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IUSD Dominates OC Science Olympiad, Advances to State

Issue # 0576

Author

Joshua Tjia
25 Feb

In this Irvine Insider Issue . . .

😁 Laugh of the Day

🌤️ Irvine Weather

📚📖 Celebrate the Grand Opening of Katie Wheeler Library, Mar. 7

🥗🍞  Volunteer to Save Fresh Food from Going to Waste at Expo West, Mar. 6

🚦 Safer Streets in Irvine: New Pedestrian Safety Sign Added at Bonita Canyon

🔬🌟 IUSD Dominates OC Science Olympiad, Advances to State

🛴🚲 Protecting Young Riders: Why Helmets Matter for E-Scooter Safety

🌳🧘🏻 Hike, Stretch, and Recharge: Winter Fitness Hike + Yoga at Bommer Canyon, Mar. 13

🖌️🫟 Summer Art Camps for Kids & Teens at The Artist Lab

🎼🎼 Upcoming High School Music Calendar

🐈🦷 Cat Dental Care 101: Why Brushing Your Cat’s Teeth Matters

⚾️ UC Irvine Baseball Earns Second Shutout of Season vs. Grand Canyon

🏀🏐🎾⚽️ UCI Anteaters Upcoming Home Games

🏀🏀 Upcoming home games for the IVC LASERS

🌟 Irvine High Cross-Country Star Summer Wilson Makes History With Record-Breaking Season

🏈🎾 High School Athletics Calendar

🚓🛒 Irvine Police Arrest Woman Linked to Stolen Wallet from Elderly Shopper

🍏🥭🍑 Local Farmers Markets

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

📅📅 Lots of Local Events

📞💡 Useful Contact Information

What did the lettuce say to the celery?

Quit stalking me!

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

Celebrate the Grand Opening of Katie Wheeler Library, Mar. 7

Celebrate the grand opening of the newly refreshed Katie Wheeler Library on Saturday, March 7, from 10 a.m. to noon. The community celebration will feature a ribbon-cutting ceremony, lawn games, hands-on activities, and live music from a barbershop quartet. Guests can explore updated spaces, learn about programs for all ages, and join Irvine Public Library in turning the page to an exciting new chapter.

Volunteer to Save Fresh Food from Going to Waste at Expo West, Mar. 6

Second Harvest Food Bank of Orange County is seeking volunteers to help recover fresh, unopened food and beverages after Natural Products Expo West on Friday, March 6, at the Anaheim Convention Center. Volunteers (ages 18+) will work in small teams from 12:45–5:45 p.m. to walk exhibit halls, lift and transport products, and help redirect quality food to local community partners instead of letting it go to waste. It’s a hands-on way to reduce food waste and support Orange County families in just one afternoon.

Safer Streets in Irvine: New Pedestrian Safety Sign Added at Bonita Canyon

The City of Irvine has installed a new illuminated traffic sign at Bonita Canyon and Turtle Ridge to improve pedestrian safety. When the crosswalk is active, the sign lights up a No Right Turn symbol, temporarily stopping right turns so pedestrians can cross Bonita Canyon more safely.

IUSD Dominates OC Science Olympiad, Advances to State

Several Irvine Unified School District schools earned top finishes at the highly competitive OC Regional Science Olympiad, sending a record number of teams to the State Competition on April 11.

  • Sierra Vista Middle School swept the top three spots in the middle school division for its fifth straight regional title, while Jeffrey Trail and Rancho San Joaquin also qualified.

  • At the high school level, University and Portola placed second and third, with Northwood also advancing.

Students competed in challenges ranging from chemistry and coding to astronomy and engineering, marking a strong showing for IUSD across Orange County.

Protecting Young Riders: Why Helmets Matter for E-Scooter Safety

Doctors are encouraging families and students to think about health and safety as e-bikes and e-scooters become more common. E-scooters pose added risks due to higher speeds and very low helmet use, especially among youth and college students.

Why This Matters

  • Head protection saves lives: Nearly half of e-scooter crashes involve head or brain injuries

  • Helmets reduce severity: Riders without helmets are 3× more likely to need emergency care

  • Youth safety matters: Kids are especially vulnerable due to speed, balance, and road hazards

  • Healthy habits start early: Following safety laws supports long-term physical well-being

Helpful Safety Reminders

  • E-scooters can reach 15–30 mph and offer little protection

  • California law requires:

    • A driver’s license or permit to operate an e-scooter

    • No sidewalk riding

    • Helmet use for riders under 18

  • Wearing a helmet supports brain health, injury prevention, and lifelong mobility

Hike, Stretch, and Recharge: Winter Fitness Hike + Yoga at Bommer Canyon, Mar. 13

Join a Winter Fitness Hike with Yoga at Bommer Canyon Preserve on Friday, March 13, from 8:00–11:00 a.m. This moderate fitness hike covers 5 miles with rolling hills and ends with a beginner-friendly yoga session at the historic Bommer Canyon Cattle Camp. The yoga focuses on hips, legs, core, and breathwork to support mental and physical well-being.

Registration opens February 26 at 8:00 a.m.—spots tend to fill up fast, so early sign-up is recommended.

Summer Art Camps for Kids & Teens at The Artist Lab

The Artist Lab’s Summer Art & Design Camp 2026 runs June 8–August 14, offering creative, hands-on camps for students in grades 1–8. Held Monday–Friday, 9:00 a.m.–2:30 p.m. (with half-day options), the program blends fine art, digital art, storytelling, ceramics, manga, character design, and pop-culture–inspired projects.

Learn more or pre-register at theartistlabs.com/summer-26 or call/text 949-293-2380.

Upcoming Northwood High School’s Music Calendar

No further events scheduled for this month.

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

Upcoming Woodbridge High School's Music Calendar

  1. February 26-28: Cinderella Musical, WHS 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 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 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

Cat Dental Care 101: Why Brushing Your Cat’s Teeth Matters

Brushing your cat’s teeth may sound intimidating, but it’s one of the best ways to protect their health. Most cats develop dental disease as they age, and regular brushing helps prevent painful gum infections, tartar buildup, and tooth loss.

Tips for Brushing Your Cat’s Teeth:

  • 🦷 Start early if possible: Kittens learn faster, but older cats can still adapt with time.

  • ⏰ Brush often: Daily brushing is ideal; at least 3 times a week helps reduce plaque.

  • 🐟 Make it positive: Use tuna water or tasty pet toothpaste to create a good association.

  • 🪥 Use the right tools: Choose a cat toothbrush, finger brush, gauze, or a soft baby toothbrush.

  • 📐 Angle matters: Hold your cat’s head at a 45-degree angle and gently lift the lips—no need to open the mouth.

  • 🎯 Focus on key areas: Brush the outer surfaces where the teeth meet the gums; that’s where plaque builds up.

  • 🐾 Go slow: Start with just a few teeth and gradually work up to the whole mouth over days or weeks.

  • 😺 Keep it short: Aim for about 30 seconds per side to avoid stress.

  • 🚫 Skip human toothpaste: Only use cat-safe toothpaste—human products and baking soda can be harmful.

  • 🧼 Stay hygienic: Wash your hands after brushing, rinse the toothbrush well, and replace it every 3 months (one brush per cat).

A little consistency goes a long way—these small steps can help keep your cat comfortable, healthy, and smiling for years to come.

UC Irvine Baseball Earns Second Shutout of Season vs. Grand Canyon

UC Irvine shut out Grand Canyon 3–0 in a pitchers’ duel Tuesday night at Anteater Ballpark, breaking a scoreless tie with three runs in the eighth inning. Finnegan Wall and the bullpen held firm, while Zach Fjelstad led the offense with three hits and the game-winning RBI.

UCI Anteaters Upcoming Home Games

Baseball

  • Wed, Feb 25 – vs Grand Canyon, 1:00 PM

Women’s Basketball

  • Thur, Feb 26 – vs CSUN, 6:00 PM

🏐⚽🏀 Upcoming home games for the IVC LASERS 

Men’s Volleyball

  • Wed, Feb 25 – vs Palomar, 6:00 PM

Baseball

  • Sat, Feb 28 – vs LA Mission, 12:00 PM

Irvine High Cross-Country’s Summer Wilson Makes History With Record-Breaking Season

Irvine High senior Summer Wilson capped an extraordinary cross-country season with back-to-back championship wins, setting national, state, and course records in November 2025. She captured both the CIF Southern Section title and the California Division II state championship, including a historic 15:14 finish—the fastest 3-mile time ever by a U.S. high school girl. Committed to Duke, Wilson now turns her focus to track and field, competing in the 2 mile, mile, and steeplechase.

High School Athletics Calendar

**

Updated With February Schedule

Upcoming Irvine High School’s Varsity home games:

February 2026

Wednesday, February 25

  • Beach Volleyball, Girls - 2:30 PM vs Yorba Linda

  • Lacrosse, Boys - 4:00 PM vs Lutheran/Orange

Thursday, February 26

  • Softball - 3:30 PM vs Fountain Valley

  • Beach Volleyball, Girls - 3:30 PM vs Bell Gardens

  • Volleyball, Boys - 4:30 PM vs Costa Mesa

  • Lacrosse, Girls - 5:00 PM vs Norco

Irvine Police Arrest Woman Linked to Stolen Wallet from Elderly Shopper

An elderly shopper reported her wallet stolen at the Trader Joe’s on Campus Drive last month. The stolen credit card was later used at an Apple store in a neighboring city. Irvine Police Spectrum officers reviewed surveillance footage, identified the suspect, and the Crime Impact Unit conducted follow-up surveillance in Los Angeles. On Monday, Andrea Maria Cantor Patino, 51, of Los Angeles, was arrested and booked into Orange County Jail on charges of burglary and elder abuse.

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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