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Community Advisory: Beware of Scams, Urges Irvine Police After Recent Incident

Issue # 0157

Author

Joshua Tjia
06 May

In this Irvine Insider Issue . . .

😁 Laugh Of The Day

🌤️ Irvine Weather

⚠️🚔 Community Advisory: Beware of Scams, Urges Irvine Police After Recent Incident

🏫📄 IUSD Seeks New Principals for Eastwood Elementary and Jeffery Trail Middle School

🩰🪩 Crean Lutheran High School Dancers Shine at Irvine Barclay Theatre

🎥💞 From Fitness to Films: Irvine's Older Americans Month Offers Enriching Free Activities

🎠🍊 Great Park Carousel Now Open: Explore New Features and Extended Hours

👧🏻🍙 Get Crafty, Cook Up Fun, and Celebrate Mother’s Day at Pretend City Children’s Museum

🩻🩺 Discover the Keys to Early Diagnosis of Cervical Myelopathy at UCI Health’s Next Lecture

🌳🚶‍♂️ Explore Irvine’s Trails: Self-Guided Hike and Bike Event Scheduled for May 18th"

👩🏻‍🎨💮✍🏻 Meet Hannah Tjia: Irvine's Emerging Talent in Magical Realism

💮💃 Experience Tradition and Innovation at The Tale of Chinese Dance Company Event

🎼🎼 Upcoming High School Music Calendar

🐇 Important Tips from Irvine Wildlife Experts on Handling Young Wildlife Encounters

🏃 UC Irvine Dominates at Big West: Farmer Takes Decathlon, Daniels Places Third

🏃🏽‍♀️ UC Irvine's Jolie Robinson Defends Heptathlon Crown at Big West Multi-Event Championships

🏀🏐🎾⚾ UCI Anteaters Upcoming Home Games

🏀 From Irvine to Alaska: IVC’s Jesse Stines Commits to Division II Basketball Future

🏀🏀 Upcoming home games for the IVC LASERS

🏈🎾 High School Athletics Calendar

🔥🚨 Series of Intentional Fires Lead to Arson Charges for Irvine Resident

🍏🥭🍑 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 a fish with no eye?

Fsh.

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

Community Advisory: Beware of Scams, Urges Irvine Police After Recent Incident

Last week in Irvine, a resident almost lost $25,000 in a scam after receiving a computer alert claiming her computer was hacked. She was instructed to withdraw money for a courier to pick up. Fortunately, she contacted the police upon suspecting the scam. Officers intercepted the courier, who was unaware of his involvement in the scam, responding to a job on an app. Irvine PD advises extreme caution against online or phone scams where unknown contacts demand money, posing as authorities or businesses. Additionally, app-based couriers are urged to contact police if a pick-up feels suspicious, to avoid unintentional involvement in illegal activities.

#irvine #irvinepolice #scamalert

IUSD Seeks New Principals for Eastwood Elementary and Jeffery Trail Middle School

IUSD is hiring principals for Eastwood Elementary and Jeffery Trail Middle School. Apply by May 8 for competitive salaries and benefits. More info and applications: bit.ly/iusdprincipal-elem

#IUSD #IUSDCommunity #JoinTheIUSDTeam

Crean Lutheran High School Dancers Shine at Irvine Barclay Theatre

The Crean Lutheran High School Dance Department impressed at the Irvine Barclay Theatre with their "Inside Out" concert, displaying a range of emotions from joy to nostalgia. Congratulations to the Saints dancers for a memorable show. For more event photos, visit their gallery. The event embodied Psalm 149:3, celebrating dance and music.

From Fitness to Films: Irvine's Older Americans Month Offers Enriching Free Activities

Celebrate Older Americans Month by participating in various free social and engaging activities aimed at helping you stay connected, engaged, and thriving!

  • Socializing: Engage in activities designed to build new friendships, share experiences, and forge lasting connections.

  • Fun and Enrichment: Enjoy a variety of activities including fitness classes, bunco tournaments, educational lectures, and movie screenings. These activities promote mental and physical activity, allow you to explore new interests, and offer lots of fun.

  • Opportunity Drawing: Earn entries for each activity you participate in, increasing your chances to win in the opportunity drawing. Submit your tickets at Lakeview, Rancho, or Trabuco senior centers by May 31. For more details and to register, visit cityofirvine.org/yourirvine.

#IrvineOlderAdults #HealthyAging #OlderAmericansMonth #StayConnected #WeAreIrvine

Great Park Carousel Now Open: Explore New Features and Extended Hours

Great Park Carousel Reopens with a Fresh Look! Rediscover the charm of the iconic Great Park Carousel, now featuring 12 vividly repainted animals and vintage-style panels for a magical experience. Ideal for all ages, this historic ride offers a wonderful opportunity for creating memories in Orange County.

  • Operating Hours:

    • Thursday–Friday: 10 a.m.–10 p.m.

    • Saturday–Sunday: 9 a.m.–10 p.m.

    • Closed Monday–Wednesday.

  • Pricing:

    • All-Day Pass: $10

    • Single Ride: $3

For more details, visit: yourgreatpark.org/carousel.

#GreatParkCarousel #YourGreatPark #FamilyFun #CarouselMagic #WeAreIrvine

Get Crafty, Cook Up Fun, and Celebrate Mother’s Day at Pretend City Children’s Museum

  • May 8, 22, 29: Let's Clay Workshops
    Time: 9:00 - 9:45 AM
    Fee: Free (Members Only)

  • May 9: Cooking in the City
    Experience miso soup and craft origami Samurai hats with Marukome.
    Times: 11:00 AM and 2:30 PM

  • May 10: Way to Play Day
    Free developmental screenings for children up to 6 years old, focusing on early development and intervention.
    Time: 10:00 AM - 3:00 PM

  • May 11: Mother's Day Celebration
    Join Vilayvahn Bender, author of Mommy Eats Grasshoppers, for activities including Lei making, Lao jump rope, and more.
    Time: 12:00 PM - 2:00 PM

  • May 12: Museum Closed
    Note: Closed for Mother's Day.

Discover the Keys to Early Diagnosis of Cervical Myelopathy at UCI Health’s Next Lecture

Cervical myelopathy, a condition caused by spinal cord compression in the neck, can cause pain, stiffness, balance issues, walking difficulties, and fine motor skill problems. Early detection is crucial for effective treatment. Join UCI Health orthopaedic surgeon Dr. Hao-Hua Wu on May 16 for a free virtual lecture on the importance of early detection of cervical myelopathy. Register at https://bit.ly/44sP7gc.

Explore Irvine’s Trails: Self-Guided Hike and Bike Event at Bommer Canyon on May 18th

Irvine's Open Space Preserve offers self-guided hiking and biking on May 18, from 8 am to 2 pm. This includes normally guided-only trails in Shady and Bommer Canyon. No registration needed but use online sign-up to get a map and driving directions. Park at Bommer Canyon Cattle Camp; be aware of limited parking due to construction, with additional spots at nearby trailheads and community parks. Learn more and get updated information at bit.ly/4b1GbAK.

Local Artist Spotlight Feature

Meet Hannah Tjia: Irvine's Emerging Talent in Magical Realism

In Irvine's dynamic arts scene, emerging artist Hannah Tjia captivates with her enchanting blend of magical realism and poignant storytelling. A gifted painter who began her artistic journey at the Laguna College of Art and Design (LCAD), Hannah has quickly won the hearts of both the local art community and wider audiences.

As part of LCAD’s Professional Mentoring program, in her junior year, Hannah was blessed with the opportunity to be mentored by the prominent Dawson Cole Fine Art Gallery in Laguna Beach. Hannah had the honor of displaying her artworks at the main rotunda, which according to the gallery director, Mr. Richard Macdonald, “It was the very first time that they displayed a student’s art works in the main rotunda”

At her graduation, Hannah received the Honorable Mention Award from the Laguna College of Art and Design Board of Trustees.

Hannah's connection to art traces back to her childhood, filled with vivid memories of drawing, painting, and crafting stories. Despite a brief divergence during her school years, her passion was rekindled in college, leading her to a profound and unexpected revival of her artistic endeavors. "Each class drew me in, and I found myself longing to improve with every project," Hannah shares, reflecting on her transformative experience at art school.

Her daily art practice is a blend of discipline and spontaneity, balancing multiple projects to keep her perspective fresh and responsive. Hannah starts her day with calming routines—laying out her palette, cleaning brushes, and organizing her workspace—before diving into the creative process. Whether sketching initial ideas, making color studies, or painting, each step is a careful, thoughtful progression.

Hannah's award-winning piece, “Wolf Song,” exemplifies her unique approach to art. Inspired by a video game and reminiscent of Japanese woodblock prints, the painting and its accompanying poem tell a melancholic tale of companionship and longing set against a stormy, indigo backdrop. This piece won 3rd Prize in the Beautiful Bizarre Magazine Founders’ Emerging Artist Award, a testament to her skill and vision.

Wolf Song is currently on display at Brea Gallery as part of their MADE In California art exhibition from April 27 - June 23, 2024.

Asked about the influences on her work, Hannah cites a love for fantasy literature and folklore. "I find joy in exploring the ethereal through my art, making every day at the easel feel like Christmas morning," she explains. Her favorite tales include a mix of Western and Eastern folklore, showcasing her broad inspirations and narrative depth.

Looking ahead, Hannah dreams of exploring new mediums and collaborating on larger projects. "I am also intrigued by the idea of writing stories that could accompany my paintings or stand alone," she adds, hinting at the potential expansion of her creative expression.

Hannah's participation in the Beautiful Bizarre Magazine Art Prize not only connected her with a global network of artists but also encouraged her to share her work more broadly. "It's a wonderful way to admire and be inspired by the talent of others," she notes, recommending other artists take the leap into competitions to gain exposure and motivation.

For those enchanted by the interplay of reality and fantasy, Hannah's work offers a gateway into worlds both familiar and utterly transformative. As she continues to evolve and explore, the art community eagerly anticipates her next magical journey.

For more details on Hannah's artwork, explore her official website and follow her art journey on Instagram:

Mention "Irvine Insider" when making a purchase or commission inquiries to receive an exclusive discount.

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Stay tuned to Irvine Insider for more updates on Hannah and other talented artists shaping our community's art landscape.

Experience Tradition and Innovation at The Tale of Chinese Dance Company Event

Join the vibrant celebration of Chinese heritage with the Tale of Chinese Dance Company of Southern California on Saturday, May 25 at 7 PM. This event features a mix of traditional and contemporary dance performances by talented local artists, highlighting the diverse stories and cultures within the Chinese community. Experience a stunning visual and cultural journey that connects you to the historical roots and vibrant spirit of Chinese arts.

Don't miss this cultural feast at The Barclay. It's more than just a performance; it's an exploration of tradition, modernity, and the diverse tapestry of Chinese culture. Tickets available at here

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

No events scheduled for May.

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 May.

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

Upcoming Woodbridge High School’s Vocal Music Calendar

  1. 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 May.

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

Upcoming Irvine High School's Choral Calendar

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

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

  3. 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

Important Tips from Irvine Wildlife Experts on Handling Young Wildlife Encounters

If you encounter a seemingly abandoned baby bird or bunny during an outdoor adventure, it's likely not alone. Their mothers often hide them while foraging for food. It is advised to observe from a distance to see if the mother returns. The best action is to leave the baby untouched to increase the chance of reunion with its mother. Only intervene if the baby is truly orphaned, then contact the Wetlands & Wildlife Care Center at (714) 374-5587 or visit www.wwccoc.org for specialized care. For injured wildlife, reach out to Irvine Animal Services at (949) 724-7092. Let’s help keep wildlife families together!

#IrvineWildlife #WildlifeRehabilitation #WeAreIrvine #IrvineAnimals

UC Irvine Dominates at Big West: Farmer Takes Decathlon, Daniels Places Third

At the 2024 Big West Multi-Event Championship held at Miller & Capriotti Athletic Complex in San Luis Obispo, California, UC Irvine's Josh Farmer won the decathlon with a score of 7,566 points, marking the team's first decathlon title since 1993. Farmer excelled with a season-best performance in the 110m hurdles and strong showings in discus, pole vault, javelin, and the 1500m. Teammate Daniels secured third place with personal records in the 110m hurdles and the 1500m. UC Irvine is set to compete again in San Luis Obispo for the continuing Big West Championship events on May 10-11.

UC Irvine's Jolie Robinson Defends Heptathlon Crown at Big West Multi-Event Championships

2024 Big West Multi-Event Championships, San Luis Obispo, CA - Jolie Robinson, a junior from UC Irvine, reclaimed her title in the heptathlon with a score of 5,220 points, ranking her first for the second time at these championships. She excelled particularly on the second day, securing the top spot with a season-best performance. Notably, Robinson achieved personal records in the 800m and long jump. Her teammate, Jazzmine Davis, finished fifth with 5,085 points, marking a personal best and placing her ninth in school history. Senior Laura Sangiacomo also set a personal record, finishing 12th with 4,280 points, while Chaselyn Amos ranked 14th with 4,200 points. UC Irvine will compete again in San Luis Obispo on May 10-11 for the remaining events of the Big West Championships.

UCI Anteaters Upcoming Home Games

Baseball

  1. Tue, May 7: vs UCLA, 6:00 PM

  2. Tue, May 14: vs Loyola Marymount, 6:00 PM

  3. Thu, May 23: vs CSUN, 6:00 PM

  4. Fri, May 24: vs CSUN, 6:00 PM

  5. Sat, May 25: vs CSUN, 1:00 PM

From Irvine to Alaska: IVC’s Jesse Stines Commits to Division II Basketball Future

Irvine Valley College's sophomore basketball standout Jesse Stines has committed to the University of Alaska Anchorage for NCAA Division II basketball. A versatile 6-6 player, Stines was named both first team all-Orange Empire Conference and MVP for Irvine Valley this past season, leading the team in points, rebounds, and blocks. Despite a season-ending loss in the So. Cal. Regional Playoffs, Stines averaged 13.9 points and 7.7 rebounds per game, helping his team finish with a 17-12 record. He now joins an Alaska Anchorage team that posted a 22-11 record last season and competed in the Division II West Regional Championships.

🏐⚽🏀 Upcoming home games for the IVC LASERS

No upcoming IVC home games

High School Athletics Calendar -

** Updated With May Schedule

Upcoming Irvine High School’s Varsity home games:

No upcoming home games.

Series of Intentional Fires Lead to Arson Charges for Irvine Resident

Over recent months, multiple small fires were deliberately set at Jeffrey Open Space Trail in Irvine. Aria Hematian, a 52-year-old local, was arrested last week by SIU detectives and charged with arson, forgery, and possession of fraudulent IDs. He is currently held at Orange County Jail.

#dontcommitcrimeinirvine #irvine #irvinepolice #irvinepd #police #lawenforcement #cityofirvine #orangecounty

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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