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Experience a Vibrant Mariachi Fiesta with Pacific Symphony on March 22

Issue # 0364

Author

Joshua Tjia
14 Mar

In this Irvine Insider Issue . . .

😁 Laugh Of The Day

🌤️ Irvine Weather

🚙🛑 UC Irvine Study Reveals How Stickers Can Trick Self-Driving Cars

🪇🎻 Experience a Vibrant Mariachi Fiesta with Pacific Symphony on March 22

🍦🍨 Get a Free Shake at Shake Shack – Limited Time Offer

🍓🍒 BOGO 50% Off at Nekter Juice Bar – Wednesdays After 4 PM

🏫💵 Irvine Schools Receive $198K in Grants for Classroom Innovation

🤒 The Science of Itch: Causes, Treatments, and When to See a Doctor

🌧️🥾 Trail & Field Closures Due to Rain - See What’s Affected

🎨 Explore Vietnamese American History at the OC Archives Bazaar – March 16

🎼🎼 Upcoming High School Music Calendar

🐕🐈 Support Irvine’s Foster Pets: Donate Essential Supplies This March

🎾 UC Irvine Men’s Tennis Defeats Navy 6-1, Extends Win Streak to Five

🏀🏐🎾⚾ UCI Anteaters Upcoming Home Games

⚽️ IVC Soccer’s Jonas Foppen Commits to Benedictine Mesa

🏀🏀 Upcoming home games for the IVC LASERS

🏀 Portola Girls Basketball Makes Historic Playoff Run, Reaches CIF & State Semifinals

🏈🎾 High School Athletics Calendar

🚔🚨 Two Suspects Arrested for Package Theft and Identity Fraud at Park Place Apartments

🍏🥭🍑 Local Farmers Markets

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

📅📅 Lots of Local Events

📞💡 Useful Contact Information

Why do clovers always win arguments?

Because they have four strong points!

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

UC Irvine Study Reveals How Stickers Can Trick Self-Driving Cars

UC Irvine researchers have demonstrated that multicolored stickers on traffic signs can deceive self-driving cars, causing dangerous misinterpretations like ignoring stop signs or braking unnecessarily. Presented at the Network and Distributed System Security Symposium, the study tested top-selling autonomous vehicles, revealing vulnerabilities in AI-based traffic sign recognition. Researchers found that simple stickers, easily created with Python and image processing tools, could make road signs invisible or even create fake ones. This large-scale real-world evaluation highlights the urgent need for stronger security in autonomous vehicle systems. The study, supported by the NSF and U.S. Department of Transportation, challenges previous assumptions and calls for further research to ensure road safety.

Experience a Vibrant Mariachi Fiesta with Pacific Symphony on March 22

Experience the vibrant rhythms of Mariachi Garibaldi de Jaime Cuéllar and ballet folklórico as Pacific Symphony celebrates Mexican culture in a lively, family-friendly concert. Join the fun on Saturday, March 22, at the Renée and Henry Segerstrom Concert Hall in Costa Mesa, with showtimes at 10:00 AM & 11:30 AM. Enjoy interactive lobby activities like coloring, crafts, and photo ops.

Get a Free Shake at Shake Shack – Limited Time Offer

Get a FREE Shake at Shake Shack with a $10+ purchase from Jan 1 – Mar 31, daily from 2–5 PM. Choose from classic flavors or seasonal specials like Cherry Blossom, Brownie Batter Hot Cocoa, or Thai Iced Tea. Use promo code SWEETSPOT at the in-Shack kiosk, Shack App, or online. (949) 620-4603 for details.

BOGO 50% Off at Nekter Juice Bar – Wednesdays After 4 PM

Get a Buy One, Get One 50% OFF deal on any menu item at Nekter Juice Bar in Orchard Hills Shopping Center every Wednesday after 4 PM! Limited-time offer, valid only at this location in Irvine.

Irvine Schools Receive $198K in Grants for Classroom Innovation

Irvine schools received $198,000 in grants from the Irvine Public Schools Foundation (IPSF) to fund 12 new and five continuing innovative classroom projects.

  • Programs include new recess equipment at Canyon View Elementary to encourage cooperative play, a student-run news broadcast at Portola Springs Elementary, and an academic Quiz Bowl competition at Irvine High.

  • IPSF President Neda Eaton praised the initiative, emphasizing its role in preparing students for future challenges.

  • Since 1996, IPSF has awarded over $2.7 million in grants, supporting classroom tech, arts, and STEM education, made possible by community donations.

The Science of Itch: Causes, Treatments, and When to See a Doctor

Itching is more than just an annoyance—it’s a complex neurological process that can significantly impact daily life.

  • UCI Health dermatologist Dr. Linda T. Doan explains that itch can stem from the skin, spinal cord, or brain.

  • When linked to a rash, conditions like eczema, allergies, or bug bites are often the cause and can be treated with moisturizers, antihistamines, or topical steroids.

  • However, itch without a rash may signal underlying issues such as thyroid disease, kidney dysfunction, nerve damage, or aging-related changes.

  • Persistent or severe itching, especially if accompanied by fever, weight loss, or insomnia, should be evaluated by a doctor.

Trail & Field Closures Due to Rain - See What’s Affected

Due to wet and muddy conditions, the following trails and bike paths are closed:

🥾 Hiking Trails Closed:

  • Quail Hill Loop Trail

  • Bommer Canyon

  • Shady Canyon open space trails

🚲 Bike Trail Closures Due to Flooding:

San Diego Creek Bike Trail:

  • Los Olivos

  • Culver

  • Harvard

  • Michelson

Peters Canyon Bike Trail:

  • Barranca

  • Warner

  • Railroad tracks & Como Channel Trail

  • 5 Freeway

⚽ City athletic fields are closed – check cityofirvine.org/mudd for updates. For Great Park field closures, visit here. More rain is expected today—stay warm and dry!

Explore Vietnamese American History at the OC Archives Bazaar – March 16

Celebrate the Orange County Archives Bazaar on Sunday, March 16, from 10 a.m. to 3 p.m. at the Great Park Gallery & Hangar 244.

  • This year’s exhibition, "From Saigon to Little Saigon: Reflections on 50 Years of Home," highlights the stories, traditions, and memories of Orange County’s Vietnamese community.

  • Enjoy exhibitions, presentations, and hands-on activities showcasing Vietnamese American history.

  • Free admission, no registration required.

  • Learn more at cityofirvine.org/great-park/exhibitions.

Upcoming Northwood High School’s Music Calendar

  1. March 15 : Irvine Jazz Festival, Irvine HS

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

Upcoming University High School's Choirs Calendar

  1. May 1-2, 7:00 PM: Broadway Rocks!, 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. March 18, 7:00 PM-9:00 PM: IUSD Jazz Festival

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

Upcoming Woodbridge High School’s Vocal Music Calendar

  1. March 21, 7:00 PM: Spring Concert, 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. March 15, All Day: Irvine Jazz Festival, Irvine High School Campus.

  2. March 18, 7:00 PM: District Jazz Festival, Woodbridge HS Performing Arts Center.

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

Support Irvine’s Foster Pets: Donate Essential Supplies This March

Support animals in need by donating to the Foster Donation Drive throughout March! Help provide essential supplies like Mother & Babycat food and Nursing Kits to the Irvine Animal Care Center’s foster program, ensuring vulnerable puppies, kittens, and recovering animals receive the care they need.

  • Shop from Amazon or Chewy wish lists and have items shipped directly to the center.

  • Donations accepted until March 31

UC Irvine Men’s Tennis Defeats Navy 6-1, Extends Win Streak to Five

No. 44 UC Irvine men's tennis secured a dominant 6-1 victory over Navy, marking their fifth straight win and improving to 9-3 on the season. After dropping the first doubles match, the 'Eaters bounced back, with Andy Nguyen and Noah Zamora clinching the doubles point in a tight 7-6 (7-5) tiebreaker. Nguyen carried his momentum into singles, sweeping his opponent 6-0, 6-0, while Lawee Sherif and Sohrob Amiryavari also delivered decisive wins. UC Irvine continued to dominate, with Max Fardanesh and Zamora adding to the scoreboard, while Navy managed one point at No. 3 singles.

UCI Anteaters Upcoming Home Games

Men's Tennis

  • Fri, Mar 14 – vs Yale, TBA

Women's Water Polo

  • Fri, Mar 14 – vs CSUN, 12:00 PM

Men's Track & Field

  • Fri, Mar 14 – Challenge Cup, 1:00 PM

Women's Track & Field

  • Fri, Mar 14 – Challenge Cup, 1:00 PM

IVC Soccer’s Jonas Foppen Commits to Benedictine Mesa

Irvine Valley men's soccer player Jonas Foppen has committed to NCAA Division II Benedictine Mesa in Arizona. The Netherlands native played 24 matches over two seasons for the Lasers, starting six. He contributed to IVC’s 8-12-1 record this past season and their 12-4-6 playoff run in 2023. Foppen joins a Benedictine Mesa team that finished 6-8-4 overall and 5-5-4 in the Golden State Athletic Conference in fall 2024.

🏐⚽🏀 Upcoming home games for the IVC LASERS 

Baseball

  1. Fri, Mar 14 – vs Santa Ana, 1:00 PM

Men's Volleyball

  1. Fri, Mar 21 – vs Palomar, 6:00 PM

Women's Beach Volleyball

  1. Sat, Mar 22 – vs El Camino, 10:00 AM

  2. Sat, Mar 22 – vs Concordia University, Irvine, 1:00 PM

Men's Tennis

  1. Wed, Mar 26 – vs Linfield College, 10:00 AMv

Portola Girls Basketball Makes Historic Playoff Run, Reaches CIF & State Semifinals

Portola High School’s girls basketball team had a historic season, advancing further in post-season play than ever before. The Bulldogs reached the semifinals of both the CIF 2AA and CIF State Southern California Division II tournaments. Despite losing key players from last season, they tackled a tough schedule, which paid off with deep playoff runs.

  • In the CIF Southern Section, Portola (19-16) defeated Camarillo, Campbell Hall, and top-seeded Buena Park before falling to Oak Park in the semifinals. In the CIF State Regionals, they beat Victory Christian and El Capitan before losing to top-seeded Monache.

  • Nina Saiki led the team, averaging 12 points per game and surpassing 1,000 career points. Madison Nguyen, a Crean Lutheran transfer, averaged 11 points, while Kira Niho added 10 points per game from deep. Amelia Booth contributed a double-double, averaging 10 points and 12 rebounds.

  • Portola finished second in the Pacific Coast League (6-2), behind Sage Hill, which advanced to the CIF Division I state final.

High School Athletics Calendar

** Updated With March Schedule

Upcoming Irvine High School’s Varsity home games:

March 2025

Friday, March 14

  • 3:30 PM - Baseball (VR) vs Laguna Beach at Irvine High School Baseball Field

  • 5:00 PM - Lacrosse (Girls, VR) vs El Dorado at Irvine High School Stadium

Two Suspects Arrested for Package Theft and Identity Fraud at Park Place Apartments

Two suspects attempted to steal packages from the Park Place Apartments mailroom on Saturday morning but were interrupted by security. Jay James Latunski, 36, and Nichole Yvonne Bagley, 39, both from Huntington Beach, fled in opposite directions—Bagley with stolen packages, Latunski empty-handed. Officers quickly located and arrested both. A search of the area uncovered stolen packages hidden in landscaping, while their car contained EBT cards, passports, credit cards, and evidence of identity theft. Both were booked into Orange County Jail on burglary and conspiracy charges, with Latunski facing an additional identity theft charge.

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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