    • E-bikes, mobility devices, batteries, and chargers must pass independent safety testing

    • Products must be properly labeled

  • Non-compliant devices banned: Unsafe e-bikes or batteries cannot be sold in California.

  • Rental rules start in 2028: Rentals must also meet these safety standards.

IUSD Music Teachers Named CMA Foundation Music Teachers of Excellence Semifinalists

Erica Turrell, Vocal Music Teacher at Plaza Vista School, and Henry Miller, Instrumental Music Teacher at Sierra Vista Middle School, were named semifinalists for the CMA Foundation’s Music Teachers of Excellence Award, which honors outstanding dedication to music education. Selected from 222 semifinalists nationwide, Turrell and Miller are two of just three educators from Orange County and among only 14 from California.

UCI Health Spine Center Earns National Recognition for Innovation and Team-Based Care

The Comprehensive Spine Center at UCI Health has been recognized by Becker’s Hospital Review as one of the nation’s leading combined neurosurgery and spine programs for its work in patient care, research, and education.

  • As Orange County’s only academic-based spine program, the center is known for its multidisciplinary approach, cutting-edge minimally invasive and robot-assisted procedures, and global innovation—including the world’s first endoscopic spinal fusion using augmented reality led by Dr. Don Y. Park.

  • Collaborative care and ongoing quality improvements continue to deliver strong surgical outcomes and low readmission rates.

Wet Weather Prompts Closures Along Peters Canyon Bike Trail

Due to recent rain, City of Irvine City Hall has temporarily closed portions of the Peters Canyon Bike Trail at several locations. Crews will provide updates as conditions improve and cleanup is completed.

Closed locations:

  • 5 Freeway

  • Railroad Tracks / Como Trail

  • Warner

Free Coloring Pages For You

Enjoy this complementary coloring pages as our gift to you! It’s available to download and print for creative fun. We’d love to hear what you think—feel free to share your thoughts or let us know how you enjoyed it and which style would you like to see more.

Refresh Your Craft Stash at Heritage Park Library’s Craft Supplies Swap

Refresh your craft stash at the Craft Supplies Swap on Saturday, January 10, from 9 a.m.–1 p.m. at Heritage Park Library. Browse and take home a wide variety of free, donated craft materials—no registration required and open to all ages.

  • Donations of clean, new, or gently used craft supplies are accepted January 3–9 during library hours at Borrower Services.

  • Donors receive early entry from 9–11 a.m., with general entry from 11 a.m.–1 p.m.

Upcoming Northwood High School’s Music Calendar

  1. January 8: Northwood Area Concert

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

Upcoming Woodbridge High School's Music Calendar

  1. January 14, 7:00 – 10:00 PM: Dance Company: Winter Show, WHS Performing Arts

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

California Expands Plastic Grocery Bag Ban in 2026

California’s expanded plastic bag ban has taken effect as of January 1, 2026, ending the use of all plastic grocery bags at most retail stores. The law requires shoppers to bring reusable bags or purchase recyclable paper bags.

UCI Women's Basketball Stays Perfect in Big West with 64–51 Win Over Fullerton

The UC Irvine women’s basketball team stayed perfect in Big West play with a 64–51 home win over Cal State Fullerton, extending its school-record win streak to 12 and improving to 13–2 overall (4–0 Big West).

UCI Anteaters Upcoming Home Games

Men’s Basketball

  • Thur, Jan 8 – vs Long Beach State, 7:00 PM

Women’s Basketball

  • Sat, Jan 10 – vs Hawai'i, 2:00 PM

Former IVC Soccer Player Domenyk Jara Fuels Concordia’s Best Season in Years

Former Irvine Valley men’s soccer standout Domenyk Jara earned First Team All-PacWest honors in his final season at Concordia University Irvine, leading a defense that recorded six shutouts and the program’s first winning season in six years. Jara previously helped Irvine Valley College reach the 2021 SoCal Regional playoffs with a strong defensive showing.

🏐⚽🏀 Upcoming home games for the IVC LASERS 

Women’s Basketball

  • Wed, Jan 7 - vs Cypress, 7:00 PM

Men’s Basketball

  • Wed, Jan 7 - vs Cypress, 5:00 PM

  • Wed, Jan 14 - vs Santiago Canyon, 5:00 PM

Baseball

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

Crean Lutheran Boys Basketball Opens League Play With Comeback Win

Crean Lutheran Saints came back from a four-point halftime deficit to beat the Cypress Centurions 72–60 in their Crestview League opener. Hunter Caplan led with 19 points, while Chadrack Mpoyi (17 points) and Nick Giarrusso (14 points) helped seal the late win. Caplan and Giarrusso also celebrated reaching 1,000 career points in the victory.

High School Athletics Calendar

**

Updated With January Schedule

Upcoming Irvine High School’s Varsity home games:

January 2026

Tuesday, January 6

  • Basketball, Boys - 7:00 PM vs Woodbridge

Wednesday, January 7

  • Water Polo, Girls - 4:00 PM vs Rosary Academy

  • Wrestling, Girls - 4:00 PM vs Portola

  • Wrestling, Boys - 4:00 PM vs Portola

Friday, January 9

  • Soccer, Boys - 5:00 PM vs Portola

  • Basketball, Boys - 7:00 PM vs Portola

Suspect Taken Into Custody After SWAT Standoff in Irvine’s Timberwood Area

An hours-long SWAT standoff occurred Saturday in an Irvine neighborhood after police linked vandalized vehicles to gunfire that struck a nearby home in the 700 block of Timberwood. The Irvine Police Department identified a 47-year-old local resident as a suspect and attempted to serve a warrant around 6 p.m. After more than eight hours, SWAT officers took the individual into custody without injuries, and the situation was resolved peacefully.

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

January 8 Free Grocery Food Box 9 AM - 12 PM

January 10 - 11 Modern Makers Mart - Woodbury Town Center 10 AM to 4 PM

January 18 The Firebird 3 PM

January 22 Blade Runner 8 PM

January 24 Free Paper Shredding Event 9 - 11 AM

January 28 Seong-jin Cho, piano 8 PM

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