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Celebration of Talent: Irvine High School Choral Awarded $10K by Plotkin Memorial Foundation

Issue # 0125

Author

Joshua Tjia
21 Mar

In this Irvine Insider Issue . . .

😁 Laugh Of The Day

🌤️ Irvine Weather

🚎🚏 Get Around Irvine Easily and for Free with the New Irvine CONNECT Shuttle Service

🌳🌊 Irvine Proposes Trail Linking Southern Neighborhoods to Crystal Cove

🎶🏆 Celebration of Talent: Irvine High School Choral Awarded $10K by Plotkin Memorial Foundation

🛌🙌 Support Marines with Pillows and Pillowcases - Get Involved Today

🍴🥗 Exploring Orange County's Best: A Guide to Vegan and Vegetarian Dining

📚🧑‍💻 Visit Irvine University Park Library for Tech Help This Weekend

💧💦 Beat the Heat: How to Recognize and Combat Chronic Dehydration

🍃🥾 Exploring Baker Canyon: A Unique Biodiversity Hotspot in Southern California

🎨🧑‍🎨 Irvine Fine Arts Center Opens Submissions for 40th Annual All Media Exhibition

🎼🎼 Upcoming High School Music Calendar

🐕🏃🏽‍♂️Run with Your Furry Friend: Join the Irvine Virtual 5K

🏃‍♀️💨 UC Irvine Women's Track & Field Team Gears Up for Back-to-Back Competitions This Week

🏀⛹🏽‍♀️ Déja Lee Powers UC Irvine Women’s Basketball to Historic Big West Championship Victory, Named MVP

🏀🏐🎾⚾ UCI Anteaters Upcoming Home Games

🏐 Grant Dvorak Leads Irvine Valley Men’s Volleyball to Victory, Named Athlete of the Week Again

🏀🏀 Upcoming home games for the IVC LASERS

⚾️ Strategic Hits and Solid Pitching: Irvine Baseball Outplays Northwood in Crucial League Match-Up

🏈🎾 High School Athletics Calendar

👮💐 Suspect Buys Flowers with Stolen Credit Card in Irvine

🍏🥭🍑 Local Farmers Markets

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

📅📅 Lots of Local Events

📞💡 Useful Contact Information

My neighbor texted me, "I just made synonym buns!"

I texted back, "You mean like grammar use to make?" I haven't heard from her since.

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

Get Around Irvine Easily and for Free with the New Irvine CONNECT Shuttle Service

Irvine CONNECT launches a free shuttle service starting April 1, connecting over 70 stops including parks, schools, hospitals, and shopping centers from the north end to Irvine Station. Available 6 a.m. to 8 p.m. weekdays and 8 a.m. to 10 p.m. weekends, every 20 minutes. Visit irvineconnect.org for more.

Irvine Proposes Trail Linking Southern Neighborhoods to Crystal Cove

Irvine plans to develop a trail system south of State Route 133 and Interstate 405, aiming to connect the city's southern area to Crystal Cove State Park beach. The City Council has unanimously agreed to study the feasibility of this trail, which would start near Lake Forest Drive and pass through several neighborhoods lacking current access to the city's open spaces. This initiative, proposed by Councilmember Mike Carroll, seeks to link residents to natural areas and the ocean. The council emphasizes the importance of protecting local wildlife and habitats in the process, consulting with environmental groups to ensure the preservation of the area's flora and fauna. Irvine already hosts several trails west of State Route 133, highlighting the city's commitment to open spaces and natural preservation.

Celebration of Talent: Irvine High School Choral Awarded $10K by Plotkin Memorial Foundation

Irvine High School's Choral performed at the Plotkin Memorial Foundation Gallery event, receiving a $10,000 scholarship for their choral music program. The foundation supports Arts IUSD's mission. Board Members Cyril Yu and Dr. Jeff Kim, along with IUSD staff, attended the event. More info at iusd.org/ArtsIUSD.

Support Marines with Pillows and Pillowcases - Get Involved Today

An initiative is underway to collect 100 new standard-size bed pillows and pillowcases for the Irvine 2/11 Marine Adoption Committee, Inc., to support Marines returning from deployment. This effort, led by the office of the Vice Mayor, aims to show appreciation and provide comfort to our service members. For details on participation, visit https://www.vicemayorlarryagran.org/.

#WeAreIrvine #MilitarySupport #CommunitySupport #CommunityFirst #Irvine #Marines

Exploring Orange County's Best: A Guide to Vegan and Vegetarian Dining

Explore healthy vegan and vegetarian dining options in Orange County.

  • Cava and Sweetgreen: For individuals who enjoy the Mediterranean-style, cafeteria-line ordering at Cava but crave more variety, Sweetgreen is highlighted as an excellent alternative. Sweetgreen distinguishes itself by offering a wide range of flavors and ingredients, including options for those who consume animal proteins.

  • Veggie Grill and Vibe Organic Kitchen: Vibe Organic Kitchen is recommended as a refreshing choice for fans of Veggie Grill's plant-based menu. With a diverse menu that includes plant-based dishes designed to satisfy various palates, Vibe aims to provide a novel dining experience.

  • Seabirds Kitchen and The Plot: For admirers of Seabirds Kitchen's vegan offerings, The Plot is suggested as an intriguing option. Known for its commitment to meatless cuisine and maintaining its own garden for some ingredients, The Plot offers an eclectic menu that emphasizes responsibly sourced ingredients.

Visit Irvine University Park Library for Tech Help This Weekend

Get tech help from tech-savvy teens at Irvine University Park Library. Bring your device or use the library's. Event will be held on Sunday, March 24 from 1:00 AM - 12:00 PM.

Beat the Heat: How to Recognize and Combat Chronic Dehydration

There's a high chance (75%) that you might be suffering from chronic dehydration, particularly in warmer conditions due to excessive sweating. It's advised to increase water intake and consult a healthcare provider if symptoms such as sunken eyes, fatigue, thirst, or lightheadedness are observed. Consider visit urgent cares in Irvine if suffering from these symptoms.

Exploring Baker Canyon: A Unique Biodiversity Hotspot in Southern California

A Guide to the Great Outdoors

  • Location Highlight: Baker Canyon, east of Irvine Lake, Southern California, showcases a unique mix of coastal sage scrub and chaparral habitats side-by-side, offering a rare biodiversity hotspot.

  • Wildlife & Scenery: The area is a haven for birdwatchers with native and migratory birds, and offers stunning views of Black Star Canyon’s Red Rocks, reminiscent of Arizona or Utah landscapes. Spring brings a flourish of wildflowers, including mariposa lilies, poppies, and rare chocolate lilies.

  • Historical Significance: Named after Constable Charles Baker, who died there in 1857, the canyon is part of the Irvine Ranch Open Space, a 20,000-acre area donated by Irvine Company in 2010, now managed for public benefit.

  • Conservation & Recreation: Managed by the Irvine Ranch Conservancy, Baker Canyon is recognized as both a U.S. National and California State Landmark for its pristine environment. It offers a variety of hikes and programs for families, fitness enthusiasts, and nature lovers.

  • How to Visit: Free programming and guided tours are available through Irvine Ranch Conservancy at letsgooutside.org.

Baker Canyon exemplifies the beauty and diversity of Southern California's natural landscapes, offering outdoor enthusiasts a unique blend of ecological habitats, historical context, and recreational opportunities.

Irvine Fine Arts Center Opens Submissions for 40th Annual All Media Exhibition

The Irvine Fine Arts Center invites Southern California artists 18+ to enter the 40th annual All Media Exhibition. Open to various visual arts, this juried competition offers a chance for emerging to established artists to gain exposure and connect with others. Featuring guest jurors Katie Hector, Paul Loya, and Patrick Geske, the event promises monetary awards for standout pieces. Applications start April 1. For more info and to apply, visit irvinefinearts.org/allmedia.

#ArtOpportunity

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 March.

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

Upcoming Woodbridge High School’s Vocal Music Calendar

  1. March 22nd, 7 PM: Spring Concert

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

  3. 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 March.

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

Upcoming Irvine High School's Choral Calendar

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

  10. 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

Run with Your Furry Friend: Join the Irvine Virtual 5K

Join Irvine Animal Care Center’s Virtual 5K, April 1-30, anywhere you choose. Walk, run, or hike at your pace, even with pets! Finishers get a medal. Register at irvineanimals.org/5k.

#IrvineAnimalCareCenterVirtual5K

UC Irvine Women's Track & Field Team Gears Up for Back-to-Back Competitions This Week

The UC Irvine women's track & field team is set to participate in the UCR Spring Classic Multis in Riverside on March 21-22 and the Aztec Invitational in San Diego on March 22-23. Highlights include Deandra Tyler's unbeaten streak in shot put and freshman Kailah McKenzie's high jump win. The team boasts strong performers like Jolie Robinson, the 2023 Big West Women's Field Athlete of the Year, and Sameen Andar, a Big West champion in the 10K. UC Irvine showed impressive results at the Challenge Cup, with four individual victories. The team returns significant talent from last year, including 35 letterwinners and 18 newcomers, aiming to build on their fourth-place finish at the Big West Championships. Their next event is the Vince O'Boyle Track & Field Classic at Anteater Stadium on March 29-30.

Déja Lee Powers UC Irvine Women’s Basketball to Historic Big West Championship Victory, Named MVP

Junior Déja Lee was awarded Sgt. Pepperoni’s Anteater of the Week for leading UC Irvine to win the Big West Championships, their first since 1995. Lee scored 21 points in the final against UC Davis and was named MVP of the tournament, averaging 16.5 points, 4 rebounds, and 2.5 steals per game. UC Irvine is set to play against Gonzaga in the NCAA First Round in Spokane, Washington, on March 23.

UCI Anteaters Upcoming Home Games

Baseball

  1. Fri, Mar 22: vs Cal State Bakersfield, 6:00 PM

  2. Sat, Mar 23: vs Cal State Bakersfield, 1:00 PM

  3. Sun, Mar 24: vs Cal State Bakersfield, 1:00 PM

Men's Tennis

  1. Sat, Mar 23: vs Gonzaga, 11:00 AM

Men's Volleyball

  1. Sat, Mar 30: vs CSUN, 6:00 PM

Women's Tennis

  1. Sun, Mar 24: vs CSUN, 12:00 PM

Women's Water Polo

  1. Tue, Mar 26: vs Brown, 4:00 PM

Men's Track & Field

  1. Fri, Mar 29: vs Vince O'Boyle Track & Field Classic, All Day

  2. Sat, Mar 30: vs Vince O'Boyle Track & Field Classic, All Day

Women's Track & Field

  1. Fri, Mar 29: vs Vince O'Boyle Track & Field Classic, All Day

  2. Sat, Mar 30: vs Vince O'Boyle Track & Field Classic, All Day

Grant Dvorak Leads Irvine Valley Men’s Volleyball to Victory, Named Athlete of the Week Again

Grant Dvorak, a freshman men's volleyball player at Irvine Valley, was named athlete of the week for Mar. 18, marking his second recognition in three weeks. Dvorak played a pivotal role in two significant wins for the Lasers, who are ranked No. 4 in the state, contributing to their improved record of 8-4 overall and 2-0 in the Orange Empire Conference. In a victory against No. 3 ranked Golden West, he achieved 14 kills with a .407 hit rate, 25 assists, and seven digs. Following this, Dvorak had six kills with a .600 hit rate and 17 assists in a sweep over Santiago Canyon. Over the season, he averages 2.19 kills per set, a .374 hit rate, and leads in assists with 228. Irvine Valley's next match is against Fullerton in a conference game.

🏐⚽🏀 Upcoming home games for the IVC LASERS

Baseball

  1. Thu, Mar 21: vs Cypress, 2:00 PM

  2. Tue, Mar 26: vs LA Harbor, 2:00 PM

Men’s Tennis

  1. Tue, Mar 26: vs Riverside, Tentatively rescheduled for 3/26 or 3/27, 2:00 PM

  2. Thu, Mar 28: vs Gustavus Adolphus, 2:00 PM

Men’s Volleyball

  1. Fri, Mar 29: vs Golden West *, 6:00 PM

Strategic Hits and Solid Pitching: Irvine Baseball Outplays Northwood in Crucial League Match-Up

Sullivan Spivey led Irvine High School to a 4-1 victory over league-leading Northwood in a Pacific Coast League baseball game, bouncing back from a previous 1-0 loss. Spivey, along with Ethan Kim, provided strong pitching, while key hits contributed to the win. Spivey, recovering from an injury, and freshman Kim, showed impressive performances on the mound. Irvine capitalized on their batting, scoring two runs in the second inning and adding insurance runs in the fifth, despite Northwood's early season success under new coach Josh Keithly. The win was crucial for third-place Irvine, improving their record to 6-4-1. The series concludes with another game at Northwood on Friday.

High School Athletics Calendar -

** Updated With February Schedule

Upcoming Irvine High School’s Varsity home games:

March 2024

Thursday, 21

  • 2:00 PM - Beach Volleyball, Girls VR vs. Crean Lutheran at Deerfield Park Beach Courts

  • 3:15 PM - Tennis, Boys VR vs. Sage Hill at Irvine High School Heritage Park

Friday, 22

  • 5:00 PM - Lacrosse, Girls VR vs. Sage Hill at Irvine High School Stadium

Monday, 25

  • 7:00 PM - Lacrosse, Boys VR vs. Northwood High School at Irvine High School Stadium

Tuesday, 26

  • 3:15 PM - Tennis, Boys VR vs. University at Irvine High School Heritage Park

  • 3:30 PM - Baseball, VR vs. University at Irvine High School Baseball Field

Wednesday, 27

  • 3:30 PM - Swimming & Diving, Boys VR vs. Northwood High School at Woollett Pool

  • 3:30 PM - Swimming & Diving, Girls VR vs. Northwood High School at Woollett Pool

Thursday, 28

  • 3:15 PM - Tennis, Boys VR vs. Woodbridge at Irvine High School Heritage Park

  • 3:30 PM - Golf, Boys VR vs. Sage Hill

Friday, 29

  • 3:30 PM - Baseball, VR vs. University at Irvine High School Baseball Field

Suspect Buys Flowers with Stolen Credit Card in Irvine

A suspect used a stolen credit card to purchase gift cards, flowers, and water after stealing a wallet from a shopper at Home Goods on February 17. Irvine Police seek help identifying this individual. Contact: [email protected].

#Irvine #IrvinePD

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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