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Fast, Fierce, and Fascinating: The Bats of Orange County

Issue # 0508

Author

Joshua Tjia
31 Oct

In this Irvine Insider Issue . . .

😁 Fun Fact Friday

🌤️ Irvine Weather

🫐🍽️🥞 New Café Alert: Bluberry Social Serves Up Creative Brunch & Sweet Treats

🏙️🗓️ Join Irvine’s Six-Week Workforce Development Workshop — Starts Nov. 7

🍭👻 Join the Fun at Boo Fest — Candy, Crafts & More

🎼🎶 Experience the Timeless Art of the Sarod with Amjad Ali Khan and Family, Nov 1

🍫🍬 Safe Streets, Sweet Treats — IUSD Shares Halloween Safety Reminders

😷 Simple Tips to Soothe and Manage a Lasting Cough

🦇🌙 Fast, Fierce, and Fascinating: The Bats of Orange County

🎨🪡 Get Crafty This Season: Make Your Own Fall Gnome Nov. 5

🎼🎼 Upcoming High School Music Calendar

🎃🍭 Trick-or-Treat Smart: Simple Tips for a Fun Night

⚽️ UCI Men’s Soccer Honors Seniors and Chases Big West Title Saturday Night

🏀🏐🎾⚽️ UCI Anteaters Upcoming Home Games

⚽️ IVC Men’s Soccer Edges Saddleback 3–2 to Stay Atop Conference

🏀🏀 Upcoming home games for the IVC LASERS

⛳️ Crean Lutheran Girls Golf Clinches Crestview Championship

🏈🎾 High School Athletics Calendar

🚓🛴 Irvine Police Seek Suspect in Scooter Theft

🍏🥭🍑 Local Farmers Markets

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

📅📅 Lots of Local Events

📞💡 Useful Contact Information

Did you know…?

Bats have knees that face backwards and tendons that lock their toes in place — meaning they can hang comfortably even when they’re sleeping or completely limp. In fact, this is so effective that a bat will often remain hanging even after it dies!

We hope this fun fact brings a smile to your day! 😁

New Café Alert: Bluberry Social Serves Up Creative Brunch & Sweet Treats

Bluberry Social is now open at Northpark Plaza in Irvine! This cheerful new café serves up breakfast, brunch, and lunch dishes with a fun twist on American classics — plus sweet treats and refreshing drinks perfect for any time of day. Stop by 3955 Irvine Blvd to enjoy good food and good vibes.

Join Irvine’s Six-Week Workforce Development Workshop — Starts Nov. 7

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The City of Irvine, in partnership with the Community Action Partnership of Orange County, is offering a free six-week Workforce Development and Financial Empowerment Workshop for Irvine residents.

  • 🗓️ Held Fridays, Nov. 7–Dec. 19 from 2:30–4 p.m. at Heritage Park Library.

  • 📈 The series covers career exploration, job search, resume and interview skills, and financial growth strategies.

  • ✍🏻 To register or learn more, contact [email protected] or call 949-724-6650.

Join the Fun at Boo Fest — Candy, Crafts & More

Join the community for a frightfully fun evening at Boo Fest tonight – Oct. 31, 4–6 PM at Woodbridge Village Center

  • 🛍️ Customize your own candy tote at the Boo Bag Patch Bar

  • 🍭 Fill it with sweets at the Tricks & Treats Candy Station

  • 🍹 Sip spooky drinks from the Witch’s Potion Bar

  • 🪩 Dance at the Monster Mash Party

  • 👾 Play Spooky Games

Experience the Timeless Art of the Sarod with Amjad Ali Khan and Family, Nov 1

Experience the legendary artistry of sarod master Amjad Ali Khan—a sixth-generation virtuoso celebrated for both preserving and transforming the classical sarod tradition. With a career spanning over six decades, Khan has earned global acclaim and honors including a Grammy nomination, the World Economic Forum’s Crystal Award, and the Fukuoka Cultural Grand Prize. Performing alongside his talented sons, Amaan Ali Bangash and Ayaan Ali Bangash, this concert showcases a rich family legacy of Indian classical music.


📅 Saturday, November 1, 2025 | 8 PM

Safe Streets, Sweet Treats — IUSD Shares Halloween Safety Reminders

Here are simple tips from IUSD and the Irvine Police Department to keep your little ghosts and goblins safe while trick-or-treating:

  • 🍬 Always have an adult accompany children.

  • ✨ Pick bright or reflective costumes so everyone can be seen in the dark.

  • 🎃 Drive carefully and watch for excited trick-or-treaters.

  • 🔦 “See something, say something” — call 9-1-1 for any suspicious activity.

Simple Tips to Soothe and Manage a Lasting Cough

A cough that lasts eight weeks or more could be more than just a lingering cold. Common causes include respiratory infections, allergies, asthma, acid reflux (GERD), or postnasal drip. You might also notice symptoms like wheezing, chest pain, shortness of breath, or coughing up mucus or blood— signs that indicate a visit to the doctor is advisable.

Tips to Feel Better:

  • Stay hydrated to soothe your throat.

  • Avoid smoking and exposure to pollutants.

  • Use a humidifier or vaporizer to ease irritation.

  • Try over-the-counter cough medicine (if advised).

  • Seek care if your cough worsens or is paired with fever or trouble breathing.

Family Care Centers in Irvine and Costa Mesa offer same-day evaluations and personalized treatment for persistent coughs.

Fast, Fierce, and Fascinating: The Bats of Orange County

Mexican free-tailed bats are remarkable “sky puppies” that play a vital role in Orange County’s ecosystem.

  • 🌁 Commonly found roosting under bridges like OC Parks’ “bat bridge” at Red Rock Wilderness, these fast flyers—reaching speeds up to 100 mph—consume tons of insects each night, helping naturally control pest populations.

  • 📉Recognizable by their long tails, narrow wings, and reddish-brown color, they are a species of special concern in California due to population declines.

  • ⚠️ While less than 1% carry rabies, it’s best to observe them safely from a distance.

Get Crafty This Season: Make Your Own Fall Gnome Nov. 5

Get crafty this fall at the Irvine Public Library! Join the Create-It-Yourself: Fall Gnomes workshop on Wednesday, Nov. 5, from 6–7:30 p.m. at University Park Library to make your own whimsical gnome with cozy hats, woolly beards, and pumpkin flair. A perfect way to add a touch of autumn magic to your home!

Learn more about upcoming library events at cityofirvine.org/library.

Upcoming Northwood High School’s Music Calendar

  1. November 5, 5-9 PM: Band Spectacular, Irvine HS

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

Upcoming Woodbridge High School's Music Calendar

  1. November 5, 7 - 9 PM: IUSD Band Spectacular, Irvine HS

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

Upcoming Woodbridge High School’s Vocal Music Calendar

  1. November 3, 7 PM: IUSD High School Vocal Festival, Northwood HS

  2. November 4, 1 PM: Concordia Treble Chorus Festival, St. Andrew's Presbyterian

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

Upcoming Irvine High Choral’s Music Calendar

No events scheduled for the rest of this month.

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

Trick-or-Treat Smart: Simple Tips for a Fun Night

Whether you’re out trick-or-treating or joining community events, a few smart precautions can keep the night spooky and safe.

Safety Tips:

  • 🚗 Watch for cars — Be alert near driveways and streets.

  • 💡 Stick to sidewalks and well-lit paths whenever possible.

  • 👀 Keep kids visible with reflective tape or flashlights.

  • 🎭 Check costumes for proper fit and clear vision.

  • 🗺 Plan your route and stay in familiar neighborhoods.

UCI Men’s Soccer Honors Seniors and Chases Big West Title Saturday Night

UC Irvine men’s soccer celebrates its seniors this Saturday, Nov. 1, at 7 p.m. vs. UC Riverside at Anteater Stadium. The Anteaters are unbeaten in eight straight and have clinched a Big West Championship berth while still chasing the regular-season title. A win could secure a top-two seed, and any result should guarantee a home playoff match next week.

UCI Anteaters Upcoming Home Games

Women’s Tennis

  • Fri, Oct 31 – vs UCI Fall Invitational, 9:00 AM

IVC Men’s Soccer Edges Saddleback 3–2 to Stay Atop Conference

Irvine Valley College men’s soccer earned a key 3–2 home win over Saddleback to remain atop the Orange Empire Conference. Goals from Jonathan Minney, Drew Payne, and Armin Tehrani gave the Lasers a 3–0 lead before Saddleback rallied late.

🏐⚽🏀 Upcoming home games for the IVC LASERS 

Women’s Soccer

  • Fri, Oct 31 – vs Santa Ana, 1:00 PM

Crean Lutheran Girls Golf Clinches Crestview Championship

Congratulations to Crean Lutheran’s Girls Golf team, who captured a share of the Crestview League title after defeating Canyon and finishing the season 7–1 in league play!

“I can do all things through Christ who gives me strength.” – Philippians 4:13

High School Athletics Calendar

**

Updated With October Schedule

Upcoming Irvine High School’s Varsity home games:

October 2025

Friday, October 31

  • Football – 7:00 PM vs. Sonora – Irvine High School Stadium

Irvine Police Seek Suspect in Scooter Theft

Irvine Police are searching for a man suspected of stealing a Hi-Boy electric scooter from the bike racks at Woodbury Town Center. The suspect, noted for a distinct tattoo on his right hand, may also face charges for false advertising. Anyone who recognizes him is asked to 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

Now - November 2 Tanaka Farm Pumpkin Patch

November 1 Caity Gyorgy 7 PM

November 5 Takács Quartet 7 PM

November 8 Love Irvine: Citywide Serve Day 7:30 AM - 12 PM

November 8 Holiday Faire 10 AM - 4 PM

November 13 Phaeton Piano Trio 7 PM

November 15 - 16 Woodbridge Village Center: Makers Markets 10 AM - 4 PM

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