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IUSD High School Music Festivals: Celebrate Student Talent March 18-26

Issue # 0365

Author

Joshua Tjia
17 Mar

In this Irvine Insider Issue . . .

😁 Laugh Of The Day

🌤️ Irvine Weather

🔥🏠 Irvine’s Fire-Safe Planning Could Serve as a Model for California Cities

💵📝 Free Tax Preparation Available for Eligible Residents

🎺🎻 IUSD High School Music Festivals: Celebrate Student Talent March 18-26

🌸🍒🌸 Where to See Cherry Blossoms & Celebrate the Season in SoCal

🚌📚 IUSD Students Shine at OCJEA Competition, Advance to State

🥗🥧 Quick & Healthy Recipes Packed with Flavor and Nutrition

🦨🦅 How Scavengers, Decomposers, and Pest Controllers Keep Ecosystems Thriving

🧶 Craft & Connect: Join the Adult Crafting Group at Irvine University Park Library

🎼🎼 Upcoming High School Music Calendar

🐕 The Science Behind Dog Sighs: What It Reveals About Their Feelings

🏃🏽 UC Irvine Men’s Track & Field Secures Three Event Wins at Challenge Cup

🏀🏐🎾⚾ UCI Anteaters Upcoming Home Games

🏀 Former IVC Basketball Player Aaron Strings Helps Westcliff Win Cal Pac Title

🏀🏀 Upcoming home games for the IVC LASERS

🏈🎾 High School Athletics Calendar

🚔🚨 Irvine PD Arrests Repeat Retail Theft Suspect at Best Buy

🍏🥭🍑 Local Farmers Markets

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

📅📅 Lots of Local Events

📞💡 Useful Contact Information

Why did the mint refuse to gossip?

Because it didn’t want to spread bad breath.

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

Irvine’s Fire-Safe Planning Could Serve as a Model for California Cities

Irvine’s meticulous planning and strict fire regulations may serve as a model for other California cities aiming to build fire-resistant neighborhoods, according to a recent LA Times article. In 2020, the Silverado Fire threatened the Orchard Hills neighborhood, yet no homes were damaged due to proactive urban design and fire mitigation strategies. City leaders implemented a requirement for all residential developments to undergo fire department review before construction, ensuring adherence to fire safety standards. The Irvine Company collaborated with fire behavior analysts to incorporate multiple layers of defense, including fuel modification zones, fire-resistant materials, and an 800-acre irrigated avocado orchard serving as a natural fire break. Additional protective measures included a 6-foot perimeter wall, wide roads to facilitate evacuation, and the use of noncombustible building materials. Irvine’s approach demonstrates how integrating fire risk mitigation into urban planning can effectively enhance community resilience and safety.

Free Tax Preparation Available for Eligible Residents

Orange County United Way is offering free tax preparation services for eligible residents who earned less than $67,000 in 2024.

  • Certified IRS volunteers will provide assistance with tax filing every Tuesday through April 8, from Noon to 6 p.m. at Harvard Community Center.

  • Appointments are required—please call 211 to schedule.

  • For more information, visit cityofirvine.org/freetaxfiling.

IUSD High School Music Festivals: Celebrate Student Talent March 18-26

Celebrate IUSD’s High School Music Festivals at the Woodbridge Performing Arts Center! Enjoy performances from top wind ensembles, orchestras, and jazz ensembles from each high school. Free admission for students with ID. Don’t miss this showcase of student musical talent!

Festival Schedule:

  • Tuesday, March 18 – Jazz Ensemble | 7:00 PM

  • Thursday, March 20 – Orchestra | 7:00 PM

  • Wednesday, March 26 – Wind Ensemble | 7:00 PM

More info: iusd.org/ArtsIUSD.

Where to See Cherry Blossoms & Celebrate the Season in SoCal

Cherry blossoms are a stunning sign of spring, bringing vibrant pink and white blooms to Southern California for a short time each year. Celebrate with cultural festivals featuring traditional performances, tea ceremonies, taiko drumming, art, and food.

2025 Cherry Blossom Festivals

Best Cherry Blossom Viewing Spots

IUSD Students Shine at OCJEA Competition, Advance to State

IUSD schools excelled at the Orange County Journalism Education Association (OCJEA) competition, earning top honors:

  • Northwood Howler won Best Website, Portola Yearbook secured its third Yearbook Sweepstakes, and Irvine El Vaquero claimed the Newspaper Sweepstakes.

  • Students showcased their journalism skills in real-world scenarios, including a timed news-writing challenge. Several students qualified for the State Competition on April 5!

Read more: iusd.org/OCJEA2025 

Quick & Healthy Recipes Packed with Flavor and Nutrition

These time-saving, nutrient-packed recipes by UCI Health chef Jessica VanRoo make healthy eating easy.

  • Pesto Chicken Stuffed Peppers are loaded with vitamins, fiber, and heart-healthy ingredients like basil and olive oil.

  • Lemony Orzo with Zucchini and Parmesan combines fiber-rich whole-wheat pasta with zucchini and a zesty lemon finish for a refreshing, wholesome dish.

  • Mini Blueberry Tarts offer a sweet treat bursting with antioxidants, brain-boosting flavonoids, and fiber from whole wheat crust.

Perfect for meal prep, these flavorful dishes are as nutritious as they are delicious!

How Scavengers, Decomposers, and Pest Controllers Keep Ecosystems Thriving

Not all wildlife gets the spotlight they deserve! Many critters work behind the scenes, keeping nature balanced as scavengers, decomposers, and pest controllers.

  • Orange County’s Irvine Ranch Natural Landmarks are home to these underrated species, from turkey vultures cleaning up carrion to snakes managing rodent populations, skunks controlling pests, and moths pollinating at night.

  • After rainfall, earwigs, worms, and frogs play key roles in soil health and ecosystem stability.

  • Every creature has a purpose; next time you spot one, take a moment to appreciate its role in keeping nature thriving!

Craft & Connect: Join the Adult Crafting Group at Irvine University Park Library

Join the Adult Crafting Group for an in-person crafting session at Irvine University Park Library on Tuesday, March 25, from 4:00 PM to 5:30 PM. Bring your own project or start a new one—some supplies provided. Open to adults and older teens (15+). All skill levels welcome!

Upcoming Northwood High School’s Music Calendar

  1. March 18, 7:00-8:30 PM: IUSD Jazz Festival, Woodbridge HS

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

Upcoming University High School's Choirs Calendar

  1. May 1-2, 7:00 PM: Broadway Rocks!, 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. March 18, 7:00 PM-9:00 PM: IUSD Jazz Festival

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

Upcoming Woodbridge High School’s Vocal Music Calendar

  1. March 21, 7:00 PM: Spring Concert, 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 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

The Science Behind Dog Sighs: What It Reveals About Their Feelings

Ever wondered why dogs sigh? It’s not just random—it’s actually a sign of trust and contentment. When a dog sighs, especially while lying down or stretching, it usually means they feel safe, happy, and relaxed in their environment.

  • Sighing often happens during peaceful moments like after playtime, meals, or cuddles, showing they are comfortable and well-bonded with their owners.

  • In most cases, it’s completely normal and just part of their way of unwinding.

  • Learn more: Find Out Why Dogs Sigh

UC Irvine Men’s Track & Field Secures Three Event Wins at Challenge Cup

UC Irvine men's track & field secured three event wins at the Challenge Cup at Anteater Stadium.

  • Junior Kenechukwu Okonkwo set a personal record of 15.83m (51-11.25) in the triple jump, moving to second in program history, while freshman Angel Cordero won the 800m in a personal-best 1:48.88, ranking fifth all-time at UCI.

  • Senior Liam Miksic claimed his second straight javelin victory with a 64.10m (210-3) throw.

  • Other standout performances included Bryce Bushnell's season-best 10.54 in the 100m (tied for third in UCI history), Juan Chantaca's second-place finish in the 1500m (3:53.60), and Jacob Hawkins' runner-up finish in discus (55.08m).

  • The men's 4x400 team wrapped up with a season-best 3:13.90 for second place.

UCI competes next at the UCR Spring Classic on March 22.

UCI Anteaters Upcoming Home Games

Men's Basketball

  • Wed, Mar 19 – vs University of Northern Colorado, 7:00 PM

Men's Tennis

  • Sat, Mar 22 – vs Dartmouth, 12:00 PM

  • Sun, Mar 23 – vs Harvard, 1:00 PM

Women's Tennis

  • Thu, Mar 27 – vs UC San Diego, 11:00 AM

  • Thu, Mar 27 – vs Stanton, 3:00 PM

Women's Water Polo

  • Tue, Mar 25 – vs Brown, 6:00 PM

  • Fri, Mar 28 – vs UC Santa Barbara, 12:00 PM

Baseball

  • Fri, Mar 28 – vs UC Riverside, 6:00 PM

Men's Track & Field

  • Fri, Mar 28 – vs Vince O'Boyle Track & Field Classic, TBA

Women's Track & Field

  • Fri, Mar 28 – vs Vince O'Boyle Track & Field Classic, TBA

Former IVC Basketball Player Aaron Strings Helps Westcliff Win Cal Pac Title

Former Irvine Valley College (IVC) standout Aaron Strings played a key role in helping Westcliff University win the Cal Pac title. A former leader for IVC’s basketball team, Strings was named second-team all-Orange Empire Conference in 2021-22, averaging 11.9 points and 2.1 assists per game while excelling defensively. After initially signing with the College of Idaho, he returned to Orange County due to injury and joined Westcliff, where he now averages 9.3 points and 3.5 rebounds per game. At IVC, he helped lead the team to playoff appearances and was recognized for his sportsmanship and leadership, earning the Orange Empire Conference Nevco Character Champion Team award. An academic standout with a 3.50 GPA, he was also named IVC’s most improved player.

🏐⚽🏀 Upcoming home games for the IVC LASERS 

Baseball

  1. Wed, Mar 19 – vs LA Harbor, 2:00 PM

Men's Volleyball

  1. Fri, Mar 21 – vs Palomar, 6:00 PM

Women's Beach Volleyball

  1. Sat, Mar 22 – vs El Camino, 10:00 AM

  2. Sat, Mar 22 – vs Concordia University, Irvine, 1:00 PM

Men's Tennis

  1. Wed, Mar 26 – vs Linfield College, 10:00 AMv

High School Athletics Calendar

** Updated With March Schedule

Upcoming Irvine High School’s Varsity home games:

March 2025

Monday, March 17

  • 4:00 PM - Lacrosse (Girls, VR) vs Northwood at Irvine High School Stadium

Tuesday, March 18

  • 3:30 PM - Softball (VR) vs San Clemente at Irvine High School Softball Field

Wednesday, March 19

  • 3:30 PM - Swimming & Diving (Boys, VR) vs University at Woolett Pool

  • 3:30 PM - Swimming & Diving (Girls, VR) vs University at Woolett Pool

  • 3:30 PM - Beach Volleyball (Girls, VR) vs Sage Hill at Deerfield Park Beach Courts

  • 4:00 PM - Lacrosse (Boys, VR) vs St. Margaret’s Episcopal at Irvine High School Stadium

Irvine PD Arrests Repeat Retail Theft Suspect at Best Buy

Detectives arrested Randall Held, 54, of Lake Forest, for multiple thefts at Best Buy in Irvine, booking him at Orange County Jail on felony organized retail theft charges. Held is linked to numerous other retail thefts. Under Proposition 36, repeat offenders can face felony charges for petty theft or shoplifting.

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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