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Calling Artists: Applications Now Open for Irvine’s 2026 Studio Arts Festival

Issue # 0546

Author

Joshua Tjia
12 Jan

In this Irvine Insider Issue . . .

😁 Laugh of the Day

🌤️ Irvine Weather

🌍🎶 African Kora and Classical Guitar: Ballaké Sissoko and Derek Gripper Perform Live, Jan. 17

🚙💨 City of Irvine Launches WeRide Transportation Program for Adults 60+

🚔🏍️ High Visibility Enforcement Leads to Citation and Impound of Illegal E-Motorcycle

🎻🎬 Blade Runner Live in Concert Comes to Segerstrom Center on January 22

🌱🐦‍⬛ Birds and Crafts: Sea and Sage Audubon Society Hosts Nature Event for Grandparents and Grandchildren

👂 Understanding Earwax Buildup and How to Care for Your Ears

🌳🥾 Hit the Trails: Explore Bommer Canyon on a Guided Morning Hike, Jan. 15

🎨📢 Calling Artists: Applications Now Open for Irvine’s 2026 Studio Arts Festival

🎼🎼 Upcoming High School Music Calendar

🐹🐹 Meet Chewie and Wafer: Two Tiny Hamsters Waiting for Forever Homes

🏐 UC Irvine Men’s Volleyball Sweeps Maryville to Finish Asics Invitational 3–0

🏀🏐🎾⚽️ UCI Anteaters Upcoming Home Games

🏀 Irvine Valley Men’s Basketball Survives Late Rally to Beat Saddleback 67–65

🏀🏀 Upcoming home games for the IVC LASERS

🏈🎾 High School Athletics Calendar

🏎️🚓 Irvine Police Arrest Driver for DUI and Reckless Driving at Spectrum Parking Structure

🍏🥭🍑 Local Farmers Markets

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

📅📅 Lots of Local Events

📞💡 Useful Contact Information

What do you call it when a strawberry robs a bank?

strobery.

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

African Kora and Classical Guitar: Ballaké Sissoko and Derek Gripper Perform Live, Jan. 17

World-renowned Malian kora master Ballaké Sissoko and acclaimed classical guitarist Derek Gripper will perform at Irvine Barclay Theatre on Saturday, January 17, at 8 p.m. as part of the Global View Series. The two virtuosos blend traditional West African kora music with classical guitar, creating an expressive, cross-cultural concert experience.

City of Irvine Launches WeRide Transportation Program for Adults 60+

The City of Irvine is making it easy for residents ages 60 and older to get around with WeRide, a curb-to-curb transportation service with trained volunteer drivers.

Getting Started with WeRide:

  1. Attend a WeRide information session

  2. Purchase a Transportation Membership ($20 per year)

  3. Set up your account and download the WeRide app

  4. Request your ride starting February 2

RSVP for an information session at cityofirvine.org/yourirvine.

High Visibility Enforcement Leads to Citation and Impound of Illegal E-Motorcycle

During a High Visibility Enforcement operation near the Crossroads Shopping Center, Irvine Police encountered a 14-year-old riding an illegal Surron e-motorcycle while wearing a standard bike helmet. When officers attempted a stop, the rider fled at high speed, but was safely tracked using a remote drone and located at a nearby apartment complex. The e-motorcycle, capable of reaching speeds up to 98 mph, was impounded for 30 days, and the juvenile was cited for multiple violations.

Blade Runner Live in Concert Comes to Segerstrom Center on January 22

Join Segerstrom Center for the Arts on January 22 at 8:00 PM, at the Renée and Henry Segerstrom Concert Hall for a special screening of Blade Runner with the film shown on a large screen while its original music by Vangelis is performed live by The Avex Ensemble. Don’t miss this one-night event that combines a classic sci-fi film with a live concert experience.

Birds and Crafts: Sea and Sage Audubon Society Hosts Nature Event for Grandparents and Grandchildren

Sea and Sage Audubon Society is hosting a free, family-friendly “Celebrate Nature with Your Grandkids” event on Saturday, January 17, from 9:00–11:30 a.m. at the San Joaquin Wildlife Sanctuary. Designed for grandparents and children ages 5–7, the morning features live birds of prey demonstrations, stories, crafts, and birdwatching.

Understanding Earwax Buildup and How to Care for Your Ears

Earwax is a natural substance that helps protect the ear canal, but too much buildup can block sound and cause discomfort such as muffled hearing, pain, itching, dizziness, or ringing in the ears. Proper care can help prevent problems and keep ears healthy.

Earwax Care Tips

  • Let ears self-clean: The ear usually clears wax on its own—avoid overcleaning.

  • Skip cotton swabs: They often push wax deeper and can cause blockage or injury.

  • Use OTC ear drops if needed: Drops can help soften wax so it falls out naturally.

  • Try gentle rinsing: Use a rubber bulb syringe with warm water—never force water in.

  • Watch for symptoms: Pain, hearing loss, discharge, or dizziness may signal a blockage.

  • Seek professional care: Visit urgent care if symptoms persist or worsen.

Hit the Trails: Explore Bommer Canyon on a Guided Morning Hike, Jan. 15

Join a moderate, guided Bommer Canyon East Fork and Ridge Route Loop Hike on Thursday, January 15, from 8:45–10:45 a.m. in the Irvine Open Space Preserve. This 3-mile hike includes about 700 feet of elevation gain, with one short but steep 300-foot climb, and rewards hikers with beautiful views of Irvine and the surrounding hills—perfect for those looking to enjoy fresh air, scenery, and a bit of a workout.

Calling Artists: Applications Now Open for Irvine’s 2026 Studio Arts Festival

Applications are now open for the 2026 Studio Arts Festival, a great opportunity for local creators, crafters, and makers to showcase and sell their original work. The festival returns Saturday, June 6, from 9 a.m. to 5 p.m. at Heritage Community Park in Irvine.

Artists can apply at cityofirvine.org/studioarts and be part of one of Orange County’s most loved art events.

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

  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

Meet Chewie and Wafer: Two Tiny Hamsters Waiting for Forever Homes

Chewie and Wafer, two adorable hamsters at the Irvine Animal Care Center, are looking for loving forever homes. These tiny pets are full of personality and ready to bring lots of fun and cuteness to the right family.

Visit the Irvine Animal Care Center to meet them in person, or learn more about the adoption process and other adoptable pets at cityofirvine.org/animals.

UC Irvine Men’s Volleyball Sweeps Maryville to Finish Asics Invitational 3–0

UC Irvine men’s volleyball completed a perfect 3–0 run at the Asics Invitational with a straight-sets win over Maryville on Saturday. UCI returns home to host Princeton in its home opener on Wednesday, Jan. 14 at 6 p.m. at the Bren Events Center.

UCI Anteaters Upcoming Home Games

Men’s Volleyball

  • Wed, Jan 14 – vs Princeton, 6:00 PM

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

Irvine Valley Men’s Basketball Survives Late Rally to Beat Saddleback 67–65

Irvine Valley College’s men’s basketball team earned a dramatic 67–65 road win over Saddleback in Orange Empire Conference. The game was tied with six seconds left before freshman Santos Cordero sank two clutch free throws to seal the victory, improving IVC to 12–4 overall and 2–0 in conference.

🏐⚽🏀 Upcoming home games for the IVC LASERS 

Men’s Basketball

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

Baseball

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

High School Athletics Calendar

**

Updated With January Schedule

Upcoming Irvine High School’s Varsity home games:

January 2026

Tuesday, January 13

  • Soccer, Girls - 5:00 PM vs Sage Hill

  • Soccer, Boys - 7:00 PM vs Woodbridge

  • Basketball, Boys - 7:00 PM vs University

Wednesday, January 14

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

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 Driver for DUI and Reckless Driving at Spectrum Parking Structure

Irvine police arrested a 22-year-old woman from Orange after she was seen doing donuts while driving under the influence on a parking structure at Irvine Spectrum Center. With help from Spectrum Security and police dispatchers, officers quickly located and detained the driver. She faces DUI charges and may also be cited for vandalism due to tire marks left on the parking structure.

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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