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Irvine Police Arrest Two for Catalytic Converter Theft on New Year’s Day

Issue # 0316

Author

Joshua Tjia
06 Jan

In this Irvine Insider Issue . . .

😁 Laugh Of The Day

🌤️ Irvine Weather

🚓⚠️ Elderly Man Dies in Tragic Parking Incident at Irvine Spectrum Center

🌸🛝🌸 New California Flower Play Area Coming Soon to Great Park

🌳🌳 Irvine Aims to Add 200,000 Trees to Its Urban Forest in 5 Years

🎄♻️ Free Tree Recycling Pickup and Drop-Off Details

🥼🔭 Discover the Future of Science: Explore IUSD’s Science Fair Projects Today

🏥 UCI Medical Center Named Among Nation’s Best for Maternity Care in 2025

❄️🌨️ Discover Southern California's Winter Wonders: Seasonal Changes in Nature and Wildlife

🏮🐍 Celebrate Lunar New Year with Crafts, Dances, and Fun at Irvine Heritage Park Library

🎼🎼 Upcoming High School Music Calendar

🐕🐕‍🦺 Tips for Introducing Your Pet to a New Furry Friend in the New Year

🏀 UC Irvine Basketball Tops Cal Poly 96-89 in Overtime, Trio Combines for 71 Points

🏀🏐🎾⚾ UCI Anteaters Upcoming Home Games

🏀 Irvine Valley Women’s Basketball Upsets San Diego Mesa 46-45 in Thriller

🏀🏀 Upcoming home games for the IVC LASERS

🏀 Crean Lutheran Boys Basketball Defeats Aquinas 65-42 on Senior Night

🏈🎾 High School Athletics Calendar

🚙🚨 Irvine Police Arrest Two for Catalytic Converter Theft on New Year’s Day

🍏🥭🍑 Local Farmers Markets

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

📅📅 Lots of Local Events

📞💡 Useful Contact Information

Why is celebrating New Year in Times Square overrated?

Because they drop the ball every year.

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

Elderly Man Dies in Tragic Parking Incident at Irvine Spectrum Center

An 88-year-old man passed away following an incident at the Irvine Spectrum Center, where he became trapped between his SUV and the driver’s side door while paying for parking. The Irvine Police Department reported the incident at approximately 3:30 p.m. on Thursday at the parking structure exit on Spectrum Center Drive. According to police accounts, the man’s Mazda SUV was not placed in park, causing it to move forward as he exited the vehicle. The open driver’s door came into contact with parking equipment, subsequently closing on the man and trapping him. Despite the efforts of a bystander, as well as police officers and Orange County Fire Authority firefighters, the man was transported to a hospital, where he was pronounced deceased.

New California Flower Play Area Coming Soon to Great Park

A new California Flower-themed play area is coming to the Great Park, featuring slides, climbing structures, shaded seating, and scenic lake views. It’s designed to be a must-visit destination for families. Learn more about upcoming attractions at greatparkframework.org.

Irvine Aims to Add 200,000 Trees to Its Urban Forest in 5 Years

The City of Irvine is developing a 30-year master plan for its "urban forest," which includes all trees across private and public properties, parks, streets, and open spaces. A previous goal to plant 500,000 trees was achieved, contributing to the city’s aesthetics and environmental health. In light of climate change and the city’s growth, a new proposal seeks to add 200,000 trees to improve air quality, sequester carbon, and support climate goals. Suggested strategies include planting native oaks in open spaces, creating shaded areas in parks, establishing tree programs for homeowners' associations, and adding trees along major roadways. Residents are invited to participate in a survey to provide input for the master plan's development.

Free Tree Recycling Pickup and Drop-Off Details

  • Christmas Tree Collection: Waste Management (WM) will collect and recycle Christmas trees curbside for free starting December 26 for three weeks on your service day.

  • Preparation Requirements: Trees taller than 6 feet must be cut in half, and all decorations, lights, tinsel, and stands must be removed.

  • Flocked Trees: Flocked trees will be collected but cannot be recycled.

  • Multi-Family Residences: Residents without curbside service can drop off trees at Sunset Environmental (16122 Construction Circle West) through January 17.

  • Proof of Residency: A driver’s license or utility bill is required to show Irvine residency for tree drop-off.

Discover the Future of Science: Explore IUSD’s Science Fair Projects Today

The 44th Annual Science Fair, sponsored by the Irvine Public Schools Foundation and Broadcom Foundation, is now live, showcasing innovative student projects addressing real-world challenges.

Key dates include:

  • Week of January 6: Awards announced by the IUSD STEM Team

  • January 15: 6th-8th Grade Awards Ceremony

  • January 22: High School Awards Ceremony

  • February: Award-winning projects advance to the Orange County Science and Engineering Fair

Explore the projects online via the Science Fair website.

UCI Medical Center Named Among Nation’s Best for Maternity Care in 2025

UCI Medical Center has been named one of the 2025 Best Hospitals for Maternity Care by U.S. News & World Report for the fourth consecutive year, reaffirming its leadership in high-quality maternal care.

  • As Orange County's only academic medical center, it excels in minimizing avoidable C-sections, supporting breastfeeding, achieving high VBAC rates, and maintaining low episiotomy rates ( less than 5%).

  • It is also designated as Birthing-Friendly by CMS for evidence-based practices that improve maternal outcomes.

  • UCI Health’s pioneering work includes a cardiovascular risk-assessment tool for pregnant women developed by Dr. Afshan Hameed, addressing CVD—the leading cause of U.S. pregnancy-related deaths.

  • Rigorous evaluation criteria recognize less than half of hospitals as high-performing for maternity care.

Discover Southern California's Winter Wonders: Seasonal Changes in Nature and Wildlife

Southern California may not experience harsh winters, but the region undergoes a unique seasonal transformation worth appreciating. From the changing colors of western sycamores to the adaptations of local wildlife, winter brings subtle yet fascinating shifts in nature.

Plants like sycamores shed their vibrant fall leaves, and many native species enter dormancy, awaiting the life-giving winter rains. Wildlife adapts by migrating, hibernating, or tolerating the cooler weather. Birds follow the Pacific Flyway, bats hibernate, and reptiles brumate to conserve energy. Year-round residents like coyotes and hawks endure with thicker coats, while monarch butterflies and migrating whales grace the region as seasonal visitors.

Celebrate Lunar New Year with Crafts, Dances, and Fun at Irvine Heritage Park Library

Celebrate the Year of the Snake with family and friends at Irvine Heritage Park Library on Tuesday, January 7, from 4:30 PM to 6:00 PM. Enjoy vibrant lion and dragon dances, an exciting yo-yo performance, and engaging crafts as part of this cultural celebration.

Upcoming Northwood High School’s Music Calendar

No events scheduled for January.

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

Upcoming University High School's Choirs Calendar

  1. January 10, 7:00 PM-10:00 PM: Winter Show, Performing Arts Center

  2. January 23-24, 7:00 PM: Legends Concert, 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. January 10, 7:00 PM-10:00 PM: Winter Show, 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 8: SCVA Vocal Jazz Festival, Saugus HS (Santa Clarita).

  2. 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

Tips for Introducing Your Pet to a New Furry Friend in the New Year

The Irvine Animal Care Center wishes a Happy New Year and offers tips for successfully introducing pets to new furry friends:

  • Start slow: Let pets explore each other’s scents through closed doors or separate spaces before meeting face-to-face.

  • Supervise initial meetings: Keep interactions short and use leashes or barriers if necessary for safety.

  • Respect boundaries: Watch for signs of stress like growling, hissing, or avoidance, and give pets time to adjust.

  • Use positive reinforcement: Reward good behavior with treats, praise, and affection to encourage bonding.

  • Be patient: Pets adjust at their own pace; it may take days or weeks for them to feel comfortable.

For more pet care resources, visit cityofirvine.org/irvine-animal-care-center/resources.

UC Irvine Basketball Tops Cal Poly 96-89 in Overtime, Trio Combines for 71 Points

In an intense overtime match, UC Irvine triumphed over Cal Poly 96-89, led by Devin Tillis, Bent Leuchten, and Myles Che, who combined for 71 points. Tillis recorded a double-double with 25 points and 10 rebounds, while Leuchten added 24 points and 11 boards, scoring nine of UCI's 18 overtime points. Che contributed 22 points with strong defensive stats. UCI excelled at the free-throw line, hitting 28-31 (90.3%), and dominated with 42 points in the paint, nine blocks, and 10 steals.

UCI Anteaters Upcoming Home Games

Women's Basketball

  1. Thu, Jan 9: vs CSUN, 6:00 PM

  2. Sat, Jan 11: vs UC San Diego, 2:00 PM

Men's Basketball

  1. Thu, Jan 16: vs Cal State Fullerton, 7:00 PM

  2. Sat, Jan 18: vs Cal Poly, 7:00 PM

Irvine Valley Women’s Basketball Upsets San Diego Mesa 46-45 in Thriller

Irvine Valley College's women’s basketball team, led by first-year coach Claire Gocke, secured a thrilling 46-45 comeback win over No. 12-ranked San Diego Mesa on Friday, improving their record to 8-8. Trailing at halftime and late in the fourth quarter, key plays from freshmen Alexis Price and Samantha Barnett gave IVC the lead, while sophomore Moka Saiki sealed the victory with clutch free throws. Price led with 18 points, 10 rebounds, and two assists, supported by Saiki's 15 points and Barnett’s nine rebounds and all-around defense. The Lasers capitalized on turnovers (11 to Mesa's 19) and superior free-throw shooting (8 of 10 versus 3 of 14). IVC opens Orange Empire Conference play Wednesday at Santa Ana.

🏐⚽🏀 Upcoming home games for the IVC LASERS 

Men’s Basketball

  1. Wed, Jan 08: vs Santiago Canyon, 6:00 PM

  2. Fri, Jan 17: vs Saddleback, 6:00 PM

Men’s Baseball

  1. Fri, Jan 17: vs Mt. San Antonio (Scrimmage), 11:00 AM

Women’s Basketball

  1. Wed, Jan 15: vs Riverside, 6:00 PM

Crean Lutheran Boys Basketball Defeats Aquinas 65-42 on Senior Night

Crean Lutheran High School’s boys basketball team capped off senior night with a commanding 65-42 victory over Aquinas, marking a strong return after a lengthy road trip. Key performances included Amari Reynolds with 17 points, Jacob Majok with 16 points and six rebounds, and Hunter Caplan adding 10 points. Seniors Griffin Reed and Zack Hopkins made impactful plays, while Coach Nate Klitzing kept the team focused. The Saints (6-8) now turn their attention to their Crestview League opener on Tuesday at La Habra.

High School Athletics Calendar

** Updated With January Schedule

Upcoming Irvine High School’s Varsity home games:

January 2025

Tuesday, January 7

  • 4:00 PM - Girls' Water Polo (VR) vs. University at Woolett Pool

  • 5:00 PM - Boys' Soccer (VR) vs. Sage Hill at Irvine High School Stadium

Friday, January 10

  • 5:00 PM - Girls' Soccer (VR) vs. Portola at Irvine High School Stadium

  • 5:30 PM - Girls' Basketball (VR) vs. Northwood at Irvine High School Game Gym

Saturday, January 11

  • 10:00 AM - Boys' Wrestling (VR) - Andrew Pena Classic at Irvine High School Game Gym

Tuesday, January 14

  • 5:30 PM - Girls' Basketball (VR) vs. Laguna Beach at Irvine High School Game Gym

Wednesday, January 15

  • 5:00 PM - Boys' Wrestling (VR) vs. Northwood at Irvine High School Game Gym

  • 5:00 PM - Girls' Wrestling (VR) vs. Northwood at Irvine High School Game Gym

Friday, January 17

  • 5:00 PM - Girls' Soccer (VR) vs. St. Margarets Episcopal at Irvine High School Stadium

  • 5:30 PM - Girls' Basketball (VR) vs. University at Irvine High School Game Gym

  • 7:00 PM - Boys' Basketball (VR) vs. Northwood at Irvine High School Game Gym

Irvine Police Arrest Two for Catalytic Converter Theft on New Year’s Day

On New Year's Day, Irvine Police arrested Eric Hoppenstand, 41, and Alberto Carrillo, 38, both of Los Angeles, for stealing catalytic converters in Westpark. Officers found four freshly cut converters, a Sawzall, narcotics, and a floor jack in their car, which had been linked to a prior theft. Hoppenstand was charged with possession of catalytic converters, drug paraphernalia, and narcotics, while Carrillo faced similar charges and an outstanding warrant. Detectives later returned one stolen converter to its rightful owner, and the investigation continues.

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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