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Innovative Robotics Shine at Portola High's Inaugural Bulldog Rumble

Issue # 082

Author

Joshua Tjia
22 Jan

In this Irvine Insider Issue . . .

😁 Laugh Of The Day

🌤️ Irvine Weather

🌧⚠ Rainfall in Irvine Leads to Recreational Area Closures

💧🔔✋ IRWD Now Hiring: Explore a Range of New Job Openings

🍴🥦🧅 Discover Fresh, Seasonal Recipes from Tanaka Farms

⚡💡 Innovative Robotics Shine at Portola High's Inaugural Bulldog Rumble

⚽🧒 Exciting News: 3x3 Youth Soccer Lessons Now at Great Park – Enroll Today

⛸🌟 New Year, New Skills: Star Skate's 2024 Registration Open

🩸💉 Join the Lifesaving Cause This January – National Blood Donor Month with UCI Health

🌼🌼 Toyon: A Vital Player in Southern California's Ecosystem Amid Wildfire Seasons

🍰👑 Join the Festive French Baking Tradition: King Cake Class Open for Enrollment

🎼🎼 Upcoming High School Music Calendar

🐶🤎 Senior Dog Chloe Awaits Her Forever Home at Irvine Animal Care Center

🤽‍♀️ UC Irvine Women's Water Polo Team Celebrates First Season Victory with 12-4 Victory Against San Jose State

🏀🙌 UC Irvine Dominates UC Davis with Season-Best Performance in Women's Basketball

🏀🏐🎾⚾ UCI Anteaters Upcoming Home Games

🏀 Irvine Valley Men’s Basketball Defeats Santiago Canyon in Pivotal Match

🏀🏀 Upcoming home games for the IVC LASERS

🏀 Record-Setting Former Player, Anna Unke, Named Head of Crean Lutheran Volleyball

🏈🎾 High School Athletics Calendar

👮‍♂️💰 Irvine Police Alert: Armed Robbery Attempt Thwarted, Suspects Nabbed for LA County Crimes

🍏🥭🍑 Local Farmers Markets

📅📅 Lots of Local Events

📞💡 Useful Contact Information

What do you call a pile of kittens?

Answer: A meow-tain of magic!

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

Rainfall in Irvine Leads to Recreational Area Closures

Irvine is experiencing rain-related closures in the following areas:

  • San Diego Creek bike trail at Los Olivos/405 Freeway

  • All athletic fields at City parks

  • Irvine Open Space Preserve trails

For updates, check cityofirvine.org/mudd. More updates will be provided as the rain persists.

IRWD Now Hiring: Explore a Range of New Job Openings

IRWD is recruiting for various roles. Visit IRWD.com/careers for more info. Openings include:

  • Temporary Water Maintenance Tech I

  • Utility Worker/Water Maintenance Tech I

  • Water Maintenance Tech II

  • Senior Electrical & Instrumentation Tech

  • Water Operations Manager

  • Senior Network Administrator

See video

Discover Fresh, Seasonal Recipes from Tanaka Farms

Tanaka Farms' website offers a variety of farm-to-table recipes, ideal for those with CSA veggies or looking to incorporate more greens into their diet. The recipes, which are updated seasonally, can be found under the EAT tab. This rainy weekend, their plant-based chef, @JoniMarieNewman, is experimenting with new dishes featuring farm-grown bok choy, broccoli, and cabbage.

Due to heavy rain, Tanaka Farms will be closed from 1/20 to 1/22, but CSA customers can still pick up their boxes at the designated old stand.

#farmtotable #tanakafarms #localproduce #csa #recipeinspiration #closedforrain

Innovative Robotics Shine at Portola High's Inaugural Bulldog Rumble

Portola High School hosted its inaugural Bulldog Rumble, a regional VEX Robotics competition, featuring advanced robotics from teams across Irvine and beyond. The school was among the top performers in a field of 40 teams. Thanks to the IUSD Community and Board Members for their support of these innovative students and teams.

#IUSD #IUSDCommunity #IUSDSTEM

Exciting News: 3x3 Youth Soccer Lessons Now at Great Park – Enroll Today

Enroll your kids in 3x3 Youth Soccer Lessons at the Great Park for skill-building, teamwork, and fun. Suitable for all levels, these courses offer personalized coaching to help children develop confidence, sportsmanship, and a lifelong love for soccer. Sign up at yourirvine.org. 

#GreatParkSoccer #FutureChampions #KidActivities #YourGreatPark #WeAreIrvine

New Year, New Skills: Star Skate's 2024 Registration Open

Enroll now in the Star Skate Program starting January 24th, 2024, with limited spots available. This 4-level skating class enhances body awareness and foundational skills for various skating styles. Skaters with experience should get a skills assessment by contacting Candice Clifford at [email protected] for a 20-minute session. The program includes classes for tots (6 and under) and adults (13+), focusing on basics without testing requirements. Ideal for young skaters developing patience and focus.

#rollerlife #therinks #rollerskate #skatelife #learntoskate #youth #artisticskating

Join the Lifesaving Cause This January – National Blood Donor Month with UCI Health

January is National Blood Donor Month. Urgent need for blood and platelet donations. Get expert info from UCI Health. Donate to save lives. Sign up: https://www.ucihealth.org/blooddrive/find-a-drive 

#DonateBloodSaveALife

Toyon: A Vital Player in Southern California's Ecosystem Amid Wildfire Seasons

Toyon, also known as Christmas berry or California Holly, is a common perennial shrub in Southern California, particularly in Orange County. It's known for its bright red berries in fall and winter, and white flowers in summer, attracting wildlife. Thriving in sunny to partially shaded areas, it's adaptable to various soils and grows in dry regions, often near creeks or slopes. Part of the rose family, toyon can reach up to eight feet, sometimes 30 feet. It's fire-retardant when well-watered, making it valuable in wildfire-prone areas.

Join the Festive French Baking Tradition: King Cake Class Open for Enrollment

Join a French Baking class to learn how to make a traditional King Cake (Galette des Rois), complete with a hidden charm and expert techniques. Enjoy hands-on experience in crafting and tasting this delicious pastry. Classes are on Tuesday, January 23, at Irvine Fine Arts Center, with sessions at 10 a.m.–12:30 p.m. and 6–8:30 p.m. Limited spots available, register at yourirvine.org.

#FrenchBakingClass #KingCake #IrvineEvents

Upcoming Northwood High School’s Music Calendar

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

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

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

  4. 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

No events scheduled for January.

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

No events scheduled for January.

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

Upcoming Irvine High School's Choral Calendar

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

  15. 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

Senior Dog Chloe Awaits Her Forever Home at Irvine Animal Care Center

Chloe, a senior dog with a gentle nature, seeks a loving home with adults over 16. She comes with a free Goodpup Scholarship for training. Meet her at Irvine Animal Care Center today from 1-4 p.m. For adoption details, visit irvineanimals.org/adopt.

#AdoptDontShop #SeniorSaturday

See video

UC Irvine Women's Water Polo Team Celebrates First Season Victory with 12-4 Victory Against San Jose State

UC Irvine women's water polo team defeated No. 18 San Jose State 12-4, showcasing strong offense and defense. Fifteen saves were made by their goalkeepers, and nine players scored, with Jensine Bugelli, Gracie Helberg, and Brooke Hourigan each netting two goals. The team was efficient in shooting and power plays, and they will next face No. 11 UC Davis in the Polo Palooza tournament.

UC Irvine Dominates UC Davis with Season-Best Performance in Women's Basketball

UC Irvine women's basketball team achieved their best offensive performance of the season with a 79-61 victory over UC Davis. They set season records in points, 3-pointers, and shooting percentages. The win improved their overall record to 11-6 and 5-2 in the Big West, placing them third in the standings. Key players included Amelia Scharpf, Diaba Konate, Nevaeh Parkinson, and Déja Lee. UC Davis' five-game win streak was ended, with their top scorers being Tova Sabel and Evanne Turner. The game featured strong starts and consistent leads by UC Irvine, maintaining a double-digit lead for most of the match. Their next game is against Long Beach State. UC Irvine has a strong home record and has seen consistent scoring contributions from several players.

UCI Anteaters Upcoming Home Games

Men's Basketball

  1.  Sat, Jan 27th: vs CSUN, 7:00 PM

Men's Volleyball.

  1.  Wed, Jan 31st: vs UCLA, 6:00 p.m.

Women's Basketball

  1.  Thurs, January 25th: vs Long Beach State, 11:00 AM

Men's Tennis

  •  Fri, January 26th: vs BYU, Time TBA

  •  Sat, January 27th: vs San Diego State, Time TBA

Baseball

  1.  Sat, January 27th: vs Alumni Game, 12:00 PM

Irvine Valley Men’s Basketball Defeats Santiago Canyon in Pivotal Match

Irvine Valley's men's basketball team achieved their 12th season win with a significant 77-69 victory over Santiago Canyon, improving their record to 12-6 and balancing their Orange Empire Conference record at 3-3. Santiago Canyon, ranked 18th in the state, was led by Kai Smith with 19 points. IVC's standout players included Roman Swizek with 24 points and notable performances from Josiah Reed, Jesse Stines, Ammon Allan, and David Ogunlade. The win marked Coach Jerry's 499th career victory at Irvine Valley College.

🏐⚽🏀 Upcoming home games for the IVC LASERS

Men's Basketball

  1. Feb 7, Wed: vs Riverside at 5:00 PM.

  2. Feb 9, Fri: vs Santa Ana at 6:00 PM.

  3. Feb 15, Thu: vs Santiago Canyon at 5:00 PM.

  4. Feb 23, Fri: vs Cypress at 6:00 PM.

Record-Setting Former Player, Anna Unke, Named Head of Crean Lutheran Volleyball

Anna Unke, an accomplished former player at Crean Lutheran High School and Irvine Valley College, has been appointed as the varsity girls volleyball coach and program director at Crean Lutheran, announced by Athletic Director Eric Olson. Unke, known for her strong faith and volleyball expertise, previously coached at Irvine Valley College and JSerra High School, and played collegiate volleyball at Cal State Bakersfield. She holds records at Crean Lutheran and has led teams to significant achievements. Unke aims to foster a growth-oriented and family-like culture in the program. She replaces Monty Johns, the former coach.

High School Athletics Calendar -

** Updated With January Schedule

Upcoming Irvine High School’s Varsity home games:

January 2024

Monday, January 22

  • Soccer, Girls Varsity (VR)

    - 3:30 PM vs. Portola at Irvine High School Stadium

  • Water Polo, Girls Varsity (VR)

    - 4:30 PM vs. Portola at Portola High School

  • Basketball, Girls Varsity (VR)

    - 5:30 PM vs. Portola at Irvine High School Game Gym

  • Basketball, Boys Varsity (VR)

    - 7:00 PM vs. Portola at Irvine High School Game Gym

Wednesday, January 24

  • Water Polo, Girls Varsity (VR)

    - 4:15 PM vs. Northwood High School at Northwood High School

  •  Soccer, Girls Varsity (VR)

    - 5:00 PM vs. Northwood High School at Irvine High School Stadium

  • Basketball, Girls Varsity (VR)

    - 5:30 PM vs. Northwood High School at Irvine High School Game Gym

  •  Basketball, Boys Varsity (VR)

    - 7:00 PM vs. Northwood High School at Irvine High School Game Gym

Friday, January 26, 2024

  •  Soccer, Boys Varsity (VR)

    - 3:15 PM vs. Woodbridge at Irvine High School Stadium

  • -Soccer, Girls Varsity (VR)

    - 5:00 PM vs. Sage Hill at Irvine High School Stadium

Tuesday, January 30, 2024

  • Basketball, Girls Varsity (VR)

    - 5:30 PM vs. Beckman, Arnold at Irvine High School Game Gym

Irvine Police Alert: Armed Robbery Attempt Thwarted, Suspects Nabbed for LA County Crimes

Two men tried to rob someone in Irvine after leaving a LA County Casino. They were later arrested in Compton for other robberies, carrying replica guns. The investigation continues, but there's no current community threat. Contact Detective Nick Johnson at 949-724-7177 or [email protected] for info.

#irvinepolice #crimeupdate

  • 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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