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National Week Honors Heroes Behind the Scenes: Celebrating Public Safety Dispatchers

Issue # 0144

Author

Joshua Tjia
17 Apr

In this Irvine Insider Issue . . .

😁 Laugh Of The Day

🌤️ Irvine Weather

🌃🧑‍💻 Irvine Hosts Second Annual Tech Week: A Hub for Startups to Connect and Thrive

🚒🚔📞 National Week Honors Heroes Behind the Scenes: Celebrating Public Safety Dispatchers

🚧🚜 Irvine’s Upcoming Road Construction & Improvement Projects (April 17-24)

🚴🧑‍🦽 Mark Your Calendars: You are Invited to CicloIrvine’s Open Streets Event

🌳♻️ OC Waste & Recycling to Host Free Compost Giveaway on May 4th

🔫🎉🥳 Meet the Irvine Business Revolutionizing Parties: Nerf Party OC’s Story of Fun and Philanthropy

📚🗣️ Interactive ESL Conversation Group Launches at Katie Wheeler Library

😷🩺 Discover Quick Relief from Bladder Infections at Orange County’s Leading Urgent Care Centers

☀️🚶☀️ Explore Nature and Challenge Yourself: Join the Bommer Canyon Hike on April 19

🪢🧵 Discover the Art of Chinese Knotting: Free Workshop at South Coast Chinese Cultural Center

🎼🎼 Upcoming High School Music Calendar

🐈‍⬛🏁 Join the Irvine Animal Care Center Virtual 5K This April to Support Homeless and Abused Animals

🏌🏻‍♀️⛳️ UC Irvine Freshman Alyson Sor Surges to 12th Place in Big West Golf Championships

🏃🏽‍♀️💨 UC Irvine's Sameen Andar Shatters Personal Best, Named Big West Track Athlete of the Week

🏀🏐🎾⚾ UCI Anteaters Upcoming Home Games

⚾️ Colin Rhee Leads Irvine Valley to Victory with Stellar Pitching, Named Athlete of the Week

🏀🏀 Upcoming home games for the IVC LASERS

🏈 Crean Lutheran Football Prepares for Tougher Competition in 2024

🏈🎾 High School Athletics Calendar

🚨💊🪪 Woman Arrested in Irvine PD Lot with Stolen Goods and Narcotics

🍏🥭🍑 Local Farmers Markets

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

📅📅 Lots of Local Events

📞💡 Useful Contact Information

What kind of math do owls like?

Owlgebra!

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

Irvine Hosts Second Annual Tech Week: A Hub for Startups to Connect and Thrive

Irvine Tech Week aims to boost visibility and support for local startups in a city dominated by tech giants like Google and Microsoft. Proposed by Councilmember Tammy Kim, the event enters its second year and runs from April 16-21, featuring 25 events including pitch competitions and networking opportunities. The initiative seeks to foster a nurturing ecosystem for early-stage companies, enabling them to thrive locally rather than relocating. Highlights include a Startup resource fair, a cryptocurrency webinar, and a Techstars Startup Weekend. The week will conclude with a 5K and 3K race on April 20 to support first-generation immigrants and fund local entrepreneurship programs.

National Week Honors Heroes Behind the Scenes: Celebrating Public Safety Dispatchers

National Public Safety Telecommunicators Week, celebrated every year during the second week of April, honors dispatchers who serve as the initial point of contact in emergencies. These professionals provide critical communication services 24/7, supporting both community members in distress and public safety personnel. This week is an opportunity to appreciate their dedication and vital role.

#NPSTW #dispatcher #dispatch #irvinepolice #irvine #thingoldline

Irvine’s Upcoming Road Construction & Improvement Projects (April 17-24)

  • Traffic Signal Work: April 17, 9 a.m. - 3 p.m. at Alton Parkway and Toledo. Expect shutdowns or red flash mode, and plan alternate routes to avoid delays.

  • SR-261 Lane and Ramp Closures: Nightly closures through April 20 to refurbish pavement and update traffic striping. Closures include various lanes and ramps along SR-261 in Irvine, with specific times ranging from 10 p.m. to 7 a.m.

  • Red Hill Avenue Pavement Maintenance: Work scheduled from April 17-24 includes grinding and overlay, street striping, and traffic loop re-installation. Work hours are primarily 9 p.m. - 5 a.m. and 9 a.m. - 3 p.m. on selected dates.

  • Weekend Slurry Seal: April 20-21, 7 a.m. - 5 p.m. on Alton Parkway and Harvard Avenue. Traffic will be affected; consider using alternate routes.

Stay updated on additional projects, including lane closures and night/weekend work, through the City's Capital Improvement Projects Map.

Mark Your Calendars: You are Invited to CicloIrvine’s Open Streets Event

Irvine residents are invited to join Irvine's first car-free event, CicloIrvine, on May 4. Whether they're biking, walking, skateboarding, or strolling with little ones, everyone is welcome to attend. More information is available at cityofirvine.org/cicloirvine.

#CicloIrvine #OpenStreets #CityOfIrvine #WeAreIrvine

OC Waste & Recycling to Host Free Compost Giveaway on May 4th

OC Waste & Recycling is hosting a Free Compost Giveaway on May 4th from 7:30 AM to noon across three locations. Help make Orange County greener! Details here

  • Bee Canyon Greenery, 11002 Bee Canyon Access Rd., Irvine

  • Valencia Greenery, 1942 N. Valencia Ave., Brea

  • Capistrano Greenery, 32250 Avenida La Pata, San Juan Capistrano

#OCcompost #OCWasteandRecycling #Compost

Local Business Spotlight Feature

Meet the Irvine Business Revolutionizing Parties: Nerf Party OC’s Story of Fun and Philanthropy

Welcome to this edition of Irvine Insider, where we shine a spotlight on a unique business that make our community vibrant and exciting.

In the heart of Irvine, a unique business thrives, offering a blend of excitement, entertainment, and community service that stands out distinctly. Nerf Party OC, established in 2016, has quickly become a go-to source for unforgettable party experiences. Catering to birthdays, summer camps, youth groups, and special events, Nerf Party OC provides mobile Nerf parties, laser tag, gel blasters, and dodgeball events that promise fun without the mess and bruises typically associated with paintball.

A Journey from Idea to Success

The story of Nerf Party OC is as heartwarming as it is inspiring. The idea was born out of a young boy’s desire to earn money for science camp in 6th grade, blossoming into a business that was nominated for "Orange Coast Magazine’s" Top 10 New Businesses of the Year in 2018. With over 300 events held annually across Orange County, Nerf Party OC has become synonymous with quality, fun, and community spirit.

What Sets Nerf Party OC Apart?

At its core, Nerf Party OC values honesty and customer satisfaction above all, establishing itself as a reputable local business that consistently puts its customers first. This dedication to service and quality has endeared Nerf Party OC to the hearts of its clients and the wider Irvine community.

Community First: A Commitment to Giving Back

True to its community-focused ethos, Nerf Party OC donates 10% of its proceeds to local charities and community organizations, underscoring a deep commitment to giving back and fostering a sense of unity and support within Irvine.

Looking Ahead: Expanding the Fun

With seven and a half years of successful operations behind it, Nerf Party OC is not resting on its laurels. The business is exploring opportunities for a permanent location, aiming to expand its offerings and continue bringing joy and excitement to its clientele.

Connect with Nerf Party OC

To learn more about Nerf Party OC or to book your next event, visit their website at www.NerfPartyOC.com. You can also follow them on Facebook at NerfPartyOC to stay updated on their latest offerings and events.

For a limited time use Promo Code “Business Insider 10% off” to receive 10% off your next Nerf, Laser Tag, or Gel Blaster Event.

In Irvine, where community and innovation go hand in hand, Nerf Party OC stands out as a beacon of fun, service, and dedication. Whether you’re planning a birthday bash or looking for a unique way to celebrate with friends and family, Nerf Party OC is ready to make your event unforgettable. Join the hundreds of satisfied customers and experience the excitement that only Nerf Party OC can provide.

Interactive ESL Conversation Group Launches at Katie Wheeler Library

An ESL Conversation Group meets every Thursday from 1:00 PM to 2:00 PM, the next meeting being on April 18, at the Katie Wheeler Library in Irvine. This group offers adults an opportunity to practice English through discussions on a variety of topics. Participants can choose to join in person at the Irvine Katie Wheeler branch or online. To attend the sessions online, email [email protected] to receive a Zoom link. Whether you're dropping by or connecting virtually, the group welcomes all adults interested in improving their English language skills.

Discover Quick Relief from Bladder Infections at Orange County’s Leading Urgent Care Centers

The urgent care centers located in Orange County, CA, offer efficient and effective treatment for bladder infections. Available every day, including holidays, these facilities in Irvine, Fountain Valley, and Costa Mesa ensure one-on-one patient care, rapid diagnostic services through in-house labs, and online check-in options to minimize waiting times. Bladder infections, commonly caused by E. coli bacteria, manifest symptoms such as frequent urination and a burning sensation. Treatment typically involves antibiotics, and more severe cases are referred to specialist healthcare providers. Patient reviews consistently highlight the attentive and compassionate care provided by the staff.

Explore Nature and Challenge Yourself: Join the Bommer Canyon Hike on April 19

The Bommer Canyon East Fork and Ridge Route Loop Hike is a moderate-paced hiking event scheduled for April 19 in the Irvine Open Space Preserve. Spanning 3 miles with a 700-foot elevation change, this level-3 hike features steep inclines and scenic views of Irvine and its surrounding hillsides. Participants must register in advance. The hike, starts at the Bommer Canyon Cattle Camp and is managed by the City of Irvine.

Discover the Art of Chinese Knotting: Free Workshop at South Coast Chinese Cultural Center

Join the Chinese Knotting workshop on April 27, at 10:30 am, held at the South Coast Chinese Cultural Center, located at 9 Truman St, Irvine, CA 92620. Registration for this engaging family event opens on April 19, and materials will be prepared based on the number of RSVP attendees. The event is free, but space is limited. For more details and to register, visit here.

Upcoming Northwood High School’s Music Calendar

  1. 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. 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 events scheduled for April.

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

Upcoming Woodbridge High School’s Vocal Music Calendar

  1. 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

No events scheduled for April.

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

Upcoming Irvine High School's Choral Calendar

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

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

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

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

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

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

  7. 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

Join the Irvine Animal Care Center Virtual 5K This April to Support Homeless and Abused Animals

Join the ongoing Irvine Animal Care Center Virtual 5K anytime in April to help animals in need. Participate at your own pace and location, like a beach, park, or trail, and earn an exclusive medal. Your participation supports programs for homeless and abused animals. It's not too late to sign up at https://bit.ly/4b02K8H! Your pet can join for $8 extra and get their own medal.

#IrvineAnimals #RunForACause #AnimalRescue #GetYourMedal #FitnessWithAFurEverFriend

UC Irvine Freshman Alyson Sor Surges to 12th Place in Big West Golf Championships

At the Big West Championships in Las Vegas, freshman Alyson Sor significantly improved, moving up 11 spots to finish 12th with an even-par 72 in the final round and a total of 227. Teammate Charlotte Ryoo also moved up, finishing 25th with a score of 234, thanks to her six birdies, the most on their team. The University of California, Irvine's team, known as the Anteaters, placed eighth overall with a score of 931 across three days, highlighted by their fourth-best tally of 159 pars and a total of 18 birdies in the tournament.

UC Irvine's Sameen Andar Shatters Personal Best, Named Big West Track Athlete of the Week

Junior Sameen Andar from UC Irvine has been honored as The Big West Women's Track Athlete of the Week. She achieved a personal record in her first 10,000-meter race of the year with a time of 33:07.48 at the Bryan Clay Invitational, placing her top-10 and nearly breaking the school record set in 1989. Currently, Andar is leading the Big West conference, ranked 12th regionally, and 28th nationally. This is her first Big West Track Athlete of the Week award.

UCI Anteaters Upcoming Home Games

Baseball

  1. Wed, Apr 17: vs USC, 6:00 PM

  2. Fri, Apr 19: vs San Diego State, 6:00 PM

  3. Sun, Apr 21: vs San Diego State, 1:00 PM

  4. Fri, Apr 26: vs Steve Scott Invitational, All Day

  5. Sat, Apr 27: vs Steve Scott Invitational, All Day

Men's Tennis

  1. Sat, Apr 20: vs Hawai'i, 12:00 PM

Men's & Women's Track & Field

  1. Fri, Apr 26: vs Steve Scott Invitational, All Day

  2. Sat, Apr 27: vs Steve Scott Invitational, All Day

Colin Rhee Leads Irvine Valley to Victory with Stellar Pitching, Named Athlete of the Week

Colin Rhee, a freshman pitcher for Irvine Valley, was named athlete of the week on April 15. Rhee played a key role in helping the Lasers win two out of three games against Fullerton, significantly contributing to their current season record of 13-21 overall and 4-11 in conference play. Over the past week, he pitched a total of 5.4 scoreless innings across two games, securing a win and a save, increasing his season totals to a 3.09 ERA and a strikeout rate of 10.69 per nine innings. Rhee will be in action again in a three-game series against Golden West starting Tuesday.

🏐⚽🏀 Upcoming home games for the IVC LASERS

Baseball

  1. Sat, Apr 20: vs Golden West, 12:00 PM

  2. Thu, Apr 25: vs Saddleback, 2:00 PM

Women’s Beach Volleyball

  1. Fri, Apr 19: vs Riverside, 12:00 PM

  2. Wed, Apr 24: vs OEC Pairs Tournament, 12:00 PM

  3. Fri, Apr 26: vs OEC Pairs Tournament, 10:00 AM

Crean Lutheran Football Prepares for Tougher Competition in 2024

After a successful 2023 season, Coach Rick Curtis and Crean Lutheran High School's football team are set to face a tougher schedule in 2024, including a new league and challenging non-league games. They've joined the Epsilon League with notable schools like Foothill and Huntington Beach, none of which were affected by wider league changes in Orange County. Crean Lutheran, which improved to an 8-4 record last season and made it to the CIF Division 6 quarterfinals, has ramped up off-season training to prepare. Additionally, the team will travel out-of-state for the first time to play against Mullen in Colorado, enhancing their team-bonding experience. Their complete 2024 schedule includes several home games and pivotal matches against league opponents.

High School Athletics Calendar -

** Updated With April Schedule

Upcoming Irvine High School’s Varsity home games:

April 2024

Wednesday, April 17

  • 03:30 PM: Baseball VR vs. Portola at Irvine High School Baseball Field

  • 03:30 PM: Swimming & Diving, Boys VR vs. University at Woolett Pool

  • 03:30 PM: Swimming & Diving, Girls VR vs. University at Woolett Pool

  • 05:15 PM: Volleyball, Boys VR vs. Laguna Hills at Irvine High School Game Gym

  • 07:00 PM: Lacrosse, Boys VR vs. Laguna Hills at Irvine High School Stadium

Thursday, April 18

  • 07:00 PM: Lacrosse, Boys VR vs. Canyon/Anaheim at Irvine High School Stadium

Monday, April 22

  • 05:00 PM: Lacrosse, Girls VR vs. Portola at Irvine High School Stadium

Tuesday, April 23

  • 03:15 PM: Tennis, Boys VR vs. Northwood High School at Irvine High School Heritage Park

  • 03:30 PM: Golf, Boys VR vs. Portola

  • 03:30 PM: Baseball VR vs. Beckman, Arnold at Irvine High School Baseball Field

Wednesday, April 24

  • 03:30 PM: Softball VR vs. Beckman, Arnold at Irvine High School Softball Field

  • 05:00 PM: Lacrosse, Girls VR vs. Northwood High School at Irvine High School Stadium

Thursday, April 25

  • 03:30 PM: Golf, Boys VR vs. Northwood High School

  • 03:30 PM: Baseball VR vs. Beckman, Arnold at Irvine High School Baseball Field

  • 05:00 PM: Lacrosse, Girls VR vs. Sage Hill at Irvine High School Stadium

Woman Arrested in Irvine PD Lot with Stolen Goods and Narcotics

A woman was arrested in Irvine after police noticed her driving through the Irvine Police Department parking lot without license plates. The traffic stop revealed narcotics, stolen identification documents, bank cards, US Mail keys, animal medication, and other people's mail in her car. The stolen items were linked to victims in Riverside County. The 32-year-old from Riverside faces multiple charges and is currently in Orange County Jail.

#dontcommitcrimeinirvine #irvinepolice

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 55% - 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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