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Help Neighbors Get Around: Become a Volunteer Driver in Irvine

Issue # 0490

Author

Joshua Tjia
19 Sep

In this Irvine Insider Issue . . .

😁Fun Fact Friday

🌤️ Irvine Weather

🤖 Robots Deployed to Map Accessibility Across Irvine

🌺🎶 Raiatea Helm Brings Hawaiian Song and String to Irvine

🚙 Help Neighbors Get Around: Become a Volunteer Driver in Irvine

📖🏙️ Students Connect with Business Leaders at Irvine Spectrum

🩺 Addressing Bladder Health Concerns in Midlife

🌳🥾 Bommer Canyon Trails Open for Self-Guided Adventure Sept. 20

🍁🫚 Fall DIY: Spice Blend Workshop at University Park Library

🎼🎼 Upcoming High School Music Calendar

🐶💤 Understanding Dog Dreams: Healthy, Normal, and Adorable

🤽🏻‍♂️ Krstic Named Big West Men’s Water Polo Player of the Week

🏀🏐🎾⚽️ UCI Anteaters Upcoming Home Games

🏀🏀 Upcoming home games for the IVC LASERS

🏀 Crean Lutheran’s Chadrack Mpoyi Commits to University of Minnesota Basketball

🏈🎾 High School Athletics Calendar

🚓💥 Two Hospitalized, One Arrested in Paseo Westpark Crash

🍏🥭🍑 Local Farmers Markets

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

📅📅 Lots of Local Events

📞💡 Useful Contact Information

Did you know…?

Eggplants are technically berries. They’re made of 95% water and about 50% air, which explains their spongy texture.

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

Robots Deployed to Map Accessibility Across Irvine

The City of Irvine has partnered with Daxbot to use two robots, “Smokey” and “Turbo,” to assess sidewalks, curb ramps, transit stops, public buildings, parks, and trails for accessibility.

  • Over the next few months, the robots will survey more than 950 miles of sidewalks and related infrastructure.

  • The information gathered will help the City plan and prioritize future improvements to meet ADA standards and maintain safe, accessible spaces for the community.

  • Residents may see the robots in action and are asked to give them space while they work.

Raiatea Helm Brings Hawaiian Song and String to Irvine

Raiatea Helm, one of Hawai‘i’s most acclaimed vocalists and a master of Hawaiian falsetto, performs Hawaiian Song and String on Friday, September 26, at 8 p.m. A two-time Grammy nominee and four-time Female Vocalist of the Year, her latest award-winning album revives songs from Hawai‘i’s past. With her band and hula group Hālau Hula Lani Ola, Helm brings an evening of music and dance that celebrates Hawaiian tradition and heritage.

Help Neighbors Get Around: Become a Volunteer Driver in Irvine

Help Irvine seniors stay mobile by becoming a Volunteer Driver. This program provides safe, city-provided rides so older adults can get to appointments, run errands, and maintain independence. A small time commitment makes a big difference for neighbors in need.

Program Details:

  • Volunteers must be 21+ with a valid driver’s license

  • Use City-provided vehicles (no personal car required)

  • Attend a short in-person orientation (training included)

  • Flexible hours to fit your schedule

Upcoming Volunteer Driver Orientations:

  • Tuesday, September 23 - 10:00–11:00 a.m. at Lakeview Senior Center

  • Tuesday, September 30 – 10:00–11:00 a.m. at Lakeview Senior Center

Learn more and register at cityofirvine.org/yourirvine 

Students Connect with Business Leaders at Irvine Spectrum

Over 150 students in UC Irvine’s Future Leaders Initiative spent a day at Irvine Spectrum Center learning from local business leaders, including Irvine Company executives. The program, run by UCI’s Paul Merage School of Business, connects students with the regional business community through sessions on entrepreneurship, planning, and real estate.

Addressing Bladder Health Concerns in Midlife

Midlife bladder issues like frequency and incontinence are common but not an inevitable part of aging, says UCI Health urologist Dr. Jessica Yih.

  • Estrogen decline can weaken the bladder and urethra, leading to urgency, infections, and discomfort, yet many women don’t seek treatment.

  • Helpful steps include drinking only when thirsty and avoiding “just in case” bathroom trips, which can retrain the bladder improperly.

Bommer Canyon Trails Open for Self-Guided Adventure Sept. 20

Head out Saturday, September 20, between 8 a.m. and 2 p.m. for a chance to explore the full southern Irvine Open Space Preserve on your own. Trails in Shady and Bommer Canyons that are usually guided-only will be open for self-guided hiking and biking. No sign-up is required, but registering online will get you a map and directions.

Fall DIY: Spice Blend Workshop at University Park Library

The Irvine Public Library is offering free Create-It-Yourself classes where you can make your own cider mulling spice blend using fall flavors like cinnamon, cloves, and allspice, then decorate a jar to take home or gift.

  • Classes take place at University Park Library on Sept. 19 (2–3:30 p.m.) and Sept. 24 (6–7:30 p.m.).

  • No registration is required—just drop in and enjoy a cozy fall activity.

  • Learn more at cityofirvine.org/library.

Upcoming Northwood High School’s Music Calendar

  1. September 30, 7-8:30 PM: Vocal Music Fall Concert, NHS Theater

  2. October 6, 7-8:30 PM: Fall Orchestra Concert, NHS Theater

  3. October 7, 7-8:30 PM: Fall Band Concert, NHS Theater

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

Upcoming Woodbridge High School's Music Calendar

  1. October 16, 6-8 PM: Fall Orchestra & Vocal Concert, 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

  1. October 16, 7 PM: Fall Concert, WHS Performing Arts Center

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

Upcoming Irvine High Choral’s Music Calendar

  1. October 9,16, 23, 3:30-4:30 PM: Vaquero JR Voices Rehearsals

  2. October 30, 7 PM: Vaquero JR Voices Concert

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

Understanding Dog Dreams: Healthy, Normal, and Adorable

Just like us, dogs drift into dreams during sleep. These dreams are a normal, healthy part of rest and often reflect their playful daily adventures.

  • Dogs move through light sleep and REM sleep, the stage where dreams happen.

  • During REM, you might see them twitch, whimper, or paddle their paws.

  • Puppies and small dogs dream more often, while bigger dogs dream less often but for longer.

  • Dreams often replay simple, happy moments — chasing, exploring, or playing.

  • Most dreams aren’t scary, even if they seem restless.

  • Giving your dog quiet, uninterrupted sleep keeps them healthy and happy.

Krstic Named Big West Men’s Water Polo Player of the Week


UC Irvine’s Luka Krstic was named Big West Men’s Water Polo Player of the Week after scoring five goals in games against No. 1 UCLA and No. 2 USC. He now leads the team with 15 goals this season. It’s UCI’s first weekly honor of the year and the fifth of Krstic’s career.

UCI Anteaters Upcoming Home Games

Special Event

  • Fri, Sep 19 – Rameelo Raas Garba with Jignesh Barot, 7:00 PM

Women’s Soccer

  • Sun, Sep 21 – vs UC Riverside, 1:00 PM

Women’s Volleyball

  • Fri, Sep 26 – vs Long Beach State, 6:00 PM

  • Sat, Sep 27 – vs UC San Diego, 5:00 PM

🏐⚽🏀 Upcoming home games for the IVC LASERS 

Men’s Soccer

  • Tue, Sep 23 – vs Cuyamaca, 4:00 PM

  • Tue, Sep 30 – vs Orange Coast, 3:00 PM

Women’s Volleyball

  • Fri, Sep 26 – vs Orange Coast, 6:00 PM

Women’s Soccer

  • Fri, Sep 26 – vs East Los Angeles, 1:00 PM

Crean Lutheran’s Chadrack Mpoyi Commits to University of Minnesota Basketball

Crean Lutheran senior center Chadrack Mpoyi has committed to play basketball at the University of Minnesota. A Top 150 national recruit with 21 offers, Mpoyi is praised by Coach Austin Loeb for his talent, humility, faith, and work ethic. His decision highlights both his personal growth and the school’s focus on developing players with character on and off the court.

High School Athletics Calendar

**

Updated With September Schedule

Upcoming Irvine High School’s Varsity home games:

September 2025

Monday, September 22

  • Girls Flag Football – 3:30 PM vs. Portola at Irvine High School Stadium

Two Hospitalized, One Arrested in Paseo Westpark Crash

Last Friday, officers responded to a traffic collision at the intersection of Paseo Westpark and San Remo.

  • Two individuals were transported to a local hospital with complaints of pain.

  • During the investigation, it was determined that the driver attempted to switch seats with a passenger and was subsequently arrested for driving under the influence.

  • The individual was booked into Orange County Jail.

  • Authorities urge the public to plan ahead by designating a sober driver or utilizing a rideshare service to ensure safe travel.

/S

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

September 20 Tanaka Farms Pumpkin Patch Opening 9 AM - 6 PM

September 20 IPD Open House 10 AM - 2 PM

September 25 Limón Dance Company 8 PM

September 26 Mid-Autumn Festival 5 - 9:30 PM

September 27 Joshua Redman Quartet 8 PM

September 28 Barclay Block Party 1 PM

September 30 Calidore String Quartet 7 PM

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