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Over 200 IUSD Students Chosen for Regional Band and Orchestra Honors

Issue # 0568

Author

Joshua Tjia
12 Feb

In this Irvine Insider Issue . . .

😁 Laugh of the Day

🌤️ Irvine Weather

🏙️📚 City Council Votes to Expand Public Input on Irvine Library Master Plan

🚓💵 Irvine Police Investigate Discovery of Counterfeit $100 Bills at Local Grocery Store

🎾🌟 From Heritage Park to the World Stage: Learner Tien Claims Next Gen ATP Title

🧋🍕 Crispy, Cheesy, and New: Tastea’s Pizza Rollz Are Here

🎶⭐️ Over 200 IUSD Students Chosen for Regional Band and Orchestra Honors

😷 5 Simple Ways to Prevent Winter Sore Throats and Stay Comfortable

🌳🧘‍♀️  Stretch, Breathe, and Stroll: Sunset Yoga Hike at Orchard Hills, Feb. 18

🩰 World Ballet Company Presents Swan Lake With Live Orchestra, Feb. 24-25

🎼🎼 Upcoming High School Music Calendar

🐕 Meet Jaxson: A People-Loving Pup Ready for His Forever Home

🎾 Women’s Tennis: Maily Huynh Named Anteater of the Week

🏀🏐🎾⚽️ UCI Anteaters Upcoming Home Games

⚾️ Irvine Valley Baseball Rises to No. 12 to in State Rankings, Remains Unbeaten at 8–0

🏀🏀 Upcoming home games for the IVC LASERS

🏈🎾 High School Athletics Calendar

🚔🚨 Irvine Police Respond to Barricade Situation Involving Armed Suspect

🍏🥭🍑 Local Farmers Markets

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

📅📅 Lots of Local Events

📞💡 Useful Contact Information

What did the elephant say to his Valentine?

I love you tons!

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

City Council Votes to Expand Public Input on Irvine Library Master Plan

The Irvine City Council voted 4–2 to direct staff to create a library advisory commission to gather community input as the city develops a new library master plan, following its exit from the county library system seven months ago due to rising costs. The council also unanimously agreed to explore purchasing the University Park library building from the county, though no cost estimates were provided. Mayor Larry Agran opposed forming a new committee before the master plan is completed, while other council members and residents supported an advisory body to provide broader, more accessible public input.

Irvine Police Investigate Discovery of Counterfeit $100 Bills at Local Grocery Store

Irvine police are investigating after counterfeit $100 bills containing a white powder were found inside and outside an Albertsons grocery store, prompting a hazmat response. Two employees who discovered the bills reported dizziness and were taken to the hospital as a precaution, and testing later found traces of ephedrine. A similar discovery was reported days later in a shopping cart outside the store. The bills are undergoing further testing, police are urging caution, and Albertsons is cooperating with the investigation.

From Heritage Park to the World Stage: Learner Tien Claims Next Gen ATP Title

Irvine native Learner Tien captured the 2026 Next Gen ATP Finals in Jeddah, Saudi Arabia, a prestigious season-ending tournament for the world’s top eight men’s players age 20 and under. After dropping his opening match, Tien rallied with three straight wins to reach the final, where he defeated Belgium’s Alexander Blockx in straight sets. The 20-year-old, who grew up playing at Heritage Park, entered the season with a career-high ATP singles ranking of No. 26 and recently became the youngest American man to reach the Australian Open quarterfinals since 2002, cementing his status as one of tennis’ rising stars.

Crispy, Cheesy, and New: Tastea’s Pizza Rollz Are Here

Tastea just dropped a new savory snack—Pizza Rollz. These crispy, fried rolls are stuffed with melty mozzarella, pepperoni, and classic pizza sauce, making them a cheesy, grab-and-go treat for pizza lovers.

Over 200 IUSD Students Chosen for Regional Band and Orchestra Honors

More than 200 Irvine Unified School District students—from elementary through high school—earned spots in the prestigious SCSBOA Honor Groups after a highly competitive audition process against students from across Southern California. Following weeks of intensive preparation, these musicians proudly showcased their talent at the recent SCSBOA Conference, highlighting IUSD’s strong commitment to arts education.

5 Simple Ways to Prevent Winter Sore Throats and Stay Comfortable

Sore throats are more common in winter due to cold temperatures, low humidity, and increased spread of viruses. They can affect speaking, swallowing, and sleep, making everyday activities uncomfortable. Understanding common causes and prevention strategies can help reduce the risk and severity of sore throats during the winter months.

Prevention Tips:

  • Practice good hygiene: Wash hands often with soap and water for at least 20 seconds to limit the spread of germs.

  • Stay hydrated: Drink plenty of water and warm liquids to keep the throat moist and reduce irritation.

  • Use a humidifier: Add moisture to indoor air to prevent throat dryness caused by winter heating.

  • Avoid irritants: Limit exposure to smoke, strong cleaning products, and other airborne irritants.

  • Support your immune system: Eat a balanced diet rich in vitamins C and D, get enough sleep, and exercise regularly to help your body fight infections.

Stretch, Breathe, and Stroll: Sunset Yoga Hike at Orchard Hills, Feb. 18

Unwind with a Sunset Yoga Hike at Orchard Hills on Wednesday, Feb. 18, from 4–6 p.m. This gentle 2-mile, level-2 hike (300 ft elevation gain) includes a warm-up walk through an avocado orchard followed by a slow, beginner-friendly yoga flow in nature focused on breath and relaxation.

World Ballet Company Presents Swan Lake With Live Orchestra, Feb. 24-25

World Ballet Company brings Swan Lake to the stage with a live orchestra on Tuesday, Feb. 24 and Wednesday, Feb. 25, at 7 p.m at the Irvine Barclay Theatre.

  • This classic ballet features 50 international dancers, 150+ hand-sewn costumes, and stunning sets, bringing Tchaikovsky’s iconic score to life.

  • Based in Los Angeles, World Ballet Company is known for making ballet accessible to all, with performances that appeal to both first-time audiences and seasoned fans.

Upcoming Northwood High School’s Music Calendar

  1. February 11-14: Musical -Mean Girls, NHS Theater

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

Upcoming Woodbridge High School's Music Calendar

No further events scheduled for this month.

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

Upcoming Woodbridge High School’s Vocal Music Calendar

  1. February 26-28, TBD: Cinderella, WHS Performing Arts Center

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

Upcoming Irvine High Choral’s Music Calendar

  1. February 21: CSUF SSAA Festival, CSU-Fullerton

  2. February 25-28, 7:00 PM: Seussical, IHS PAC

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

Upcoming Portola High School Music’s Calendar

No further events scheduled for this month.

For the latest updates or additional details, please visit https://www.phsmusicbooster.org/buy-ticket

Meet Jaxson: A People-Loving Pup Ready for His Forever Home

Meet Jaxson, a high-energy, people-loving dog at the Irvine Animal Care Center who thrives around humans. While he’s still learning dog-to-dog manners and can get overexcited, Jaxson shines with structure, training, and consistency. He’s best suited for an experienced adopter or foster ready to help him channel his energy and build confidence.

Weekday adoptions are open noon–5 p.m., and more info is available at cityofirvine.org/animals.

Women’s Tennis: Maily Huynh Named Anteater of the Week

Sophomore Maily Huynh was named Anteater of the Week after going undefeated in singles and doubles, helping UC Irvine secure wins over Santa Clara and UC Davis.

UCI Anteaters Upcoming Home Games

Women’s Basketball

  • Thu, Feb 12 – vs Cal Poly, 6:00 PM

Men’s Basketball

  • Sat, Feb 14 – vs Cal State Fullerton, 7:00 PM

Women’s Water Polo

  • Fri, Feb 13 – vs Stanford, 12:00 PM

  • Sat, Feb 14 – vs Barbara Kalbus Invitational, TBA

  • Sun, Feb 15 – vs Barbara Kalbus Invitational, TBA

Irvine Valley Baseball Rises to No. 12 to in State Rankings, Remains Unbeaten at 8–0

Irvine Valley College baseball surged 17 spots to No. 12 in the CCCBCA Home Run 30 after starting the season 8–0, including a 6–4 win over Ventura and a dominant sweep of Cerro Coso. The Lasers are one of just four undefeated teams statewide.

🏐⚽🏀 Upcoming home games for the IVC LASERS 

Women's Basketball

  • Thu, Feb 12 - vs Orange Coast, 7:00 PM

Men’s Volleyball

  • Fri, Feb 13 - vs El Camino, 6:00 PM

High School Athletics Calendar

**

Updated With February Schedule

Upcoming Irvine High School’s Varsity home games:

February 2026

Thursday, February 12

  • Beach Volleyball, Girls - 3:30 PM vs Esperanza

Irvine Police Respond to Barricade Situation Involving Armed Suspect

Irvine police responded Wednesday afternoon to a barricade situation involving a man armed with a machete inside a condominium near the intersection of Terrapin and Cadence.

  • The suspect prevented family members, including juveniles, from leaving the residence while remaining on the first floor.

  • Officers rescued four relatives from the third floor after approximately one hour using a ladder.

  • The suspect remained inside as Irvine Police Department SWAT officers secured the area and negotiators attempted contact.

  • Police stated they were using loudspeakers and distraction devices and were working to resolve the situation safely and peacefully.

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

February 12 Free Grocery Food Box 9 AM - 12 PM

February 14 Hide & Squeak 6th Anniversary 11 AM - 2 PM

February 14 - 15 Modern Makers Mart: Woodbury Town Center 10 AM - 4 PM

February 15 America 250 3 PM

February 19 - 21 UCI Dance Visions 2026

February 21 IUSD Recycling Event 9 AM - 12 PM

February 21 IRWD Community Tour 10 AM - 2 PM

February 21 Lunar New Year 8 PM

February 26 - 28 From Mozart to Mahler 8 PM

February 28 Peter and the Wolf

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