• Irvine Insider
  • Posts
  • Firefighter Relief Fund Launched as OCFA Crews Face Tragedy After Devastating Fires

Firefighter Relief Fund Launched as OCFA Crews Face Tragedy After Devastating Fires

Issue # 0254

Author

Joshua Tjia
24 Sep

In this Irvine Insider Issue . . .

😁 Laugh Of The Day

🌤️ Irvine Weather

🚒🧯 Firefighter Relief Fund Launched as OCFA Crews Face Tragedy After Devastating Fires

🦞🍞 Lobster Rolls You Can’t Miss: 6 Top Spots in OC

🚲🚧 New Protected Bikeway Construction Begins on Cadence, Runs Through November 12

🍏🌱 Join the Fun at the Great Park: Art Exhibition, Gardens, and Farmers Market Await

🍊📙 Final Week of Hunger Action Month: Addressing Food Insecurity Among College Students

🍂😷 Stay Healthy This Fall and Winter: Flu Shots Available at OC Urgent Care Centers

🌿🧤Community Gardeners Needed: Help Nurture Native Plants at IRC's Garden Maintenance Day

🍁🖌️ Fall Into Fun: Explore New Art and Cooking Classes This October at Irvine Fine Arts Center

🎼🎼 Upcoming High School Music Calendar

🐇🐈 New Homes for Furry Friends: 28 Adoptions and 3 Reunions From September 16–22

🎾 UC Irvine Tennis Duo Secures Win in Pre-Qualifying Doubles at Tulsa

🏐 UC Irvine Volleyball Sweeps California Baptist 3-0 in Big West/WAC Finale

🏀🏐🎾⚾ UCI Anteaters Upcoming Home Games

🏀🏀 Upcoming home games for the IVC LASERS

🏈 Irvine High Football Triumphs Over Kennedy 28-14 with Key Defensive Plays

🏈🎾 High School Athletics Calendar

🚔🎯 Irvine Police Seek Help Identifying Suspect in Target Theft

🍏🥭🍑 Local Farmers Markets

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

📅📅 Lots of Local Events

📞💡 Useful Contact Information

Why did the pumpkin sit by itself?

It didn’t want to be squashed!

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

Firefighter Relief Fund Launched as OCFA Crews Face Tragedy After Devastating Fires

Four of the eight Orange County Fire Authority firefighters injured when their truck overturned on the 241, while avoiding a ladder in the road, remain hospitalized, with two in critical condition. They were returning from fighting the Airport Fire. This incident highlights the dangers first responders face, not only during emergencies but also traveling to and from them. As major wildfires rage across Southern California, resources are stretched thin. The Orange County Professional Firefighters Association and OCFA have created a relief fund to support the injured firefighters and their families. Learn more at: https://www.fallenfirefighterrelieffund.org/ocfahandcrew.

Lobster Rolls You Can’t Miss: 6 Top Spots in OC

Lobster rolls, a favorite in Maine and Connecticut, are a widely popular sandwich with regional twists—Maine’s version is served hot with butter, while Connecticut’s is chilled with mayo. Lobster, once cheap and fed to prisoners, has become a high-value delicacy, with 100 million pounds sold in the U.S. in 2022. Logan Kock of Santa Monica Seafood (SMS) discusses the brand’s role in the lobster industry and their focus on sustainability, particularly with California’s lobster fishery. California lobsters are highly prized and have been sustainably managed for over 100 years. SMS sources lobsters from Australia, South Africa, Canada, Maine, and California.

Some popular places to find lobster rolls in Orange County include:

- Santa Monica Seafood: Known for its New England-style roll with lemon aioli and chives. Cost: $34-$36.

- Water Grill: Offers both Maine and Connecticut-style rolls with house-made pickles and fries. Cost: $37.

- King’s Fish House: Traditional Maine-style rolls or browned butter versions. Cost: $36.

- Bluewater Grill: Serves hot buttered or chilled lobster rolls. Cost: $29.50.

- Slapfish: Casual spot with buttered lobster rolls and limited-edition shrimp scampi rolls. Market price.

- Cousin’s Maine Lobster: Food truck with Maine and Connecticut-style rolls, bisque, and whoopie pies. Cost: $24-$29.

New Protected Bikeway Construction Begins on Cadence, Runs Through November 12

Irvine is improving its bicycle infrastructure by adding a Class IV protected bikeway on Cadence between Chinon and Radial. Construction began, September 23, and will occur on weekdays from 9 a.m. to 3 p.m. through November 12. The bikeway will provide physical separation between the bike path and vehicle lanes. Access to local residences and businesses will remain open, though noise and traffic adjustments (such as one-way traffic) may occur. No full road closures are expected, but drivers are encouraged to use alternate routes. For updates, visit here.

Join the Fun at the Great Park: Art Exhibition, Gardens, and Farmers Market Await

Check out what’s happening at the Great Park from September 23–29!

  • Explore concert photography at the Great Park Gallery’s new exhibition, opening Sunday at 1 p.m.

  • Visit the Farm + Food Lab to see themed gardens and plants from 10 a.m.–3 p.m., Tuesday through Sunday.

  • Don't miss the Farmers Market for fresh produce on Sunday from 10 a.m.–2 p.m.

  • Plan your visit at cityofirvine.org/greatpark.

Final Week of Hunger Action Month: Addressing Food Insecurity Among College Students

This is the final week of #HungerActionMonth, highlighting the food insecurity faced by millions of college students, with 2 in 5 UC and 1 in 4 CSU students affected. Federal aid and SNAP rules are insufficient, leaving many unable to meet basic needs. Second Harvest's College Pantry Program partners with 18 campuses to provide students with nutritious food, helping them stay in school. You can support them by becoming a monthly donor: https://feedoc.org/give-monthly/ 

#CollegeStudents #StudentHunger #WeFeedOC #SecondHarvestOC

Stay Healthy This Fall and Winter: Flu Shots Available at OC Urgent Care Centers

  • Flu shots are a key preventive measure against influenza, a contagious respiratory infection that can cause severe complications, especially in high-risk groups like children, elderly individuals, pregnant women, and those with chronic conditions.

  • The flu vaccine contains inactive strains of the virus to help your immune system build protection, typically within two weeks.

  • It's recommended to get vaccinated before flu season, ideally in September or October, but vaccines are available throughout Winter and Spring.

  • Flu shots can be accessed at pharmacies, clinics, or urgent care centers, including Irvine Woodbridge, Fountain Valley, and Costa Mesa FCCMG Urgent Care clinics, which offer convenient daily hours.

Community Gardeners Needed: Help Nurture Native Plants at IRC's Garden Maintenance Day

Join IRC's Garden Maintenance Day at the Native Seed Farm on Wednesday, September 25, from 7:00 a.m. to 10:30 a.m. Volunteers will assist with maintaining the Demonstration Garden, which showcases native plant species that support a healthy ecosystem.

Fall Into Fun: Explore New Art and Cooking Classes This October at Irvine Fine Arts Center

This fall season, discover new creative opportunities at the Irvine Fine Arts Center with classes for all ages. Starting in October, available classes include

Find something exciting to try this fall by exploring available classes and activities at cityofirvine.org/yourirvine.

#IrvineFineArtsCenter #IrvineArts #YourIrvine #HappyFall

Upcoming Northwood High School’s Music Calendar

  1. Tue, October 8, 7:00-8:00 PM: Vocal Music Fall Concert at NHS Theater.

  2. Wed, October 9, 7:00-8:30 PM: Instrumental Music Fall Concert at NHS Theater.

  3. Thu, October 10, 7:00-8:30 PM: Instrumental Music Fall Concert at NHS Theater.

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

Upcoming University High School's Choirs Calendar

  1. Thu & Fri, October 17 & 18, 7:00 PM: Songs & Stories at Big Theater.

  2. 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. Wed, November 6, 7:00 PM: IUSD Band Spectacular.

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

Upcoming Woodbridge High School’s Vocal Music Calendar

  1. Thu, October 17, 7:00 PM: Fall Concert at WHS Performing Arts Center.

  2. Wed, October 30, 7:00 PM: IUSD High School Vocal Festival at Portola HS.

  3. Tue, November 5, 1:00 PM: Concordia Treble Chorus Festival, TBD.

  4. 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. Tue, October 29, 7:00-9:30 PM: Autumn Serenade

  2. 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

New Homes for Furry Friends: 28 Adoptions and 3 Reunions From September 16–22

From September 16–22, 28 pets found new homes, including 3 dogs (Bob, Max, Yuki), 22 cats (such as Arigato, Bernie, Gracie, and Xavier), and 3 rabbits (Charlie, Tangelo, Thumper). Additionally, 2 dogs and 1 cat were reunited with their owners. For more information on adopting or to check operating hours, visit irvineanimals.org/adopt.

UC Irvine Tennis Duo Secures Win in Pre-Qualifying Doubles at Tulsa

UC Irvine men's tennis finished strong in the pre-qualifying doubles consolation draw with a win over the University of Miami at the Case Tennis Center in Tulsa. Despite a rain delay and a move to indoor courts, the Anteaters' 90th-ranked duo, Hiroki Sakagawa and Noah Zamora, secured a 6-4, 7-6 (7-3) victory against Miami's Katz/Prat, a top-70 team. Earlier, Sakagawa fell in singles to Pablo Perez Ramos of NJIT. Zamora, ranked No. 122, will compete in the Main Draw Round of 64 on Wednesday, September 25.

UC Irvine Volleyball Sweeps California Baptist 3-0 in Big West/WAC Finale

UC Irvine swept California Baptist 3-0 (25-13, 25-22, 25-16) in the Big West/WAC Challenge finale, with standout performances from several players. Setter Nicole Feliciano recorded her fifth double-double of the season with 29 assists and 11 digs, while Katie Smith led with 16 kills, hitting .412, and added seven digs and two aces. Hunter Riedl also shone with 13 kills and a career-high three aces. Both Feliciano and Riedl were named to the All-Tournament Team. UCI held a dominant 8-2 ace advantage and limited California Baptist with strong defense. UCI will face Cal State Fullerton next on September 24 at 6 p.m.

UCI Anteaters Upcoming Home Games

Men's Soccer

  • Sat, Sep 28: vs San Diego State, 6:00 PM

Women's Soccer

  • Tue, Sep 24: vs East Los Angeles, 3:00 PM

  • Sun, Sep 29: vs CSUN, 1:00 PM

Men's Water Polo

  • Fri, Sep 27: vs California, 1:00 PM

  • Sat, Sep 28: vs Stanford, 12:00 PM

🏐⚽🏀 Upcoming home games for the IVC LASERS

Women’s Soccer

  1. Tue, Sep 24: vs East Los Angeles, 3:00 PM

Women's Volleyball

  1. Fri, Sep 27: vs Golden West, 6:00 PM

Irvine High Football Triumphs Over Kennedy 28-14 with Key Defensive Plays

Irvine High School’s football team defeated Kennedy 28-14 in their final non-league game at Irvine Stadium, thanks to strong defensive plays. Linebacker Joe Lynch caused two fumbles, and Smith Spivey had two interceptions for the Vaqueros (3-2). Brandon “Figgy” Figueroa scored two touchdowns, while Deacon Moss contributed with a fumble recovery touchdown and a receiving touchdown. Both teams are now 3-2 and have byes next week. Irvine will open Iota League play on Friday, Oct. 4, against Santa Ana, and Kennedy will host Valencia in the Lambda League opener the same day.

High School Athletics Calendar

** Updated With September Schedule

Upcoming Irvine High School’s Varsity home games:

September 2024

Friday, September 27  

  • Water Polo, Boys VR - S&R Tournament at Woolett Pool

Saturday, September 28

  • Water Polo, Boys VR - S&R Tournament at Woolett Pool

Monday, September 30

  • 04:00 PM: Golf, Girls VR vs. Portola at Oak Creek Golf Course

Irvine Police Seek Help Identifying Suspect in Target Theft

Irvine PD is seeking help to identify a man who walked out of Target on Barranca with a cart full of items. He was wearing mismatched footwear: one white sandal and one black-and-red shoe. If you have any information, please email [email protected].

#irvine #irvinepd #irvinepolice #police #wanted #news

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

September 14 - October 31 Pumpkin Patch at Tanka Farms

September 26 - 28 Rachmaninoff & Beethoven 8:00 PM

September 28 Silent Disco 6 PM - 9 PM

September 28 - 29 CanJam SoCal 2024

October 17 - 19 Classical Spooktacular 8 PM

October 20 Fantastic Symphony 3 PM

October 24 Esmé Quartet 7 PM

October 26 Monster Splash 2024 1 PM - 5 PM

We could use your help

We’ve got big plans as we get up to speed! But we need your help!

One huge way that you can help us is to spread the word for us.

Know somebody who lives in the Irvine and surrounding areas and would benefit from being kept in the know?

Please share Irvine Insider with them! It’s simple!