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Celebrate the Fourth of July with Fireworks in Irvine

Issue # 0196

Author

Joshua Tjia
01 Jul

In this Irvine Insider Issue . . .

😁 Laugh Of The Day

🌤️ Irvine Weather

🎓🎊🎉 Hope and Transformation: UCI Celebrates Graduation of First In-Prison Bachelor's Degree Cohort

🚔🚨 High Visibility Enforcement in Irvine: Traffic Officers Tackle Noise and Cell Phone Violations

🛌♻️ Got an Old Mattress? Learn How to Recycle It for Free in Orange County

🎆🌃 Celebrate the Fourth of July with Fireworks in Irvine

⛽ 📈 🚗 Comparative Analysis: California’s Gas Prices Surge Past Neighboring States

👶🧒🏻 Irvine Families: Free Child Development Screenings and Resources Event on July 12th

🏥🎗️ UCI Anti-Cancer Challenge Raises $1 Million for Groundbreaking Cancer Research

🍿🎸🍿 Rock Out and Chill with OC Parks' Summer Movies and Concerts

🌳🎨 Uncover the Artistic Journey of California: Past Meets Present at Great Park Gallery

🎼🎼 Upcoming High School Music Calendar

🎆🐱 Tips to Ensure Your Pet's Safety This Fourth of July from Irvine Experts

⚽️ UC Irvine Soccer Star Alyssa Moore Nominated for 2024 NCAA Woman of the Year

🏀🏐🎾⚾ UCI Anteaters Upcoming Home Games

🏀 Irvine Valley’s Makena Tomlinson Commits to St. Edward's University

🏀🏀 Upcoming home games for the IVC LASERS

🏈🎾 High School Athletics Calendar

🚔👜 Suspects Wanted for Wallet Theft at Irvine Target Store on Barranca Parkway

🍏🥭🍑 Local Farmers Markets

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

📅📅 Lots of Local Events

📞💡 Useful Contact Information

Why did the watch go on vacation?

To unwind.

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

Hope and Transformation: UCI Celebrates Graduation of First In-Prison Bachelor's Degree Cohort

On June 20, UC Irvine celebrated the graduation of 23 students from its inaugural LIFTED (Leveraging Inspiring Futures Through Educational Degrees) program, held at the Richard J. Donovan Correctional Facility. This program, launched in 2020, marks the first in-prison bachelor's degree offered by the University of California system. Sergio Guil, a 54-year-old graduate and commencement speaker, emphasized the transformative power of education, reflecting on his journey from incarceration to academic achievement. The program's graduates, who overcame significant personal and systemic challenges, highlighted the profound impact of education on their lives, families, and communities. Many graduates, including those who achieved high academic honors, shared their aspirations for further education and careers in advocacy, counseling, and research. The ceremony, attended by family, faculty, and supporters, underscored the commitment to rehabilitation through education and the potential for these graduates to contribute positively to society. UCI Chancellor Howard Gillman and other speakers celebrated the milestone, emphasizing the broader societal benefits of providing higher education opportunities to incarcerated individuals.

High Visibility Enforcement in Irvine: Traffic Officers Tackle Noise and Cell Phone Violations

Irvine officers conducted extra traffic enforcement last night, targeting vehicle noise complaints and street racing. They issued 13 citations, mainly for loud exhaust. On Thursday, the Traffic Bureau conducted High Visibility Enforcement on Culver between the I-5 and I-405, issuing 26 citations, with cell phone use being the most frequent violation. California Vehicle Code Section 23123(a) prohibits driving while using a wireless phone unless it's hands-free.

#irvinepd #motorofficer #bmwpolice #police #traffic #cityofirvine #safety

Got an Old Mattress? Learn How to Recycle It for Free in Orange County

Over 50,000 mattresses are discarded daily in the U.S., often ending up in landfills or illegally disposed of. However, many materials from mattresses can be recycled. In California, free residential and commercial mattress recycling options are available thanks to partnerships like the one between OC Waste & Recycling and the Mattress Recycling Council. Orange County residents can take mattresses to designated landfills or arrange bulky item pickups through local waste haulers. Commercial entities can also recycle mattresses at specified landfills. California retailers must also take back old mattresses upon delivery of a new one. More information and a detailed list of acceptable items are available on OC Waste & Recycling’s website. For assistance, contact them at 714-834-4000. Recycle your old mattress for free and help reduce landfill waste! Learn more at OC Landfills.

#OrangeCounty #RecycleMattresses

Celebrate the Fourth of July with Fireworks in Irvine

  • Pacific Symphony will perform live at Great Park (8000 Great Park Boulevard) with a ticketed concert starting at 8 PM, followed by a spectacular fireworks display.

  • Additionally, the Woodbridge Village Association will host their fireworks show at South Woodbridge, near Springbrook South and East Yale Loop, starting at 9 PM.

Both events promise a night of celebration and entertainment for the community.

Comparative Analysis: California’s Gas Prices Surge Past Neighboring States

Today, July 1st, 2024, Californians are facing another increase in the state's gas tax. Having just returned from a road trip home from Chicago, IL, the contrast in gas prices across different states was stark. Here’s a quick rundown of my receipts at the gas stations that we visited:

- Tinley Park, IL: $4.159/gal

- Joplin, MO: $3.149/gal

- Oklahoma City, OK: $3.199/gal

- Milan, NM: $3.649/gal

- Flagstaff, AZ: $3.849/gal

- Newberry Springs, CA: $5.899/gal

In Newberry Springs, filling up our minivan cost us $72.16, a significant jump from the $40+ amounts in other states. This price hike is a harsh reminder of the higher taxes we pay in California.

While fossil fuel haters blame oil companies for high gas prices, data from the California Energy Commission reveals that on June 24, 2024, the state government collected $1.21 per gallon in taxes and fees, surpassing the $1.10 for "refinery costs and profits."

Furthermore, when I hover my mouse to January 22, 2024 these "refinery costs and profits" were just $0.96 per gallon ($0.66 + $0.30)

Despite being burdened by towering taxes and among the steepest state income taxes and fees in the land, California still finds itself ensnared in a vast and daunting budget deficit. Recently, governor Newsom announced a deficit of $26.7 billion, which reports suggest could actually be as high as $45 billion. This is a steep decline from the $100 billion surplus reported three years ago.

Californians deserve better governance and fiscal responsibility 🤔

Make your vote count in November 2024, locally and at every level! 🗳️📝

#CAdeservesbetter #election2024

For more information on gas prices:

For the AP News article on the state budget:

Irvine Families: Free Child Development Screenings and Resources Event on July 12th

Free developmental screenings for children aged birth to 5 years will be held on July 12th from 10 am to 3 pm. Attendees can meet the Education Manager and play partners to discuss child development and ways to strengthen skills. The first three years are crucial for development, and this event will provide information on developmental milestones and early intervention. A speech pathologist from Speech Pathology Associates, the UCI Mobile Eye Van offering free vision screenings from 9 am to 12:30 pm, and Regional Center Orange County will share programs and resources. New York Life Health Insurance will be present to educate about child safety and how to respond if a child goes missing. No admission fee is required for the mobile van services.

UCI Anti-Cancer Challenge Raises $1 Million for Groundbreaking Cancer Research

The UCI Anti-Cancer Challenge has raised $1 million in 2023, funding transformative cancer research projects at the UCI Health Chao Family Comprehensive Cancer Center and CHOC. Dr. Richard Van Etten, the founder, highlighted the innovative projects during a kickoff ceremony for the eighth annual ride-run-walk event on Oct. 5, 2024. Launched in 2017, this community initiative has raised $4.7 million, directly funding over 120 cancer studies and generating $33 million in extramural grants. The 2024 event will include bicycle rides, runs, and a family-friendly festival. Learn more or register at the UCI Anti-Cancer Challenge website.

Rock Out and Chill with OC Parks' Summer Movies and Concerts

Enjoy summer nights with movies and music at OC Parks Sunset Cinema and OC Parks Summer Concert Series this July! Experience a diverse lineup of films and dynamic live performances:

- 7/11: Flashback Heart Attack at Mason Regional Park, Irvine

- 7/12: Trolls Band Together (PG, 2023) at Mason Regional Park, Irvine

- 7/18: A Thousand Horses at Irvine Regional Park, Orange

- 7/19: Barbie (PG-13, 2023) at Yorba Regional Park, Anaheim

- 7/25: No Duh at Irvine Regional Park, Orange

- 7/26: National Treasure (PG, 2004) at Yorba Regional Park, Anaheim

More info at the provided links. Don't miss out on the fun!

Uncover the Artistic Journey of California: Past Meets Present at Great Park Gallery

Experience California's beauty through art at the Great Park Gallery's "California Landscapes: Then & Now" exhibition. View historical California Impressionist works alongside contemporary pieces, featuring artists like Edgar Payne and Granville Redmond. Open Thursdays–Fridays, Noon–4 p.m., and Saturdays–Sundays, 10 a.m.–4 p.m. Plan your visit at cityofirvine.org/great-park/exhibitions.

#California #ArtExhibition #ArtsAtThePark #GreatParkGallery #YourGreatPark #WeAreIrvine

We will resume with the high school music calendar events when the schedule is available for the fall semester.

Tips to Ensure Your Pet's Safety This Fourth of July from Irvine Experts

  • Keep your pets safe and calm on the Fourth of July by keeping them in a quiet, familiar place with a comfy bed and chew toy.

  • Create a safe space with a crate or cozy spot,

  • Play calming music

  • Ensure their ID tags are updated.

The Irvine Animal Care Center offers digital pet ID tags via PetHub for enhanced safety. Avoid using fireworks around pets. For more resources, visit cityofirvine.org/irvine-animal-care-center/resources. Celebrate safely with your furry companions!

#PetSafety #HappyFourthofJuly #IrvineAnimals #WeAreIrvine

UC Irvine Soccer Star Alyssa Moore Nominated for 2024 NCAA Woman of the Year

UC Irvine women's soccer graduate Alyssa Moore has been nominated for the 2024 NCAA Woman of the Year award. Overcoming a torn ACL and the COVID-19 pandemic, Moore made a significant impact on the field, earning multiple All-Big West honors and leading her team to several NCAA victories, including notable upsets against top-seed UCLA. Off the field, Moore excelled academically, consistently making the Dean's List and receiving numerous academic accolades. As President of the Student-Athlete Advisory Committee, she championed community service initiatives, created an athletic awards banquet, and interned at KidWorks, mentoring underprivileged youth. Conference offices will now select up to two nominees to advance in the award process, with top honorees announced in November.

UCI Anteaters Upcoming Home Games

We will resume with UCI’s athletic calendar events when the schedule is available for the fall quarter.

Irvine Valley’s Makena Tomlinson Commits to St. Edward's University

Irvine Valley sophomore women's basketball star Makena Tomlinson has committed to NCAA Division II St. Edward's in Austin, Texas. Tomlinson, the Orange Empire Conference MVP, also earned second team all-state honors. She averaged 12.1 points and 10.1 rebounds per game, shooting 51.6% from the field, helping the Lasers to a 21-8 overall record and a second-place finish in the OEC. She scored in double figures in 22 games, including a season-high 30 points in a win over Fullerton. Tomlinson is joining a St. Edward's team that finished 9-19 last season and competes in the Lone Star Conference.

🏐⚽🏀 Upcoming home games for the IVC LASERS

We will resume with IVC’s athletic calendar events when the schedule is available for the fall semester.

High School Athletics Calendar

We will resume with the high school athletic calendar events when the schedule is available for the fall semester.

Suspects Wanted for Wallet Theft at Irvine Target Store on Barranca Parkway

On June 1, a wallet was stolen from a shopping cart at the Target on Barranca Parkway. One suspect used the victim's credit cards at the store, while the second suspect's transaction attempt failed. If you can identify these suspects, please contact [email protected].

#irvine #irvinepolice #irvinepd #police #orangecounty #cityofirvine

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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