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Pick Pumpkins, Ride Wagons, and Meet Animals at Tanaka Farms This Weekend

Issue # 0257

Author

Joshua Tjia
27 Sep

In this Irvine Insider Issue . . .

😁 Laugh Of The Day

🌤️ Irvine Weather

📉🎮 Activision Blizzard to Cut 400 Jobs in Irvine and Santa Monica Following Microsoft Merger

🪞🕰️ Find Hidden Treasures at the Lakeview Senior Center Swap Meet This Saturday

🎭🎶 OC Arts Awards Honor Carl St.Clair, Nancy Lee Ruyter, and Local Arts Leaders

🚜🌾 Pick Pumpkins, Ride Wagons, and Meet Animals at Tanaka Farms This Weekend

☀️ Boost Your Vitamin D Levels with These 5 Simple Steps This Fall and Winter

🍂💧 Fall Watering Tips: Cut Your Water Use by 30% This Season

🌳🥾 Hike, Bike, and Explore: Bommer Canyon Opens for One-Day Self-Guided Access

💎 From Novices to Creators: See What Sparkles in Irvine’s Jewelry Fabrication Class

🎼🎼 Upcoming High School Music Calendar

🐈 Exploring Feline Food Allergies: Causes, Clinical Signs, and Dietary Management

🎾 UCI Men’s Tennis: Zamora Powers Through with 6-1, 6-3 Victory at ITA Tournament

⚽️ UC Irvine Soccer Prepares for Aztecs Clash After Big Win Against Utah Tech

🏀🏐🎾⚾ UCI Anteaters Upcoming Home Games

🏀🏀 Upcoming home games for the IVC LASERS

🏈 Woodbridge and Estancia Girls Flag Football Teams Dominate in Key Wins

🏈🎾 High School Athletics Calendar

🚔💵  Four Suspects Arrested in Bank Jugging Theft Following Walmart Burglary

🍏🥭🍑 Local Farmers Markets

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

📅📅 Lots of Local Events

📞💡 Useful Contact Information

What’s a leaf’s favorite sport?

Fall-leyball!

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

Activision Blizzard to Cut 400 Jobs in Irvine and Santa Monica Following Microsoft Merger

Activision Blizzard will lay off nearly 400 employees from its mobile gaming divisions in Santa Monica and Irvine, following last year's $75.4 billion merger with Microsoft. This comes on top of over 1,000 layoffs in the past year. The cuts, which begin in October, will affect various roles including software engineers, game producers, and HR directors across Irvine, Santa Monica, and Playa Vista offices. These layoffs are part of broader cost-cutting measures to eliminate redundant positions post-merger, especially in the mobile gaming sector. All layoffs are expected to be completed by year-end.

Find Hidden Treasures at the Lakeview Senior Center Swap Meet This Saturday

The Lakeview Senior Center will be hosting a Swap Meet on September 28th from 7:00 a.m. to 11:00 a.m., inviting the community to come out and enjoy a morning of shopping. This event offers a chance to explore a variety of items from local sellers as they clear out their garages, closets, and cabinets. It's a great opportunity to find unique treasures and support the local community. Friends and family are encouraged to attend for a fun, bargain-filled morning.

OC Arts Awards Honor Carl St.Clair, Nancy Lee Ruyter, and Local Arts Leaders

The 24th OC Arts Awards, hosted by Arts Orange County, celebrated outstanding contributions to the arts in Orange County. The ceremony at Samueli Theater honored Carl St.Clair, who will step down as Pacific Symphony music director after 35 years, with a lifetime achievement award. UCI dance professor Nancy Lee Ruyter was also recognized for her contributions, with the award accepted on her behalf. The event featured awards for local arts organizations, emerging artists, and arts patrons, including Haskell and White LLP, Orange County Music and Dance, and filmmaker Quyên Nguyen-Le. Performances by local talents, including a moving violin tribute by Dennis Kim, added to the celebration of the county's vibrant arts community.

Pick Pumpkins, Ride Wagons, and Meet Animals at Tanaka Farms This Weekend

Get ready for a fun-filled weekend at Tanaka Farms starting today at 12 PM! Enjoy the return of the cannon, the buzzing bee train, and all your favorite farm games. The Tanka Grill has an expanded menu, and you can pick the perfect pumpkin from the fields. Admission includes unlimited wagon rides and access to the barnyard to meet the animals. Don’t miss out!

Boost Your Vitamin D Levels with These 5 Simple Steps This Fall and Winter

Vitamin D is essential for bone health, immune support, and preventing certain diseases. Deficiency can arise from factors like poor diet, limited sun exposure, digestive disorders, obesity, age, and certain medications. Fall and winter increases the risk due to less sunlight, potentially leading to health issues. Common deficiency symptoms include osteoporosis in older adults.

To boost vitamin D in winter:

  • consume vitamin D-rich foods (e.g., fatty fish, fortified foods)

  • remember to get sun exposure

  • try using a vitamin D lamp

  • exercise regularly

  • consider supplements after consulting a healthcare provider

Fall Watering Tips: Cut Your Water Use by 30% This Season

During the fall, plant water needs have drop by about 30%, even if temperatures remain high. Shorter days and the dormant phase of plants mean less evaporation and lower water requirements. The Irvine Ranch Water District (IRWD) advises adjusting sprinklers—water lawns four days a week with two 3-minute cycles, and climate-appropriate plants two days a week. IRWD also offers tools like Log-a-Leak to report water waste, plus rebates for water-efficient devices and incentives for swapping lawns for drought-tolerant plants. Learn more at irwd.com.

Hike, Bike, and Explore: Bommer Canyon Opens for One-Day Self-Guided Access

Bommer Canyon Exploration Day (Oct 11, 8:00 AM - 1:00 PM) offers self-guided access to Irvine’s Open Space Preserve for hiking and biking, including trails typically reserved for guided activities. Registration is required, and parking is available at Bommer Canyon Cattle Camp. The event is family-friendly, and trail maps and updates will be provided.

From Novices to Creators: See What Sparkles in Irvine’s Jewelry Fabrication Class

The Irvine Fine Arts Center is excited to see new skills and passions develop during their classes. Recently, participants in the Beginning Jewelry Fabrication class for adults showcased impressive pieces they created after eight weeks of learning jewelry-making techniques and using specialized equipment. Most students started with little to no prior experience. For those interested in exploring their own creativity, more classes are available at cityofirvine.org/yourirvine.

#IrvineFineArtsCenter #IrvineArts #YourIrvine #JewelryFabrication

Upcoming Northwood High School’s Music Calendar

  1. Tue, October 8, 7:00-8:00 PM: Vocal Music Fall Concert at NHS Theater.

  2. Wed, October 9, 7:00-8:30 PM: Instrumental Music Fall Concert at NHS Theater.

  3. Thu, October 10, 7:00-8:30 PM: Instrumental Music Fall Concert at NHS Theater.

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

Upcoming University High School's Choirs Calendar

  1. Thu & Fri, October 17 & 18, 7:00 PM: Songs & Stories at Big Theater.

  2. Thu, December 5, 7:00 PM: A Winter Celebration at Big Theater.

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

Upcoming Woodbridge High School's Music Calendar

  1. Wed, November 6, 7:00 PM: IUSD Band Spectacular.

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

Upcoming Woodbridge High School’s Vocal Music Calendar

  1. Thu, October 17, 7:00 PM: Fall Concert at WHS Performing Arts Center.

  2. Wed, October 30, 7:00 PM: IUSD High School Vocal Festival at Portola HS.

  3. Tue, November 5, 1:00 PM: Concordia Treble Chorus Festival, TBD.

  4. Fri, December 6, 7:00 PM: Winter Celebration Concert at WHS Performing Arts Center.

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

Upcoming Irvine High School's Music Calendar

  1. Tue, October 29, 7:00-9:30 PM: Autumn Serenade

  2. 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

Exploring Feline Food Allergies: Causes, Clinical Signs, and Dietary Management

Food allergies in cats occur when the immune system reacts to specific proteins in their food, commonly found in beef, chicken, fish, and dairy.

  • Symptoms typically include chronic itching, skin inflammation, over-grooming, and sometimes gastrointestinal issues like vomiting or diarrhea.

  • Diagnosis involves a strict elimination diet trial where the cat eats only prescribed foods, followed by a food challenge to confirm the allergy.

  • While food allergies cannot be cured, they are managed by avoiding the triggering ingredients.

  • Long-term dietary control, often involving veterinary-recommended diets, helps manage symptoms and improve the cat's quality of life.

UCI Men’s Tennis: Zamora Powers Through with 6-1, 6-3 Victory at ITA Tournament

Senior Noah Zamora advanced in the ITA All-American Championships consolation bracket with a dominant 6-1, 6-3 win over Tulsa's Reiya Komagata at the Case Tennis Center. After losing the first game, Zamora won six straight to take the first set and secured a key break in the second to close the match with an ace. He will face No. 64 Miguel Perez Pena from the University of Georgia in the Round of 32. The top eight quarterfinalists and two consolation finalists will qualify for the NCAA Singles Championship in November.

UC Irvine Soccer Prepares for Aztecs Clash After Big Win Against Utah Tech

UC Irvine's men's soccer team had a standout performance recently, highlighted by Agaton Pourshahidi's hat trick in their win over Utah Tech, marking the first Anteater hat trick in 270 matches. The team put up 27 shots, including 14 on goal—the most in the Big West this season and the most for UCI since 2018. Goalkeeper Alex Shields averages 4.0 saves per match, and Pourshahidi earned his first Big West Offensive Player of the Week award. The team leads in several offensive metrics and is set to face San Diego State, with UCI unbeaten in their last four home matches against the Aztecs.

UCI Anteaters Upcoming Home Games

Men's Soccer

  • Sat, Sep 28: vs San Diego State, 6:00 PM

Women's Soccer

  • Sun, Sep 29: vs CSUN, 1:00 PM

Men's Water Polo

  • Fri, Sep 27: vs California, 1:00 PM

  • Sat, Sep 28: vs Stanford, 12:00 PM

🏐⚽🏀 Upcoming home games for the IVC LASERS

Women's Volleyball

  1. Fri, Sep 27: vs Golden West, 6:00 PM

Woodbridge and Estancia Girls Flag Football Teams Dominate in Key Wins

Woodbridge (13-5, 8-0) defeated Rosary 19-6 in a physical game, with Laney Brucker and Zoey Ceman connecting for three touchdowns. Woodbridge's defense, led by Morgan Moore with three sacks and Ceman with an interception, shut down Rosary after their first drive.

Estancia (12-4) won 13-0 against Orange, with quarterback Jaydin McClure completing 18 of 28 passes for 121 yards. Aisleen Avalos had a standout game, scoring a touchdown and returning an interception 80 yards. Estancia clinched a CIF playoff berth earlier in the week.

High School Athletics Calendar

** Updated With September Schedule

Upcoming Irvine High School’s Varsity home games:

September 2024

Friday, September 27  

  • Water Polo, Boys VR - S&R Tournament at Woolett Pool

Saturday, September 28

  • Water Polo, Boys VR - S&R Tournament at Woolett Pool

Monday, September 30

  • 04:00 PM: Golf, Girls VR vs. Portola at Oak Creek Golf Course

Four Suspects Arrested in Bank Jugging Theft Following Walmart Burglary

Last week, a man withdrew money from a bank, left it in his car, and went shopping at Walmart. A suspect smashed his car window and stole bags containing cash and personal items. Thanks to a witness who reported the burglary and tracked the suspects, police stopped their vehicle in Fountain Valley. Four suspects were arrested and booked for burglary and conspiracy: Christopher Mark Williams (26), Camran Newtt Lorenzo (23), Jailyn Lamuir Blackmon (18), and Arthur Ephraim Brown (25). This crime, called "bank jugging," involves thieves targeting people leaving banks with cash. Always be cautious and never leave money in your car.

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

September 14 - October 31 Pumpkin Patch at Tanka Farms

September 26 - 28 Rachmaninoff & Beethoven 8:00 PM

September 28 Swap Meet at Lakeview Senior Center 7 AM - 11 AM

September 28 Silent Disco 6 PM - 9 PM

September 28 - 29 CanJam SoCal 2024

October 17 - 19 Classical Spooktacular 8 PM

October 20 Fantastic Symphony 3 PM

October 24 Esmé Quartet 7 PM

October 26 Monster Splash 2024 1 PM - 5 PM

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