In this Irvine Insider Issue . . .

😁 Laugh Of The Day

💌💐 Happy New Year: Letter from the Editor

🌤️ Irvine Weather

🚨⚡🚲 Police Urge Caution and Research Before E-Bike Purchases Amidst Rising Safety Concerns

🍊🏮⚪ Tanaka Farms Rings in 2024 with Traditional Mochitsuki Festival

💧💦 Discover OC Sanitation's Massive Trickling Filters used for Advanced Wastewater Purification

🌏📚 Join the Chinese Storytime and Activities at South Coast Chinese Cultural Center

⚕🔝  Explore 2023's Top Health Stories: Breakthroughs and Must-Read’s from UCI Health's Live Well Series

🌳🧘‍♀️ Serenity and Exercise: Join Baker Canyon's Morning Yoga Hike

🎶🎟 Pacific Symphony: Enjoy Your Favorite Concerts with Easy Ticket Exchange

🎼🎼 Upcoming High School Music Calendar

🏀✨ UCI Celebrates as Déja Lee Bags Big West Women's Basketball Player of the Week Title

🏀 UCI Men's Basketball Blazes Past Cal State Bakersfield with Stellar Second-Half Performance

🤽‍♂️⚽🏐 UCI Anteaters Upcoming Home Games

🏀⭐ Freshman Ammon Allan Shines as Irvine Valley's Athlete of the Week

🏐⚽🏀 Upcoming home games for the IVC LASERS

🏀🏆 Woodbridge High Boys Basketball Defies Odds, Clinches First Championship Since 2014

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

👮‍♂️✋ Irvine Residents Advised to Give with Discretion to Street Solicitors Amid Fraud and Wealth Revelations

📅📅 Lots of Local Events

Happy New Year to Our Valued Subscribers

By Joshua Tjia, Editor

As we step into a new year, I am filled with gratitude and would like to sincerely thank each of you for your constant support. In a mere three months, our newsletter has evolved into a trusted news source for individuals across the city. Witnessing the engagement of thousands in Irvine with our daily emails and Facebook updates is truly encouraging.

The inception of our newsletter in September 2023 was a leap of faith. Having been a resident of Irvine for many years, I recognized the growing challenge of accessing diverse information amidst our city's expansion. The Irvine Insider was thus created with a simple yet profound aim: to provide our readers with succinct news and stories each morning. Our vision is to offer a quick, informative read that you can enjoy with your morning coffee, setting a knowledgeable tone for your day.

Your feedback and participation in our polls have been invaluable, and I am deeply thankful to our subscribers for your insights and opinions on various topics.

Your support has been a cornerstone of our journey, and I am excited and optimistic about what the future holds.

Looking ahead to 2024, our commitment at Irvine Insider is unwavering. We aim to keep you well-informed and connected with the latest developments and narratives in our cherished Irvine community, along with relevant news from the surrounding areas that might be of interest or impact to you.

I extend my prayer to each of you. May God bless you with peace and gladness and may He prosper you and bless you abundantly with new opportunities in 2024!

Why do we tell actors to “break a leg” on New Year’s Eve?

Answer: Because every play has a cast by the end of the year!

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

Police Urge Caution and Research Before E-Bike Purchases Amidst Rising Safety Concerns

The Irvine Police received multiple complaints about unsafe e-bike use in Great Park and Woodbury. They conducted a high-visibility operation on Wednesday, particularly in Woodbury Town Center, resulting in several citations for juveniles and impounding two Sur-Rons. The police emphasize ongoing e-bike safety measures through education and enforcement, urging parents to be informed and ensure safe riding practices for their children.

#irvine #irvinepolice #police #irvinepd #ebike #trafficsafety #traffic

Source

Tanaka Farms Rings in 2024 with Traditional Mochitsuki Festival

Tanaka Farms and @ocoyouth celebrated the new year with a Mochitsuki festival, making Kagami mochi for good luck. The farm focuses on family education and entertainment, including sharing aspects of Japanese culture. They highlighted the satsuma, a popular, sweet citrus fruit, and its historical introduction from Japan. Kagami mochi, symbolizing family continuity and good fortune, features in their New Year celebrations. Tanaka Farms wishes everyone a great 2024 and will reopen on January 9 after a winter break.

#happynewyear #oco #tanakafarms #mochitsuki #yearofthedragon #mochi

Source

Discover OC Sanitation's Massive Trickling Filters used for Advanced Wastewater Purification

Trickling filters are a secondary wastewater treatment method where bacteria on rocks or plastic media break down nutrients as wastewater flows over them. OC San's trickling filter tanks are approximately 30 feet tall and occupy significant space at their facilities.

#WastewaterWordWednesday

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Join the Chinese Storytime and Activities at South Coast Chinese Cultural Center

The South Coast Chinese Cultural Center is hosting "Chinese Storytime + Cultural Activities" for ages 4-7 at the Chinese Children's Library on select Sundays from January 7 to March 3, 2024. The event aims to strengthen family bonds through storytelling and cultural activities, including making New Year decorations. Join us to celebrate the year of the dragon with family-friendly activities. Limited spots available, so reserve now by scanning the QR code. Event times: 10:00-11:45 AM and 2:00-2:45 PM.

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Explore 2023's Top Health Stories: Breakthroughs and Must-Read’s from UCI Health's Live Well Series

Dive into the most captivating health stories of 2023 with Live Well's annual roundup. Presented by UCI Health, this collection features groundbreaking treatments, trending health topics, and innovative nutrition advice. From novel approaches to knee arthritis and the latest in weight-loss drugs, to the safety of gas stoves and effective dementia recognition, these stories not only inform but also inspire healthier living. Whether you're revisiting favorites or discovering new insights, these top stories and honorable mentions reflect the year's significant advancements and discussions in health and wellness.

1. Knee Arthritis Treatment: Innovative methods for managing knee arthritis.

2. Testosterone Insights: Important facts about testosterone, featuring an active older man.

3. Hair Loss Research: UCI's hunt for hair loss solutions with experts Plikus and Mesinkovska.

4. Gas Stoves & Health: Examining if gas stoves pose health risks.

5. Recognizing Dementia: Guidance on identifying dementia in seniors.

6. GERD Management: Dr. McGuire's approach to making GERD a distant memory.

7. Weight-Loss Drugs: What to know about these drugs, with a focus on an exercising woman.

8. Anti-Inflammatory Recipes: Delicious, inflammation-fighting Mediterranean dishes.

9. Weight-Loss Drugs for Seniors: Safety and effectiveness for older adults.

10. Acid Reflux Recipes: Tasty recipes like lemongrass ginger poached shrimp salad for acid reflux relief.

Read more

Serenity and Exercise: Join Baker Canyon's Morning Yoga Hike

Join the Morning Yoga Hike at Baker Canyon on January 13th, featuring a 3+ mile hike with a 500' elevation gain, followed by a gentle yoga session. Register in advance. Bring your own yoga mat, towel, water, and wear closed-toe shoes. The event, led by IRC, is from 8:30 am to 11:30 am at Black Star Canyon Wilderness Park, with limited spaces available.

Register here

Pacific Symphony: Enjoy Your Favorite Concerts with Easy Ticket Exchange

Select your preferred concerts from the Pops, Classical, or Sunday Matinees Series at a suitable price from the Pacific Symphony. Enjoy season-ticket holder benefits like a flexible exchange policy. Remember, each performance must have the same number of seats, seating is assigned by the box office, and prices listed are per concert.

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Upcoming Northwood High School’s Music Calendar

1. January 11, 2024: IUSD Winds Area Concert (7:00 pm - 8:30 pm)

2. January 12, 2024: Symphony Irvine Collaboration Concert (7:00 pm - 8:30 pm)

3. March 6, 2024: Spring Festival Concert – Band (7:00 pm - 8:00 pm)

4. March 7, 2024: Spring Festival Concert – Orchestra (7:00 pm - 8:00 pm)

5. March 16, 2024: Irvine Jazz Festival (8:00 am - 5:00 pm)

6. 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. February 1 & 2: LEGENDS CONCERT at 7:00 PM.

2. March 7, 8, 9, 14,15, 16: EVITA - Spring Musical at 7:00 PM.

3. 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 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

1. January 17th-22nd: WHS Music Department Disney World Trip

2. February 29th-March 2nd, 7 PM shows: The Wizard of Oz

3. March 22nd, 7 PM: Spring Concert

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

5. 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 further events scheduled for December.

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

Upcoming Irvine High School's Choral Calendar

1. Fri & Sat, Jan. 26 & 27: Weekend Singers & Canta Bella at Pilgrim Pines.

2. Th-Sat, Feb. 1-3, All day: CA All-State Choir Weekend (Any Student) in Sacramento, CA.

3. Th.-Sat, Feb. 29-Mar 2, 7:00 PM: IHS Musical (Any student) at IHS Theater.

4. March 12 or 13, Morning: IHS Arts Assembly (Canta Bella & Irvine Singers) at IHS Game Gym.

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

15. 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

UCI Celebrates as Déja Lee Bags Big West Women's Basketball Player of the Week Title

Junior Déja Lee from UC Irvine was named the Big West Women's Basketball Player of the Week for her outstanding performance, averaging 17.5 points with 54% shooting. She played a key role in UC Irvine's consecutive wins against UC Riverside and Cal State Bakersfield. Lee scored significantly in the second halves of these games, contributing to her team's victories. She currently averages 17.5 points, 3.5 rebounds, and other stats, with this being her first Big West weekly award and the first for her team this season. UC Irvine is set to play next against Cal State Fullerton and UC Davis.

Source

UCI Men's Basketball Blazes Past Cal State Bakersfield with Stellar Second-Half Performance

UC Irvine triumphed over Cal State Bakersfield 75-56, fueled by a 51-point second half. The Anteaters showcased impressive shooting, especially in the second half with a 76% field goal rate. Pierre Crockrell II starred with 10 points and a career-high 16 assists, contributing to his second double-double of the season. Key players included Justin Hohn with 18 points and Bent Leuchten with 15 points and 8 rebounds. UC Irvine dominated in paint scoring and maintained their winning streak against Cal State Bakersfield. Their next game is against Cal State Fullerton on January 4.

Source

UCI Anteaters Upcoming Home Games

Men's Basketball

1.  Thurs, Jan 4th: vs Cal State Fullerton, 7:00 PM

2.   Sat, Jan 6th: vs UC Davis, 1:00 PM

3.   Thurs, Jan18th: vs UC San Diego, 7:00 PM

4.  Sat, Jan 27th: vs CSUN, 7:00 PM

Men's Volleyball

1.  Tues, Jan 9th: vs George Mason, 3:00 p.m.

2.   Wed, Jan 10th: vs Saint Francis, 6:00 p.m.

3. Sat, Jan 13th: vs Princeton, 6:00 p.m.

4.   Wed, Jan 17th: vs McKendree, 6:00 p.m.

5.  Wed, Jan 31st: vs UCLA, 6:00 p.m.

Women's Basketball

1.  Thurs, January 11th: vs Hawai'i, 6:00 PM

2. Sat, January 20th: vs UC Davis, 2:00 PM

3.  Thurs, January 25th: vs Long Beach State, 11:00 AM

Men's Tennis

•  Fri, January 26th: vs BYU, Time TBA

•  Sat, January 27th: vs San Diego State, Time TBA

Baseball

1.  Sat, January 27th: vs Alumni Game, 12:00 PM

Source

Freshman Ammon Allan Shines as Irvine Valley's Athlete of the Week

Ammon Allan, a freshman guard from Texas, was named Irvine Valley's athlete of the week on Dec. 25 for his performance in men's basketball. He scored 19 points, with 7 rebounds and 5 assists, leading the Lasers to a 72-60 victory over Cuyamaca. Allan has been a significant player for the 9-4 Lasers, averaging 9.1 points, 4.3 rebounds, and 2.8 assists per game, and shooting 50% from the field.

Source

🏐⚽🏀 Upcoming home games for the IVC LASERS

Men's Basketball

1. Wed, Jan 03: vs Saddleback* at 6:00 PM

2. Fri, Jan 05: at Riverside* at 5:00 PM

3. Wed, Jan 10: at Santa Ana* at 5:00 PM

4. Fri, Jan 12: vs Fullerton* at 6:00 PM

Women's Basketball

1. Fri, Jan 05: at Palo Verde at 5:30 PM

2. Wed, Jan 10: vs Orange Coast* at 6:00 PM

3. Fri, Jan 12: at Santa Ana* at 7:00 PM

4. Wed, Jan 17: vs Golden West* at 6:00 PM

5. Fri, Jan 19: at Fullerton* at 7:00 PM

Woodbridge High Boys Basketball Defies Odds, Clinches First Championship Since 2014

Woodbridge High School's boys basketball team won their first tournament championship since 2014, defeating San Clemente 67-63 in the Estancia Coast Classic Gold Division final. Jason Briggs (22 points) and Ezra Kim (16 points) led the Warriors, who extended their winning streak to five games. Despite a late surge by San Clemente, led by Porter Hansen's 29 points, Woodbridge held on for the victory. The game featured a dramatic comeback attempt by San Clemente, cutting a 17-point deficit to just two, but Woodbridge secured the win with key free throws. Stephen Lamp was named tournament MVP, and both teams had previously beaten several opponents to reach the final.

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High School Athletics Calendar -

** Updated With December Schedule

Northwood High School Monthly Athletics Calendar (All Level)

University High School Monthly Athletics Calendar (All Level)

Woodbridge High School Monthly Athletics Calendar (All Level)

Upcoming Irvine High School’s Varsity home games:

January 2024

Saturday, January 6

• Wrestling, Girls Varsity (VR)

  - 9:00 AM, Tournament at Irvine High School Game Gym

• Wrestling, Boys Varsity (VR)

  - 9:00 AM, Tournament at Irvine High School Game Gym

Monday, January 8

• Soccer, Boys Varsity (VR)

  - 5:00 PM vs. Sage Hill at Irvine High School Stadium

Tuesday, January 9

• Water Polo, Girls Varsity (VR)

  - 6:00 PM vs. University at Woodbridge High School

Wednesday, January 10

• -Soccer, Girls Varsity (VR)

  - 5:00 PM vs. University at Irvine High School Stadium

• -Basketball, Girls Varsity (VR)

  - 5:30 PM vs. University at Irvine High School Game Gym

• -Basketball, Boys Varsity (VR)

  - 7:00 PM vs. University at Irvine High School Game Gym

Thursday, January 11

• -Water Polo, Girls Varsity (VR)

  - 4:00 PM vs. Woodbridge at Woodbridge High School

Friday, January 12

• Soccer, Girls Varsity (VR)

  - 5:00 PM vs. Woodbridge at Irvine High School Stadium

• Basketball, Girls Varsity (VR)

  - 5:30 PM vs. Woodbridge at Irvine High School Game Gym

• Basketball, Boys Varsity (VR)

  - 7:00 PM vs. Woodbridge at Irvine High School Game Gym

Tuesday, January 16

• Soccer, Boys Varsity (VR)

  - 5:00 PM vs. Beckman, Arnold at Irvine High School Stadium

Wednesday, January 17

• Wrestling, Boys Varsity (VR)

  - 6:30 PM vs. Beckman, Arnold at Irvine High School Game Gym

• Wrestling, Girls Varsity (VR)

• - 6:30 PM vs. Beckman, Arnold at Irvine High School Game Gym

Friday, January 19

• Soccer, Boys Varsity (VR)

  - 5:00 PM vs. Laguna Hills at Irvine High School Stadium

Monday, January 22

• Soccer, Girls Varsity (VR)

  - 3:30 PM vs. Portola at Irvine High School Stadium

• Water Polo, Girls Varsity (VR)

  - 4:30 PM vs. Portola at Portola High School

• Basketball, Girls Varsity (VR)

  - 5:30 PM vs. Portola at Irvine High School Game Gym

• Basketball, Boys Varsity (VR)

  - 7:00 PM vs. Portola at Irvine High School Game Gym

Wednesday, January 24

• Water Polo, Girls Varsity (VR)

  - 4:15 PM vs. Northwood High School at Northwood High School

•  Soccer, Girls Varsity (VR)

  - 5:00 PM vs. Northwood High School at Irvine High School Stadium

• Basketball, Girls Varsity (VR)

  - 5:30 PM vs. Northwood High School at Irvine High School Game Gym

•  Basketball, Boys Varsity (VR)

  - 7:00 PM vs. Northwood High School at Irvine High School Game Gym

Friday, January 26, 2024

•  Soccer, Boys Varsity (VR)

  - 3:15 PM vs. Woodbridge at Irvine High School Stadium

• -Soccer, Girls Varsity (VR)

  - 5:00 PM vs. Sage Hill at Irvine High School Stadium

Tuesday, January 30, 2024

• Basketball, Girls Varsity (VR)

  - 5:30 PM vs. Beckman, Arnold at Irvine High School Game Gym

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Irvine Residents Advised to Give with Discretion to Street Solicitors Amid Fraud and Wealth Revelations

In recent years, there's been an increase in people asking for money, selling items, or performing in public for donations in California. While passive solicitation is legal, aggressive panhandling isn't. The Mental Health Outreach Unit (MHOU) often finds that some solicitors have significant funds, with one individual recently revealing a collection of $4,000. Additionally, a recent arrest linked to an international crime ring involved a suspect using a common solicitation sign while engaging in credit card fraud. To ensure donations are effectively used, it's advised to give to reputable organizations. Concerns about individuals in need in Irvine can be directed to [email protected].

Source

January 6 Anime Night: Piano Candlelit Concert 6:15 -7:15 PM

January 11 - 13 Hopelessly Devoted: The Music of Olivia Newton-John 7:30 PM

January 11 - 13 Tchaikovsky's Violin Concerto 8 PM

January 18 Royal Philharmonic Orchestra with Anne Akiko Meyers 8 PM

January 19 Royal Philharmonic Orchestra with Isata Kanneh-Mason 8 PM

January 20 Alonzo King LINES Ballet 7:30 PM

January 21 Johnny Cash - The Official Concert Experience 7 PM

January 24 An Evening with Itzhak Perlman 8 PM

January 27 Takacs Quartet with Marc-André Hamelin 7:30 PM