• Irvine Insider
  • Posts
  • Irvine City Council Rescinds Homeless Shelter Purchase on Election Day, Forfeiting $1 Million Deposit Amid Resident Concerns

Irvine City Council Rescinds Homeless Shelter Purchase on Election Day, Forfeiting $1 Million Deposit Amid Resident Concerns

Issue # 0285

Author

Joshua Tjia
06 Nov

In this Irvine Insider Issue . . .

😁 Laugh Of The Day

🌤️ Irvine Weather

🏙️🚫 Irvine City Council Rescinds Homeless Shelter Purchase on Election Day, Forfeiting $1 Million Deposit Amid Resident Concerns

🌱🍈 Volunteers Unite to Harvest Honeydew for OC Families During Love Irvine Serve Day

🚧 Road Closure Alert: Walnut Ave Closed Overnight for Jeffrey Trail Bridge Work

🎨 IUSD District Office Unveils First Student Art Exhibit of the 2024-25 School Year

😷🍂 Stay Healthy This Fall: Essential Tips for Cold and Flu Season from Family Care Centers

🌳 Orchard Hills Reopens After Wildfire Restoration Efforts by Irvine Ranch Conservancy

🌷🌸🌷 Experience the Art of Sogetsu Ikebana at Irvine Fine Arts Center – Exhibit Open Through Nov. 8

🎼🎼 Upcoming High School Music Calendar

🐈‍⬛🐈 Introducing a New Cat to Your Home: Tips for a Smooth Transition

🏀 UC Irvine Men's Basketball Opens Season with Dominant 82-52 Win Over Chapman

🏀🏐🎾⚾ UCI Anteaters Upcoming Home Games

🏐 Irvine Valley Volleyball Sweeps Cypress in Final Home Game, Honors Sophomores

🏀🏀 Upcoming home games for the IVC LASERS

🏈 Northwood Girls Flag Football Heads to Historic CIF Championship After Defeating Long Beach Poly

🏈🎾 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 did the apple join a gym?

To work on its core.

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

Irvine City Council Rescinds Homeless Shelter Purchase on Election Day, Forfeiting $1 Million Deposit Amid Resident Concerns

On Election Day, Irvine City Council canceled a planned purchase of two properties for a homeless shelter, minutes before escrow closed. Despite a prior 4-1 vote in favor, Councilwoman Tammy Kim cast the deciding vote to end the deal, then left without further discussion. Mayor Farrah Khan expressed frustration over Kim’s abrupt exit, and Kim later cited campaign priorities and misinformation as reasons for her decision. The city forfeited a $1 million deposit on the $18.5 million project, which faced backlash from nearby residents over transparency and potential impacts. City Manager Oliver Chi emphasized that the facility was intended to aid Irvine residents in crisis, not function as a traditional shelter. Council members Khan and Carroll criticized the process but expressed support for future homeless initiatives in other locations.

Volunteers Unite to Harvest Honeydew for OC Families During Love Irvine Serve Day

Second Harvest joined Love Irvine Serve Day on Saturday, where volunteers across Irvine united to give back to the community. At Harvest Solutions Farm, with partners UC Agriculture & Natural Resources and Solutions for Urban Agriculture, volunteers—including Cub and Troop Scouts from the Rancho San Joaquin District—harvested fresh honeydew melon. The melons will be delivered to community partners this week, demonstrating Irvine's commitment to supporting OC neighbors in need!

Road Closure Alert: Walnut Ave Closed Overnight for Jeffrey Trail Bridge Work

Walnut Avenue south of Jeffrey Road will close entirely from Thursday, November 7, at 11 p.m. to Friday, November 8, at 5 a.m. for construction on the Jeffrey Open Space Trail Bicycle and Pedestrian Bridge. Local access will remain open, but there will be no access to the southbound I-5 on- and off-ramps or Caltrans Park & Ride. The bridge is expected to be completed in 2026.

IUSD District Office Unveils First Student Art Exhibit of the 2024-25 School Year

IUSD’s District Office proudly showcases student art year-round, with the first exhibition of the 2024-25 school year now on display. Featuring pieces from the "Beautiful Oops!" and Color units, this exhibit celebrates student creativity, risk-taking, and expression, reflecting IUSD’s commitment to the arts. For more about the Elementary School Arts program, visit iusd.org/ElementaryArt.

Stay Healthy This Fall: Essential Tips for Cold and Flu Season from Family Care Centers

Family Care Centers Medical Group offers expert guidance and healthcare services to keep you well during fall’s cold, flu, and COVID season.

  • Key tips include boosting immunity with vitamin C-rich foods, vitamin D, exercise, and hydration and practicing good hygiene to reduce germ spread.

  • Allergy management strategies, embracing outdoor activities, and regular health check-ups are advised, along with knowing when to seek urgent care.

  • If traveling, plan vaccinations in advance. Visit Family Care Centers in Irvine, Fountain Valley, or Costa Mesa for comprehensive support this season.

Orchard Hills Reopens After Wildfire Restoration Efforts by Irvine Ranch Conservancy

Orchard Hills has fully reopened in both the Upper and Lower Loop sections after extensive restoration efforts by Irvine Ranch Conservancy staff and volunteers following 2020 wildfire damage. The trail system has been rebuilt, and visitors can now register for hikes or yoga activities at Orchard Hills. Visit this link to sign up!

Experience the Art of Sogetsu Ikebana at Irvine Fine Arts Center – Exhibit Open Through Nov. 8

Discover the artistry of Sogetsu Ikebana arrangements, crafted entirely with branches, highlighting each one’s unique beauty. Students’ extraordinary creations from a recent class are on display at the Irvine Fine Arts Center through November 8. Fine upcoming Sogetsu and other art classes here; class registration opens November 15.

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. 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

Introducing a New Cat to Your Home: Tips for a Smooth Transition

  • To help your new cat settle in, start by keeping her in a separate, cozy room with essentials like food, water, and a hiding spot.

  • Let her adjust to her new space without meeting your resident cat directly.

  • After a few days, allow them to sniff each other through the door, then gradually introduce brief supervised meetings.

  • Reward calm behavior and take things slowly—especially if your new cat is shy.

  • With patience, you’ll create a peaceful, happy home for both kitties!

UC Irvine Men's Basketball Opens Season with Dominant 82-52 Win Over Chapman

UC Irvine opened their basketball season with a dominant 82-52 win over Chapman at the Bren Events Center, powered by four players scoring in double digits. UCI pulled away in the second half with a 50-22 run, ending the game on a 25-point streak and holding Chapman scoreless for the last eight minutes. Center Bent Leuchten led with 19 points, followed by guard Justin Hohn with 15, including a career-high five steals. Devin Tillis and Jurian Dixon added 13 points each, with Tillis also leading in rebounds. Head Coach Russell Turner praised the team’s veterans but emphasized the need for improvement in rebounding. UCI will face LMU on Nov. 8 in their first road game.

UCI Anteaters Upcoming Home Games

Women's Basketball

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

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

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

Men's Basketball

  1. 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

Irvine Valley Volleyball Sweeps Cypress in Final Home Game, Honors Sophomores

The Irvine Valley women’s volleyball team celebrated their sophomores in their final home game of the regular season, sweeping Cypress 25-23, 25-23, 25-21. The victory marked their third sweep of the season, improving IVC’s record to 6-14 overall and 6-6 in the Orange Empire Conference. The Lasers, under first-year coach Alissa Blevins, honored sophomores Audrey Fowler, Kayla Torres, Alya Mersin, Nikki Korneff, and Jayva Andersen. Fowler and freshman Hailey Oldham led with nine kills each, while setter Alondra Castro had 26 assists. The Lasers now head on the road for their last four regular-season matches.

🏐⚽🏀 Upcoming home games for the IVC LASERS 

Men's Soccer

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

Women's Basketball

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

Women's Soccer

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

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

Northwood Girls Flag Football Heads to Historic CIF Championship After Defeating Long Beach Poly

Northwood High School’s girls flag football team made history by advancing to the inaugural CIF Division 2 championship after defeating top-seeded Long Beach Poly 18-6 in the semifinals. Quarterback Natalie Keith led the Timberwolves (17-4) with three touchdown passes and two interceptions, propelling her team to victory and setting up a final showdown against Trabuco Hills on Saturday at 2:45 p.m. Keith’s defensive play has strengthened the team, and her leadership on offense was pivotal, with touchdown passes to Elisa Kung, Jessie Wendt, and Hailey Brennan. Assistant coach Mike Stewart praised the team’s perseverance and growth, especially with Keith calling plays. Northwood’s fans and cheerleaders were out in force to celebrate this milestone in CIF's first-ever girls flag football playoffs.

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 Sergio Bernal Dance Company 7:30 PM

November 9 Holiday Faire 10 AM - 4 PM

November 9 Aretha! Starring Sheléa 8 PM

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

November 14 - 16 Gluzman Plays Brahms 8 PM

We could use your help

We’ve got big plans as we get up to speed! But we need your help!

One huge way that you can help us is to spread the word for us.

Know somebody who lives in the Irvine and surrounding areas and would benefit from being kept in the know?

Please share Irvine Insider with them! It’s simple!