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Irvine High School Juniors Make Global Impact Through STEAM Education and Community Service

Issue # 0354

Author

Joshua Tjia
28 Feb

In this Irvine Insider Issue . . .

😁 Laugh Of The Day

🌤️ Irvine Weather

🌟🎾🌟 Learner Tien: Irvine Teen Defeats No. 2 Zverev in Historic Tennis Victory

📚📝 Irvine High School Juniors Make Global Impact Through STEAM Education and Community Service

🥗🧆 Nick The Greek Grand Opening – Free Lunch on March 4 at Culver Plaza

⚡️🚲 Orange County Cracks Down on E-Bikes as Safety Concerns Grow

🏆🎉 IUSD Schools Shine at OC Science Olympiad, Advance to State Competition

👩🏻‍⚕️🚌 School Nurses: The Unsung Guardians of Student Health in Irvine

🧤🌱 IRC Cultivates Native Plants to Restore Orange County Ecosystems

🎷🎶 Relax and Unwind with Live Jazz at the Great Park

🎼🎼 Upcoming High School Music Calendar

🐈🐕 Low-Cost Pet Vaccine Clinic at Irvine Animal Care Center – March 25

⚾️ UC Irvine Baseball Secures First Home Win, Defeats Utah Tech 8-4

🏀🏐🎾⚾ UCI Anteaters Upcoming Home Games

🏐 Irvine Valley Men's Volleyball Sweeps Palomar in Three Sets

🏀🏀 Upcoming home games for the IVC LASERS

🏈🎾 High School Athletics Calendar

🚓🚨 Irvine PD Cracks Down on Distraction Theft, Arrests Two Suspects

🍏🥭🍑 Local Farmers Markets

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

📅📅 Lots of Local Events

📞💡 Useful Contact Information

Why did the lamppost become a teacher?

It wanted to enlighten others.

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

Learner Tien: Irvine Teen Defeats No. 2 Zverev in Historic Tennis Victory

19-year-old Irvine native Learner Tien stunned world No. 2 Alexander Zverev in straight sets (6-3, 6-4) at the ATP 500 in Acapulco, becoming the youngest man to defeat a Top 3 player since 2022 and the youngest American to do so since Andy Roddick in 2001. Tien, ranked No. 83, had already made waves by reaching the Australian Open fourth round as a qualifier, upsetting No. 5 Daniil Medvedev. After trailing 1-4 in the second set, he stormed back, winning the last five games. Watch the highlights

Irvine High School Juniors Make Global Impact Through STEAM Education and Community Service

Ashley Liau and Jalyn Huang, 17-year-old juniors at Irvine High School, are making a significant impact in academics, community service, and STEAM education.

  • Ashley, an award-winning pianist, won first prize at the Golden Classical Music Awards International Competition and performed at Carnegie Hall. She also earned the Gold Presidential Volunteer Service Award for tutoring underprivileged children and serves as Associate Director for the Scholars’ Trust, which recently built a library in Malawi.

  • Jalyn, a researcher in long non-coding RNAs and a STEAM educator, leads hands-on science activities at the Orange County Discovery Cube, with over 550 volunteer hours logged.

Together, they co-founded The Steamology Project (TSP), an international nonprofit providing STEAM education and research opportunities for youth. Jalyn leads TSP’s Research Internship Program, mentoring students in scientific writing, and spearheads a STEAM Kits for Foster Care initiative. Ashley manages TSP’s Lab Support Donation initiative, donating 3D printers and lab equipment to underprivileged schools.

In addition, Ashley is the Managing Editor of her school’s newspaper and founded The Steamology Magazine, while Jalyn serves as Assistant Drum Major for Irvine High School’s marching band and mentors STEM students at Ardent Academy. Their dedication to education, research, and community service is truly inspiring.

Nick The Greek Grand Opening – Free Lunch on March 4 at Culver Plaza

Nick The Greek is celebrating its grand opening at Culver Plaza on Tuesday, March 4, from 11 AM to 2:30 PM with a free menu item per customer (up to $18 value, while supplies last). Enjoy Greek favorites like gyros, souvlaki, pita wraps, falafel, and baklava!

Orange County Cracks Down on E-Bikes as Safety Concerns Grow

Orange County cities are ramping up e-bike regulations amid rising safety concerns. Buena Park recently set a 28 mph speed limit for e-bikes and restricted sidewalk riding for adults while allowing minors to use them on sidewalks. Laguna Hills is drafting new rules, aiming for safety without penalizing responsible riders. Other cities like Fountain Valley and San Clemente have also updated ordinances, with Fountain Valley introducing permits for minors after safety training. An OC Grand Jury report criticized inconsistent regulations, prompting law enforcement to start tracking e-bike-related accidents. Local leaders continue to debate balancing safety, enforcement, and accessibility.

IUSD Schools Shine at OC Science Olympiad, Advance to State Competition

Several Irvine schools—Sierra Vista MS, Jeffrey Trail MS, Rancho San Joaquin MS, Northwood HS, Portola HS, and University HS—excelled at the OC Regional Science Olympiad and are now advancing to the State Competition on April 12!

  • Sierra Vista’s teams secured 1st and 3rd place out of 30 middle school teams, marking their fourth consecutive regional title.

  • In the high school division, Northwood placed 2nd among 48 teams.

  • Competitors tackled challenges in chemistry, coding, astronomy, and engineering.

  • Congratulations to all and good luck at State! More details: iusd.org/ScienceOlympiad2025

School Nurses: The Unsung Guardians of Student Health in Irvine

Irvine schools consistently rank among the top in California, supported by significant financial investments from the City to ensure their success. However, the number of school nurses remains well below the national standard, with only 24 nurses serving 42 schools and two virtual academies.

  • School nurses play a crucial role beyond treating minor injuries; they conduct health screenings, administer immunizations, provide emergency medical training, and support students with chronic conditions and mental health needs.

  • Additionally, they assist with sports injury management and serve as key coordinators between families, educators, and healthcare providers.

  • The shortage of school nurses poses a significant challenge to maintaining the health and safety of Irvine’s school communities.

IRC Cultivates Native Plants to Restore Orange County Ecosystems

IRC grows native plants for local restoration projects through its Plant Materials Program, collecting wild seeds and cultivating them to restore habitats across Orange County.

  • This eco-friendly approach ensures healthy ecosystems while reducing wild seed collection.

  • Staff and volunteers collect genetically diverse seed samples, using traditional agricultural methods to grow plants well-suited for reintroduction.

  • This self-sufficient process maintains a diverse inventory of species unavailable on the retail market while preserving wild populations.

  • The year-round effort also engages the community, fostering education and involvement in local conservation. Learn more: IRC Website.

Relax and Unwind with Live Jazz at the Great Park

Enjoy live jazz at Palm Court Arts Complex, inspired by More Than You Can Chew, an art exhibition at the Great Park, on Sunday, March 16, from 1 to 3 p.m.. No registration needed—just bring a blanket or chair and relax.

Upcoming Northwood High School’s Music Calendar

  1. February 28: CSUF Wind Ensemble Festival, CSU Fullerton

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

Upcoming University High School's Choirs Calendar

  1. February 27 - March 1,6,7,8 7:00 PM: Guys and Dolls Musical, 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 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

Low-Cost Pet Vaccine Clinic at Irvine Animal Care Center – March 25

Irvine Animal Care Center, in partnership with HEART, is hosting a low-cost vaccine clinic for cats and dogs on Tuesday, March 25 at its parking lot (6443 Oak Canyon).

  • Cats: 5–6:30 p.m. | Dogs: 6:30–8:30 p.m.

  • Affordable vaccines help keep pets healthy! Schedule an appointment and check pricing at www.heart4pets.org. 

UC Irvine Baseball Secures First Home Win, Defeats Utah Tech 8-4

UC Irvine baseball secured its first home win of the season with an 8-4 victory over Utah Tech at Anteater Ballpark. The game saw early lead changes, with UCI taking a 3-2 advantage on Zach Fjelstad’s first home run as an Anteater. Utah Tech briefly regained the lead, but the ‘Eaters responded with key hits, including a go-ahead single from Frankie Carney in his 2025 debut and a two-run double from Blake Penso. Pitcher Ryder Brooks delivered four scoreless innings with a career-high six strikeouts for his first win. UCI tallied three triples, including an RBI triple from Jacob McCombs in the eighth. Will Bermudez set a program record for career hit-by-pitches (53), while Fjelstad shined with a double, triple, and homer.

UCI Anteaters Upcoming Home Games

Baseball

  • Fri, Feb 28: UC Irvine vs. Louisiana at 6:00 PM

Irvine Valley Men's Volleyball Sweeps Palomar in Three Sets

Irvine Valley’s men's volleyball team rebounded from a tough loss with a dominant sweep over Palomar (25-20, 25-14, 25-20) on Wednesday night. The No. 5-ranked Lasers improved to 7-2 overall, while Palomar fell to 2-7. Freshman outside hitter Tucker McClain led with 10 kills, hitting .600, and freshman opposite Travis Kaufman added eight kills at .538. Setter Bryce Nohava orchestrated a .446 team hitting percentage with 28 assists, five digs, and four blocks. Freshman middle blocker Joshua Damianopoulos was perfect with five kills on five attempts and six blocks. Libero Cage Gonzalez contributed eight digs.

🏐⚽🏀 Upcoming home games for the IVC LASERS 

Men's Volleyball

  1. Fri, Feb 28 – vs San Diego Mesa, 6:00 PM

High School Athletics Calendar

** Updated With February Schedule

Upcoming Irvine High School’s Varsity home games:

February 2025

Friday, February 28

  • 3:30 PM - Swimming & Diving (Boys, VR) – HINMAN RELAYS at Woolett Pool

  • 3:30 PM - Swimming & Diving (Girls, VR) – HINMAN RELAYS at Woolett Pool

  • 5:00 PM - Lacrosse (Boys, VR) vs Trabuco Hills at Irvine High School Stadium

  • 5:15 PM - Volleyball (Boys, VR) vs Sage Hill at Irvine High School Game Gym

Irvine PD Cracks Down on Distraction Theft, Arrests Two Suspects

Distraction thefts have been on the rise in Southern California, and Irvine PD has been working to prevent them. Earlier this month, a theft occurred at Trader Joe’s (Culver & Walnut), with stolen credit cards later used at Spectrum. Investigators tracked the suspect's vehicle, leading CIU to surveil and catch four suspects burglarizing a store in Placentia. With help from Placentia PD, an adult and a juvenile were detained for shoplifting. Scarlett Ibanez Ramirez, 24, and Valentina Barrios Rodriguez, 22, of Lomita, were arrested for grand theft, conspiracy, burglary, and identity theft. Ramirez also had two felony warrants from Northern California. Both were booked in Orange County.

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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