In this Irvine Insider Issue . . .

😁 Laugh Of The Day

🌤️ Irvine Weathers

🦇 Make Your Halloween Safe and Fun: Tips to Avoid Traffic Accidents in Low Light

🎈🎃 Free Rides at the Great Park: Take a Spin in the Great Park’s Jack-O-Lantern Balloon

🔥🚒 Swift Action by Santa Ana Firefighters Prevents Major Blaze from Spreading to Hotel and Vehicles

👮‍♂️🚓 Refresh Your Road Knowledge NOW with Irvine Police Department’s Traffic Safety Videos

🎄❄ Join the Heartwarming Holiday Toy Drive: Brighten the Season for Marine Families in Irvine

🌱 Time to Plant Workshop: Learn to Choose the Right Plants for Your Landscape

🚂 All Aboard the New Electric Express: Irvine Park Railroad’s Latest Attraction

⚡ Examining the Practices of Orange County Power Authority: Concerns and Implications for Irvine Residents

🚨🎃 Irvine Police Department Shares Crucial Halloween Safety Tips: A Must-Read for Parents and Guardians

💊 How to Keep Your Children Safe: Spotting Fentanyl Pills Disguised as Candy This Halloween

🌳🥑 Exploring Orchard Hills: Your Guide to Finding Peace and History in Irvine’s Avocado Paradise

🚶‍♂️🌄 Unlock the Great Outdoors: Bommer Canyon's Upcoming Activities and Hikes

🥾 Come Explore These #Landmarks Every Day Of The Week - 7-day Access Trails

🏐 UCI's Setter Nicole Feliciano Shines, Securing Her Second Big West Freshman of the Week Honor

🏆🏃‍♀️ UC Irvine Shines at 2023 Big West Cross Country Championships: Top-10 Finishes for Andar and Amare

⭐💧UC Irvine Dedicates Scoreboard to Celebrated Alumnus and Water Polo Star, Peter Campbell

🤽‍♂️ ⚽🏐 UCI Anteaters Upcoming Home Games

⚽🥅 Sydney Salamoff Named Irvine Valley College's Athlete of the Week After Stellar Performance

🏐⚽🏀 Upcoming home games for the IVC LASERS

🚩🏈 Woodbridge High School Girls Dominate Pacific Coast League and Win Inaugural Flag Football Championship Undefeated

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

🖼 Upcoming Art Exhibitions at Irvine Fine Arts Center: Explore Contemporary and Cultural Artworks

👮‍♀️🚲 Irvine Police Arrest Thief Who Stole City-Owned Bicycle

📅📅 Lots of Local Events

Why did the vampire read the newspaper?

Answer: He heard it had great circulation!

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

Make Your Halloween Safe and Fun: Tips to Avoid Traffic Accidents in Low Light

The Insurance Institute for Highway Safety states that 50% of traffic fatalities happen in low light conditions. Stay vigilant and take extra precautions to ensure a safe and enjoyable Halloween.

Learn more

Refresh Your Road Knowledge NOW with Irvine Police Department’s Traffic Safety Videos

Irvine Police Department will post weekly traffic safety videos on social media, starting with a refresher on road rules. Perfect chance to revisit traffic laws since your last DMV test.

Watch the video here, then test your knowledge by taking this simple quiz below: scroll down for answers 😊

Question 1: What does a green traffic signal light indicate?

• A) Go, if it is safe and there is enough space

• B) Stop immediately

• C) Proceed with caution

• D) Turn right only

Question 2: What should you do when you see a yellow traffic signal light?

• A) Stop immediately

• B) Speed up to beat the red light

• C) Proceed with caution, as the light is about to turn red

• D) You can turn right

Question 3: What does a flashing red traffic signal light mean?

• A) Stop and then go when it is safe

• B) Proceed with caution

• C) Stop and wait for a green light

• D) Speed up

Question 4: If a traffic light is not working, how should you treat the intersection?

• A) Treat it as a four-way stop

• B) Proceed with caution

• C) Yield to the right

• D) Ignore it and proceed

Question 5: What is the purpose of speed limits?

• A) To test the drivers' patience

• B) To create traffic jams

• C) To increase reaction time and avoid crashes

• D) None of the above

Question 6: What should you do at a stop sign?

• A) Stop only if other vehicles are present

• B) Make a full stop and check traffic before proceeding

• C) Slow down and proceed

• D) Ignore it if the road is clear

Question 7: What does a yield sign indicate?

• A) Speed up

• B) Stop immediately

• C) Slow down and be ready to stop for oncoming traffic

• D) Proceed with caution

Question 8: What should you do when approaching a railroad crossing?

• A) Ignore the signs

• B) Look, listen, slow down, and prepare to stop

• C) Speed up to cross quickly

• D) Stop every time, regardless of a train's presence

Question 9: How should you navigate a roundabout?

• A) Yield to traffic in the roundabout and merge safely

• B) Stop before entering

• C) Signal when changing lanes or exiting

• D) Speed up to merge quickly

Question 10: What should you do when a pedestrian is crossing the road?

• A) Honk to alert them

• B) Ignore them and proceed

• C) Use caution, reduce speed, or stop to allow them to cross safely

• D) Speed up to pass them quickly

Answers:

1. A) Go, if it is safe and there is enough space

2. C) Proceed with caution, as the light is about to turn red

3. A) Stop and then go when it is safe

4. A) Treat it as a four-way stop

5. C) To increase reaction time and avoid crashes

6. B) Make a full stop and check traffic before proceeding

7. C) Slow down and be ready to stop for oncoming traffic

8. B) Look, listen, slow down, and prepare to stop

9. A) Yield to traffic in the roundabout and merge safely

10. C) Use caution, reduce speed, or stop to allow them to cross safely

Free Rides at the Great Park: Take a Spin in the Great Park’s Jack-O-Lantern Balloon

Enjoy a free ride on the Great Park Balloon, open Thursdays and Fridays, offering a 360° view from 400 feet up. This month, it features a Jack-O-Lantern decoration. Rides are first-come, first-served, with free parking and admission. Call (949) 724-6247 for current flight details.

Swift Action by Santa Ana Firefighters Prevents Major Blaze from Spreading to Hotel and Vehicles

Firefighters in Santa Ana quickly addressed a reported palm tree fire, only to find multiple trees burning, spreading embers due to strong winds, and threatening nearby cars and a hotel roof. Their prompt and skilled response saved the hotel and contained the fire, highlighting the potential severity of tree fires in windy conditions.

See video here

Join the Heartwarming Holiday Toy Drive: Brighten the Season for Marine Families in Irvine

Participate in the Holiday Toy Drive from Nov 1 to Dec 11 to support Irvine's adopted Marine Battalion families. Donate new, unwrapped gifts for infants or children up to 12 years old at designated drop-off locations or through a drive-thru service. Alternatively, purchase items from Walmart via the Irvine 2/11 Marine Adoption Committee account or make monetary donations online or via mail. For details, call 949-724-6606. Ensure to follow safety guidelines during drop-off.

Read more here

Time to Plant Workshop: Learn to Choose the Right Plants for Your Landscape

Attend a workshop on Nov 15 at 6 pm at IRWD Headquarters about selecting suitable plants for landscaping, focusing on California natives, water needs, and care tips.

Learn more

All Aboard the New Electric Express: Irvine Park Railroad’s Latest Attraction

Irvine Park Railroad has introduced a new electric train, offering 10-minute rides through Irvine Regional Park at $6 per person, seven days a week. This eco-friendly locomotive, charging after each loop, replaces a 30-year-old propane-powered train. Irvine Regional Park, California's first regional park, has hosted a miniature railroad since the 1930s.

Learn more 

Examining the Practices of Orange County Power Authority: Concerns and Implications for Irvine Residents

Open Letter to Irvine City Council: Time Will Not Fix OCPA: This letter addresses systemic issues with the Orange County Power Authority (OCPA) and other Community Choice Aggregators (CCAs), comparing their practices to those of Enron. It highlights four main concerns: manipulation of the California electricity grid for financial gain, price manipulation through benchmarking, lack of transparency in energy sourcing, and engagement in greenwashing. This letter criticizes OCPA for transferring wealth from Irvine residents to its own accounts, resulting in a projected $100 million reserve fund within two years. It notes a high opt-out rate among Irvine residents and urges the City Council to cut ties with OCPA, as other municipalities have done.

Read more here

Irvine Police Department Shares Crucial Halloween Safety Tips: A Must-Read for Parents and Guardians

The Irvine Police Department (IPD) has shared essential safety tips for a safe and enjoyable Halloween. Adults are urged to accompany children at all times during trick-or-treating. It is recommended to choose costumes that are bright and reflective to ensure visibility in the dark. Carrying a flashlight or glow sticks is also advised. Costumes with masks that could obstruct vision should be avoided. Drivers are reminded to be extra vigilant, especially for children in dark costumes, and to maintain low speeds. Candy should be inspected carefully, and any food item that is not commercially wrapped, is open, or shows signs of tampering should be discarded. The IPD encourages the community to report any suspicious behavior or criminal activity by calling 9-1-1. For additional information, the Irvine Police Department Crime Prevention Website can be visited, or their non-emergency line at 949-724-7000 can be contacted.

Read more here

How to Keep Your Children Safe: Spotting Fentanyl Pills Disguised as Candy This Halloween

This Halloween, inspect your kids' candy before they eat it, as fentanyl pills resembling candy are targeting youth. Report any suspicious items to law enforcement. The Orange County District Attorney’s Office emphasizes staying informed about fentanyl's dangers and advising children only to take medication from a doctor.

Learn more

Exploring Orchard Hills: Your Guide to Finding Peace and History in Irvine’s Avocado Paradise

Orchard Hills in Irvine seamlessly blends over 500 acres of avocado orchards with its agricultural heritage, offering a peaceful environment and a connection to the land's history. The village's last neighborhood, set to open in 2025, is located at Irvine's highest point.

See more here

Unlock the Great Outdoors: Bommer Canyon's Upcoming Activities and Hikes

Bommer Canyon offers a variety of outdoor activities organized by numerous groups and volunteers, with most programs being free of charge. Pre-registration is required for events led by IRC-Certified Volunteers, closing at 4 p.m. the day before the event. Minors must be accompanied by an adult, and for any assistance, reach out via email to [email protected].

Upcoming events include a variety of hikes, such as a moderate-paced 3-mile hike on November 4th, a challenging 11-mile Super Trek on November 13th, and a 9-mile hike through Bommer and Shady Canyons on November 14th. There's also a mid-week 10-12 mile hike on November 15th, a plant identification hike with a focus on local flora, a 3.5-mile hike combined with a gentle yoga session on November 17th, and self-guided access to the Irvine Open Space Preserve trails on November 18th. Additionally, there are full moon hikes scheduled for November 25th and 27th, and a 7-mile hike in Bommer Canyon on November 30th.

The activities are family-friendly, with some available after 5 pm on weekdays or during weekends. For more details, trail tips, and FAQs, visit the Bommer Canyon website.

Come Explore These #Landmarks Every Day Of The Week - 7-day Access Trails

🏞️ Bommer Canyon - 7 a.m. to sunset

🏞️ Buck Gully Reserve - Dawn to dusk

🏞️ Crystal Cove State Park - 6 a.m. to sunset

🏞️ Irvine Regional Park - Fall/Winter Hours: 6 a.m. to 6 p.m. - Spring/Summer Hours: 6 a.m. to 9 p.m.

🏞️ Laguna Coast Wilderness Park - 7 a.m. to sunset

🏞️ Peters Canyon Regional Park - 7 a.m. to sunset

🏞️ Quail Hill - 7 a.m. to sunset

🏞️ Santiago Oaks Regional Park - 7 a.m. to sunset

🏞️ Whiting Ranch Wilderness Park - 7 a.m. to sunset

Happy hiking! 🥾🌄

UCI's Setter Nicole Feliciano Shines, Securing Her Second Big West Freshman of the Week Honor

UC Irvine's Nicole Feliciano received her second Big West Freshman of the Week award after leading an upset against No. 25 UC Santa Barbara. She achieved her 11th double-double with 46 set assists and 19 digs in that match. In a game against Cal Poly, she had 45 set assists and nine digs. Last week, she averaged 10.11 set assists, 3.11 digs, and 1.11 kills. Currently, she ranks fourth in the Big West for set assists and 15th for digs. UCI will play against UC Davis on Nov. 2 and UC Riverside later in the week.

Source

UC Irvine Shines at 2023 Big West Cross Country Championships: Top-10 Finishes for Andar and Amare

At the 2023 Big West Cross Country Championships, UC Irvine's Junior Sameen Andar and Lukas Amare both secured top-10 finishes, with Andar placing ninth in the 6K and Amare tenth in the 8K. Andar earned all-conference honors for the second consecutive year. Other notable performances included Junior Malia Gay's 19th place finish and Junior Cameron Smith's career-best 20th place. The women's team placed fifth, while the men's team was seventh. Both teams will compete next at the NCAA West Regional in Sacramento on Nov. 10. Host Cal Poly won the team titles, and UC Davis' Sierra Atkins and Cal Poly's Davis Bove were the individual champions.

Women’s Recap

Men’s Recap

UC Irvine Dedicates Scoreboard to Celebrated Alumnus and Water Polo Star, Peter Campbell

UC Irvine dedicated a new scoreboard at the Anteater Aquatics Complex to Peter Campbell, a legendary men’s water polo player, before their Saturday game against UC Davis. Campbell, who played at UCI from 1978-1982, earned numerous accolades including four-time All-American, NCAA National Champion, and was the first UCI athlete named NCAA Player of the Year in 1982. He also had a distinguished national and international career, participating in the Olympic Games, Pan American Games, and World University Games, and winning several medals. Post-retirement, he was inducted into both the UC Irvine and USA Water Polo Halls of Fame. The Peter Campbell Memorial Scoreboard is a tribute to his legacy, made possible by contributions from the community.

Source

UCI Anteaters Upcoming Home Games

• FRIDAY, NOVEMBER 3RD, 2023

  • Men's Basketball vs Cal State San Marcos - 7:00 PM - EXHIBITION

• WEDNESDAY, NOVEMBER 8TH, 2023

  • Men's Water Polo vs Concordia Irvine - 6 p.m.

• THURSDAY, NOVEMBER 9TH, 2023

  • Women's Volleyball vs Cal State Fullerton - 6:00 p.m.

• FRIDAY, NOVEMBER 10TH, 2023

  • Women's Volleyball vs Hawai'i - 6:00 p.m.

• SATURDAY, NOVEMBER 11TH, 2023

  • Women's Basketball vs Seattle U - 2:00 PM

  • Men's Basketball vs New Mexico State - 7:00 PM

• FRIDAY, NOVEMBER 17TH, 2023

  • Men's Basketball vs Occidental College - 7:00 PM

• MONDAY, NOVEMBER 20TH, 2023

  • Women's Basketball vs Eastern Washington University - 6:00 PM

Source

Sydney Salamoff Named Irvine Valley College's Athlete of the Week After Stellar Performance

Sydney Salamoff, a freshman goalie for Irvine Valley College's women's soccer team, is the athlete of the week. She recently achieved her fourth shutout of the season with eight saves in a 3-0 win against Fullerton. Salamoff has a season record of 5-9, with 91 saves, a .711 save percentage, and a 2.42 goals against average. Previously, she excelled at Northwood High in Irvine. IVC will play Santiago Canyon in a conference match next Tuesday.

Source

🏐⚽🏀 Upcoming home games for the IVC LASERS

Women’s Soccer:

1. Tue Oct 31 vs Santiago Canyon at 3:00 PM

Men’s Basketball:

1. Thu Nov 09 - vs Ventura. Irvine Valley Classic. Time: 7:00 PM

2. Sat Nov 11 - vs IVC Classic. IVC Classic. Time: TBA

3. Wed Nov 15 - vs San Diego Miramar. Time: 7:00 PM

Woodbridge High School Girls Dominate Pacific Coast League and Win Inaugural Flag Football Championship Undefeated

Woodbridge High School's girls flag football team dominated the Pacific Coast League, finishing undefeated and clinching the inaugural league championship in the first CIF-sanctioned season. With a remarkable 23-2 overall record and 12-0 in league play, they showcased their prowess with eight shutouts and a 26-0 victory in their final league game. The team, led by Coach Mark Thompson and captains Teagan Burrus, Milan Heisdorf, and Emily Harris, emphasized hard work and team chemistry, resulting in standout performances from players like Tori Zebko and Zoey Ceman. The season also featured a victory at the SoCal Showcase. Post-season play continues with a tournament, and the potential for CIF playoffs in the future as more schools join the sport.

Source

High School Athletics Calendar -

** Updated With November 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:

November 2023

Wednesday, 08 November

- Water Polo, Boys (VR) vs. TBA - CIF SEMI-FINALS at Woolett Pool

Saturday, 11 November

- Water Polo, Boys (VR) vs. TBA - CIF FINALS at Woolett Pool

Thursday, 16 November

- 05:30 PM: Basketball, Girls (VR) vs. Foothill/Santa Ana at Irvine High School Game Gym

Wednesday, 22 November

- 05:00 PM: Soccer, Boys (VR) vs. TBA at Irvine High School Stadium

Monday, 27 November

- 05:00 PM: Soccer, Boys (VR) vs. Foothill/Santa Ana at Irvine High School Stadium

Tuesday, 28 November

- 05:00 PM: Soccer, Girls (VR) vs. Foothill/Santa Ana at Irvine High School Stadium

- 05:30 PM: Basketball, Girls (VR) vs. Tustin at Irvine High School Game Gym

Wednesday, 29 November

- 05:00 PM: Soccer, Boys (VR) vs. Tesoro at Irvine High School Stadium

Upcoming Art Exhibitions at Irvine Fine Arts Center: Explore Contemporary and Cultural Artworks

The Fine Arts Exhibition Program is showcasing local and regional artists through contemporary and cultural art exhibitions, aiming to enhance community engagement with art. The exhibitions offer a variety of artworks and are held at the Irvine Fine Arts Center.

1. "Revision" (Nov 18–Feb 3): A collaborative exhibition with Durden and Ray, featuring diverse artworks from paintings to sculptures, challenging the ordinary and reimagining everyday objects. Artists include Nadim Kurani, Hagop Najarian, and others.

2. "Into the Garden" (Nov 18–Feb 3): An immersive exhibition combining Dani Dodge's fabric artworks and Carolyn Mason's vivid sculptures, encouraging viewers to explore and imagine.

Both exhibitions have opening receptions on November 18, from 2–4 p.m.

Learn more

Irvine Police Arrest Thief Who Stole City-Owned Bicycle

Sergio Verduzco Vallejo, 39, from Santa Ana, was arrested for grand theft after unknowingly stealing a bike owned by the City of Irvine, and is now booked at Orange County Jail.

See video

Open Daily through October 31 Tanaka Farms Pumpkin Patch

October 7 - November 18 In-N-Out and OCPL Reading Challenge for Children Aged 4-12

October 31 Yoga at the Native Seed Farm 3 PM

October 31 Boo Fest At Woodbridge Village Center 4PM - 6PM

November 1 Salute to Service: Decorate Irvine Veterans' Homes with Free American Flags

Honor US veterans aged 50+ in Irvine by requesting a free American flag to decorate their yard/doorstep. Request online at yourirvine.org by Nov 1. Flags delivered by city of Irvine dignitaries, staff and volunteers on Nov 7-8.

For more information, contact [email protected]

Stay updated with Senior Services by signing up for the newsletter here

November 1 The IUSD Annual Band Spectacular 7 PM

November 1 - 17, November 27 - December 14 Knott’s Berry Farm Military Tribute Days

Eligible Military personnel and up to 5 additional people for $19.99 each.

November 2 Crime Survivors 20th Anniversary Celebration Gala 6 PM

November 3 - 4 The Music of Star Wars 8 PM

November 4 Love Irvine City-wide Serve Day

November 4 OC Waste and Recycling Free Compost Giveaway 7:30 AM - 12 PM

November 4 Holiday Faire 10 AM- 4 PM

November 4 - 5 Turn It Out with Tiler Peck

See video

November 5 Veterans Month Concert 1:30 PM

See promo video here

November 8 Scott Bradlee's Postmodern Jukebox Life in the Past Lane Tour 8 PM

Click here to watch the intro video

November 8 - 9 World Ballet Series: Cinderella 7 PM

Click here to watch the trailer

November 9 Théotime Langlois de Swarte and Le Consort

See video

November 10 - 18 Anything Goes at Concordia University Irvine Studio Theatre

November 11 Concordia’s Brunch and Boutique

November 11 VOICES Veterans Storytelling Project

November 11 Veteran Day Ceremony 11 AM - 12:30 PM

November 13 Global Harmony Symphony 7 PM

November 16 - 18 Forbidden Broadway: The Next Generation

November 16 - 18 California Dreamin’ with Guest Conductor Ludovic Morlot 8 PM

November 18 Experience Malavika Sarukkai's Anubandh – Connectedness: A Revolutionary Bharatanatyam Performance at the Irvine Barclay Theatre

See the trailer here

November 19 Pacific Symphony Santiago Strings: Sonic Narratives 1 PM

November 19 Pacific Symphony Youth Concert Band: Seeing Sound, Hearing Colors 6 PM

November 20 Pacific Symphony Youth Orchestra: Indivisible 7 PM

November 21 UCI Symphony Orchestra 8 PM

TAYLOR SWIFT - THE ERAS TOUR Playing now

The cultural phenomenon continues on the big screen! Immerse yourself in this once-in-a-lifetime concert film experience with a breathtaking, cinematic view of the history-making tour.

Click for Showtimes

December 1 Colin Mochrie & Brad Sherwood: Scared Scriptless 8 PM

See video

December 2 Nutcracker for Kids by Pacific Symphony 10:00 and 11:30 AM

December 8-17 American Ballet Theatre's The Nutcracker

Click here to see the intro video

December 14 - 16 A Merry Little Christmas with Megan Hilty

See video here