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City of Irvine Partners with Love Irvine for Citywide Food Drive Supporting South County Outreach

Issue # 0268

Author

Joshua Tjia
14 Oct

In this Irvine Insider Issue . . .

😁 Laugh Of The Day

🌤️ Irvine Weather

🚒🛬 Orange County USAR Team Returns After Hurricane Rescue Missions on East Coast

🍴🧡 City of Irvine Partners with Love Irvine for Citywide Food Drive Supporting South County Outreach

🛒🍂 Fall Into Savings at Grocery Outlet Irvine – Stock Up for the Season

🌌🎃 Don’t Miss Out: Great Park’s Jack-o'-Lantern Balloon Soars for Free All Month Long

✏️ Free Homework Help for K-8 Students at Irvine Heritage Park Library on October 15

🩸 Save Lives with Anaheim Ducks & UCI Health Blood Drive at Honda Center on Oct. 17

🚵‍♂️ Mountain Biking Difficulty Ratings: Find Your Perfect Trail Challenge

🎙️🎶 Enjoy Live Jazz and Vinyl Art at Great Park's 'For the Love of Vinyl' Event

🎼🎼 Upcoming High School Music Calendar

🐕🐈 Caring for All Creatures: Irvine’s Commitment to Animal Safety During National Protection Month

🏐 UCI Women's Volleyball Rallies to Defeat UC Santa Barbara 3-1 in Gritty Comeback

🤽🏻‍♂️ UC Irvine Men's Water Polo Holds Off UC San Diego for 12-11 Victory in Big West Opener

🏀🏐🎾⚾ UCI Anteaters Upcoming Home Games

🏀🏀 Upcoming home games for the IVC LASERS

🏈 Record-Breaking Night: Brandon "Figgy" Figueroa Leads Irvine to Victory with Six Touchdowns

🏈🎾 High School Athletics Calendar

🚔💵 Gym Locker Theft Leads to $18,000 Jewelry Purchase; Irvine Police Search for Suspect

🍏🥭🍑 Local Farmers Markets

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

📅📅 Lots of Local Events

📞💡 Useful Contact Information

What did the acorn say to the nosy squirrel?

There's nuttin' to see here.

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

Orange County USAR Team Returns After Hurricane Rescue Missions on East Coast

Forty-four Urban Search and Rescue (USAR) specialists from Orange County have safely returned after assisting in search and rescue efforts following Hurricanes Helene and Milton on the East Coast. The rest of their team, along with specialized equipment, is expected to return on Thursday. California Task Force 5 (CA-TF 5) deployed on September 27 as a Type 3 team with 45 personnel, including canine handlers, and later expanded to a Type 1 team of 85 personnel with doctors, engineers, and additional canine units. This marks Orange County’s first Type 1 deployment in 16 years.

City of Irvine Partners with Love Irvine for Citywide Food Drive Supporting South County Outreach

The city of Irvine is partnering with Love Irvine for a food drive supporting South County Outreach, a local non-profit helping families and individuals in need. Nonperishable food items can be dropped off at 17 collection sites, including six community centers: Cypress, Heritage, Portola Springs, Turtle Rock, University, and Woodbury, through Thursday, October 31.

Donations will provide vital assistance to vulnerable community members. Details about the food drive, including most needed items, are available at loveirvine.org/citywidefooddrive.

Fall Into Savings at Grocery Outlet Irvine – Stock Up for the Season

Maximize your savings with affordable deals at Grocery Outlet in Irvine.

- Look for orange “WOW” tags for special savings on top-brand products—available for a limited time.

- Download the Grocery Outlet app for exclusive offers, digital coupons, and personalized deals at the Irvine location.

- Fresh meat and deli options at great prices for family meals and BBQs.

- Weekly Bargain Buy featuring a product with savings.

- Seasonal fall deals on décor, Halloween treats, pumpkin spice products, and more.

- Wines at a fraction of the cost—perfect for entertaining or enjoying at home.

- Stock up on frozen meals, fruits, and veggies with incredible savings.

- Follow Grocery Outlet Irvine on Facebook and Instagram for the latest deals, new arrivals, and promotions.

- Check the app regularly for exclusive in-store promotions and coupons.

Don’t Miss Out: Great Park’s Jack-o'-Lantern Balloon Soars for Free All Month Long

Take a ride on the iconic Great Park Balloon, transformed into a glowing jack-o-lantern this October. Free balloon flights are available Thursdays and Fridays (10 a.m.–3 p.m. and 7–10 p.m.) and Saturdays and Sundays (9 a.m.–3 p.m. and 7–10 p.m.). Rides are first-come, first-served and weather-dependent, so call 949-724-6247 before your visit to confirm availability. Visit cityofirvine.org/greatpark for details.

Free Homework Help for K-8 Students at Irvine Heritage Park Library on October 15

Free in-person homework help is available for students in grades K-8 at Irvine Heritage Park Library. Volunteer teen homework helpers will assist students with their assignments, and attendees are asked to bring necessary supplies. The session takes place on Tuesday, October 15, from 4:30 PM to 6:00 PM.

Save Lives with Anaheim Ducks & UCI Health Blood Drive at Honda Center on Oct. 17

The Anaheim Ducks and UCI Health Bloodmobile will be holding a blood drive on October 17 at The Honda Center. Donors will be entered into a drawing for a signed Ducks puck, ice-skating passes to Great Park Ice & FivePoint Arena, and will receive a Teemu Selanne bobblehead (while supplies last). Register ahead here

Mountain Biking Difficulty Ratings: Find Your Perfect Trail Challenge

Looking to hit the trails? Check out these Mountain Biking Difficulty Ratings to find the right fit!

- Level 1: Great for beginners, up to 5 miles with easy elevation.

- Level 2: A bit tougher, up to 10 miles with moderate climbs and sandy patches.

- Level 3: Challenge yourself with up to 15 miles and steeper sections.

- Level 4: Seasoned riders can tackle 20 miles of tough terrain and steep descents.

- Level 5: Only for pros, with over 15 miles of rugged trails.

Learn more here

Enjoy Live Jazz and Vinyl Art at Great Park's 'For the Love of Vinyl' Event

Get ready for "For the Love of Vinyl," the upcoming Jazz in the Palm Court event on Sunday, October 27, from 1–3 p.m. at the Palm Court Arts Complex, supporting the Great Park Gallery's “Thank You, Good Night: Concert Photography” exhibition. Enjoy live jazz renditions of classic hits, browse Resident Vinyl’s pop-up record shop, and create your own artwork on vinyl record sleeves. The event is free and open to all ages—bring folding chairs and blankets for seating. No registration needed. 

Upcoming Northwood High School’s Music Calendar

  1. Wed, November 6, 5:00-8:00 PM: Band Spectacular

  2. Thu, November 21, 7:00 - 8:00 PM: Vocal Music Winter Concert

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

Upcoming University High School's Choirs Calendar

  1. Thu & Fri, October 17 & 18, 7:00 PM: Songs & Stories at Big Theater.

  2. Thu, December 5, 7:00 PM: A Winter Celebration at Big Theater.

For the latest updates or additional details, please visit https://www.uhschoirs.org/2024-25-season.html

Upcoming Woodbridge High School's Music Calendar

  1. Wed, November 6, 7:00 PM: IUSD Band Spectacular.

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

Upcoming Woodbridge High School’s Vocal Music Calendar

  1. Thu, October 17, 7:00 PM: Fall Concert at WHS Performing Arts Center.

  2. Wed, October 30, 7:00 PM: IUSD High School Vocal Festival at Portola HS.

  3. Tue, November 5, 1:00 PM: Concordia Treble Chorus Festival, TBD.

  4. Fri, December 6, 7:00 PM: Winter Celebration Concert at WHS Performing Arts Center.

For the latest updates or additional details, please visit https://woodbridgechoirs.weebly.com/calendar.html

Upcoming Irvine High School's Music Calendar

  1. Tue, October 29, 7:00-9:30 PM: Autumn Serenade

  2. Wed, December 18, 6:00-10:00 PM: IM Winter Concert

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

Caring for All Creatures: Irvine’s Commitment to Animal Safety During National Protection Month

October marks National Animal Safety and Protection Month, emphasizing the importance of ethical treatment for all animals, both domestic and wild. Pet owners are encouraged to schedule regular check-ups, pet-proof their homes, and microchip their pets. Special recognition is given to the Irvine Police Department Animal Services officers for their compassionate care of lost animals and injured wildlife. For resources and more information about the Irvine Animal Care Center, visit cityofirvine.org/animals.

UCI Women's Volleyball Rallies to Defeat UC Santa Barbara 3-1 in Gritty Comeback

UC Irvine pulled off an impressive 3-1 comeback win against UC Santa Barbara, rallying in the final two sets, including a seven-point run in the fourth set to secure victory. Katie Smith led UCI with 17 kills, including key points in the final moments. The Anteaters' defense was dominant, recording 86 digs and 14 blocks, with Ofure Iselen contributing nine blocks. UCI improved to 10-7 overall and 4-2 in the Big West. The team now prepares to face Long Beach State on October 18 at 7:00 p.m.

UC Irvine Men's Water Polo Holds Off UC San Diego for 12-11 Victory in Big West Opener

No. 5/7 UC Irvine opened Big West play with a tight 12-11 victory over No. 15/13 UC San Diego, marking the third consecutive one-point win over the Tritons. Ethan Shipman led the charge with two goals and six assists, his six assists being the most by an Anteater since 2017. UCI’s offense was strong, converting 50% of their shots, while Zayd Mahmoud tallied 12 saves for his fifth win of the season. Despite a late comeback from UCSD, UCI held on for the win. Next, UC Irvine faces No. 9 Long Beach State on Friday, October 18.

UCI Anteaters Upcoming Home Games

Men's Soccer

  1. Wed, Oct 16: vs Cal State Bakersfield, 6:00 PM

  2. Sat, Oct 26: vs Sacramento State, 6:00 PM

Women's Soccer

  1. Thu, Oct 17: vs Cal State Fullerton, 6:00 PM

  2. Sun, Oct 27: vs Long Beach State, 6:00 PM

Men's Water Polo

  1. Sat, Oct 19: vs Westcliff, 12:00 PM

  2. Sat, Oct 26: vs UC Santa Barbara, 12:00 PM

  3. Sun, Oct 27: vs Pepperdine, 1:00 PM

Men's Basketball

  1. Wed, Oct 30: (Exhibition) vs Vanguard, 7:00 PM

🏐⚽🏀 Upcoming home games for the IVC LASERS

Men's Basketball

  1. Thu, Oct 24: vs Chaffey/San Diego City (Scrimmage), 4:30 PM

Men's Soccer

  1. Fri, Oct 18: vs Orange Coast, 3:00 PM

  2. Tue, Oct 22: vs Golden West, 3:00 PM

  3. Tue, Oct 29: vs Santa Ana, 3:00 PM

Women's Soccer

  1. Tue, Oct 15: vs Santiago Canyon, 3:00 PM

  2. Fri, Oct 25: vs Saddleback, 3:00 PM

Women's Volleyball

  1. Wed, Oct 16: vs Fullerton, 6:00 PM

  2. Fri, Oct 18: vs Santiago Canyon, 6:00 PM

  3. Fri, Oct 25: vs Orange Coast, 6:00 PM

Record-Breaking Night: Brandon "Figgy" Figueroa Leads Irvine to Victory with Six Touchdowns

Senior running back Brandon “Figgy” Figueroa set a new Irvine High School scoring record with six touchdowns in the Vaqueros' 57-24 Iota League victory over Canyon at Irvine Stadium. Figueroa rushed for 342 yards on 19 carries and had two kickoff returns for touchdowns (92 and 98 yards). He broke the previous scoring record of 30 points, held by Cameron Goods, and credited his offensive line for creating wide-open running lanes. Irvine quarterback Khoa Bui added a TD pass, while the defense, led by interceptions from Deacon Moss and Chad Russom, held off Canyon's high-powered passing attack. The victory was highlighted by a tribute to legendary former coach Terry Henigan.

High School Athletics Calendar

** Updated With October Schedule

Upcoming Irvine High School’s Varsity home games:

October 2024  

Tuesday, October 15

  •  04:30 PM: Water Polo, Boys VR vs. La Serna at Woolett Pool

Wednesday, October 16

  •   03:30 PM: Golf, Girls VR vs. Rosary Academy at Oak Creek Golf Course 

Gym Locker Theft Leads to $18,000 Jewelry Purchase; Irvine Police Search for Suspect

On Friday, September 27, a suspect is believed to have stolen a credit card from a secured locker at Equinox gym and disabled the victim's cellphone. The suspect then used the card to buy $18,000 worth of jewelry at a nearby mall and attempted another $11,000 purchase, which was declined. The suspect was seen driving a black Infinity QX60. If you have any information, please contact [email protected].

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

September 14 - October 31 Pumpkin Patch at Tanka Farms

October 17 - 19 Classical Spooktacular 8 PM

October 20 Fantastic Symphony 3 PM

October 24 Esmé Quartet 7 PM

October 26 Monster Splash 2024 1 PM - 5 PM

October 26 Songs of the Soul 5 PM

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