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Irvine Names Julie Zeoli as First City Librarian Ahead of Library System Transition

Issue # 0304

Author

Joshua Tjia
06 Dec

In this Irvine Insider Issue . . .

😁 Laugh Of The Day

🌤️ Irvine Weather

📚📖 Irvine Names Julie Zeoli as First City Librarian Ahead of Library System Transition

🚓⚠️ Irvine Police Offers Free Child Car Seat Inspections December 13

🎶🎄 Live Holiday Music and Festive Treats Coming to Woodbridge and Woodbury Town Centers

🎅🏻🤳 Snap Holiday Selfies with Santa at Irvine Spectrum

❄️📖 Winter Reading Program Kick-off at Irvine University Park Library

🩸 Irvine and UCI Health Partner for December 18 Blood Drive to Address Critical Shortage

🌳🥾 Trail Access Hours: Plan Your 7-Day Adventures Around Shorter Days

⛄️❄️ Snowman Lantern Craft Workshop at Tanaka Farms: December 8th

🎼🎼 Upcoming High School Music Calendar

🐈‍⬛ Find Your Perfect Cat at the Irvine Animal Care Center

🏀 UC Irvine Women's Basketball Opens Big West Play with Commanding 65-40 Win Over Cal State Bakersfield

🏀🏐🎾⚾ UCI Anteaters Upcoming Home Games

🏀 Irvine Valley Women’s Basketball Secures Massive 71-13 Victory Over Barstow

🏀🏀 Upcoming home games for the IVC LASERS

🏀 Orange County Basketball Teams Shine at Portola-Woodbridge Classic with Aussie Guests

🏈🎾 High School Athletics Calendar

🚔💊 Irvine Police Arrest Self-Proclaimed ‘Fraud God,’ Seize Skimmers and Narcotics

🍏🥭🍑 Local Farmers Markets

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

📅📅 Lots of Local Events

📞💡 Useful Contact Information

How do snowmen buy birthday presents?

With cold, hard cash.

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

Irvine Names Julie Zeoli as First City Librarian Ahead of Library System Transition

Julie Zeoli has been appointed as Irvine’s first City Librarian as the city transitions its library services from Orange County in 2025. Zeoli, previously assistant library director in Yorba Linda, contributed to the development of that city’s Library & Arts Center, which opened in 2020. In her new role, she will lead the establishment of Irvine’s library system, initially overseeing the Heritage Park, University Park, and Katie Wheeler libraries under the city’s Library Services Division. Plans include enhancing existing services, addressing underserved areas, and engaging residents through public meetings to shape future library facilities and programs. Zeoli brings extensive experience in library management and community-focused services to her position.

Irvine Police Offers Free Child Car Seat Inspections December 13

The Irvine Police Department is hosting a free child safety seat inspection on December 13. Certified technicians will inspect car seats and provide training and safety tips. The event is by appointment only, with limited spots available. Email [email protected] for details.

Live Holiday Music and Festive Treats Coming to Woodbridge and Woodbury Town Centers

Celebrate the season with live holiday music, festive surprises, and treats at local town centers.

  • Join the fun at Woodbridge Village Center on Saturday, December 7, and December 14, from 12 PM to 2 PM

  • and at Woodbury Town Center on Saturday, December 14, from 12 PM to 2 PM.

Surprises and treats available on specified dates. Perfect for family holiday enjoyment!

Snap Holiday Selfies with Santa at Irvine Spectrum

Visit Santa at Irvine Spectrum Center for festive holiday selfies in front of the Holiday Tree until December 24. Drop by Saturdays and Sundays, 12 PM - 4 PM, with extra hours on December 23 and 24. No reservations or fees are needed, but note Santa takes a break from 2:30 PM to 3 PM and won’t appear in the rain.

Winter Reading Program Kick-off at Irvine University Park Library

Start the Winter Reading Program (running through January 25, 2025) with a fun event at the Irvine University Park Library on Monday, December 9, from 3:00 PM to 4:00 PM. Families and kids can enjoy a DIY fake snow activity, book giveaways, and more. Don't miss this special event to spark a love for reading this winter!

Irvine and UCI Health Partner for December 18 Blood Drive to Address Critical Shortage

The City of Irvine and UCI Health are hosting a blood drive on Wednesday, December 18, from 9 a.m. to 3 p.m. at the Irvine Civic Center to address Orange County's growing blood supply crisis. Donations will support critical patient care at UCI Medical Center, the county's only Level 1 Trauma Center, which needs at least 1,000 donors monthly to meet demand. Donors will receive a $10 gift card (Target, In-N-Out, or Starbucks) and an entry into a Winter Wonderland drawing. Appointments are encouraged but not required, and walk-ins are welcome.

Trail Access Hours: Plan Your 7-Day Adventures Around Shorter Days

With shorter days ahead, make the most of your trail adventures by checking access times:

- Bommer Canyon: 7 a.m. to sunset

- Buck Gully Reserve: Dawn to dusk

- Crystal Cove: 6 a.m. to sunset

- Irvine Regional Park: Fall/Winter hours—6 a.m. to 6 p.m.

- Laguna Coast: 7 a.m. to sunset

- Peters Canyon: 7 a.m. to sunset

- Quail Hill: 7 a.m. to sunset

- Santiago Oaks: 7 a.m. to sunset

Plan your hikes and enjoy the beauty of Irvine’s trails! More details at this link.

Snowman Lantern Craft Workshop at Tanaka Farms: December 8th

Tanaka Farms invites the community to a festive craft workshop on Sunday, December 8th, at 11 AM. Participants will have the opportunity to create their own Snowman Lanterns, visit the farm's barnyard animals, and enjoy a warm cup of hot cocoa. This event promises a fun-filled morning of creativity and holiday cheer. With limited spaces available, early booking is encouraged.

Upcoming Northwood High School’s Music Calendar

  1. Fri, December 13, 7:00 - 8:30 PM: Winter Gala Concert

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

Upcoming University High School's Choirs Calendar

  1. Thu, December 5-6, 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. Thurs, December 12, 7:00 - 9:00 PM: Winter Concerts: Concert Orchestra, Symphonic Orchestra and Philharmonic Orchestra

  2. Fri, December 13, 7:00 - 9:00 PM: Winter Concerts: Concert Band, Symphonic Band and Wind Ensemble

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

Find Your Perfect Cat at the Irvine Animal Care Center

Ready to meet your perfect feline friend? Missy and other adoptable cats at the Irvine Animal Care Center are waiting for you! From playful kittens to calm seniors, there's a cat for every lifestyle. Visit the center any day from noon to 5 p.m. to find your new companion. Learn more at cityofirvine.org/animals.

UC Irvine Women's Basketball Opens Big West Play with Commanding 65-40 Win Over Cal State Bakersfield

UC Irvine women's basketball dominated Cal State Bakersfield in their Big West opener with a decisive 65-40 victory at the Icardo Center. The Anteaters (6-3, 1-0 Big West) showcased strong defense, holding the Roadrunners to a season-low 40 points. UCI built a 19-point halftime lead with a 25-14 second-quarter surge and maintained control throughout, outscoring CSUB in points off turnovers (21-7) and in the paint (34-20). Shirel Nahum and Summah Hanson led with 12 points each, while Déja Lee grabbed a career-high nine rebounds. UC Irvine now looks ahead to games at Oregon State and Oregon following finals week.

UCI Anteaters Upcoming Home Games

No further upcoming home games for December

Irvine Valley Women’s Basketball Secures Massive 71-13 Victory Over Barstow

The Irvine Valley women’s basketball team achieved a dominant 71-13 victory over Barstow, marking one of their largest wins in years. The Lasers opened with 29 unanswered points and led 40-1 at halftime. Sophomore guard Moka Saiki led with 20 points, 7 steals, and 4 assists, while freshman Samantha Barnett added 13 points and 5 steals. Freshman Neryah Lokeni contributed 10 points, and the team tallied 31 steals, forcing 51 Barstow turnovers. With the win, IVC improved to 4-4.

🏐⚽🏀 Upcoming home games for the IVC LASERS 

Women’s Basketball

  1. Sat, Dec 14: vs Glendale, 3:00 PM

Men’s Basketball

  1. Fri, Dec 13: vs Mt. San Antonio, 5:00 PM

  2. Fri, Dec 20: vs Cypress, 7:00 PM

  3. Mon, Dec 30: vs Alumni, 6:00 PM

Orange County Basketball Teams Shine at Portola-Woodbridge Classic with Aussie Guests

The annual Portola-Woodbridge Boys Basketball Classic, featuring top Orange County teams and two squads from Australia’s Churchie basketball club, runs from December 2-7. Hosted at Portola and Woodbridge High Schools, the event includes pre-determined matchups. Key games involve teams like Portola, Edison, and San Clemente, and Saturday wraps up with four games at Portola, including Portola vs. Tesoro at 3:30 p.m.

High School Athletics Calendar

** Updated With December Schedule

Upcoming Irvine High School’s Varsity home games:

November 2024  

Friday, December 6

  • 05:00 PM: Soccer, Boys VR vs. Estancia at Irvine High School Stadium

Tuesday, December 10

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

Irvine Police Arrest Self-Proclaimed ‘Fraud God,’ Seize Skimmers and Narcotics

The Irvine Police Department's Directed Enforcement Team (DET) arrested 44-year-old Ryan John Hein of Yorba Linda, a self-proclaimed “Fraud God,” outside a storage facility on Warner. He was found with narcotics and fraudulent documents. A search of his storage unit uncovered credit card skimmers, fake DMV paperwork, card printers, and other fraud tools. Hein was booked on multiple charges, with further investigation ongoing. The DET continues its commitment to keeping Irvine safe and preventing crime.

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 18 – December 13 Letters to Santa

November 29– December 29 Hikari Festival of Lights

December 5 - 7 Art of the Spanish Guitar 8 PM

December 7 - 8 Holiday Market 3 - 8 PM

December 7 - 15 Holiday Makers Mart 10 AM - 4 PM

December 8 Handel's Glorious Messiah 3 PM

December 17 Holiday Organ Spectacular 7:30 PM

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