In this Irvine Insider Issue . . .

😁 Laugh Of The Day

🌤️ Irvine Weather

🎅🎄🎊 Local Schools and Community Transform Marine Holiday Party into a Grinch-Themed Extravaganza

❄⛄🍴 Celebrate the Season in Irvine: Family Activities, Volunteering, and Festive Eats

🎶🚧 Irvine City Council Approves Preliminary Plan for Temporary Music Venue in Great Park

⚖ Orange County DA's Office: Guiding and Support Crime Victims in Their Journey to Justice

🌸📚🌸 Join the Fun: Chinese Songs, Stories, and Activities for Children at Irvine Library

🧸👶 Irvine University Park Library Hosts 'Meet & Play' for Toddlers and Caregivers

👨‍⚕️🌬 Stronger Lungs and Improved Health: Essential Foods for Better Breathing

💧🏖 Irvine Ranch Conservancy Launches Major Restoration at Crystal Cove State Park

👨‍🎨🎨 Join the Open Studio Program at Irvine Fine Arts Center

🎼🎼 Upcoming High School Music Calendar

🕯💨 Blow Out Before You Go Out: Preventing Candle-Related Fires This Holiday

🏀 UC Irvine Men's Basketball Team Dominates South Dakota with a 121-78 Victory

🎾📅 UC Irvine Men's Tennis Announces Exciting 2024 Schedule: Season Opener at USC, Big West Showdowns

🤽‍♂️⚽🏐 UCI Anteaters Upcoming Home Games

🏀 Irvine Valley Men's Basketball Crushes LA Valley in Impressive 69-49 Victory

🏐⚽🏀 Upcoming home games for the IVC LASERS

🏀➰ OC High School Basketball Roundup for Dec 15

🏈🎾 High School Varsity Athletics: Football Face-offs and Sports Calendar

👮‍♂️📮📧 Mail Theft Rampage Halted in Westpark - Irvine PD Arrests Repeat Offender

📅📅 Lots of Local Events

What do reindeers hang on their Christmas trees?

Answer: Horn-aments!

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

Local Schools and Community Transform Marine Holiday Party into a Grinch-Themed Extravaganza

The 2/11 Marine Grinch Holiday Party 2023 was a great success, thanks to contributions of time, talent, supplies, money, food, toys, gifts, and love from many. The Irvine 2/11 Marine Adoption Committee, Inc., and local schools like Crean Lutheran and Irvine High School, along with volunteers, created Grinch-themed art starting in November 2023. This effort transformed the 11th Marine Gun Park into a festive Grinch wonderland for various Marine units' holiday celebrations. The Irvine community played a key role in supporting active duty Marines, sailors, and their families during the holiday season.

#irvine211marines #WeAreIrvine #cityofirvine #irvinecommunity #irvinenonprofit

See videos and more photos

Celebrate the Season in Irvine: Family Activities, Volunteering, and Festive Eats

This holiday season in Irvine offers a variety of festive activities for families.

1. Tanaka Farms Lights Festival: Enjoy a wagon ride, lights, hot cocoa, and Santa’s village. Book online.

2. Holidayz at the Park: Lights display at Palm Court Arts Complex, Great Park. Features merry-go-round and walking trails, open until 9:30pm daily.

3. The District in Tustin: Free holiday light display, dining, and movies at AMC theatre.

4. Volunteer Opportunities: Help local nonprofits like Meals on Wheels, Families Forward, or Second Harvest Food Bank.

5. Holiday Movies: Classics re-released in theaters and new releases like "The Holdovers" and "Silent Night". Check local theaters for showtimes.

6. Neighborhood Light Displays: Walk or drive through Irvine neighborhoods like Woodbury for festive lights.

8. Holiday Movies at Home: Stream classics on Netflix, HBO, Hulu, and Amazon Prime Video.

9. Dining Out for Christmas: Make reservations at Irvine restaurants like Izakaya Osen, North Italia, Little Sister, All That BBQ, Goldfinch, and Il Fornaio.

Find more exciting things to do here.

Source

Irvine City Council Approves Preliminary Plan for Temporary Music Venue in Great Park

Irvine City Council plans to establish a temporary outdoor music venue in the Great Park, operational by 2024, to fill the live music void until a permanent amphitheater opens in 2027. The venue, with a 6,000-person capacity, will host concerts, including performances by the Pacific Symphony. Funding issues, if any, will be covered by the Great Park Fund. The final plan is set for a vote in January 2024, with concerns like noise, parking, and community impact being addressed. Some local residents have expressed concerns, but the Council is optimistic about finding a balanced solution.

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Orange County DA's Office: Guiding and Support Crime Victims in Their Journey to Justice

The Orange County District Attorney’s Office supports crime victims, offering guidance through the judicial process. Contact the OCDA Victims Rights Liaison at [email protected] for assistance.

Source

Join the Fun: Chinese Songs, Stories, and Activities for Children at Irvine Library

Irvine University Park Library will be hosting "Chinese Bilingual Storytime" on Dec 18 from 4:30-5:15 pm. Location: 4512 Sandburg Way, Irvine, CA. Features stories, songs, and activities in Chinese. Open to children, no Chinese knowledge required.

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Irvine University Park Library Hosts 'Meet & Play' for Toddlers and Caregivers

"Meet & Play" event at Irvine University Park Library on Dec 21, 2023, from 11 am to 12 pm PST. Location: 4512 Sandburg Way, Irvine, CA. It's a casual play-date for babies/toddlers and caregivers, offering playtime with toys and a chance for caregivers to network and share resources.

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Stronger Lungs and Improved Health: Essential Foods for Better Breathing

Lungs are vital for oxygenating blood and removing CO2, but pollutants and germs in the air can cause diseases like asthma, COPD, and bronchitis. In the U.S., about 25 million people have asthma. A balanced diet and regular exercise can significantly improve lung health. Foods rich in antioxidants, fiber, and healthy fats reduce inflammation and lung disease risk. Regular exercise strengthens lung muscles for better efficiency.

Key lung-healthy foods include apples, beets, tomatoes, grapefruits, turmeric, edamame beans, flax seeds, Brazil nuts, berries, walnuts, mushrooms, olive oil, pumpkins, ginger, chili peppers, red cabbage, and green tea. These foods contain various nutrients that support lung function and reduce disease risk.

Conversely, processed meats, white bread, potato chips, and cold cuts can harm lung health due to their content of nitrites, simple carbohydrates, salt, and saturated fats.

Making dietary changes can help mitigate lung diseases and improve overall health. For lung infection treatments, urgent care centers in Irvine Woodbridge, Fountain Valley, and Costa Mesa offer services with an option to reserve spots online.

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Irvine Ranch Conservancy Launches Major Restoration at Crystal Cove State Park

Irvine Ranch Conservancy (IRC) is closely monitoring weather conditions as it begins the main phase of a major restoration project at Crystal Cove State Park, covering 7.5 acres of unique coastal habitats. This area, featuring rare plant species and sensitive habitats like coastal bluff and sage scrub, has been degraded by historical land uses. IRC is ready to seed the area, timing it with rainfall for optimal growth. They're using innovative, area-specific seed mixes and collaborating with experts for the cultivation of rare plants. The project, expected to take 5-8 years, has already completed initial preparations like weed control. IRC will continue monitoring and maintaining the site post-seeding. For more information or to visit Crystal Cove State Park, check out IRConservancy.org and LetsGoOutside.org.

Source

Join the Open Studio Program at Irvine Fine Arts Center

Irvine Fine Arts Center offers Open Studio sessions for experienced artists to work independently on their projects using advanced facilities and equipment. Ideal for those into ceramics, jewelry, photography, or printmaking. For more info and eligibility, visit irvinefinearts.org/openstudio.

#IrvineFineArtsCenter #CreativeFreedom #OpenStudioSessions #ArtCommunity #WeAreIrvine

Upcoming Northwood High School’s Music Calendar

1. January 11, 2024: IUSD Winds Area Concert (7:00 pm - 8:30 pm)

2. January 12, 2024: Symphony Irvine Collaboration Concert (7:00 pm - 8:30 pm)

3. March 6, 2024: Spring Festival Concert – Band (7:00 pm - 8:00 pm)

4. March 7, 2024: Spring Festival Concert – Orchestra (7:00 pm - 8:00 pm)

5. March 16, 2024: Irvine Jazz Festival (8:00 am - 5:00 pm)

6. May 11, 2024: Instrumental Music Awards

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

Upcoming University High School's Choirs Calendar

1. February 1 & 2: LEGENDS CONCERT at 7:00 PM.

2. March 7, 8, 9, 14,15, 16: EVITA - Spring Musical at 7:00 PM.

3. May 2 & 3: Broadway Rocks! at 7:00 PM.

For the latest updates or additional details, please visit https://www.uhschoirs.org/2023-24-season.html

Upcoming Woodbridge High School's Music Calendar

No further events scheduled for December.

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

Upcoming Woodbridge High School’s Vocal Music Calendar

1. January 17th-22nd: WHS Music Department Disney World Trip

2. February 29th-March 2nd, 7 PM shows: The Wizard of Oz

3. March 22nd, 7 PM: Spring Concert

4. April 16th, 7 PM: IUSD Honors Concert

5. May 31st, 7 PM: Broadway Rocks Concert

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

Upcoming Irvine High School's Music Calendar

1. Tue Dec 19, 2023, 7pm - 9pm: Jazz the Halls

For the latest updates or additional details, please visit https://www.vimb.info/calendar

Upcoming Irvine High School's Choral Calendar

1. Tues, Dec. 19, 7:00 PM: Jazz the Halls (Chordinated Chaos) at IHS Theater.

2. Fri & Sat, Jan. 26 & 27: Weekend Singers & Canta Bella at Pilgrim Pines.

3. Th-Sat, Feb. 1-3, All day: CA All-State Choir Weekend (Any Student) in Sacramento, CA.

4. Th.-Sat, Feb. 29-Mar 2, 7:00 PM: IHS Musical (Any student) at IHS Theater.

5. March 12 or 13, Morning: IHS Arts Assembly (Canta Bella & Irvine Singers) at IHS Game Gym.

6. Mon, Mar. 18, 7:00 PM: Spring Concert (All Choirs) at Concordia Univ.

7. Fri, March 22, Morning: CSU Fullerton Festival (Irvine Singers) at CSUF Meng Hall.

8. April 1st - 5th, 2024: TBD.

9. Tues, April 16, 7:00 PM: IUSD Honors Concert (Selected Members) at OCPAC.

10. Wed, April 17, 6:30 PM: 8th Grade Parent Night at IHS Gym.

11. TBD: Aliso Women’s Festival (Canta Bella) - Location TBD.

12. Wed, April 17, All day: Forum Festival (Concert Chorale, Chorale & Viva Cantar) at Knott’s Berry Farm.

13. Wed, April 26, 6:00 PM: SPUR Awards (Chordinated Chaos) at IHS Theater.

14. Tues & Wed, May 28 & 29, 3:30-6:30 PM: Dress rehearsal “Voices” (All Choirs) at IHS Theater.

15. Thurs.- Sat, May 30-June 1, 7:00 PM: Voices 2024 (All Choirs) at IHS Theater.

16. Wed, June 5, 7:00 PM: Heritage Awards (Chorale) at IHS Gym.

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

Blow Out Before You Go Out: Preventing Candle-Related Fires This Holiday

Extinguish candles before leaving a room or sleeping, keep them away from kids, pets, and flammable items, and never leave them burning unattended to prevent fires.

#OCFAsafetytips

Source

UC Irvine Men's Basketball Team Dominates South Dakota with a 121-78 Victory

UC Irvine triumphed over South Dakota 121-78, with seven players scoring double figures. Dean Keeler led with a career-high 22 points. Other key contributors included Devin Tillis (16 points), Derin Saran (15 points), Dylan Thoerner, and Carter Welling (14 points each), Pierre Crockrell II (12 points, 11 assists), and Justin Hohn (11 points). The team excelled in rebounds (43-24) and scored 72 points in the paint. Coach Russell Turner praised the team's effort and individual progress, especially post players like Carter Welling. Keeler highlighted the team's strong dynamics and his growth since joining. UC Irvine's impressive stats include averaging 107.67 points in home games and a high KenPom ranking of 61. Next, they face New Mexico on December 20.

Source

UC Irvine Men's Tennis Announces Exciting 2024 Schedule: Season Opener at USC, Big West Showdowns

UC Irvine men's tennis team's 2024 schedule begins in January, starting at USC and followed by home matches against BYU and San Diego State. They will play four away games in February, return home in early March, and finish non-conference play with three home matches. Their Big West opener is at UC Davis, followed by home games against Cal Poly and UC Riverside. They'll face UC Santa Barbara and UC San Diego on the road, and end the regular season hosting Hawai'i. The 2024 Big West Championships are set for late April in San Diego.

Source

UCI Anteaters Upcoming Home Games

Men's Basketball

1.  December 28th, 2023 vs UC Riverside - 7:00 PM

Women's Basketball

1.  December 30th, 2023 vs Cal State Bakersfield - 2:00 PM

Source

Irvine Valley Men's Basketball Crushes LA Valley in Impressive 69-49 Victory

Irvine Valley's men's basketball team achieved a significant 69-49 win over LA Valley, marking their fourth victory in the last five games. The team, now with an 8-3 record, dominated the game, leading by up to 36 points. Key players included Jesse Stines and Luke Farrington, each scoring 14 points, and contributions from Marcus Carter and others. The Lasers excelled in both offense and defense, shooting 50.9% overall and out-rebounding LA Valley 45-24. This win sets a positive tone as they head into the Orange Empire Conference play.

Source

🏐⚽🏀 Upcoming home games for the IVC LASERS

Men’s Basketball:

1. Tue Dec 19 - vs Orange Coast. 6:00 PM

2. Fri Dec 29: vs Alumni. 5:00 PM

Women’s Basketball:

1. Fri Dec 22 - vs Alumni, Time TBA

OC High School Basketball Roundup for Dec 15

- Boys Basketball:

- Cypress defeated Fairmont Prep 47-43, with Ryan Gov scoring 14 points.

- Etiwanda beat Villa Park 61-44; Mal Johnson scored 18 points for the Spartans.

- Sunny Hills won against Yorba Linda 59-54 in the ED Prange Memorial Tournament semifinal.

- Godinez triumphed over Oxford Academy 64-45, led by Adrian Gonzalez with 19 points.

- Fountain Valley beat University 82-71; Colin Risse scored 30 points for Fountain Valley.

- Aliso Niguel won against Laguna Beach 48-43, Jay Keys leading with 13 points.

- Foothill defeated Tustin 42-31.

- Northwood beat Los Amigos 83-65, Zaid Yunis scored 17 points for Northwood.

- Dana Hills defeated San Clemente 74-57.

- Girls Basketball:

- In the Sunny Hills Tournament, Portola beat Sonora 59-37 with Kira Watanabe scoring 17 points and setting a school record of 500 career assists.

- Aquina won against Canyon 49-44 in the Sherie Edmonds Memorial Tournament; Mariah Streeter scored 23 points for Canyon.

- Crean Lutheran defeated Brea Olinda 63-43 in a non-league game.

Source

High School Athletics Calendar -

** Updated With December Schedule

Northwood High School Monthly Athletics Calendar (All Level)

University High School Monthly Athletics Calendar (All Level)

Woodbridge High School Monthly Athletics Calendar (All Level)

Upcoming Irvine High School’s Varsity home games:

December 2023

- Tuesday, 19 December

- 05:00 PM: Girls Soccer, Varsity vs. Valencia/Placentia (Irvine High School Stadium)

- Wednesday, 20 December

- 05:00 PM: Boys Soccer, Varsity vs. Tustin (Irvine High School Stadium)

- 06:00 PM: Girls Basketball, Varsity vs. Edison (Irvine High School Game Gym)

- Thursday, 21 December

- 03:00 PM: Girls Water Polo, Varsity vs. Trabuco Hills (Woolett Pool)

Mail Theft Rampage Halted in Westpark - Irvine PD Arrests Repeat Offender

Irvine police arrested a 36-year-old Compton man with a criminal record for stealing hundreds of pieces of mail in Westpark. He was caught with two duffel bags full of mail near University and Harvard, leading to multiple fraud charges and his booking at Orange County Jail. He was already out on bail for another case. Detectives are contacting mail theft victims. The police recommend using informed delivery and clearing mailboxes daily, and suggest residential cameras for added security.

#irvine #mailtheft #arrest #crimeprevention

Source

November 24 - December 30 Hikari Festival of Lights at Tanaka Farms 4:30 PM - 10 PM

Click here for discount coupon code

December 9 - 24 Festival Ballet Theatre: The Nutcracker

December 17 - 18 Tis the Season! 5 PM, 7:30 PM

December 18 The Holidays with Canadian Brass 8 PM

December 19 Holiday Organ Spectacular 7:30 PM

December 19 - 24 Dr Seuss' How the Grinch Stole Christmass! The Musical

December 20 Anime Night: Piano Candlelit Concert 7:30 PM

December 20 - 21 Kevin Hart - Brand New Material 7 PM

Decmber 22 The Pan American Nutcracker Suite Reimagined 8 PM

December 23 Fiesta Navidad 8 PM

Decmber 30 KC and the Sunshine Band 7:30 PM

December 30 Salute to Vienna New Year's Concert 3 PM