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Expert Tips for Managing Holiday Stress: Keep the Joy Alive

Issue # 0289

Author

Joshua Tjia
13 Nov

In this Irvine Insider Issue . . .

😁 Laugh Of The Day

🌤️ Irvine Weather

🗳️📮 Election Update: Current Results in Irvine's Key Races as Ballot Counting Progresses

🦃🥧 Bring Hope to Local Families This Thanksgiving—Join Free Chapel in Providing Meals and Essentials

🎁🎅🏻 Ho Ho Holiday Fun! Join Santa’s Wonderland at Bass Pro Shops – Free Pics, Crafts & More

📖📚Bring the Family Together for Storytime at Irvine Heritage Park Library

🎄💭 Expert Tips for Managing Holiday Stress: Keep the Joy Alive

🌳🦉 Spot Hawks, Owls, and More: Join the Bommer Canyon Birding Adventure

👩🏻‍🍳🍰 Create Sweet Memories This Holiday Season at Home Baking Day

🎼🎼 Upcoming High School Music Calendar

🐇🐈 10 Dogs, 22 Cats, and 1 Rabbit Find Forever Homes This Week

🎾 UC Irvine’s Noah Zamora Qualifies for NCAA Tennis Singles Championships

🏀🏐🎾⚾ UCI Anteaters Upcoming Home Games

🏀🏀 Upcoming home games for the IVC LASERS

🏈 Irvine High Football Preps for CIF Quarterfinals After Thrilling 34-32 Win Over Los Osos

🏈🎾 High School Athletics Calendar

🍏🥭🍑 Local Farmers Markets

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

📅📅 Lots of Local Events

📞💡 Useful Contact Information

Did you hear about the turkey that plays baseball?

He covers first baste.

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

Election Update: Current Results in Irvine's Key Races as Ballot Counting Progresses

As of Nov 12, the Orange County Registrar has counted over 1.3M ballots, with 126K remaining. In Irvine’s Congressional race, Dave Min leads Scott Baugh by 5,912 votes. Former Irvine Mayor Steven Choi is ahead of Josh Newman in the State Senate race by 9,421 votes. Cottie Petrie-Norris seems to have won re-election for State Assembly. For Irvine Mayor, Larry Agran leads with 39%, followed by Tammy Kim at 34%, with a 4,980-vote gap. In City Council, Melinda Liu (D1), William Go (D2), James Mai (D3), and Mike Carroll (D4) are leading. Carolyn Inmon has likely won re-election to the South Orange County Community College District Board. More updates to come as ballots are counted.

Bring Hope to Local Families This Thanksgiving—Join Free Chapel in Providing Meals and Essentials

Free Chapel’s Thanksgiving Collection Drive is currently open until Sunday, November 17, partnering with Olive Crest to support families in need and foster families. Drop off donations before/after 9AM & 11AM Sunday services or at the Church Office (Mon-Fri, 9AM-4PM).

Needed items include: boxed goods (stuffing, rice, mashed potatoes), canned foods (veggies, cranberry sauce, soups), bottled drinks (apple juice, instant coffee), and non-food items (tableware, roasting pans, cling wrap).

Help bless local foster families this Thanksgiving!

Ho Ho Holiday Fun! Join Santa’s Wonderland at Bass Pro Shops – Free Pics, Crafts & More

From Nov 3 – Dec 24, Bass Pro Shops in Irvine is transforming into Santa’s magical workshop! Bring the whole family for FREE photos with Santa, holiday crafts, games, and festive giveaways. Don’t miss special events like Christmas Tales with Santa on Tuesdays and Yuletide Breakfasts on select dates.

Reservations are recommended, so secure your spot today and make this holiday season unforgettable!

Bring the Family Together for Storytime at Irvine Heritage Park Library

Families are invited to attend Preschool Storytime at Irvine Heritage Park Library. This engaging event, designed for children ages 3-5 and their caregivers, features stories, songs, and rhymes to inspire young imaginations. The session will take place on Thursday, November 14, from 11:00 to 11:20 AM. It’s a wonderful opportunity for families to enjoy a fun and interactive experience together.

Expert Tips for Managing Holiday Stress: Keep the Joy Alive

The holidays can bring stress, but managing expectations and planning ahead helps keep the season joyful. UCI Health psychiatrist Dr. Jody M. Rawles suggests viewing the holidays as less life-altering and more about simple celebrations.

  • High expectations can lead to frustration, but setting realistic goals, budgeting, and involving family in planning can ease the pressure.

  • For those facing unique challenges, like recent loss or mood disorders, proactive steps such as regular exercise and mental health support are key.

  • Holiday tips include pacing oneself when consuming alcohol, staying active, volunteering, resting, and learning to say no to overcommitment.

Spot Hawks, Owls, and More: Join the Bommer Canyon Birding Adventure

Join the "Better Birding Basics: Birds of Bommer Canyon" hike on Friday, Nov 15, from 8:00 AM to 11:30 AM. This 2-mile, level-2 difficulty walk explores sycamore groves, riparian areas, and grasslands, home to hawks, owls, quail, and more.

Register here

Create Sweet Memories This Holiday Season at Home Baking Day

Celebrate the holidays with a DIY baking experience at Home Baking Day in Irvine, running daily from Nov 1 to Dec 31 at Culver Plaza. Create festive treats like:

  • Mini Bear Chocolate Donuts

  • Piggy Sandwich Cookies

  • Tiramisu

  • Pomelo Lemon Tart and much more!

This first U.S. location offers a fun, relaxed environment for bakers of all skill levels, providing fresh ingredients, clean tools, and guided instructions via tablet. Perfect for making sweet holiday memories with family and friends. See baking menu here

Upcoming Northwood High School’s Music Calendar

  1. 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, 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. Thurs, December 12, 7:00 - 9:00 PM: Winter Concerts: Concert Orchestra, Symphonic Orchestra and Philharmonic Orchestra

  2. Fri, December 13, 7:00 - 9:00 PM: Winter Concerts: Concert Band, Symphonic Band and Wind Ensemble

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

Upcoming Woodbridge High School’s Vocal Music Calendar

  1. 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. 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

10 Dogs, 22 Cats, and 1 Rabbit Find Forever Homes This Week

From November 4–10, 10 dogs, 22 cats, and 1 rabbit found new homes through adoption, including pets like Apricot, Kiwi, Jambalaya, and Bonny. One rabbit (Baymax) was sent to rescue, and 4 dogs and 4 cats were reunited with their owners. For more adoption info, visit irvineanimals.org/adopt.

UC Irvine’s Noah Zamora Qualifies for NCAA Tennis Singles Championships

UC Irvine men's tennis senior Noah Zamora has been selected for the NCAA Singles Championships, marking the first time since 2011 that an Anteater has qualified individually. Zamora earned his spot by reaching the finals at the ITA Southwest Regional Championships, winning five matches against top competitors. Ranked 122nd nationally, he's also the sole Big West representative in the field. This year's singles and doubles championships, part of a two-year fall pilot program, will be held Nov. 19-24 at Baylor's Hurd Tennis Center. Draws will be announced Nov. 16.

UCI Anteaters Upcoming Home Games

Women's Basketball

  1. Sat, Nov 16: vs Saint Mary's, 2:00 PM

Men's Basketball

  1. Sat, Nov 16: vs Pepperdine, 7:00 PM

Men's Water Polo

  1. Fri, Nov 15: vs Long Beach State, 7:00 PM

🏐⚽🏀 Upcoming home games for the IVC LASERS 

Women's Basketball

  1. Fri, Nov 15: vs El Camino, 7:00 PM

Women's Soccer

  1. Fri, Nov 15: vs Golden West, 3:00 PM

Irvine High Football Preps for CIF Quarterfinals After Thrilling 34-32 Win Over Los Osos

Irvine High School’s football team (7-4) secured a thrilling 34-32 win over Los Osos and now faces Salesian (8-3) in the CIF Division 8 quarterfinals Friday at Irvine Stadium. Despite limited play from injured star Brandon "Figgy" Figueroa, the Vaqueros excelled, with Deacon Moss leading on offense and special teams, including a 90-yard punt return TD. Jaden Burke added a 95-yard kickoff return TD. The team’s defense forced two fumbles and grabbed an interception. Coach Ricci praised the team’s resilience, emphasizing their family bond. The winner advances to face either St. Pius/St. Matthias or Segerstrom in the semifinals.

High School Athletics Calendar

** Updated With November Schedule

Upcoming Irvine High School’s Varsity home games:

November 2024  

Wednesday, November 18

  • 03:30 PM: Water Polo, Girls VR vs. Tesoro at Woolett Pool

Monday, November 19

  • 05:30 PM: Basketball, Girls VR vs. Troy at Irvine High School Game Gym

Tuesday, November 21

  • 04:00 PM: Water Polo, Girls VR vs. Alta Loma at Woolett Pool

Thursday, November 21

  • 03:30 PM: Water Polo, Girls VR vs. Aliso Niguel at Woolett Pool

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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