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Navigate Thanksgiving Travel Safely: Stay Informed with FEMA App and TSA Tips

Issue # 048

Author

Joshua Tjia
22 Nov

In this Irvine Insider Issue . . .

😁 Laugh Of The Day

🌀️ Irvine Weather

✈🧳 Navigate Thanksgiving Travel Safely: Stay Informed with FEMA App and TSA Tips

πŸ’œ Crime Survivors Closed For Thanksgiving, Remember You're Not Alone: Emergency Contacts and Support Services

πŸ†πŸŒŸ Irvine Named America's Safest City for 18th Year in a Row

πŸš’πŸ”₯ Irvine Police Responds to Vehicle Fire with Air and Ground Units, Averts Wildfire Threat

πŸ§―πŸ“ OCFA Careers: Apply Today to Become a Vital Dispatcher in Orange County

πŸ“š Cozy Up for PJ Campfire Storytime at Irvine Heritage Park Library

🍴πŸ₯— Stay Healthy This Winter: Essential Immune-Boosting Foods

🌱🧀 Join the Native Seed Farm's Winter Program: Contribute to Local Ecosystem Restoration

πŸŒ„ Unlock the Great Outdoors: Bommer Canyon's Upcoming Activities and Hikes

🐢🦺 Top Thanksgiving Pet Safety Tips from Irvine Animal Care Center – Keep Your Furry Friends Happy

πŸ›πŸŽ„ Irvine's Holiday Market: Art, Crafts, and More on Dec 2-3

πŸ€ UC Irvine Men's Basketball Outplays Pepperdine in Thrilling 76-60 Victory At Ball Dawgs Classic

🏐⭐ Nicole Feliciano Leads UC Irvine Quartet in Big West Women's Volleyball Honors

⚽🌟 Six UCI Women's Soccer Standouts Named in 2023 Academic All-District Team

πŸ€½β€β™‚οΈ ⚽🏐 UCI Anteaters Upcoming Home Games

πŸ€ Irvine Valley Men's Basketball Team Faces Narrow Defeat, Eyes Redemption at Monterey Bay Classic

πŸβš½πŸ€ Upcoming home games for the IVC LASERS

🎾 Saints Girls Tennis Team Wraps Up Stellar Season

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

βš– Former Tustin Officers Charged in $188K Workers' Compensation Fraud Case

πŸ“…πŸ“… Lots of Local Events

Why don't cranberries get lonely?

Answer: Because they're always in bunches!

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

Navigate Thanksgiving Travel Safely: Stay Informed with FEMA App and TSA Tips

Download the FEMA app for travel safety tips and alerts before Thanksgiving travel by plane, train, or car.

Get it on iTunes or Android.

For air travel, TSA advises packing an aid kit, carrying ID, checking flight delays, and wearing slip-on shoes for efficiency. #SafeTravels

Crime Survivors Closed For Thanksgiving, Remember You're Not Alone: Emergency Contacts and Support Services

Crime Survivors will be closed this Thursday for Thanksgiving. In emergencies, call 911. For support, here are hotlines and websites:

  1. 988 Suicide & Crisis Lifeline

    988

  2. Child Abuse Hotline

    (800) 4-A-Child or (800) 422-4453

  3. National Sexual Assault Hotline

    (800) 656-4673 Hours: Available 24 hours

  4. National Domestic Violence Hotline

    (800) 799.SAFE (7233)

  5. Domestic Shelter Finder

  6. National Human Trafficking Hotline

    (888) 373-7888

  7. Parents Of Murdered Children

    (513) 721-5683

  8. National Center on Elder Abuse

    (855) 500-3537

  9. Office for Victims of Crime

  10. CalVCB

    (800) 777-9229

  11. SAMHASA

    (877) SAMHSA-7 (877) 726-4727)

  12. 988 Suicide & Crisis Lifeline

    988

  13. Nami

    (800) 950-6264

  14. Disaster Distress Helpline

    (800) 985-5990

  15. Veterans Crisis Line

    Dial 988 then press 1

    Text: 838255

Irvine Named America's Safest City for 18th Year in a Row

Kavin Parikh, who moved to Irvine for convenience and fun, now appreciates the city for its exceptional safety, especially for family life. Irvine has been recognized as America's safest city for the 18th consecutive year, based on an analysis of FBI data showing the lowest violent crime rate per capita among cities with 250,000+ population. Police Chief Michael Kent attributes this to well-educated officers, community engagement, and the Irvine Master Plan promoting cohesive neighborhoods and a well-funded police force. Strategies like well-lit public spaces and dedicated police units for different city areas enhance safety. Residents, including Parikh, value the police's friendly and efficient presence in the community.

Irvine Police Responds to Vehicle Fire with Air and Ground Units, Averts Wildfire Threat

On Nov 21, a vehicle fire occurred near Bake Parkway and Lake Forest Drive. Due to windy conditions and potential fire spread to nearby vegetation, OCFA deployed ground units, Quick Reaction Force helicopters, and partner agency aircraft. The fire was rapidly contained to the vehicle, preventing brush damage. Irvine Police provided drone support for extra surveillance. Thank you to all partners involved for their readiness and response.

See video

OCFA Careers: Apply Today to Become a Vital Dispatcher in Orange County

Orange County Fire Authority is hiring dispatchers. Apply at governmentjobs.com/careers/ocfa for a dynamic career opportunity.

See video

Happy Thanksgiving From Irvine Insider!

We will be taking a break for the Thanksgiving Holiday and will resume on Monday, November 27, 2023.

Cozy Up for PJ Campfire Storytime at Irvine Heritage Park Library

Join "PJ Campfire Storytime" at Irvine Heritage Park Library on Nov 27 from 5:30-6:00 pm. Ideal for children and their caregivers, featuring stories, songs, rhymes, and fun.

More details here

Stay Healthy This Winter: Essential Immune-Boosting Foods

Eat these foods regularly to boost your immune system and prevent illness during the winter season.

  • Broccoli

  • Almonds

  • Green tea

  • Kiwis

  • Sunflower seeds

  • Papaya

  • Grapes

Join the Native Seed Farm's Winter Program: Contribute to Local Ecosystem Restoration

Help conserve local plants and wildlife at the Native Seed Farm on Nov 29th 8:00 am - 11:30 am. No experience required. Activities include seed harvesting, planting, and tending to seedlings. It's a Level 2 activity involving physical work. Minors must be accompanied by a registered adult. Collected seeds aid local wildlife and ecosystem resilience.

Sign up here

Unlock the Great Outdoors: Bommer Canyon's Upcoming Activities and Hikes

Bommer Canyon offers a variety of outdoor activities organized by numerous groups and volunteers, with most programs being free of charge. Pre-registration is required for events led by IRC-Certified Volunteers, closing at 4 p.m. the day before the event. Minors must be accompanied by an adult, and for any assistance, reach out via email to [email protected].

Upcoming events:

  • November 25th: Full moon hike

  • November 27th: Full moon hike

  • November 30th: 7-mile hike in Bommer Canyon

The activities are family-friendly, with some available after 5 pm on weekdays or during weekends. For more details, trail tips, and FAQs, visit the Bommer Canyon website.

Top Thanksgiving Pet Safety Tips from Irvine Animal Care Center – Keep Your Furry Friends Happy

As Thanksgiving approaches, the Irvine Animal Care Center advises keeping pets safe during the holiday.

  • Avoid giving pets turkey due to potential adverse health effects

  • Keep sweets, especially chocolate and xylitol-containing products, away from them

  • Ensure pets have a quiet space away from the festivities.

For more pet safety tips, visit irvineanimals.org/resources.

#ThanksgivingSafety #PetSafetyTips #IrvineAnimals

See video

Irvine's Holiday Market: Art, Crafts, and More on Dec 2-3

Visit the Irvine Fine Arts Center's Holiday Market on December 2–3 at Great Park Hangar 244 for unique gifts from 28 artisans, including jewelry, ceramics, and woodwork. Support local artists and find festive treasures. Details at irvinefinearts.org/events.

#HolidayMarketMagic #ShopLocal #IrvineArtistry #FestiveFun #WeAreIrvine

UC Irvine Men's Basketball Outplays Pepperdine in Thrilling 76-60 Victory At Ball Dawgs Classic

Freshman guard Derin Saran led UC Irvine to a 76-60 win over Pepperdine with a career-high 16 points. The game, part of the Ball Dawgs Classic, saw Saran's impressive 7-9 shooting and eight rebounds. Other key contributors included Andre Henry with 10 points and Langston Redfield setting a personal best with eight points. UC Irvine excelled in the second half, shooting 60.7%. Pepperdine's top performer was Michael Ajayi with 16 points and 11 rebounds. UC Irvine's coach praised the team's performance and readiness, while Saran emphasized his role in impacting the game off the bench. The Anteaters will next face Toledo on November 22.

Nicole Feliciano Leads UC Irvine Quartet in Big West Women's Volleyball Honors

Four UC Irvine women's volleyball players received Big West honors: Nicole Feliciano as Freshman of the Year, and Campbell Jensen, Hunter Riedl, and Isabella Scarlett with All-Big West honorable mentions. Feliciano, third in her team's history to win this award, also made the All-Freshman team and ranks high in set assists and digs. Jensen is notable for her digs and aces, Riedl leads in kills and points, and Scarlett stands out in hitting percentage and blocks.

Six UCI Women's Soccer Standouts Named in 2023 Academic All-District Team

Six Anteaters were named Academic All-District by College Sports Communicators for 2023, meeting the revised criteria of a 3.50 GPA and significant playtime. This is the first such honor for each of the athletes: Kiera Smeenge, Gianna Creighton, Suus de Bakker, Sophie Gillies, Lilli Rask, and Alyssa Moore. All-American selections are upcoming.

UCI Anteaters Upcoming Home Games

Men’s Basketball:

  1. Sat Dec 16 - vs South Dakota, 7:00 PM

  2. Thurs Dec 28 - vs UC Riverside, 7:00 PM

Women’s Basketball:

  1. Sat Dec 2 - vs Denver, 2:00 PM

  2. Sat Dec 30 - vs Cal State Bakersfield, 2:00 PM

Irvine Valley Men's Basketball Team Faces Narrow Defeat, Eyes Redemption at Monterey Bay Classic

Irvine Valley's men's basketball team, aiming for a fifth consecutive win, narrowly lost to Southwestern with a final score of 54-48, bringing their season record to 4-1. Despite trailing by up to 15 points, Irvine Valley tied and briefly led the game in the second half. Key players included Ammon Allan with 13 points, Roman Swizek, Jesse Stines, and David Ogunlade. Their next game is against Chabot at the Monterey Bay Classic on Nov. 30.

πŸβš½πŸ€ Upcoming home games for the IVC LASERS

Men’s Basketball:

  1. Fri Dec 15 - vs LA Valley. 6:00 PM

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

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

Women’s Basketball:

  1. Tue Nov 28 - vs Long Beach, 5:30 PM

  2. Fri Dec 22 - vs Alumni, Time TBA

Saints Girls Tennis Team Wraps Up Stellar Season

Congrats to the Saints Girls Tennis team for an amazing season! Relive season highlights.

Inspired by Philippians 4:13 "I can do all things through Christ who gives me strength."

High School Athletics Calendar -

** Updated With November Schedule

Upcoming Irvine High School’s Varsity home games:

November 2023

Wednesday, 22 November

- 05:00 PM: Soccer, Boys (VR) vs. TBA at Irvine High School Stadium

Monday, 27 November

- 05:00 PM: Soccer, Boys (VR) vs. Foothill/Santa Ana at Irvine High School Stadium

Tuesday, 28 November

- 05:00 PM: Soccer, Girls (VR) vs. Foothill/Santa Ana at Irvine High School Stadium

- 05:30 PM: Basketball, Girls (VR) vs. Tustin at Irvine High School Game Gym

Wednesday, 29 November

- 05:00 PM: Soccer, Boys (VR) vs. Tesoro at Irvine High School Stadium

Former Tustin Officers Charged in $188K Workers' Compensation Fraud Case

Former Tustin Police Officers Kendal and Kyle Hurd, a married couple, face multiple felony charges for workers' compensation fraud. They falsely claimed chronic back pain from duty gear, receiving $188,471.43 in tax-free salaries. However, they were caught on video engaging in physically demanding activities like scuba diving and mountain biking, contradicting their claims. Kendal faces up to 11 years, and Kyle up to 9.5 years in prison if convicted. They were terminated from their positions in July 2021 and risk losing pension benefits and future employment as peace officers. The case highlights a significant breach of public trust and the impact of workers' compensation fraud.

See video

December 2 Palm Court Light Display Dusk - 9:30 PM

December 2 Nutcracker for Kids by Pacific Symphony 10:00 and 11:30 AM

See video

December 2 - 3 Holiday Market 3 PM - 7PM

Click here to see the intro video

December 9 Concordia Christmas 

December 9 - 10 123 AndrΓ©s 

December 10 Holidays Around the World 11 AM

See video here

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

December 19 Holiday Organ Spectacular 7:30 PM

December 23 Fiesta Navidad 8 PM

Decmber 30 KC and the Sunshine Band 7:30 PM

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