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New Irvine Crime Center Combines Drones and Cameras for Real-Time Solutions

Issue # 0310

In this Irvine Insider Issue . . .

😁 Laugh Of The Day

🌤️ Irvine Weather

🚔🔒 New Irvine Crime Center Combines Drones and Cameras for Real-Time Solutions

⚡️♻️ Irvine Threatens to Exit OCPA Over Transparency, Renewable Energy Costs

🚧🚦 Keeping Irvine Moving: Updates on Road Improvements and Closures

🍦 12 Days of Froyo Magic: Daily Rewards Await at Yogurtland

🎄Crean Lutheran Brings Christmas Joy to Military Families with Trees for Troops

😷 Comprehensive and Affordable Persistent Cough Treatment in Orange County

🌱🌿 Volunteer at the Native Seed Farm to Support Local Habitat Restoration

🏠👩🏻‍🍳 Build and Decorate Gingerbread Houses: Fun Family Event on December 17

🎼🎼 Upcoming High School Music Calendar

🥬🍅🥒 5 Expert Tips to Keep Your Vegetables Fresher for Longer

🏀 UC Irvine Women's Basketball Defeats Oregon State 60-48, Snaps 25-Year Drought

🏀🏐🎾⚾ UCI Anteaters Upcoming Home Games

🏀 Irvine Valley Men's Basketball Rallies to Defeat Foothill, 86-81, in Monterey Bay Classic

🏀🏀 Upcoming home games for the IVC LASERS

🏈 Former Woodbridge Coach Aaron Craver Joins University High Football Staff as Defensive Coordinator

🏈🎾 High School Athletics Calendar

🚓🖌️ Suspects Wanted for Stealing $3,372 in Painting Supplies from Irvine Store

🍏🥭🍑 Local Farmers Markets

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

📅📅 Lots of Local Events

📞💡 Useful Contact Information

What did Adam say on the day before Christmas?

"It's Christmas, Eve!"

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

New Irvine Crime Center Combines Drones and Cameras for Real-Time Solutions

The Irvine Police Department has launched a $2 million real-time crime center to enhance crime-solving capabilities, using nearly 1,000 citywide cameras and drones to monitor and respond to incidents in real time. The center has already solved dozens of cases in its first month, including locating a missing elderly person and a suicidal teenager. The technology aims to prevent and address crimes like burglaries and retail theft, often committed by non-residents, by allowing police to act swiftly, sometimes even before suspects realize they’re being monitored.

Irvine Threatens to Exit OCPA Over Transparency, Renewable Energy Costs

Tensions between Irvine and the Orange County Power Authority (OCPA) reached a peak as the Irvine City Council unanimously approved measures threatening to withdraw from the agency. The move came after OCPA requested the city shift its 115,000 ratepayers from 100% renewable energy to a 55% tier to avoid a steep 49% rate increase in 2025, citing rising renewable costs. Councilman James Mai proposed drafting a withdrawal notice while moving ratepayers to the lowest-cost tier and demanding greater transparency from OCPA. Councilmember Kathleen Treseder, a longtime OCPA supporter, voiced frustration over the agency’s lack of communication, echoing concerns raised by City Manager Oliver Chi. OCPA Board Chair Fred Jung criticized Irvine, accusing its Council of being reactionary and undermining the agency. This conflict underscores deep-seated issues of trust, transparency, and governance between Irvine and OCPA.

Keeping Irvine Moving: Updates on Road Improvements and Closures

The City of Irvine has announced several upcoming road improvement projects:

  • Walnut Avenue, south of Jeffrey Road, will be closed overnight from 9 p.m. on Wednesday, December 18, to 5 a.m. on Thursday, December 19, to facilitate work on the Jeffrey Open Space Trail Bicycle and Pedestrian Bridge.

  • The traffic signals at Bryan Avenue and Marketplace will be turned off or set to red flash mode on Tuesday, December 17, from 9 a.m. to 3 p.m.

  • while Campus and Berkeley signals will undergo the same from December 17–20, between 9 a.m. and 3 p.m., for signal replacement.

  • Motorists are advised to expect delays and consider alternate routes.

12 Days of Froyo Magic: Daily Rewards Await at Yogurtland

Celebrate Yogurtland's 12 Days of Froyo Magic from December 11–22! Join Real Rewards by signing up online or through the app to unwrap a daily mystery reward with each qualifying in-store or online purchase of food or beverages. Limit one reward per day during the promotional period.

Crean Lutheran Brings Christmas Joy to Military Families with Trees for Troops

On Saturday, December 7, the Crean Lutheran Athletics Department participated in the Trees for Troops program, distributing Christmas trees and décor to support both their athletics and missions while gifting trees to military families. The effort was made possible by dedicated volunteers.

Ephesians 2:10: "For we are his workmanship, created in Christ Jesus for good works, which God prepared beforehand, that we should walk in them."

Comprehensive and Affordable Persistent Cough Treatment in Orange County

Persistent coughing, lasting eight weeks or more, can significantly impact daily life, disrupting sleep and activities, and may indicate an underlying health issue.

  • Family Care Centers in Orange County, CA, provide fast, affordable evaluations and treatments for persistent coughs at their urgent care locations in Irvine-Woodbridge, Costa Mesa, and Fountain Valley.

  • Common causes of persistent cough include asthma, acid reflux, chronic bronchitis, postnasal drip, and environmental irritants.

  • Medical attention is recommended if symptoms persist, worsen, or include fever, chills, or shortness of breath.

  • Treatment options include:

    • Asthma Inhalers: Opens airways and reduces inflammation for asthma-related coughs.

    • Cough Suppressants: Eases dry, non-productive coughs by reducing frequency.

    • Antibiotics: Treats bacterial infections like pneumonia or strep throat.

    • Acid Blockers: Reduces stomach acid to relieve coughs caused by acid reflux.

    • Vaporizers: Adds moisture to soothe dry or irritated airways.

    • Antihistamines: Reduces postnasal drip and allergy-related coughs.

Volunteer at the Native Seed Farm to Support Local Habitat Restoration

Join the Irvine Ranch Conservancy at the Native Seed Farm in Irvine for a unique volunteer opportunity on Saturday, December 21, from 8:00 AM to 11:00 AM. Volunteers will help harvest seeds, plant, tend to seedlings, and support habitat restoration for local wildlife. No experience is needed, but advance registration is required, and safety guidelines must be followed, including proper attire, sun protection, and hydration. This Level 2 stewardship activity involves moderate physical tasks like bending and standing.

Build and Decorate Gingerbread Houses: Fun Family Event on December 17

Join a fun Gingerbread House Decorating event at Irvine University Park Library on Tuesday, December 17, with time slots at 3 PM, 4 PM, and 5 PM. Participants will have one hour to build and decorate their own graham cracker gingerbread house.

Upcoming Northwood High School’s Music Calendar

No further events scheduled for December.

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

Upcoming University High School's Choirs Calendar

No further events scheduled for December.

For the latest updates or additional details, please visit https://www.uhschoirs.org/2024-25-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

No further events scheduled for December.

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

Upcoming Irvine High School's Music Calendar

  1. Wed, December 18, 6:00-10:00 PM: IM Winter Concert

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

5 Expert Tips to Keep Your Vegetables Fresher for Longer

Properly storing your vegetables is essential for keeping them fresh, reducing waste, and saving money. By following a few simple guidelines, you can optimize your refrigerator and extend the shelf life of your produce. Here are five expert tips to help you get started:

  1. Avoid Overcrowding: Organize your fridge to allow airflow around your produce, preventing moisture buildup and spoilage.

  2. Maintain the Right Temperature: Keep your fridge set between 32–40°F. Temperatures that are too high or too low can damage your vegetables.

  3. Use the Right Storage Bags: Opt for cloth or perforated plastic bags to prevent moisture from being trapped, which can cause mold and rot.

  4. Separate Ethylene-Producing Vegetables: Ethylene producers like tomatoes and apples can cause ethylene-sensitive vegetables like leafy greens and cucumbers to spoil faster. Store them separately to prolong freshness.

  5. Store Root Vegetables Properly: Keep carrots submerged in water in the fridge for crispness, and store potatoes in a cool, dark place like a pantry. Avoid refrigerating potatoes, as cold temperatures convert their starch into sugar, affecting taste and texture.

By following these tips, you’ll ensure your vegetables stay fresher for longer!

UC Irvine Women's Basketball Defeats Oregon State 60-48, Snaps 25-Year Drought

UC Irvine women’s basketball defeated Oregon State 60-48 at Gill Coliseum, marking their first win over the Beavers since 1999. The Anteaters (7-3) led by as many as 26 points before OSU (3-7) narrowed the gap late in the fourth quarter. Eleven UCI players scored, including Lauryn Madsen and Ines Gnahore, who made their NCAA Division I debuts. Déja Lee and Hunter Hernandez tied for a game-high 11 points, while Olivia Williams added 8 points and 7 rebounds. The Anteaters held OSU to 3-of-17 from beyond the arc and outpaced them with strong defense and timely scoring runs. Up next, UCI faces Oregon on Dec. 19 at 6 p.m. in Eugene.

UCI Anteaters Upcoming Home Games

No further upcoming home games for December

Irvine Valley Men's Basketball Rallies to Defeat Foothill, 86-81, in Monterey Bay Classic

The Irvine Valley men's basketball team secured an 86-81 comeback win over Foothill College in the Monterey Bay Classic consolation final after trailing by 14 points at halftime. Freshman shooting guard Yanis Aldeguer led with 24 points, hitting a perfect 7 of 7 from three-point range. Matt Mowers, named an all-tournament player, contributed crucial free throws late in the game and had standout performances throughout the tournament. Additional strong contributions came from Ammon Allan (15 points, 5 assists), Jackson Jennings (14 points, 3 steals), and Josiah Reed (10 points, 8 rebounds).

🏐🏀 Upcoming home games for the IVC LASERS 

Men’s Basketball

  1. Fri, Dec 20: vs Cypress, 7:00 PM

  2. Mon, Dec 30: vs Alumni, 6:00 PM

Former Woodbridge Coach Aaron Craver Joins University High Football Staff as Defensive Coordinator

Former Woodbridge head football coach Aaron Craver has joined University High School’s varsity football program as senior assistant coach and defensive coordinator, working under head coach Vince Mesa. Craver, who was recently informed by Woodbridge officials he would not return as head coach after five years, expressed gratitude for Mesa’s support during his suspension last season. Craver sees this as a fresh start and values the proximity to his family and youth organization, as his children are set to attend University High. While coaching football at University, Craver will also continue leading Woodbridge’s track and field team in the spring before deciding on his future there.

High School Athletics Calendar

** Updated With December Schedule

Upcoming Irvine High School’s Varsity home games:

December 2024  

Tuesday, December 17

  • 05:00 PM: Water Polo, Girls VR vs. Edison at Woolett Pool

  • 05:00 PM: Soccer, Boys VR vs. University at Irvine High School Stadium

  • 05:30 PM: Basketball, Girls VR vs. Cajon at Irvine High School Game Gym

Suspects Wanted for Stealing $3,372 in Painting Supplies from Irvine Store

Irvine Police are seeking help identifying suspects accused of stealing $3,372 worth of painting supplies, including 98 paintbrushes, buckets, and a paint gun, from Dunn Edwards. If you have any information about the case, contact [email protected].

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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