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How to Vote in Irvine: Your Guide to Ballots, Drop Boxes, and Vote Centers

Issue # 0282

In this Irvine Insider Issue . . .

😁 Laugh Of The Day

🌤️ Irvine Weather

🗳️📩 How to Vote in Irvine: Your Guide to Ballots, Drop Boxes, and Vote Centers

🥘🍂 New Fall Menu Drop at Lazy Dog—Warm Up with Savory Sips & Bites

🍦 Seasonal Treat Alert: Enjoy the New Cranberry Orange Tart Flavor at Yogurtland

🧸 Irvine Holiday Toy Drive: Spread Joy to Military Families this Season

📖✍🏻 Snacks, Stories, and Fun! Join Irvine’s Tween Comic Club This Month

🩺🤾🏻‍♀️ Get Your Junior Athlete Ready for Action! Walk-In Sports Physicals Available Near You

🦆🪶 Birding Spots in Orange County: Discover 500+ Species Across Beaches, Parks, and Woodlands

🩰💃🏻 Sergio Bernal Brings Flamenco-Ballet Fusion to Segerstrom Hall – A Night of Dance Brilliance Awaits

🎼🎼 Upcoming High School Music Calendar

🐇 Creating a Loving Home for Your Rabbit: Care Tips for Every Bunny Parent

⚽️ UC Irvine Women’s Soccer Secures Big West Championship Spot with 1-0 Win Over UC Riverside

🏀🏐🎾⚾ UCI Anteaters Upcoming Home Games

🏀🏀 Upcoming home games for the IVC LASERS

🏈 Beckman High Football Clinches League Title, Eyes Outright Victory Against Marina

🥎 Michael Brenner Named New Varsity Softball Coach at Crean Lutheran High School

🏈🎾 High School Athletics Calendar

🍏🥭🍑 Local Farmers Markets

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

📅📅 Lots of Local Events

📞💡 Useful Contact Information

Why do trees hate tests in the fall?

Because they get stumped by the questions.

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

How to Vote in Irvine: Your Guide to Ballots, Drop Boxes, and Vote Centers

Irvine residents have several convenient options for casting their votes in the upcoming election:

1. Mail-in Ballot: You can complete your ballot at home, place it in the provided return envelope, sign the envelope, and drop it in any mailbox or post office. Just be sure your ballot is postmarked by Election Day, November 5th, to ensure it counts.

2. Ballot Drop Boxes: Prefer a direct drop-off? Simply place your completed ballot in one of Irvine’s secure Ballot Drop Boxes, located at places like the Harvard Community Center, Irvine Metrolink Station, and Woodbury Community Park. These boxes are open 24/7 and will accept ballots until the end of Election Day.

3. Vote Centers: For those who enjoy voting in person, early voting is available at three locations: Irvine Civic Center, Los Olivos Community Center, and Portola Springs Community Center. These centers are open from 8 a.m. to 5 p.m. until November 1st. From November 2nd through November 4th, all Irvine Vote Centers will be open from 8 a.m. to 8 p.m., and on Election Day, November 5th, from 7 a.m. to 8 p.m.

4. Same-Day Registration & Voting: Not yet registered? With California’s new law, you can register and vote on the same day at any Irvine Vote Center up until the polls close on Election Day. Simply complete the same-day registration form and vote in person.

Your voice matters—choose the method that best suits you and make sure your vote is counted!

New Fall Menu Drop at Lazy Dog—Warm Up with Savory Sips & Bites

Lazy Dog Restaurant & Bar’s new Fall menu, available all day until November 30, features cozy, seasonal dishes like Street Corn Tots, Nonna’s Giant Meatball & Baked Pasta, and Braised Beef Birria Noodles. Lunch specials start under $10, with options like the Candied Bacon Grilled Cheese & Tomato Soup and customizable combos under $13. Don’t miss out— visit and savor the tastes of the season!

Seasonal Treat Alert: Enjoy the New Cranberry Orange Tart Flavor at Yogurtland

Try the seasonal exclusive Cranberry Orange Tart flavor at Yogurtland this fall! Drop by your local Yorgurtland and swirl for a limited time only!

Irvine Holiday Toy Drive: Spread Joy to Military Families this Season

The City of Irvine and Irvine 2/11 Marine Adoption Committee are hosting their annual Holiday Toy Drive to support families of Irvine’s adopted 2/11 Marine Battalion. From November 1–December 14, new, unwrapped toys for children ages 12 and under can be dropped off at designated locations, including Irvine City Hall and Great Park Visitors Center. For added convenience, Drive-Thru Drop-Off events will be held at Irvine Civic Center on Sunday, December 8, and Saturday, December 14, from 9 a.m. to noon. Donors can stay in their vehicles while volunteers retrieve toys from the trunk or backseat. For details, visit irvine211marines.org or call 949-724-6606.

Snacks, Stories, and Fun! Join Irvine’s Tween Comic Club This Month

Join the Tween Comic Club and dive into the world of graphic novels! This is the perfect spot for young readers, ages 9-12, to share their favorite reads, discover new ones, and enjoy snacks with friends. They meet on the first Tuesday of every month at Irvine University Park Library from 4:00-5:00 PM, with upcoming sessions on November 5 and December 3. Whether you're a graphic novel fan or just curious, come and be part of the fun conversation!

Get Your Junior Athlete Ready for Action! Walk-In Sports Physicals Available Near You

Parents looking for a quick and convenient option for their child’s sports or camp physicals can visit Orange County Urgent Care Centers in Irvine, Fountain Valley, or Costa Mesa. These centers offer walk-in physicals with experienced providers who conduct comprehensive assessments, covering everything from vitals to flexibility, to ensure young athletes and campers are ready for safe participation. With affordable rates and no appointments necessary, parents can reserve a spot in advance to avoid wait times. Families are invited to stop by with any required forms and take advantage of this accessible service for their child’s health and safety.

Birding Spots in Orange County: Discover 500+ Species Across Beaches, Parks, and Woodlands

Orange County, CA, offers diverse birding spots across beaches, wetlands, woodlands, and urban parks with over 500 bird species to discover. Notable locations include Bolsa Chica Ecological Reserve, San Joaquin Wildlife Sanctuary, Upper Newport Bay, Casper’s Wilderness Park, and Irvine Regional Park. These areas are ideal for viewing shorebirds, songbirds, raptors, and waterfowl. Birders are encouraged to use eBird for current sightings and check for park fees, closures, and safety updates, especially in wilderness areas. Grab binoculars and a buddy to start exploring!

Sergio Bernal Brings Flamenco-Ballet Fusion to Segerstrom Hall – A Night of Dance Brilliance Awaits

Experience an unforgettable night as Sergio Bernal, former Principal Dancer of the Ballet Nacional de España and a celebrated talent, graces Segerstrom Hall on November 9. Known for his “exhilarating and enchanting” performances, Bernal debuts his first evening-length program in the US, blending the intense spirit of flamenco with the elegance of ballet. Joined by three acclaimed musicians and award-winning flamenco dancers, he presents a unique collaboration with choreographer Ricardo Cue, promising an electrifying fusion of tradition and innovation. Don’t miss this exclusive performance!

Upcoming Northwood High School’s Music Calendar

  1. Wed, November 6, 5:00-8:00 PM: Band Spectacular

  2. Thu, November 21, 7:00 - 8:00 PM: Vocal Music Winter Concert

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

Upcoming University High School's Choirs Calendar

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

  2. 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. 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

Creating a Loving Home for Your Rabbit: Care Tips for Every Bunny Parent

1. Diet: Feed rabbits a diet mainly of fresh hay (like timothy or orchard grass), with leafy greens and a small amount of high-quality pellets. Fresh water is essential!

2. Housing: Rabbits need plenty of space, so consider a roomy enclosure or bunny-proofed room where they can exercise freely. They’re happiest when they can hop around regularly.

3. Litter Training: Rabbits can be litter-trained! Start by placing a litter box in their favorite bathroom spot and fill it with rabbit-safe litter (no clumping or pine shavings).

4. Handling: Gently support a rabbit’s body, especially their back and hindquarters, as they have sensitive spines. Avoid sudden movements to prevent startling them.

5. Health: Routine vet visits are important for rabbit health, and watch for signs like changes in eating, pooping, or energy levels, as these can signal health issues.

6. Behavior and Companionship: Rabbits are social animals and need companionship—whether it’s you or a bunny friend. Understanding their body language and needs helps build a stronger bond!

UC Irvine Women’s Soccer Secures Big West Championship Spot with 1-0 Win Over UC Riverside

UC Irvine women’s soccer clinched a 1-0 victory over UC Riverside, securing their spot in the Big West Championship. Chloe Ragon assisted Laila El Behery's header in the 47th minute, marking her sixth goal and third game-winner this season. UCI dominated with 15 shots and allowed no corner kicks. Goalkeeper Ashley Naylor recorded two key saves, earning her fifth shutout. With a record of 6-6-6, UCI hosts the Big West First Round as the 4-seed against 5-seed Cal State Bakersfield on November 3 at 6:00 p.m. The semifinals and final will be held in Hawai'i on November 7 and 10.

UCI Anteaters Upcoming Home Games

Women's Tennis

  1. Fri, Nov 1: vs UC Irvine Fall Tournament

  2. Sat, Nov 2: vs UC Irvine Fall Tournament

Women's Basketball

  1. Mon, Nov 4: vs New Mexico State, 5:30 PM

  2. Thu, Nov 7: vs Pepperdine, 11:00 AM

  3. Mon, Nov 11: vs William & Mary, 2:00 PM

  4. Sat, Nov 16: vs Saint Mary's, 2:00 PM

Men's Basketball

  1. Mon, Nov 4: vs Chapman, 8:00 PM

  2. Sat, Nov 16: vs Pepperdine, 7:00 PM

Women's Volleyball

  1. Fri, Nov 8: vs UC San Diego, 6:00 PM

  2. Sat, Nov 9: vs Long Beach State, 4:00 PM

Men's Water Polo

  1. Fri, Nov 8: vs Cal State Fullerton, 6:00 PM

  2. Sat, Nov 9: vs Whittier College, 5:00 PM

  3. Fri, Nov 15: vs Long Beach State, 7:00 PM

🏐🏀 Upcoming home games for the IVC LASERS 

Men's Soccer

  1. Tue, Nov 5: vs Fullerton, 3:00 PM

  2. Fri, Nov 8: vs Santiago Canyon, 3:00 PM

Women's Basketball

  1. Fri, Nov 1: vs Palomar, 7:00 PM

  2. Fri, Nov 15: vs El Camino, 7:00 PM

Women's Soccer

  1. Fri, Nov 1: vs Cypress, 3:00 PM

  2. Tues, Nov 12: vs Orange Coast, 3:00 PM

  3. Fri, Nov 15: vs Golden West, 3:00 PM

Women's Volleyball

  1. Fri, Nov 1: vs Cypress, 5:00 PM

Beckman High Football Clinches League Title, Eyes Outright Victory Against Marina

Beckman High School’s football team has secured a share of the Lambda League title, marking their second league title and first since 2011, but they aim to claim the title outright with a win over Marina. Under Coach Marcello Giuliano, Beckman is 9-0 overall and 4-0 in league, while Marina, at 8-1 overall and 3-1 in league, could earn a share with a win. Giuliano praises the team’s commitment and resilience, emphasizing the goal to finish strong against Marina’s tough lineup. Beckman’s recent 48-27 victory over Valencia, led by standout performances from junior quarterback Noah Nam and running back Makhi Czaykowski, sets the stage for the showdown, with CIF playoff pairings to be announced Sunday.

Michael Brenner Named New Varsity Softball Coach at Crean Lutheran High School

Crean Lutheran High School named Michael Brenner as its new varsity softball coach. Athletic Director Eric Olson praised Brenner's experience, passion for training, and leadership, aligning with the school's Christian values. Brenner expressed his excitement for the role, emphasizing his commitment to players' success on and off the field, and asking for God's guidance for the program. With a decade of experience, Brenner previously focused on program development at Orange Canyon Girls Softball League and coaches a 14U travel team. He aims to provide year-round opportunities and advanced development for players. Brenner lives in Orange with his wife and daughter.

High School Athletics Calendar

** Updated With November Schedule

Upcoming Irvine High School’s Varsity home games:

November 2024  

Wednesday, November 18

  • 03:30 PM: Water Polo, Girls VR vs. Tesoro at Woolett Pool

Monday, November 19

  • 05:30 PM: Basketball, Girls VR vs. Troy at Irvine High School Game Gym

Tuesday, November 21

  • 04:00 PM: Water Polo, Girls VR vs. Alta Loma at Woolett Pool

Thursday, November 21

  • 03:30 PM: Water Polo, Girls VR vs. Aliso Niguel at Woolett Pool

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

November 1 - December 14 Annual Holiday Toy Drive

November 6 Fauré Quartett 7 PM

November 6 Sergio Bernal Dance Company 7:30 PM

November 9 Holiday Faire 10 AM - 4 PM

November 11 Veterans Day Ceremony 11 AM - 12:30 PM

November 14 - 16 Gluzman Plays Brahms 8 PM

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