• Irvine Insider
  • Posts
  • IUSD Celebrates Student Innovation as 150 Projects Advance to County Science Fair

IUSD Celebrates Student Innovation as 150 Projects Advance to County Science Fair

Issue # 0566

Author

Joshua Tjia
10 Feb

In this Irvine Insider Issue . . .

😁 Laugh of the Day

🌤️ Irvine Weather

🏡🏠 New Andalucia Neighborhood Opens Near Irvine Spectrum

🚎🚙 Plan Ahead or Ride Today: Explore Irvine’s TRIPS and WeRide Transportation Programs

🔬🌟 IUSD Celebrates Student Innovation as 150 Projects Advance to County Science Fair

🧋🍡 Chewy, Creamy, and Sweet: The Alley’s Mochi Milk Series Has Arrived in Irvine

👚🍼 Big Savings for Growing Families: Up, Up & Away Kids Consignment Pop-Up Returns

🤒 Understanding Recurring Fevers and When to Seek Care

🌳💚🌳 Show Your Heart Some Love: Explore Heart-Healthy Hikes This February

📢🎨Last Call Today for Artists to Join Irvine’s 2026 Studio Arts Festival

🎼🎼 Upcoming High School Music Calendar

🐕🐈‍⬛ New Beginnings for 13 Dogs and Cats at Irvine Animal Care Center

🏐 Three Anteaters Earn Big West Honors After UCI Men's Volleyball Wins

🏀🏐🎾⚽️ UCI Anteaters Upcoming Home Games

🏀🏀 Upcoming home games for the IVC LASERS

🏀 Crean Lutheran Boys Basketball Wins Crestview League Championship

🏈🎾 High School Athletics Calendar

🚓🍼 Suspect Arrested in Irvine for Alleged EBT Fraud and Retail Theft Involving Baby Formula

🍏🥭🍑 Local Farmers Markets

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

📅📅 Lots of Local Events

📞💡 Useful Contact Information

What did the calculator say to the pencil on Valentine’s Day?

You can count on me.

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

New Andalucia Neighborhood Opens Near Irvine Spectrum

Andalucia is a new gated neighborhood with 82 detached, single-family homes in the Irvine Spectrum District. It’s the only new place in the area where buyers can own a new home, with three- and four-bedroom layouts ranging from about 1,300 to 1,750 square feet.

  • Homes include private yards, two-car garages, and access to a private park with a pool, spa, and gathering areas.

  • The community is walkable to nearby parks, trails, shopping, and the Irvine Spectrum Center, and is close to large open-space preserves.

  • Andalucia is zoned for Irvine Unified School District schools and is designed for people who want a central, walkable location with both city conveniences and nearby nature.

Plan Ahead or Ride Today: Explore Irvine’s TRIPS and WeRide Transportation Programs

The City of Irvine offers two transportation programs—TRIPS and WeRide—to help qualifying residents get around Irvine for everyday needs. Both services are available through one annual membership and are designed to support independence, accessibility, and flexibility.

Transportation Options:

  • TRIPS: Scheduled rides for medical appointments, grocery shopping, and other planned errands. Available to Irvine residents ages 60+, adults 18–59 who can no longer drive due to a physical or cognitive disability, and Irvine residents ages 18+ with a disability.

  • WeRide: Same-day, on-demand rides for trips around Irvine. Available to Irvine residents ages 60+ and adults 18–59 who can no longer drive due to a physical or cognitive disability.

Details:

IUSD Celebrates Student Innovation as 150 Projects Advance to County Science Fair

IUSD students impressed at the 45th Annual Science Fair, with more than 413 projects submitted by grades 6–12 and 150 advancing to the Orange County Science and Engineering Fair. Awards were presented February 4 at Woodbridge High School, celebrating students, families, teachers, and district leaders, with support from community partners and the IUSD STEM team.

Chewy, Creamy, and Sweet: The Alley’s Mochi Milk Series Has Arrived in Irvine

The Alley’s new Mochi Milk Series is now available, featuring soft, chewy mochi blended with creamy milk and fruity flavors for a light, spring-inspired treat. Options include Blueberry Yogurt Mochi Milk (tangy and smooth), Strawberry Yogurt Mochi Milk (light and fruity), and Mango Blue Coconut Mochi Milk (tropical and creamy), each offering a gently sweet sip with signature Q-soft mochi texture.

Big Savings for Growing Families: Up, Up & Away Kids Consignment Pop-Up Returns

Up, Up & Away Kids Consignment returns to Alton Marketplace from February 18–22, offering a family-friendly pop-up shopping event packed with thousands of gently loved and new items. Shop name-brand clothing from newborn to teen, baby gear, strollers, toys, books, and maternity wear at 50–90% off retail—a sustainable way to save while supporting local families.

Understanding Recurring Fevers and When to Seek Care

Recurring or long-lasting fevers aren’t something to ignore. A fever—usually 100.4°F or higher—can be your body’s way of signaling that something needs attention. If a fever keeps returning or doesn’t go away, it’s a good idea to have it checked, especially for infants, young children, or anyone experiencing additional symptoms.

When to Get Checked

  • A fever that lingers for several days

  • Symptoms that change or get worse over time

  • Unusual behavior in children, such as irritability or not eating well

  • Signs of dehydration, like dry mouth, low urine output

  • Feeling overwhelmed or unable to manage symptoms at home

Show Your Heart Some Love: Explore Heart-Healthy Hikes This February

Celebrate American Heart Month this February by getting outside and enjoying heart-healthy hikes and outdoor activities across Orange County’s wildlands. Walking and hiking support cardiovascular health, while time in nature can help reduce stress and boost overall well-being. IRC offers both self-guided wilderness access days and guided hikes at a range of difficulty levels, making it easy for everyone to participate.

Featured Heart-Healthy Activities This Month:

Visit LetsGoOutside.org to explore more activities and build a heart-healthy routine in nature this month. ❤️🌿

Last Call Today for Artists to Join Irvine’s 2026 Studio Arts Festival

Today is the last day to apply for the 2026 Studio Arts Festival. The festival takes place Saturday, June 6, at Heritage Community Park and features a curated selection of regional artists and crafters.

Apply at cityofirvine.org/studioartsfestival by tonight, February 10, at 11:59 p.m.

Upcoming Northwood High School’s Music Calendar

  1. February 11-14: Musical -Mean Girls, NHS Theater

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

Upcoming Woodbridge High School's Music Calendar

No further events scheduled for this month.

For the latest updates or additional details, please visit https://www.whs-music.org/

Upcoming Woodbridge High School’s Vocal Music Calendar

  1. February 26-28, TBD: Cinderella, WHS Performing Arts Center

For the latest updates or additional details, please visit https://woodbridgechoirs.weebly.com/calendar.html

Upcoming Irvine High Choral’s Music Calendar

  1. February 21: CSUF SSAA Festival, CSU-Fullerton

  2. February 25-28, 7:00 PM: Seussical, IHS PAC

For the latest updates or additional details, please visit https://www.ihschoralmusic.org/calendar.html 

Upcoming Portola High School Music’s Calendar

No further events scheduled for this month.

For the latest updates or additional details, please visit https://www.phsmusicbooster.org/buy-ticket

New Beginnings for 13 Dogs and Cats at Irvine Animal Care Center

Between February 2–8, Irvine Animal Care Center celebrated 13 adoptions:

  • 8 dogs (Brownie, Chestnut, Echo, Fortune, Milo, Riley, Saphira, and Shasta)

  • 5 cats (Checkers, Domino, Nyx, Pepper, and Wispy) finding new homes

  • During the same week, 2 dogs were transferred to rescue, and 4 dogs and 2 cats were safely reunited with their owners.

Learn more about adoptions and hours at cityofirvine.org/animals.

Three Anteaters Earn Big West Honors After UCI Men's Volleyball Wins

UC Irvine men’s volleyball swept Vanguard and Concordia as Cameron Kosty (Setter of the Week), Andon Kiriakou (Defensive Player of the Week), and Andrej Jokanovic (Freshman of the Week) earned Big West weekly honors following standout performances on both ends of the court.

UCI Anteaters Upcoming Home Games

Men’s Volleyball

  • Wed, Feb 11 – vs USC , 6:00 PM

🏐⚽🏀 Upcoming home games for the IVC LASERS 

Baseball

  • Tue, Feb 10 - vs Ventura, 2:00 PM

Men's Basketball

  • Tue, Feb 10 - vs Riverside, 5:00 PM

Men’s Tennis

  • Tue, Feb 10 - vs Stanton, 2:00 PM

Women's Basketball

  • Tue, Feb 10 - vs Riverside, 7:00 PM

  • Thu, Feb 12 - vs Orange Coast, 7:00 PM

Men’s Volleyball

  • Fri, Feb 13 - vs El Camino, 6:00 PM

Crean Lutheran Boys Basketball Wins Crestview League Championship

Crean Lutheran High School’s boys basketball team captured the Crestview League championship after defeating Foothill, securing a back-to-back league title.

Do not be frightened, and do not be dismayed, for the Lord your God is with you wherever you go.” - Joshua 1:9

High School Athletics Calendar

**

Updated With February Schedule

Upcoming Irvine High School’s Varsity home games:

February 2026

Wednesday, February 11

  • Beach Volleyball, Girls - 3:30 PM vs Montebello

Thursday, February 12

  • Beach Volleyball, Girls - 3:30 PM vs Esperanza

Suspect Arrested in Irvine for Alleged EBT Fraud and Retail Theft Involving Baby Formula

Irvine police arrested Ionut Alexandru Maglasu, 25, of Brea, after finding him at Walmart in a vehicle linked to a prior $900+ shoplifting case. Officers determined he was carrying stolen EBT cards allegedly used to buy baby formula at Walmart and Target. He was booked into Orange County Jail on charges including identity theft, grand theft, burglary, conspiracy, and receiving stolen property.

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

February 12 Free Grocery Food Box 9 AM - 12 PM

February 14 Hide & Squeak 6th Anniversary 11 AM - 2 PM

February 14 - 15 Modern Makers Mart: Woodbury Town Center 10 AM - 4 PM

February 15 America 250 3 PM

February 19 - 21 UCI Dance Visions 2026

February 21 IUSD Recycling Event 9 AM - 12 PM

February 21 IRWD Community Tour 10 AM - 2 PM

February 21 Lunar New Year 8 PM

February 26 - 28 From Mozart to Mahler 8 PM

February 28 Peter and the Wolf

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!