In this Irvine Insider Issue . . .

😁 Laugh Of The Day

🌤️ Irvine Weather

🧸📣🙌 Join the Halftime Plush Toy Donation Drive This Weekend with UCIPD

👨‍🔬🥼 OC San's Job Openings: Opportunities in Technology, Engineering, and Environmental Fields

🩰☕ Don't Miss the Nutcracker Ballet Performances and Tea Party Events Through December 24th

🏒🦆 Gear Up for the Ultimate Challenge: Irvine Inline's Year-End Iron Man Tournament

🚬🚭 IUSD Launches Comprehensive Vaping Prevention Program for Students and Families

📚🌎 Join the Fun: Bilingual Storytelling in Irvine – Stories, Songs, and Rhymes

🎽🧠 Fitness and Brain Health: Exercise Boosts Brain Power and Improves Memory Function

🌳🚶‍♂️🌻 Step into the Wilderness: Trails Open Every Day for Your Exploration

🎭👗 Discover the World of Playwriting and Theatre with Adult Conservatory

🎼🎼 Upcoming High School Music Calendar

🎄📱 Irvine Police and Gus the Elf Team Up for Safety Tips to Ensure a Safe, Scam-Free Holiday

🏀 Basketball Showdown: UC Irvine Aims to Halt Colorado State's Winning Streak

⚽ UC Irvine Welcomes Back Midfielder Chloe Ragon in Upcoming Soccer Season

🤽‍♂️⚽🏐 UCI Anteaters Upcoming Home Games

🏐⚽🏀 Upcoming home games for the IVC LASERS

🏀🌟 Woodbridge's Watanabe Scores Big, Reaches 1,000 Career Points at Segerstrom Tournament

🏈🎾 High School Varsity Athletics: Football Face-offs and Sports Calendar

🚨 🚔💥 Irvine Streets Safer: Police Nab Reckless Driver in Daring City Spin-Out

📅📅 Lots of Local Events

Why don't you give Elsa a balloon?

Answer: Because she will let it go!

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

Join the Halftime Plush Toy Donation Drive This Weekend with UCIPD

This Saturday, at UCI home game's halftime, there will be a toy toss in partnership with UCIPD. Attendees are encouraged to bring new, unwrapped plush toys for charity donation.

#TogetherWeZot #RipEm

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OC San's Job Openings: Opportunities in Technology, Engineering, and Environmental Fields

OC San is hiring for multiple positions. Open roles include:

• - Instrumentation Technology Analyst III (PLC/DCS Programmer)

• - Information Technology Analyst II (PLC/DCS Programmer)

• - Senior Engineer (Nonindustrial Source Control)

• - Principle Environmental Specialist

• - Reliability Maintenance Technician

• - Information Technology Technician

• - Maintenance Specialist

Apply at ocsan.gov/jobs.

Source

Don't Miss the Nutcracker Ballet Performances and Tea Party Events Through December 24th

Festival Ballet Theatre's The Nutcracker, a family-friendly show with vibrant scenery and costumes, is playing at Irvine Barclay Theatre until December 24th.

Enhance the experience with a pre-show Nutcracker Tea Party, featuring gourmet snacks, tea, lemonade, and champagne for adults. Meet characters like Clara and enjoy photo ops and party favors. Limited tickets available for this special event in the Jade Room. Book now

Gear Up for the Ultimate Challenge: Irvine Inline's Year-End Iron Man Tournament

The Final Iron Man Tournament of the year at the Rinks Irvine Inline is now open for registration. $225 per team, with a roster of 4 players and 1 goalie, guarantees 6 games. Sign up via DaySmart or email Terry Dillon at [email protected]. Find more information here.

#hockeytournament #ironman #inlinehockey

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IUSD Launches Comprehensive Vaping Prevention Program for Students and Families

IUSD focuses on preventing vaping among students by providing education and resources. It's important for families to discuss vaping risks, which include harmful substances and nicotine addiction, starting from upper elementary school. Recognizing vaping can be difficult; watch for items like e-cigarettes and flavored liquid pods. For more information on prevention, cessation resources, and parent workshops, visit iusd.org/VapingPrevention.

#IUSD #IUSDCommunity

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Join the Fun: Bilingual Storytelling in Irvine – Stories, Songs, and Rhymes

Join "Bilingual Spanish Storytime" at Irvine Heritage Park Library on Dec 20, from 3:30-4:00 pm. Location: 14361 Yale Avenue, Irvine, CA. Features stories, songs, and rhymes in English and Spanish.

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Fitness and Brain Health: Exercise Boosts Brain Power and Improves Memory Function

Researchers, led by Professor Marcelo Wood and Postdoctoral Fellow Ashley Keiser, discovered that regular exercise enhances learning by creating a molecular memory in the brain. This builds on Carl Cotman's research on exercise and brain health. They found that exercise activates a gene (Acvr1c) in mice, improving memory performance. This gene's expression decreases with age, but activating it in older mice improved their memory, showing promise for Alzheimer's treatment. The team received over $3.5 million in grants for further research, highlighting the significant impact of scientific studies on understanding and improving human health.

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Step into the Wilderness: Trails Open Every Day for Your Exploration

Enjoy 7-day access to various trails for activities like hiking and biking. Irvine Ranch Natural Landmarks offers both scheduled and self-guided exploration options. These parks open daily, including holidays, with varying hour:

• Bommer Canyon, City of Irvine Open Space Preserve: Open 7 a.m. to sunset.

• Buck Gully Reserve, City of Newport Beach: Open from dawn to dusk.

• Crystal Cove State Park, California State Parks: Open 6 a.m. to sunset.

• Irvine Regional Park, OC Parks: Fall/Winter hours 6 a.m. to 6 p.m., Spring/Summer hours 6 a.m. to 9 p.m.

• Laguna Coast Wilderness Park, OC Parks: Open 7 a.m. to sunset.

• Peters Canyon Regional Park, OC Parks: Open 7 a.m. to sunset.

• Quail Hill, City of Irvine Open Space Preserve: Open 7 a.m. to sunset.

• Santiago Oaks Regional Park, OC Parks: Open 7 a.m. to sunset.

• Whiting Ranch Wilderness Park, OC Parks: Open 7 a.m. to sunset.

Click here for further registration information

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Discover the World of Playwriting and Theatre with Adult Conservatory

The Adult Conservatory offers various in-person and online classes in acting, musical theatre, improvisation, and playwriting for all ages and abilities. Founded 50 years ago, it allows students to tailor their learning to their interests. Upcoming 8-week sessions are in Winter (Jan. 16 - Mar. 6, 2024) and Spring (April 8 - May 29, 2024), costing $395 with early enrollment discounts. Classes, taught by theatre professionals, may vary each session. Enjoy a $25 discount if you sign up by January 5.

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Upcoming Northwood High School’s Music Calendar

1. December 15, 2023: Winter Gala (7:00 pm - 8:30 pm)

2. January 11, 2024: IUSD Winds Area Concert (7:00 pm - 8:30 pm)

3. January 12, 2024: Symphony Irvine Collaboration Concert (7:00 pm - 8:30 pm)

4. March 6, 2024: Spring Festival Concert – Band (7:00 pm - 8:00 pm)

5. March 7, 2024: Spring Festival Concert – Orchestra (7:00 pm - 8:00 pm)

6. March 16, 2024: Irvine Jazz Festival (8:00 am - 5:00 pm)

7. May 11, 2024: Instrumental Music Awards

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

Upcoming University High School's Choirs Calendar

1. February 1 & 2: LEGENDS CONCERT at 7:00 PM.

2. March 7, 8, 9, 14,15, 16: EVITA - Spring Musical at 7:00 PM.

3. May 2 & 3: Broadway Rocks! at 7:00 PM.

For the latest updates or additional details, please visit https://www.uhschoirs.org/2023-24-season.html

Upcoming Woodbridge High School's Music Calendar

1. December 15, 2023: Winter Concerts at 7:00 PM

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

Upcoming Woodbridge High School’s Vocal Music Calendar

1. January 17th-22nd: WHS Music Department Disney World Trip

2. February 29th-March 2nd, 7 PM shows: The Wizard of Oz

3. March 22nd, 7 PM: Spring Concert

4. April 16th, 7 PM: IUSD Honors Concert

5. May 31st, 7 PM: Broadway Rocks Concert

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

Upcoming Irvine High School's Music Calendar

1. Tue Dec 19, 2023, 7pm - 9pm: Jazz the Halls

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

Upcoming Irvine High School's Choral Calendar

1. Tues, Dec. 19, 7:00 PM: Jazz the Halls (Chordinated Chaos) at IHS Theater.

2. Fri & Sat, Jan. 26 & 27: Weekend Singers & Canta Bella at Pilgrim Pines.

3. Th-Sat, Feb. 1-3, All day: CA All-State Choir Weekend (Any Student) in Sacramento, CA.

4. Th.-Sat, Feb. 29-Mar 2, 7:00 PM: IHS Musical (Any student) at IHS Theater.

5. March 12 or 13, Morning: IHS Arts Assembly (Canta Bella & Irvine Singers) at IHS Game Gym.

6. Mon, Mar. 18, 7:00 PM: Spring Concert (All Choirs) at Concordia Univ.

7. Fri, March 22, Morning: CSU Fullerton Festival (Irvine Singers) at CSUF Meng Hall.

8. April 1st - 5th, 2024: TBD.

9. Tues, April 16, 7:00 PM: IUSD Honors Concert (Selected Members) at OCPAC.

10. Wed, April 17, 6:30 PM: 8th Grade Parent Night at IHS Gym.

11. TBD: Aliso Women’s Festival (Canta Bella) - Location TBD.

12. Wed, April 17, All day: Forum Festival (Concert Chorale, Chorale & Viva Cantar) at Knott’s Berry Farm.

13. Wed, April 26, 6:00 PM: SPUR Awards (Chordinated Chaos) at IHS Theater.

14. Tues & Wed, May 28 & 29, 3:30-6:30 PM: Dress rehearsal “Voices” (All Choirs) at IHS Theater.

15. Thurs.- Sat, May 30-June 1, 7:00 PM: Voices 2024 (All Choirs) at IHS Theater.

16. Wed, June 5, 7:00 PM: Heritage Awards (Chorale) at IHS Gym.

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

Irvine Police and Gus the Elf Team Up for Safety Tips to Ensure a Safe, Scam-Free Holiday

Beware of holiday scams and stay safe! Follow Gus and the Irvine Police Department's advice: shop on reliable websites, track your deliveries, be vigilant in crowded places, and don't leave valuables visible in your car. Enjoy a secure holiday season in Irvine!

#HolidaySafety #IrvinePD #OnlineShoppingSafety #GusTheElfTips

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Basketball Showdown: UC Irvine Aims to Halt Colorado State's Winning Streak

UC Irvine's women's basketball team, holding a 6-3 record, is set to face the undefeated Colorado State (8-0) on Saturday, Dec. 16 at 7:00 p.m. PST at the Walter Pyramid in Long Beach, California. Known for their strong defense, UC Irvine has consistently kept opponents under 70 points for 43 games, leading the Big West in scoring defense. They face a challenging opponent in Colorado State, which boasts a high-scoring offense led by McKenna Hofschild, a top national player in assists and scoring. This matchup is part of the Beach Classic hosted by Long Beach State and is a significant test for both teams, highlighting UC Irvine's defensive prowess against Colorado State's offensive strength.

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UC Irvine Welcomes Back Midfielder Chloe Ragon in Upcoming Soccer Season

Chloe Ragon, a resilient midfielder, is returning to UC Irvine's Anteater squad in 2024 for her fifth year, aiming for another championship. Starting in 2019, her career has seen challenges, including a lost 2020 season and a 2022 injury. Despite these setbacks, she made a strong comeback in 2023, contributing to the team's Big West Championship and Sweet Sixteen appearance. With 58 career matches and 10 points, Ragon is set to significantly impact the team in her sixth year.

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UCI Anteaters Upcoming Home Games

Men's Basketball

1.  December 16th, 2023 vs South Dakota - 7:00 PM

2.  December 28th, 2023 vs UC Riverside - 7:00 PM

Women's Basketball

1.  December 30th, 2023 vs Cal State Bakersfield - 2:00 PM

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🏐⚽🏀 Upcoming home games for the IVC LASERS

Men’s Basketball:

1. Fri Dec 15 - vs LA Valley. 6:00 PM

2. Tue Dec 19 - vs Orange Coast. 6:00 PM

3. Fri Dec 29: vs Alumni. 5:00 PM

Women’s Basketball:

1. Fri Dec 22 - vs Alumni, Time TBA

Woodbridge's Watanabe Scores Big, Reaches 1,000 Career Points at Segerstrom Tournament

Woodbridge High School's senior guard Hana Watanabe scored her 1,000th career point during a game at the Segerstrom Tournament. Despite a 69-46 loss to Cerritos, Watanabe scored 19 points. She has been a key player since freshman year and is now team captain, averaging 14 points per game. Coach Keith Clarkson praises her skills and leadership, noting she's like an additional coach on the floor. Watanabe's future college plans are currently undecided. Woodbridge's next game is against Cypress at the Segerstrom Tournament.

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High School Athletics Calendar -

** Updated With December Schedule

Northwood High School Monthly Athletics Calendar (All Level)

University High School Monthly Athletics Calendar (All Level)

Woodbridge High School Monthly Athletics Calendar (All Level)

Upcoming Irvine High School’s Varsity home games:

December 2023

- Friday, 15 December

- 07:00 PM: Boys Basketball, Varsity vs. Whitney (Irvine High School Game Gym)

- Tuesday, 19 December

- 05:00 PM: Girls Soccer, Varsity vs. Valencia/Placentia (Irvine High School Stadium)

- Wednesday, 20 December

- 05:00 PM: Boys Soccer, Varsity vs. Tustin (Irvine High School Stadium)

- 06:00 PM: Girls Basketball, Varsity vs. Edison (Irvine High School Game Gym)

- Thursday, 21 December

- 03:00 PM: Girls Water Polo, Varsity vs. Trabuco Hills (Woolett Pool)

Irvine Streets Safer: Police Nab Reckless Driver in Daring City Spin-Out

A 22-year-old man in Santa Ana was arrested by Irvine PD for felony vandalism after recklessly spinning his car on a city street, causing nearly $2,000 in damage. His car was impounded for 30 days. Irvine PD emphasizes zero tolerance for street racing and reckless driving.

#Irvine #IrvinePolice #StreetSafety

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November 24 - December 30 Hikari Festival of Lights at Tanaka Farms 4:30 PM - 10 PM

Click here for discount coupon code

December 8-17 American Ballet Theatre's The Nutcracker

Click here to see the intro video

December 9 - 24 Festival Ballet Theatre: The Nutcracker

December 15 Woodbridge Winter Fest 4 - 6 PM

December 15 - 16 Celtic Woman: Christmas Symphony Tour 8 PM

December 14 - 16 A Merry Little Christmas with Megan Hilty

See video here

December 17 - 18 Tis the Season! 5 PM, 7:30 PM

December 18 The Holidays with Canadian Brass 8 PM

December 19 Holiday Organ Spectacular 7:30 PM

December 19 - 24 Dr Seuss' How the Grinch Stole Christmass! The Musical

December 20 Anime Night: Piano Candlelit Concert 7:30 PM

December 20 - 21 Kevin Hart - Brand New Material 7 PM

Decmber 22 The Pan American Nutcracker Suite Reimagined 8 PM

December 23 Fiesta Navidad 8 PM

Decmber 30 KC and the Sunshine Band 7:30 PM

December 30 Salute to Vienna New Year's Concert 3 PM