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IVC Boosts Local Economy and Expands STEM Opportunities

Issue # 0517

Author

Joshua Tjia
14 Nov

In this Irvine Insider Issue . . .

😁 Fun Fact Friday

🌤️ Irvine Weather

🏫📈🔬 IVC Boosts Local Economy and Expands STEM Opportunities

🚓🚲 IPD Impound Illegal E-Motorcycle, Warn Parents About Dangerous Modifications

🥯🍳🐟 From Kimchi Jjigae to Citrus-Cured Salmon: Rise Bagels Brings Creative Bites to Irvine

🍧🍓 Hello Kitty Café Serves Up Limited-Time Strawberry Soft Serve

🚌🌟 IUSD Ranks No. 1 in California for Academic Excellence

👂 Signs of Earwax Buildup & Safe Removal Tips — Get Relief in Irvine

⛲️🌿 Discover How to Build Your Perfect Yardtopia at IRWD’s Fall Gardening Class

❄️🎨 Winter Art Classes Open Soon at Irvine Fine Arts Center

🎼🎼 Upcoming High School Music Calendar

🧸🪀 Helping Local Kids: Woodbridge Collecting Toys This Holiday Season

⚾️ UC Irvine Baseball Welcomes Eight New Recruits for 2026 Season

🏀🏐🎾⚽️ UCI Anteaters Upcoming Home Games

⚽️ IVC Women’s Soccer Bounces Back With Road Victory Over Fullerton

🏀🏀 Upcoming home games for the IVC LASERS

🏌🏻‍♀️ Portola High Girls Golf Wins Back-to-Back CIF Titles

🏈🎾 High School Athletics Calendar

🚓👜 Man Arrested After Leaving Bag with Cash, Gun, and Drugs at Irvine Olive Garden

🍏🥭🍑 Local Farmers Markets

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

📅📅 Lots of Local Events

📞💡 Useful Contact Information

Did you know…?

Pumpkin flowers are edible. — The bright orange blossoms can be stuffed, fried, or added to salads.

We hope this fun fact brings a smile to your day! 😁

IVC Boosts Local Economy and Expands STEM Opportunities

Irvine Valley College (IVC) continues to make a strong impact on education and the local community. The college provides affordable programs that prepare students for university transfer or skilled careers, while also boosting the local economy and expanding opportunities in science and technology.

  • Economic Impact: IVC added about $738 million to the local economy in 2023–24, according to a recent study.

  • Programs Offered: Students can choose from 70+ degree majors and 60 career or technical certificates, with transfer options to schools like UCI and Cal State Fullerton.

  • STEM Expansion: A $3 million grant from the Samueli Foundation will help build a new Natural Science Center, fund research, and grow STEM transfer programs.

  • Campus Life: The college features modern facilities, experienced teachers, and a supportive learning environment.

  • Community Involvement: IVC hosts performances, art shows, and athletic events open to the public, adding to Irvine’s cultural life.

IPD Impound Illegal E-Motorcycle, Warn Parents About Dangerous Modifications

Irvine Police officers conducted enhanced enforcement focusing on e-bikes and e-motorcycles. A juvenile was stopped near Portola Parkway and Ridge Valley riding an illegal e-motorcycle capable of exceeding 50 MPH. The vehicle was impounded for 30 days, and a citation was issued.

IPD reminds parents to inspect their children’s bikes for unsafe modifications that increase speed and risk, emphasizing that parental awareness can help prevent accidents.

From Kimchi Jjigae to Citrus-Cured Salmon: Rise Bagels Brings Creative Bites to Irvine

Rise Bagels has officially opened at 2010 Main St, Suite 180, Irvine, founded by Chef John B. Park and John I. Park. The shop blends New York–style texture with SoCal ingredients in creative options like “The Two Fish” and “Get Jjigae With It.” Open Monday–Friday, 8 a.m.–2 p.m., Rise Bagels also partners with local farmers to feature fresh, seasonal ingredients and bring a community-focused touch to Irvine’s breakfast scene.

Hello Kitty Café Serves Up Limited-Time Strawberry Soft Serve

Celebrate Hello Kitty this month with the limited-edition Strawberry Soft Serve at the Hello Kitty Café Irvine! This sweet, seasonal treat is available only for a limited time, so stop by and enjoy a scoop while it lasts.

IUSD Ranks No. 1 in California for Academic Excellence

The Irvine Unified School District (IUSD) has once again earned the No. 1 ranking in California for science, mathematics, and English language arts/literacy among large public school districts with over 35,000 students. This achievement marks the ninth consecutive year IUSD has ranked among the state’s highest-performing districts.

  • Students in grades 3–8 and 11 excelled on the CAASPP assessments

  • Student in grades 5, 8, 11, and 12 also showed strong results on the California Science Test.

Signs of Earwax Buildup & Safe Removal Tips — Get Relief in Irvine

Earwax buildup can cause ear pain or fullness, difficulty hearing, ringing in the ears, dizziness, and dark or hardened wax. These signs indicate it’s time for a safe cleaning — avoid using cotton swabs, as they can push wax deeper or cause injury.

🚿🫧 Instead, use warm water in the shower or softening drops, or visit a professional for safe removal.

🩺 Irvine Woodbridge Walk-In Urgent Care offers expert earwax removal services to help you hear clearly and feel comfortable again.

Discover How to Build Your Perfect Yardtopia at IRWD’s Fall Gardening Class

Time to Plant for Your Yardtopia — Learn how to create your dream water-wise landscape at this free IRWD class on Saturday, Nov. 15, from 10–11:30 a.m. at IRWD Headquarters. Discover how to choose California native plants, understand seasonal water needs, and apply expert horticultural care tips.

Winter Art Classes Open Soon at Irvine Fine Arts Center

Winter is arriving at the Irvine Fine Arts Center, and registration for exciting new classes and camps opens soon! Explore creative options for all ages — from painting, ceramics, and photography to cooking, mosaics, and bookbinding — all available to browse now at cityofirvine.org/yourirvine.

Registration begins November 15 at 6 a.m., with Adult Jewelry classes opening November 18 at 7 a.m. and Adult Ceramics at 8 a.m. the same day.

Upcoming Northwood High School’s Music Calendar

  1. December 3, 7 - 8:30 PM: Instrumental Winter Concert, Concert Band, Symphonic Band, Wind Ensemble, NHS Theater

  2. December 4, 7 - 8:30 PM: Instrumental Winter Concert, Guitar, Symphonic Strings, Concert Orchestra, NHS Theater

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

Upcoming Woodbridge High School's Music Calendar

  1. December 11 - 12, 6:30 - 8:30 PM: Winter Concerts, 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. December 5, 7 PM: Winter Celebration Concert, 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

No events scheduled for the rest of this month.

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

Upcoming Portola High School Music’s Calendar

  1. November 14, 5:45 PM – 9:00 PM: Twilight and Petals: Fall Orchestra Concert, PHS Performing Arts Center

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

Helping Local Kids: Woodbridge Collecting Toys This Holiday Season

Woodbridge Village Association is teaming up with the Orange County Fire Authority for this year’s “Spark of Love” Toy Drive. Residents can spread holiday cheer by donating new, unwrapped toys for local children in need.

Donations can be dropped off at the Woodbridge Village Community Center (31 Creek Road) starting after Thanksgiving weekend. The last day to donate is Thursday, December 11.

UC Irvine Baseball Welcomes Eight New Recruits for 2026 Season

UC Irvine Baseball announced the signing of eight standout players for its 2026 class, representing top high school talent from across Southern California. The diverse group covers every position — from powerful hitters to versatile infielders and promising pitchers — adding depth and skill to the Anteater roster.

UCI Anteaters Upcoming Home Games

Men's Basketball

  • Sat, Nov 15 – vs Weber State, 7:00 PM

Women's Volleyball

  • Sat, Nov 15 – vs Northen Arizona, 3:30 PM

Women’s Volleyball

  • Fri, Nov 21 – vs UC Santa Barbara, 6:00 PM

Men’s Water Polo

  • Fri, Nov 21– vs Big West Championship, TBA

IVC Women’s Soccer Bounces Back With Road Victory Over Fullerton

Irvine Valley College women’s soccer earned a 2–0 win at Fullerton Tuesday, led by sophomore Kuuipo Laumatia, who scored both goals to bring her season total to 16. IVC closes the regular season today at noon vs. Golden West at Orange Coast due to forecasted rain.

🏐⚽🏀 Upcoming home games for the IVC LASERS 

Women's Soccer

  • Fri, Nov 14 – Golden West, 3:00 PM

Women's Basketball

  • Wed, Nov 19 – vs El Camino, 7:00 PM

Men's Basketball

  • Fri, Nov 21 - vs Cuyamaca, 5:00 PM

Portola High Girls Golf Wins Back-to-Back CIF Titles

Portola High School’s Girls Golf team clinched the 2025 CIF Southern Section Division II Championship, earning back-to-back titles and their third championship in four years.

High School Athletics Calendar

**

Updated With November Schedule

Upcoming Irvine High School’s Varsity home games:

No events scheduled for the rest of this month.

Man Arrested After Leaving Bag with Cash, Gun, and Drugs at Irvine Olive Garden

Irvine Police responded to a report of a found bag at Olive Garden on Alton Parkway that contained a large amount of cash, a handgun, and a high-capacity magazine. When the bag’s owner, 43-year-old Irvine resident Brian Richardson Kozak, returned to retrieve it, officers detained him and found more firearms and drugs in his vehicle. Kozak was arrested and booked into Orange County Jail for drug sales and being a felon in possession of a firearm.

The police thanks the community for reporting the suspicious bag and reminds residents to contact IPD if they see anything unusual.

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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