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Heroes on the Frontlines: OCFA’s Unwavering Fight Against LA Fires

Issue # 0323

Author

Joshua Tjia
15 Jan

In this Irvine Insider Issue . . .

😁 Laugh Of The Day

🌤️ Irvine Weather

🔥🚒👨‍🚒 Heroes on the Frontlines: OCFA’s Unwavering Fight Against LA Fires

🚫🔥 Smoking and Improper Ash Disposal Spark Fires at Portola Springs Park

🛡️🏡🔐 Stay Secure: Tips for Protecting Your Home Office During Safety Week

🥬🥦🍎 Sign Up for Tanaka Farms CSA – Your Second Box is FREE

🐍🧧🎉 Slither Into the Lunar New Year with Crafts, Learning, and a Live Snake

🔥🧯👀 Lake Forest Fire Contained Swiftly; Investigation into Cause Underway

🔬🏆🖥️ University High Students Among Top 300 in Science Talent Search

🤔💪🍎 7 Expert-Recommended Steps to Boost Your Health in 2025

🏥🦴🩹 Expert Care for Broken Bones: Walk-In Treatment in Orange County

🏞️🚗🌳 Mark Your Calendar: Free National Park Entry Days for 2025

📝🎨 The Irvine Fine Arts Center will be closed Monday, January 20, in observance of Martin Luther King Jr. Day.

🎼🎼 Upcoming High School Music Calendar

🏀⛹️‍♂️⭐ UC Irvine Men’s Basketball Ranks Top 3 in Mid-Major Poll, Remains Unbeaten in Big West

🏀🏐🎾⚾ UCI Anteaters Upcoming Home Games

🏀 💪🥇27 Points, 8 Rebounds: Mowers Shines in IVC’s Blowout Win Over Riverside

🏀🏀 Upcoming home games for the IVC LASERS

🏈🎾 High School Athletics Calendar

📱🚓👮‍♂️ Surprise Arrest! Officers Nab Pickpockets with Stolen Goods in Spectrum Bust

🍏🥭🍑 Local Farmers Markets

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

📅📅 Lots of Local Events

📞💡 Useful Contact Information

Why did January join the gym?

To work on its new year’s resolutions.

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

Heroes on the Frontlines: OCFA’s Unwavering Fight Against LA Fires

OCFA Strike Teams, Hand Crew, Helicopters, and Dozer are actively battling Los Angeles fires. Behind the scenes, Damage Inspection Specialists (DINS) are aiding recovery efforts as the first step to rebuilding affected neighborhoods. OCFA teams continue to respond to 500+ daily 9-1-1 calls while supporting firefighting efforts up north.

Smoking and Improper Ash Disposal Spark Fires at Portola Springs Park

In recent weeks, individuals have been smoking hookah at Portola Springs Park and improperly discarding ash and hot coals. This has resulted in two small fires, causing damage to the park. Smoking is strictly prohibited in all city parks under the Irvine Municipal Code. Patrols have been increased, and enforcement actions will be taken against any violations. If you witness this activity, please report it to us immediately!

Stay Secure: Tips for Protecting Your Home Office During Safety Week

During Home Office Safety and Security Week, the Orange County DA's Office urges remote workers to secure their home workspaces. Tips: secure WiFi, use strong passwords, lock away sensitive documents, and watch out for phishing scams. Stay informed, report suspicious activity, and help create safer digital workspaces for all.

Sign Up for Tanaka Farms CSA – Your Second Box is FREE

🥬 Start 2025 fresh with Tanaka Farms CSA! 🥦

  • Enjoy farm-fresh, seasonal fruits and veggies with a CSA subscription. 🌱

  • Promo Code: NewYear2025 = Second CSA box FREE! ✨

  • Support local farming and eat healthier this year.

📦 Sign up now at tanakafarms.com

Slither Into the Lunar New Year with Crafts, Learning, and a Live Snake

🐍 Lunar New Year at Tanaka Farms 🧧
Celebrate the Year of the Snake with fun and learning!

  • Activities: Learn about Lunar New Year, make a snake craft, and meet a live snake.

  • Dates: January 18, 19, 25, & 26

  • Time: 11 AM

  • Cost: $10/person

Lake Forest Fire Contained Swiftly; Investigation into Cause Underway

At 4:35 PM on Monday, a vegetation fire near Vintage Park in Lake Forest was reported. Thanks to pre-positioned resources for Red Flag weather, firefighters contained it to 1/4 acre in 13 minutes. Crews remain on high alert. Community vigilance and OCSD support were key. Fire under investigation.

University High Students Among Top 300 in Science Talent Search

Three University High students—Victoria Fang, Miles Hexun, and Victor Li—are among the top 300 Regeneron Science Talent Search scholars! Selected from nearly 2,500 entrants, their innovative projects in robotics, biochemistry, and pharmaceutical design stood out in this prestigious national science competition. Learn more: iusd.org/RegeneronSTS2025.

7 Expert-Recommended Steps to Boost Your Health in 2025

Kick off the new year with one resolution: improving your health. UCI Health experts share seven practical steps to enhance your well-being, no matter your age or fitness level. Ready to thrive? Let’s do this!

Expert Care for Broken Bones: Walk-In Treatment in Orange County

Injured or dealing with a fracture? FCCMG provides expert walk-in care for fractured and broken bones at our Orange County urgent care centers. With state-of-the-art diagnostic tools and compassionate medical staff, we’re dedicated to helping you recover safely and efficiently. Visit one of our convenient locations today! 📍 Locations:

  • Irvine

  • Fountain Valley

  • Costa Mesa

Mark Your Calendar: Free National Park Entry Days for 2025

Enjoy free entry to national parks on these dates:

  • Monday, January 20

  • Saturday, April 19

  • Thursday, June 19

  • Monday, August 4

  • Saturday, September 27

  • Tuesday, November 11

🎒 Bonus: Got a 4th grader? They can get your family into National Parks for free all year!

𝗟𝗘𝗔𝗥𝗡 𝗠𝗢𝗥𝗘:

The Irvine Fine Arts Center will be closed Monday, January 20, in observance of Martin Luther King Jr. Day.

For a complete listing of center hours, please visit cityofirvine.org/arts

Upcoming Northwood High School’s Music Calendar

  1. February 12 - 15: Musical, NHS Theater

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

Upcoming University High School's Choirs Calendar

  1. January 23 - 24, 7:00 PM: Legends Concert, 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. February 27 - March 1, 7:00 PM-10:00 PM: Shrek the Musical, 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. February 8: SCVA Vocal Jazz Festival, Saugus HS (Santa Clarita).

  2. February 27 - March 1: Shrek the Musical, 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. March 5-8, 7:00 PM: Mary Poppins Musical, Irvine Performing Arts Center.

  2. March 13, 6:30 PM: Festival Concert, Irvine Performing Arts Center.

  3. March 15, All Day: Irvine Jazz Festival, Irvine High School Campus.

  4. March 18, 7:00 PM: District Jazz Festival, Woodbridge HS Performing Arts Center.

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

UC Irvine Men’s Basketball Ranks Top 3 in Mid-Major Poll, Remains Unbeaten in Big West

UC Irvine men's basketball returns to national recognition, ranking in the top 3 of the CollegeInsider.com Mid-Major poll for the first time since December 2024. UCI is behind No. 16 Gonzaga and Saint Mary's.

The Anteaters, 15-2 overall and 5-0 in Big West play, are the only unbeaten team in the conference for the third straight season and among 11 teams nationally with 5+ conference wins. UCI also received votes in the AP (2) and USA Today Coaches (1) polls for the third time this season.

UCI Anteaters Upcoming Home Games

Men's Basketball

  1. Thu, Jan 16: vs Cal State Fullerton, 7:00 PM

  2. Sat, Jan 18: vs Cal Poly, 7:00 PM

27 Points, 8 Rebounds: Mowers Shines in IVC’s Blowout Win Over Riverside

The Irvine Valley College men’s basketball team delivered a dominant performance, defeating Riverside 92-55 in an Orange Empire Conference road game. Shooting a season-best 61.3% and out-rebounding Riverside 45-26, the Lasers showcased exceptional teamwork, scoring 50 points in the paint. Freshman Matt Mowers led with 27 points and 8 rebounds, supported by Josiah Reed with 18 points and solid contributions from Yanis Aldeguer (11 points) and Allen Moser (10 points). The win marked IVC’s first at Riverside since 2015, improving their record to 10-8 overall and 2-3 in conference. They face Orange Coast next on Wednesday at 6 p.m.

🏐⚽🏀 Upcoming home games for the IVC LASERS 

Men’s Basketball

  1. Fri, Jan 17: vs Saddleback, 6:00 PM

Men’s Baseball

  1. Fri, Jan 17: vs Mt. San Antonio (Scrimmage), 11:00 AM

Women’s Basketball

  1. Wed, Jan 15: vs Riverside, 6:00 PM

High School Athletics Calendar

** Updated With January Schedule

Upcoming Irvine High School’s Varsity home games:

January 2025

Wednesday, January 15

  • 5:00 PM - Boys' Wrestling (VR) vs. Northwood at Irvine High School Game Gym

  • 5:00 PM - Girls' Wrestling (VR) vs. Northwood at Irvine High School Game Gym

Friday, January 17

  • 5:00 PM - Girls' Soccer (VR) vs. St. Margarets Episcopal at Irvine High School Stadium

  • 5:30 PM - Girls' Basketball (VR) vs. University at Irvine High School Game Gym

  • 7:00 PM - Boys' Basketball (VR) vs. Northwood at Irvine High School Game Gym

Surprise Arrest! Officers Nab Pickpockets with Stolen Goods in Spectrum Bust

On Saturday, a shopper's phone was stolen at Brandy Melville. Officers reviewed surveillance, identified two suspects, and intercepted them at their car. They recovered the stolen phone, other stolen phones, and a wallet with credit cards. The suspects, Nidia Montenegro Bolanos (42) and Yenny Alejandra Barrerasilva (31), used distraction and pickpocket techniques. Both were arrested and booked on charges of conspiracy, burglary, and possession of stolen property.

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

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