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California's Spring Super Bloom: The Golden State Awakens with Vibrant Poppies

Issue # 0135

Author

Joshua Tjia
04 Apr

In this Irvine Insider Issue . . .

😁 Laugh Of The Day

🌤️ Irvine Weather

👮‍♀️🚔Irvine Police Department Launches Exclusive Community Academy - Enroll Now

🚧🔨 This Week in Irvine: Navigating Through Road Closures and Pavement Rehab Projects

🏙️👀 Irvine's Next 25 Years: Be Part of the Vision That Will Transform the City

💃🪩 UCI’s Dance Escape 2024: A Showcase of Emerging Talents at Claire Trevor Theatre

🟠🖍️🟡 Learn Shapes and Colors with Rita from Orange County Public Libraries

🧼🫧 UCI Health's Study Reveals: Simple Cleansing Protocol Could Be the Key to Defeating Antibiotic-Resistant Superbugs

🌻🌼🌻 California's Spring Super Bloom: The Golden State Awakens with Vibrant Poppies

👩‍🎨🎨 Don’t Miss Irvine’s Annual High School Art Exhibition: A Showcase of Emerging Talent

🎼🎼 Upcoming High School Music Calendar

🐩🦴 Help Orphaned Animals by Volunteer at Irvine Animal Care Center

🎾 UC Irvine's Men's Tennis Team Dominate UC Davis in Their Big West Season Opener

🤽‍♀️ UC Irvine’s Lauren Hett Clinches Big West Player of the Week After Stellar Water Polo Performances

🏀🏐🎾⚾ UCI Anteaters Upcoming Home Games

🎾 Irvine Valley's Men's Tennis Team Sweeps Orange Coast, Capping Off Stellar Season

🏀🏀 Upcoming home games for the IVC LASERS

🏈🎾 High School Athletics Calendar

👮🐕 Trio Arrested in Irvine Burglary, Police K9 Hero Sniffs Out Hidden Suspect

🍏🥭🍑 Local Farmers Markets

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

📅📅 Lots of Local Events

📞💡 Useful Contact Information

Why did the bunnies go on strike?

Because they wanted a better celery!

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

Irvine Police Department Launches Exclusive Community Academy - Enroll Now

The Irvine Police Department is accepting applications for its Community Police Academy (CPA), a 9-week program running from April 11 to June 6 on Thursday nights from 6 to 9 p.m. The academy aims to educate community members about the Irvine Police Department's operations, including traffic enforcement, emergency responses, and specialized units like Detectives, K9s, and SWAT, through classroom learning, hands-on activities, and live demos. Space is limited, so interested individuals should apply soon at the provided link. For questions, contact Sergeant James Do at [email protected].

See video

This Week in Irvine: Navigating Through Road Closures and Pavement Rehab Projects


Road Construction & Improvement Projects April 4-11

  • SR-261 Ramp Closures: Caltrans schedules closures on SR-261 from April 3-4 for lane striping refresh. Closures include various on- and off-ramps at Portola Parkway, Irvine Boulevard, and Walnut Avenue, with specific times listed for each. Adjustments may occur due to weather or other factors. Contact [email protected] for more info.

  • Weekly Slurry Seal Schedule (April 6-7, 7 a.m. - 5 p.m.): Irvine's Annual Street Rehabilitation includes Slurry Seal application affecting traffic on Culver Drive, Irvine Center Drive, Barranca Parkway, and Alton Parkway. Alternate routes recommended.

  • Jamboree Pavement Rehabilitation: Phase two started April 1, focusing on asphalt work along Jamboree Road from Michelle Drive to the railroad tracks, with no full closures. Northbound Walnut off-ramp and southbound Walnut on-ramp on Jamboree Road to reopen. Work behind K-rail closures from 7 a.m. to 5:30 p.m.

Irvine's Next 25 Years: Be Part of the Vision That Will Transform the City

Irvine is updating its General Plan for the next 25+ years, including a Draft Program Environmental Impact Report to assess potential environmental effects. Public feedback is encouraged until April 29 at 5 p.m. The report and more details are available at irvine2045.org, City Hall, and select libraries. Comments can be submitted by mail or email.

#WeAreIrvine #Irvine2045

UCI’s Dance Escape 2024: A Showcase of Emerging Talents at Claire Trevor Theatre

Dance Escape 2024, led by artistic director S. Ama Wray, is UCI’s Department of Dance's exciting annual spring showcase happening from April 18-20 at Claire Trevor Theatre. This event features original new works by M.F.A. choreographers, showcasing the exceptional skills of both graduate and undergraduate dancers. Expect a captivating evening of creativity, passion, and artistry that blends innovation with tradition in a unique performance.

Learn Shapes and Colors with Rita from Orange County Public Libraries

Introducing young learners to the basics of shapes and colors is an essential step in preparing them for kindergarten. Engaging in simple sing-along activities not only makes learning fun but also reinforces their understanding and recognition of different shapes. This approach is a creative and effective way to ensure your child is kindergarten-ready, fostering early learning in an enjoyable manner. Join Rita from OCPL in exploring the vibrant world of shapes and colors in this short sing-along video.

UCI Health's Study Reveals: Simple Cleansing Protocol Could Be the Key to Defeating Antibiotic-Resistant Superbugs

A UCI Health study, led by infectious diseases expert Dr. Susan Huang, has shown that a collaborative regional approach using antiseptic soap and nasal ointment significantly reduces infections, hospitalizations, deaths, and the spread of hard-to-treat superbugs in hospitals, nursing homes, and long-term care facilities. The study, which involved over 50,000 patients across 35 Southern California healthcare facilities, demonstrated a 30% reduction in multidrug-resistant organism (MDRO) infections and a 27% decrease in hospitalizations from infections among nursing home residents, leading to a 24% reduction in associated deaths. Funded by a $13.7 million federal grant and published in the Journal of the American Medical Association, the research highlights the effectiveness of regional decolonization protocols in combating antimicrobial resistance, a major global public health threat. The successful SHIELD-OC program's protocols and training materials are available for healthcare facilities looking to adopt this cost-effective infection prevention strategy.

California's Spring Super Bloom: The Golden State Awakens with Vibrant Poppies

In spring, California's landscapes are transformed by vibrant native flowers, with the California poppy (Eschscholzia californica) being particularly iconic. Recognized as the state flower in 1903, its bright orange and yellow colors symbolize California, celebrated annually on April 6 as "California Poppy Day." Native to California and regions beyond, this flower is known for its distinctive orange or yellow petals and its unique behavior of closing at night or in cloudy weather, a phenomenon not fully understood. The California poppy attracts thousands of visitors, especially during super blooms, emphasizing the importance of responsible viewing to protect these natural wonders. Besides their beauty, these poppies are crucial for local wildlife, providing essential nourishment for birds, small mammals, and various pollinators, thereby supporting biodiversity.

Don’t Miss Irvine’s Annual High School Art Exhibition: A Showcase of Emerging Talent

The annual High School Art Exhibition in Irvine showcases the city's young talent across various media like photography and ceramics. Marissa Sykes, a seasoned artist, will judge and award five top artworks. The event starts April 8, with a free reception on April 25 at City Hall. Celebrate future creatives' achievements and learn more at cityofirvine.org/artatcityhall.

#FutureCreatives #SupportYoungArtists

Upcoming Northwood High School’s Music Calendar

  1. 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. 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 April.

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

Upcoming Woodbridge High School’s Vocal Music Calendar

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

  2. 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 April.

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

Upcoming Irvine High School's Choral Calendar

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

  9. 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

Help Orphaned Animals by Volunteer at Irvine Animal Care Center

The Irvine Animal Care Center is seeking Foster Care and Transport volunteers to aid orphaned animals. For details and application, visit irvineanimals.org/volunteer.

#IrvineAnimalCareCenter #IrvineAnimals

UC Irvine's Men's Tennis Team Dominate UC Davis in Their Big West Season Opener

UC Irvine's men's tennis team defeated UC Davis 4-0 in their Big West opener, improving their record to 11-5 and marking their first conference win. The victory ended UC Davis's unbeaten streak in the Big West, moving their record to 10-6, 2-1 in the conference. Despite an initial doubles win by UC Davis, UC Irvine secured the doubles point with victories on courts one and three, the latter in a tiebreaker. In singles, UC Irvine clinched the win with three victories, including a comeback win at No. 4 singles and decisive wins at the No. 5 and final singles matches. The win extends UC Irvine's winning streak against UC Davis to seven matches. UC Irvine will next face Cal Poly on April 6.

UC Irvine’s Lauren Hett Clinches Big West Player of the Week After Stellar Water Polo Performances

UC Irvine's Lauren Hett was named Big West Player of the Week for her key role in two recent victories, bringing the team's record to 14-9 (2-1 in the Big West). In her first season, Hett scored three goals against No. 21/23 Brown and two against No. 15/15 UC Santa Barbara, marking her third hat-trick and contributing to her tally of 25 goals and 34 points this season. Hett's performance has positioned her as a significant player for the Anteaters, who next face No. 2/2 Hawai'i.

UCI Anteaters Upcoming Home Games

Baseball

  1. Fri, Apr 5: vs UC Santa Barbara, 6:00 PM

  2. Sat, Apr 6: vs UC Santa Barbara, 5:30 PM

  3. Sun, Apr 7: vs UC Santa Barbara, 1:00 PM

  4. Wed, Apr 17: vs USC, 6:00 PM

  5. Fri, Apr 19: vs San Diego State, 6:00 PM

  6. Sun, Apr 21: vs San Diego State, 1:00 PM

  7. Fri, Apr 26: vs Steve Scott Invitational, All Day

  8. Sat, Apr 27: vs Steve Scott Invitational, All Day

Men's Volleyball

  1. Fri, Apr 5: vs Hawai'i, 6:00 PM

  2. Sat, Apr 6: vs Hawai'i, 6:00 PM

  3. Fri, Apr 12: vs Long Beach State, 6:00 PM

Women's Water Polo

  1. Fri, Apr 5: vs Hawai'i, 7:00 PM

  2. Sun, Apr 7: vs UC Davis, 12:00 PM

  3. Sat, Apr 13: vs Cal State Fullerton, 12:00 PM

Men's Tennis

  1. Sat, Apr 6: vs Cal Poly, 12:00 PM

  2. Mon, Apr 8: vs UC Riverside, 1:00 PM

  3. Sat, Apr 20: vs Hawai'i, 12:00 PM

Women's Tennis

  1. Sat, Apr 13: vs Cal Poly, 11:00 AM

  2. Sun, Apr 14: vs UC Santa Barbara, 11:00 AM

Men's & Women's Track & Field

  1. Fri, Apr 26: vs Steve Scott Invitational, All Day

  2. Sat, Apr 27: vs Steve Scott Invitational, All Day

Irvine Valley's Men's Tennis Team Sweeps Orange Coast, Capping Off Stellar Season

Irvine Valley's men's tennis team secured a 9-0 victory over Orange Coast, concluding the regular season with a 10-1 overall record and an undefeated 8-0 in the Orange Empire Conference. Ranked No. 1 in Southern California, they had already won the conference title. Their only loss this season was against Gustavus Adolphus. The team dominated Orange Coast, winning most singles and doubles matches with ease. Key players included freshmen Nick Grove and Luciano Pardo, and sophomore Alyan Ashraf. Grove is the top seed for the upcoming OEC Individual Tournament, where he and Pardo will also lead in doubles.

🏐⚽🏀 Upcoming home games for the IVC LASERS

Baseball

  1. Sat, Apr 6: vs Riverside, 12:00 PM

  2. Tue, Apr 9: vs Fullerton, 2:00 PM

  3. Fri, Apr 12: vs Fullerton, 1:00 PM

  4. Tue, Apr 16: vs Golden West, 2:00 PM

  5. Sat, Apr 20: vs Golden West, 12:00 PM

  6. Thu, Apr 25: vs Saddleback, 2:00 PM

Men’s Volleyball

  1. Fri, Apr 5: vs Fullerton, 6:00 PM

  2. Fri, Apr 12: vs Orange Coast, 6:00 PM

Women’s Beach Volleyball

  1. Fri, Apr 19: vs Riverside, 12:00 PM

  2. Wed, Apr 24: vs OEC Pairs Tournament, 12:00 PM

  3. Fri, Apr 26: vs OEC Pairs Tournament, 10:00 AM

High School Athletics Calendar -

** Updated With April Schedule

Upcoming Irvine High School’s Varsity home games:

April 2024

Saturday, April 6

  • 07:00 AM: Track & Field, Boys VR - Invitational at Irvine High School Stadium

  • 07:00 AM: Track & Field, Girls VR - Invitational at Irvine High School Stadium

Monday, April 8

  • 03:30 PM: Softball VR vs. Portola at Irvine High School Softball Field

Tuesday, April 9

  • 03:30 PM: Golf, Boys VR vs. University

  • 03:30 PM: Baseball VR vs. Woodbridge at Irvine High School Baseball Field

  • 05:15 PM: Volleyball, Boys VR vs. Northwood High School at Irvine High School Game Gym

Wednesday, April 10

  • 03:30 PM: Softball VR vs. Northwood High School at Irvine High School Softball Field

  • 05:00 PM: Lacrosse, Girls VR vs. Woodbridge at Irvine High School Stadium

Thursday, April 11

  • 03:30 PM: Golf, Boys VR vs. Woodbridge

Friday, April 12

  • 03:00 PM: Beach Volleyball, Girls VR vs. Bishop Conaty-Loretto at Deerfield Park Beach Courts

  • 03:30 PM: Baseball VR vs. Woodbridge at Irvine High School Baseball Field

  • 03:30 PM: Softball VR vs. University at Irvine High School Softball Field

  • 05:15 PM: Volleyball, Boys VR vs. Sage Hill at Irvine High School Game Gym

Monday, April 15

  • 07:00 PM: Lacrosse, Boys VR vs. Beckman, Arnold at Irvine High School Stadium

Tuesday, April 16

  • 03:15 PM: Tennis, Boys VR vs. Portola at Irvine High School Heritage Park

Wednesday, April 17

  • 03:30 PM: Baseball VR vs. Portola at Irvine High School Baseball Field

  • 03:30 PM: Swimming & Diving, Boys VR vs. University at Woolett Pool

  • 03:30 PM: Swimming & Diving, Girls VR vs. University at Woolett Pool

  • 05:15 PM: Volleyball, Boys VR vs. Laguna Hills at Irvine High School Game Gym

  • 07:00 PM: Lacrosse, Boys VR vs. Laguna Hills at Irvine High School Stadium

Thursday, April 18

  • 07:00 PM: Lacrosse, Boys VR vs. Canyon/Anaheim at Irvine High School Stadium

Monday, April 22

  • 05:00 PM: Lacrosse, Girls VR vs. Portola at Irvine High School Stadium

Tuesday, April 23

  • 03:15 PM: Tennis, Boys VR vs. Northwood High School at Irvine High School Heritage Park

  • 03:30 PM: Golf, Boys VR vs. Portola

  • 03:30 PM: Baseball VR vs. Beckman, Arnold at Irvine High School Baseball Field

Wednesday, April 24

  • 03:30 PM: Softball VR vs. Beckman, Arnold at Irvine High School Softball Field

  • 05:00 PM: Lacrosse, Girls VR vs. Northwood High School at Irvine High School Stadium

Thursday, April 25

  • 03:30 PM: Golf, Boys VR vs. Northwood High School

  • 03:30 PM: Baseball VR vs. Beckman, Arnold at Irvine High School Baseball Field

  • 05:00 PM: Lacrosse, Girls VR vs. Sage Hill at Irvine High School Stadium

Trio Arrested in Irvine Burglary, Police K9 Hero Sniffs Out Hidden Suspect

Early Tuesday, Irvine police responded to a burglary alarm, detaining two suspects at the scene and a third found by K9 Lincoln hiding in a closet. The suspects, identified as Manuel Ramos (43), Michael James Orlando Gutierrez (38) from Santa Ana, and Ramiro Perez (45) from Yorba Linda, were arrested for burglary and conspiracy. The incident underscores the value of K9 units in police work.

#irvine #policek9 #arrest

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 55% - 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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