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Exploring Seasonal Changes: Guided Fall-to-Winter Hike at Peters Canyon, Dec. 12

Issue # 0533

Author

Joshua Tjia
10 Dec

In this Irvine Insider Issue . . .

😁 Laugh of the Day

🌤️ Irvine Weather

🩺🏥 New Cancer-Focused City of Hope Facility Begins Operations in Irvine

❄️🚂❄️ All Aboard: Train of Lights Tickets Are Now Live at Irvine Park Railroad

📫📲 Stay Safe This December: Simple Steps to Guard Against Identity Theft

✨🎅🏻 Photos with Santa Coming to Nordstrom at Irvine Spectrum

🚌🌟 205 IUSD Students Receive California State Seal of Civic Engagement

🗓️💭 Simple Habits and Smart Tools That Make Living with Mild Cognitive Impairment Easier

🍁❄️ Exploring Seasonal Changes: Guided Fall-to-Winter Hike at Peters Canyon, Dec. 12

🎄🎨 Create DIY Holiday Ornaments University Park Library This Friday

🎼🎼 Upcoming High School Music Calendar

🎄💧 Christmas Tree Fire Prevention: Water Daily, Lights Off

🏀 UCI Women’s Basketball Guard Hernandez Named Big West Player of the Week

🏀🏐🎾⚽️ UCI Anteaters Upcoming Home Games

🏀 IVC Men’s Basketball Rolls Past Hartnell 67–47

🏀🏀 Upcoming home games for the IVC LASERS

🏈🎾 High School Athletics Calendar

🚓📱 Irvine Police Arrest Seven Suspects Linked to Cryptocurrency Home Invasion Robbery

🍏🥭🍑 Local Farmers Markets

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

📅📅 Lots of Local Events

📞💡 Useful Contact Information

Why did the bear keep getting fired?

He always disappeared in the winter.

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

New Cancer-Focused City of Hope Facility Begins Operations in Irvine

Orange County’s first cancer specialty hospital has opened in Irvine, introducing a 174,000-square-foot, 73-bed City of Hope facility dedicated to cancer care, research, and clinical trials.

  • The hospital brings more than 100 physician-scientists, a 24/7 cancer-focused evaluation and treatment center, and family suites designed for extended patient support.

  • As part of a 72-acre academic research campus connected to an adjacent outpatient center, the new hospital is expected to strengthen regional healthcare, support medical innovation, and offer improved outcomes for patients and families.

All Aboard: Train of Lights Tickets Are Now Live at Irvine Park Railroad

Irvine Park Railroad’s Train of Lights tickets are now available! Choose your date and timeslot, buy up to 8 tickets, and enjoy a ride on one of Irvine’s most festive attractions.

Purchase tickets here

Stay Safe This December: Simple Steps to Guard Against Identity Theft

Nearly one-third of Americans have experienced identity theft, and during Identity Theft Prevention Month, the Orange County District Attorney urges everyone to safeguard their personal information.

  • Reduce the items you carry in public (extra credit cards, Social Security card, checkbooks).

  • Shred, tear into small pieces, or cut up all mail and documents containing Social Security, bank, or credit card numbers.

Photos with Santa Coming to Nordstrom at Irvine Spectrum

Irvine Spectrum Center is offering Photos with Santa at Nordstrom on December 13–14 and 20–21, giving families a chance to capture festive holiday moments. The sessions are hosted by Shutterfly, and visitors can check full details and book their time slot at nordstrom.com/festiveexperiences.

205 IUSD Students Receive California State Seal of Civic Engagement

A total of 205 IUSD juniors and seniors have earned the California State Seal of Civic Engagement, a statewide honor recognizing outstanding civic knowledge, meaningful community service, and strong character. Students from all seven IUSD high schools—Creekside, Irvine, Northwood, Portola, San Joaquin, University, and Woodbridge—qualified by maintaining academic engagement, understanding government systems, completing civic projects, and reflecting on their learning.

Simple Habits and Smart Tools That Make Living with Mild Cognitive Impairment Easier

Living with mild cognitive impairment can feel overwhelming, but simple daily structure can make a meaningful difference. UCI Health experts emphasize that consistent routines, clear visual reminders, reduced clutter, and easy-to-use digital tools help boost focus and reduce stress. By building habits that support memory, it’s possible to stay organized, independent, and more confident in daily life.

Memory & Routine

  • Keep essentials (keys, wallet, mail) in the same spot.

  • Use visible reminders like calendars or checklists.

  • Reduce clutter so important items are easy to find.

  • Pair new habits with established routines.

  • Do the hardest tasks early in the day.

Helpful Tools

  • Use phone alarms and reminder apps.

  • Try voice-activated assistants for quick info or schedules.

  • Smart pillboxes and item trackers add support.

  • Navigation apps help with safe driving and optional location sharing.

Home Organization (Simplified)

  • Keep only the things you use every day out in the open.

  • Put everything else in easy-to-reach, clearly labeled bins or drawers.

  • Create simple “work areas” for tasks like paying bills or taking medication.

  • Clear off counters and tables to avoid distractions.

  • Keep background noise low so it’s easier to focus.

Brain Activities

  • Use puzzles, reading, or simple games for stimulation.

  • Choose activities that are challenging but realistic.

Exploring Seasonal Changes: Guided Fall-to-Winter Hike at Peters Canyon, Dec. 12

Join a relaxing, slow-paced 3-mile walk through Peters Canyon and explore the subtle signs that mark the shift from fall to winter in Orange County. This hike takes place Friday, Dec. 12, from 2:30 to 4:30 p.m. and is best suited for ages 10 and up. Bring water and sturdy shoes, expect some elevation gain, and enjoy a peaceful afternoon outdoors.

Create DIY Holiday Ornaments University Park Library This Friday

University Park Library is hosting a Create-It-Yourself: Handcraft Holiday workshop on Friday, December 12, from 2–3:30 PM for adults. Drop in to make DIY holiday ornaments with UV resin and craft a photo block—no registration required, and walk-ins are welcome while supplies last.

Upcoming Northwood High School’s Music Calendar

  1. December 12 , 7 - 8:30 PM: Winter Gala Concert – Jazz Ensemble I, Wind Symphony, Philharmonic, and Vocal Music, NHS Theater

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

Upcoming Woodbridge High School's Music Calendar

  1. December 11 - 12, 6:30 - 8:30 PM: Winter Concerts, WHS Performing Arts Center

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

Upcoming Woodbridge High School’s Vocal Music Calendar

No further events scheduled for this month.

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

Upcoming Irvine High Choral’s Music Calendar

  1. December 16, 7 PM: Jazz the Halls, TBD

  2. December 18, 7 PM: Holiday Concert, IHS PAC

For the latest updates or additional details, please visit https://www.ihschoralmusic.org/calendar.html 

Upcoming Portola High School Music’s Calendar

  1. December 12, 7 - 9 PM: PHS Choir Concert – SPIRIT OF THE SEASON

  2. December 13, 3 PM: PHS Choir Concert – SPIRIT OF THE SEASON Matinee

For the latest updates or additional details, please visit https://www.phsmusicbooster.org/buy-ticket

Christmas Tree Fire Prevention: Water Daily, Lights Off

Christmas trees can create serious fire hazards, especially when they dry out or sit too close to heat sources. Electrical light malfunctions are a leading cause, and a dry Christmas tree can burn extremely fast. Keep your tree well-watered and always turn off Christmas lights before bed or when leaving home to stay safe.

UCI Women’s Basketball Guard Hernandez Named Big West Player of the Week

UCI senior guard Hunter Hernandez was named Big West Women’s Basketball Player of the Week after leading the Anteaters to two conference wins. She averaged 23.5 points, 6 rebounds, and shot 93% from the line, continuing to lead UCI women’s basketball in scoring this season.

UCI Anteaters Upcoming Home Games

Women’s Basketball

  • Sat, Dec 13 – vs California Baptist, 2:00 PM

IVC Men’s Basketball Rolls Past Hartnell 67–47

Irvine Valley men's basketball bounced back at the Monterey Bay Classic with a 67–47 win over Hartnell, fueled by a dominant 38–20 second half and a decisive 12–0 run.

🏐⚽🏀 Upcoming home games for the IVC LASERS 

Men's Basketball

  • Sat, Dec 13 - vs San Diego Miramar, 5:00 PM

  • Tue, Dec 30 - vs LA Valley, 5:00 PM

High School Athletics Calendar

**

Updated With December Schedule

Upcoming Irvine High School’s Varsity home games:

December 2025

Wednesday, December 10

  • Water Polo, Girls - 4:00 PM vs Crean Lutheran

  • Wrestling, Girls - 5:00 PM vs Woodbridge

  • Soccer, Girls - 5:00 PM vs Fountain Valley

  • Wrestling, Boys - 5:00 PM vs Woodbridge

Thursday, December 11

  • Basketball, Girls - 5:30 PM vs Dana Hills

Irvine Police Arrest Seven Suspects Linked to Cryptocurrency Home Invasion Robbery

Irvine Police arrested seven suspects involved in a September home invasion robbery targeting cryptocurrency after extensive detective surveillance and evidence gathering. The suspects now face robbery and kidnapping charges.

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

November 28 - December 30 Santa's Village

November 28 - December 28 Hikari: Festival of Lights

December 11 Free Grocery Food Box 9 AM - 12 PM

December 21 Tis the Season!

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