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Orange County's $4 Billion Traffic Transformation: Freeways and Toll Roads Set for Major Overhaul

Issue # 0122

Author

Joshua Tjia
18 Mar

In this Irvine Insider Issue . . .

😁 Laugh Of The Day

🌤️ Irvine Weather

📄✍🏻 Vision Irvine 2045: City Calls for Community Input on General Plan and Environmental Forecast

🚗🛣️ Orange County's $4 Billion Traffic Transformation: Freeways and Toll Roads Set for Major Overhaul

🩸💉 Join UCI Health's Lifesaving Mission: Blood Drive at Huntington Beach Library

🥾🐾 Explore Again: Irvine Trails Partially Reopened Post-Winter Repairs

🐕‍🦺🐾❤️Paws, Play, Love: Discover How Fetch! Pet Care Brings Joy to Your Pet Friends

🏆📖 IUSD Students Shine at History Day, Winning Top Honors and Special Awards

🌙🎉 Experience the Magic of Persian New Year, Spring Equinox, Purim, and Holi at Pretend City

🥦🥬🥝 Dive Into Green: The Ultimate Guide to Boosting Your Health With Nature's Best

🐍🌸 Stay Safe: Spring Ushers in Snake Season at Irvine Ranch Natural Landmarks

📘✂️ Discover How to Create Your Own Artist Booklet at Great Park’s Upcoming Workshop

🎼🎼 Upcoming High School Music Calendar

🐱 Oliver, the Playful Senior Cat, Seeks a Forever Home - Adoption Fee Waived for Seniors

🏀⛹🏽 UC Irvine Men's Basketball Takes On No. 2 Seed Utah in NIT Showdown

🏀UCI Women's Basketball Win Second Big West Championship After 29 Years

🏀🏐🎾⚾ UCI Anteaters Upcoming Home Games

🤽‍♀️💦 Concordia Women's Water Polo Secures Memorable Win on Senior Night

⚽️Irvine Valley Soccer Star Grant Miller Signs with UC Riverside

🏀🏀 Upcoming home games for the IVC LASERS

🤽🏼‍♂️ Northwood High's Water Polo Player Michael Abshier Takes His Talents to Cal Baptist University

🏈🎾 High School Athletics Calendar

🍏🥭🍑 Local Farmers Markets

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

📅📅 Lots of Local Events

📞💡 Useful Contact Information

Why shouldn’t you iron a four-leaf clover?

You would be pressing your luck!

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

Vision Irvine 2045: City Calls for Community Input on General Plan and Environmental Forecast

Irvine is updating its General Plan for the next 25+ years, including a Draft Program Environmental Impact Report for public review until April 29 at 5 p.m. Feedback is encouraged and can be viewed online at irvine2045.org, Irvine City Hall, and various local libraries. Comments can be submitted by mail or email.

#WeAreIrvine #Irvine2045

Orange County's $4 Billion Traffic Transformation: Freeways and Toll Roads Set for Major Overhaul

Over $4 billion is being allocated to enhance more than 28 miles of freeways and toll roads in Orange County, aiming to significantly improve traffic flow. The project includes the recent widening of 16 miles of I-405, with plans to add lanes to 12 miles of I-5 and the 55 freeway, alongside constructing a new Express Connector linking the 241 toll road to the 91 Express Lanes. The I-405 expansion, costing $2.2 billion, added two lanes in each direction and revamped 18 bridges and numerous ramps, cutting travel time significantly. Upcoming projects, fueled by federal and state funds plus a local sales tax, include a $664 million enhancement of I-5, adding lanes and improving ramps, and a $475 million widening of the 55 freeway to boost access to key destinations. Additionally, a $423 million 241/91 Express Connector project is set to begin, aimed at easing transitions between toll roads and reducing freeway congestion, with completion expected by 2027.

Join UCI Health's Lifesaving Mission: Blood Drive at Huntington Beach Library

Orange County is facing a severe blood shortage. UCI Health is hosting a blood drive on March 23, 9 a.m.-3 p.m., at Huntington Beach Public Library. Donors get a $5 gift card and a T-shirt. Register in advance at https://bit.ly/3Cff6cV.

Explore Again: Irvine Trails Partially Reopened Post-Winter Repairs

Trails in the Open Space Preserve are now open after a month-long closure due to a wet winter. However, West Fork, Bommer Pass, and Turtle Ridge trails remain closed for repairs but are expected to reopen within a week. For more details, visit cityofirvine.org/trails.

#WeAreIrvine

Local Business Spotlight Feature

Paws, Play, Love: Discover How Fetch! Pet Care Brings Joy to Your Pet Friends

In this week's edition of the Irvine Insider, we shine the spotlight on Fetch! Pet Care, a standout local business dedicated to providing compassionate and reliable pet care services in Irvine and the surrounding areas. Fetch! Pet Care has quickly become a cherished part of our community, offering a beacon of trust and love for pets and their owners.

The Story Behind Fetch! Pet Care

After a long career in Corporate America and a desire for change, the founder of Fetch! Pet Care embarked on a journey of entrepreneurship, fueled by a passion for animals and a vision to deliver the best pet care services around. This journey led to the creation of the OC Central location of Fetch! Pet Care, where the mission is to love and care for pets as if they were their own.

Why Choose Fetch! Pet Care

Fetch! Pet Care sets itself apart with a wide array of services designed to meet every pet's unique needs, including dog walking, pet sitting, "almost" overnight care, and much more. Here's what makes Fetch! Pet Care the go-to choice for pet owners:

  1. Experienced and Trustworthy Staff: Each sitter is thoroughly vetted, bonded, and insured, ensuring your pet is in safe and loving hands.

  2. Personalized Care: Offering a free in-home consultation to ensure a perfect fit between your pet and their sitter.

  3. Consistent Care: The option to request the same trusted sitter every time, providing familiarity and consistency for your pet.

  4. Stay Connected: Through the Pet Journal, you'll receive updates, texts, and pictures of your pet, keeping you connected while you're away.

  5. Convenient Scheduling: Easily schedule services through phone, email, website, or app, tailored to your needs.

Top Questions to Consider When Hiring a Pet Sitter

When it comes to hiring a pet sitter, it's crucial to make informed decisions. Fetch! Pet Care addresses your top concerns with transparency and dedication:

  • Q1: Are your pet sitters insured? Yes, our sitters are not only bonded and insured but are also passionate about providing the best care.

  • Q2: What services do you offer? From dog walking to "almost" overnight care, we offer a wide range of services. Visit our website for a complete listing.

  • Q3: How can I schedule a pet service? Schedule effortlessly through our app, phone, email, or website, tailored to your convenience.

  • Q4: Will you meet me and my pet before the scheduled service? Absolutely, we offer a free in-home consultation to ensure a great fit and peace of mind.

  • Q5: How do you operate? We provide personalized care in the comfort of your home or hotel, keeping you updated through our Pet Journal.

Community Involvement and Future Plans

Fetch! Pet Care is not just about services; it's about building a community. Through volunteering and participation in local events, they're dedicated to growing brand awareness and continuing to provide quality care to pets in Irvine and beyond.

Special Promotion

Mention “Irvine Insider” for a new customer promotion to save $20 on your first 3 pet visits, valid until 03/31/2024. It's an excellent opportunity for your pets to experience the love and care Fetch! Pet Care offers.

Stay Connected

Learn more about Fetch! Pet Care and how they can serve you and your furry family members by visiting https://occentral.fetchpetcare.com/. Follow them on Facebook and Instagram for updates and engaging pet content.

Fetch! Pet Care embodies everything a pet care service should be – compassionate, reliable, and deeply rooted in the community. Whether you need a trusted companion for your pet while you're away or are looking for a community-minded business to support, Fetch! Pet Care is ready to serve you and your furry family members.

IUSD Students Shine at History Day, Winning Top Honors and Special Awards

At the National History Day-Orange County, 48 out of 72 finalist projects from IUSD schools won top honors and will compete in the state competition in Sacramento. The event, organized by the Orange County Department of Education, featured over 180 projects on "Turning Points in History." IUSD projects also received special awards, including the Moulton Museum Award and the Holocaust Education Center Award. More details at iusd.org/NHD-OC2024.

Experience the Magic of Persian New Year, Spring Equinox, Purim, and Holi at Pretend City

Celebrate cultural events at Pretend City with activities for Persian New Year (3/20), making bouquets for Spring Equinox (3/21), dressing up for Purim (3/23), and creating Holi powder followed by a Bharatnatyam performance by Ria and Nina (3/24).

Dive Into Green: The Ultimate Guide to Boosting Your Health With Nature's Best

Celebrate National Nutrition Month by embracing the health benefits of green foods. Focus on incorporating spinach, broccoli, kale, and mint into your diet for a variety of health boosts.

  • Spinach:

    • Rich in Vitamin K and antioxidants.

    • Supports blood clotting and bone health.

    • Reduces disease risks.

    • Versatile in smoothies, shakes, pasta, and salads.

  • Broccoli:

    • Provides over 75% of daily Vitamin K and 90% of Vitamin C needs per cup.

    • Contains folate, manganese, and potassium.

    • Rich in phytochemicals for inflammation reduction.

    • Can be enjoyed raw, steamed, or roasted.

  • Kale:

    • Low in calories, high in fiber.

    • Packed with potassium, calcium, copper, vitamins A, B, C, and K.

    • Benefits blood pressure, cholesterol, and blood sugar levels.

  • Mint:

    • Supports weight loss, blood sugar regulation, and hormonal balance.

    • Relieves bloating, nausea, and constipation.

    • Great as a natural water flavoring or cooking herb.

    • Note: May trigger symptoms for GERD patients.

Stay Safe: Spring Ushers in Snake Season at Irvine Ranch Natural Landmarks

Spring in Orange County brings warmer weather and increased wildlife activity, including more snake sightings on the Irvine Ranch Natural Landmarks. It's crucial to know how to safely encounter snakes during this season. The Irvine Ranch Conservancy emphasizes the importance of all snakes in natural habitats and encourages education on identifying venomous and non-venomous snakes to reduce bite risks and fears. For more information, visit their latest blog.

Discover How to Create Your Own Artist Booklet at Great Park’s Upcoming Workshop

Create your own artist booklet at a free, family-friendly workshop on Saturday, March 23, 1–3 p.m., at Great Park Hangar 244. Inspired by the “Natural Language: Contemporary Book Art” exhibition, the “How to Booklet: Sharing Your Knowledge” workshop offers a chance to learn bookmaking and express yourself through art, suitable for all ages. No registration needed. Details at yourgreatpark.org/arts.

#GreatParkGallery #ArtistBooklet #FreeWorkshop #FamilyFun #Irvine #CreativeExpression #YourGreatPark #WeAreIrvine

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 March.

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

Upcoming Woodbridge High School’s Vocal Music Calendar

  1. March 22nd, 7 PM: Spring Concert

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

  3. 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 March.

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

Upcoming Irvine High School's Choral Calendar

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

  11. 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

Oliver, the Playful Senior Cat, Seeks a Forever Home - Adoption Fee Waived for Seniors

Meet Oliver, a playful and young-at-heart senior cat looking for a loving, interactive home. His adoption fee is waived for adopters 62+ through the Seniors Helping Seniors program. Learn more about adoption at irvineanimals.org/adopt.

#SeniorSaturday #AdoptDontShop

See video

UC Irvine Men's Basketball Takes On No. 2 Seed Utah in NIT Showdown

UC Irvine is set to face No. 2 seed Utah in the NIT's first round on Tuesday night in Salt Lake City, marking their 10th historical matchup and first since December 2008. The game, starting at 8:00 p.m. PT, will be broadcast on ESPN2. The winner will advance to play against the victor of the Iowa-Kansas State game. UC Irvine, under 14th-year coach Russell Turner, finished the regular season 24-9, securing the Big West title for the second consecutive year. Utah, coached by Craig Smith in his third season, ended their season at 19-14 and was eliminated in the Pac-12 quarterfinals by Colorado. Utah boasts a strong home record of 14-2. This game marks UC Irvine's second straight NIT appearance, adding to their history of participation in the tournament in 1982, 1986, 2001, 2002, 2014, 2017, and 2023, with a mix of wins and losses across those years.

UCI Women's Basketball Win Second Big West Championship After 29 Years

The UC Irvine women's basketball team, seeded second, won the 2024 Hercules Tires Big West Championship by defeating the fifth-seeded UC Davis with a score of 53-39. This victory marks UC Irvine's second conference tournament title, their first since 1995. The win secures them an automatic bid to the NCAA Tournament, with their next opponent to be announced during the Selection Show. Junior Déja Lee was named the tournament's Most Valuable Player, leading the game with 21 points. The team showcased a strong performance, with significant contributions from Moulayna Johnson Sidi Baba and Diaba Konate, among others. This win extends UC Irvine's winning streak to six games and represents their third consecutive national postseason tournament appearance.

UCI Anteaters Upcoming Home Games

Baseball

  1. Fri, Mar 22: vs Cal State Bakersfield, 6:00 PM

  2. Sat, Mar 23: vs Cal State Bakersfield, 1:00 PM

  3. Sun, Mar 24: vs Cal State Bakersfield, 1:00 PM

Men's Tennis

  1. Sat, Mar 23: vs Gonzaga, 11:00 AM

Men's Volleyball

  1. Sat, Mar 30: vs CSUN, 6:00 PM

Women's Tennis

  1. Sun, Mar 24: vs CSUN, 12:00 PM

Women's Water Polo

  1. Tue, Mar 26: vs Brown, 4:00 PM

Men's Track & Field

  1. Fri, Mar 29: vs Vince O'Boyle Track & Field Classic, All Day

  2. Sat, Mar 30: vs Vince O'Boyle Track & Field Classic, All Day

Women's Track & Field

  1. Fri, Mar 29: vs Vince O'Boyle Track & Field Classic, All Day

  2. Sat, Mar 30: vs Vince O'Boyle Track & Field Classic, All Day

Concordia Women's Water Polo Secures Memorable Win on Senior Night

Concordia University's women's water polo team defeated Bucknell 9-7 on senior night at Woollett Aquatics Complex, improving to a 10-13 record. Seniors Melinna Galbraith, Tamsyn Evezard, and Andie Perreira each scored two goals. Samantha Rainey made three blocks in the first half, while Jaden Soto saved 10 shots in the second half. Perreira also contributed with three exclusions and four field blocks. Despite being down 5-3 at halftime, Concordia outscored Bucknell 6-2 in the second half. Coach Casey Greenawalt praised the team's focus, execution, and strong defense led by the seniors. The next home game is against Fresno State on April 6 at the Woollett Center.

Irvine Valley Soccer Star Grant Miller Signs with UC Riverside

Grant Miller, a standout sophomore from Irvine Valley College's men's soccer team, has committed to UC Riverside, a Division I school in the Big West Conference. During his last season at IVC, he played a key role in achieving a 12-4-6 overall record and a 7-1-6 record in the Orange Empire Conference, earning all-state honors, a second-team spot on the United Soccer Coaches Junior College Men's Scholar All-American list, and a first-team all-conference selection. Irvine Valley finished second in the conference and reached the So. Cal. Regional Playoff final. Miller started 21 matches, leading the team with 17 goals and tying for the lead in points with 37, including seven game-winning goals. Notably, he scored twice in key victories over Orange Coast and Santiago Canyon, and again in a win against Cypress. With 70 points over two seasons, Miller ranks among the top scorers in Irvine Valley history. He now joins a UC Riverside team that had a 3-9-5 overall record but showed promise with three conference wins.

🏐⚽🏀 Upcoming home games for the IVC LASERS

Baseball

  1. Thu, Mar 21: vs Cypress, 2:00 PM

  2. Tue, Mar 26: vs LA Harbor, 2:00 PM

Men’s Tennis

  1. Tue, Mar 19: vs Fullerton, 2:00 PM

  2. Tue, Mar 26: vs Riverside, Tentatively rescheduled for 3/26 or 3/27, 2:00 PM

  3. Thu, Mar 28: vs Gustavus Adolphus, 2:00 PM

Men’s Volleyball

  1. Fri, Mar 15: vs Santiago Canyon *, 6:00 PM

  2. Fri, Mar 29: vs Golden West *, 6:00 PM

Northwood High's Water Polo Player Michael Abshier Takes His Talents to Cal Baptist University

Michael Abshier, a record-setting water polo player from Northwood High, is set to play at Cal Baptist University in Division 1. Inspired by his father, a former UC Irvine player, Abshier excelled in water polo from a young age, setting numerous records at Northwood for goals, steals, and ejections drawn. His performance peaked with a championship win and MVP title at the Chino Hills Tournament. Abshier, who plans to study aviation, credits his success to his family's support and his dedication to the sport.

High School Athletics Calendar -

** Updated With February Schedule

Upcoming Irvine High School’s Varsity home games:

March 2024

Monday, 18

  • 3:00 PM - Beach Volleyball, Girls VR vs. Tarbut V Torah at Deerfield Park Beach Courts

  • 3:30 PM - Softball, VR vs. University at Irvine High School Softball Field

  • 5:00 PM - Lacrosse, Girls VR vs. Laguna Hills at Irvine High School Stadium

Tuesday, 19

  • 3:30 PM - Golf, Boys VR vs. Laguna Hills

  • 5:15 PM - Volleyball, Boys VR vs. Woodbridge at Irvine High School Game Gym

Wednesday, 20

  • 3:30 PM - Softball, VR vs. Woodbridge at Irvine High School Softball Field

  • 3:30 PM - Baseball, VR vs. Northwood High School at Irvine High School Baseball Field

  • 7:00 PM - Lacrosse, Boys VR vs. Portola at Irvine High School Stadium

Thursday, 21

  • 2:00 PM - Beach Volleyball, Girls VR vs. Crean Lutheran at Deerfield Park Beach Courts

  • 3:15 PM - Tennis, Boys VR vs. Sage Hill at Irvine High School Heritage Park

Friday, 22

  • 5:00 PM - Lacrosse, Girls VR vs. Sage Hill at Irvine High School Stadium

Monday, 25

  • 7:00 PM - Lacrosse, Boys VR vs. Northwood High School at Irvine High School Stadium

Tuesday, 26

  • 3:15 PM - Tennis, Boys VR vs. University at Irvine High School Heritage Park

  • 3:30 PM - Baseball, VR vs. University at Irvine High School Baseball Field

Wednesday, 27

  • 3:30 PM - Swimming & Diving, Boys VR vs. Northwood High School at Woollett Pool

  • 3:30 PM - Swimming & Diving, Girls VR vs. Northwood High School at Woollett Pool

Thursday, 28

  • 3:15 PM - Tennis, Boys VR vs. Woodbridge at Irvine High School Heritage Park

  • 3:30 PM - Golf, Boys VR vs. Sage Hill

Friday, 29

  • 3:30 PM - Baseball, VR vs. University at Irvine High School Baseball Field

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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