In this Irvine Insider Issue . . .

😁 Laugh Of The Day

🌤️ Irvine Weather

📱⚠ Irvine Launches High-Tech Real Time Crime Center to Tackle Rising Theft and Auto Crime

🛑🚦🚴‍♀️ Ride Smart: Expert Tips from Irvine's Police About How to Stay Safe on E-Bikes and Scooters

🍴🧡 Make a Real Impact from Home This Holiday: Second Harvest's Virtual Food Drives

⛸❄ Great Park Ice's Holiday Spectacular: A Must-See Winter Skating Event

💲💰 Taxpayer Protection Act Stays in 2024 Race: Newsom's Removal Attempt Denied by Supreme Court

🎄🧸 Join the Westpark Toy Drive: Gift a Smile to a Child This Holiday Season

🍫🎅 Get Cozy with S'mores and Songs and Family Fun: Woodbridge's Winter Fest Celebration

😷⚕ Expert IBD Care at Your Fingertips: Discover UCI Health's Comprehensive Program

🌳🧘‍♀️ Find Your Zen in the Great Outdoors: Native Seed Farm Hosts Wellness Walk and Yoga Session

🐱🐶 Heartwarming Week at Irvine Animal Shelter: 21 Pets Find Forever Homes

🍪 Sweeten Your Skills: Join Irvine Fine Arts Center's Macaron Making Class on National Cookie Day

🏀💥 UC Irvine Women's Basketball Gears Up for a Crucial Clash with New Mexico State

🏀Utah State 79, UC Irvine 69: Aggies Clinch Victory in Second-Half of Men's Basketball Game

🤽‍♂️ ⚽🏐 UCI Anteaters Upcoming Home Games

🏐 Feather River vs. Irvine Valley: Women's Volleyball Showdown Ends in a Decisive Victory for Feather River

🏐⚽🏀 Upcoming home games for the IVC LASERS

🏀 OC High School Basketball Roundup: Crean Lutheran, El Dorado, and JSerra Secure Big Wins

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

📅📅 Lots of Local Events

What do you get from sitting on the ice too long?

Answer: Polaroids!

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

Irvine Launches High-Tech Real Time Crime Center to Tackle Rising Theft and Auto Crime

Irvine is establishing a Real Time Crime Center (RTCC) to address rising crime rates, including "smash-and-grab" incidents, auto thefts, and catalytic converter thefts. Funded by over $8 million in state grants and budget allocations, the RTCC will be integrated into the Irvine Police Department's dispatch center. It will utilize advanced technology and analytics to monitor crimes, analyze trends, and provide real-time information to officers. The center, piloted successfully on a part-time basis, will feature video cameras, license plate readers at strategic locations, and AI-powered video analytic software to detect and respond to criminal activities. The funding also covers construction, staffing, and equipment for a permanent, full-time operation.

Read more

Ride Smart: Expert Tips from Irvine's Police About How to Stay Safe on E-Bikes and Scooters

The Irvine Police emphasizes safety for e-bike, scooter, and bicycle users. Key advice includes:

• Conducting regular inspections and maintenance

• Using original batteries for e-bikes

• Recharging batteries after each use

• Following road rules, practicing in safe areas

• Wearing bright/reflective clothing at night

• Using front and rear lights

• Always wearing a properly fitted helmet.

The Irvine Police also stress law awareness, like needing a license or permit for electric scooters and their prohibition on sidewalks. The department prioritizes education and law enforcement for rising electric transport use. Parents are advised to research before buying holiday gifts like SurRons and Talarias, as some electric motorcycles aren't road-legal and can be modified for higher speeds. Ride safely and smartly!

Watch the video and then take this E-Bike, Scooter, and Bicycle Safety Quiz to Test your knowledge

1. What should riders always do before using their e-bike, scooter, or bicycle?

- A) Check the weather

- B) Inspect and maintain their vehicle

- C) Plan their route

2. For e-bikes, what type of batteries should be used?

- A) Any compatible battery

- B) Only original manufacturer batteries

- C) Reused batteries from other devices

3. What is the recommended practice for charging e-bike batteries?

- A) Charge only when the battery is completely flat

- B) Charge after each ride

- C) Charge once a week

4. What is a crucial safety gear mentioned for riders?

- A) Knee pads

- B) A properly fitted and secured helmet

- C) Sunglasses

5. What should riders wear for better visibility at night?

- A) Casual clothing

- B) Bright colored or reflective clothing

- C) Designer brand clothing

6. According to the tips, what must all riders do when traveling on roadways?

- A) Follow the rules of the road

- B) Ride as fast as possible

- C) Use the sidewalk

7. What is a major danger of riding mentioned by Officer Schaefer?

- A) Riding without a map

- B) Unsafe speeds

- C) Riding in groups

8. What is a legal requirement for riding electric scooters mentioned in the tips?

- A) Owning a scooter license

- B) Having a driver's license or permit

- C) Being over 21 years of age

9. What is the overall message of these safety tips?

- A) To ride only during the day

- B) To ride safely and smartly

- C) To avoid busy roads

Answers:

1. What should riders always do before using their e-bike, scooter, or bicycle?

- B) Inspect and maintain their vehicle

2. For e-bikes, what type of batteries should be used?

- B) Only original manufacturer batteries

3. What is the recommended practice for charging e-bike batteries?

- B) Charge after each ride

4. What is a crucial safety gear mentioned for riders?

- B) A properly fitted and secured helmet

5. What should riders wear for better visibility at night?

- B) Bright colored or reflective clothing

6. According to the tips, what must all riders do when traveling on roadways?

- A) Follow the rules of the road

7. What is a major danger of riding mentioned by Officer Schaefer?

- B) Unsafe speeds

8. What is a legal requirement for riding electric scooters mentioned in the tips?

- B) Having a driver's license or permit

9. What is the overall message of these safety tips?

- B) To ride safely and smartly

Make a Real Impact from Home This Holiday: Second Harvest's Virtual Food Drives

Participate in a Virtual Food Drive this holiday season to help provide consistent access to nutritious food for those in need. It's a convenient online tool open to individuals, businesses, and organizations. Get involved here

- Virtual Food Drives are Ideal for individuals or companies looking to contribute to hunger relief.

- Especially effective during challenging times.

- Online platform makes participation easy and accessible.

- Detailed guidance available for setting up both individual and corporate drives.

Source

Great Park Ice's Holiday Spectacular: A Must-See Winter Skating Event

The Great Park Ice & FivePoint Arena is hosting their "Holiday Spectacular" figure skating event on Saturday, December 9 at 3:15 p.m. Although the performance spots for the 2023 Winter Recital are currently full, the event is open for spectators to come and enjoy the performances. There is no admission fee for watching the event. Instead, attendees are encouraged to embrace the spirit of giving by bringing non-perishable food items or new, unwrapped toys, which will be collected at the entrance to Rink 4 for donation to those in need. The event features various performance categories, including Basic Skills Solo, Beyond Basic Skills Solo, and Duets, with specific time limits and fees for each category. This event promises to be a festive and enjoyable occasion, showcasing the talents of various skaters.

More information

Source

Taxpayer Protection Act Stays in 2024 Race: Newsom's Removal Attempt Denied by Supreme Court

The California Supreme Court declined Gavin Newsom's request to remove the Taxpayer Protection Act (TPA) from the 2024 ballot, despite his efforts and ongoing lawsuit to prevent voters from deciding on state and local taxes. OC Taxpayers support TPA, which stays on the November 2024 ballot, with the case to be reviewed in the coming months. Public support for TPA is crucial now.

Source

Join the Westpark Toy Drive: Gift a Smile to a Child This Holiday Season

Westpark Toy Drive with Families Forward: Donate new, unwrapped gifts at MPR or valet from Dec 4-8, mornings. Help brighten the holidays for kids!

Source

Get Cozy with S'mores and Songs and Family Fun: Woodbridge's Winter Fest Celebration

Join the Woodbridge Winter Fest on Dec 15, 4-6 PM at Woodbridge Village Center. Features include a s'mores bar, live holiday music, and winter crafts for family enjoyment.

Source

Expert IBD Care at Your Fingertips: Discover UCI Health's Comprehensive Program

UCI Health offers specialized care for Inflammatory Bowel Disease (IBD), including Crohn's disease and ulcerative colitis. Their team assists with diagnosis, advanced treatments, and emotional support for patients and families. Book a consultation for their comprehensive IBD program, Orange County

Schedule a consultation now

Source

Find Your Zen in the Great Outdoors: Native Seed Farm Hosts Wellness Walk and Yoga Session

Join a unique wellness event at Native Seed Farm on December 12th, featuring a short tour of the 8-acre farm with over 50 native plant species, followed by a 45-minute outdoor yoga session. The farm's seeds aid in local land restoration. Bring your own yoga mat, water, and wear closed-toe shoes. Sign up here

Event details: December 12, 3:00-4:30 pm, 1-mile walk, 100 feet elevation change, for ages 13 and up.

Source

Heartwarming Week at Irvine Animal Shelter: 21 Pets Find Forever Homes

From Nov 27 to Dec 3, 8 dogs, 12 cats, and 1 guinea pig were adopted from our shelter. The adopted dogs were Brees, Dandy, Kalena, Khonshu, Maroon, Monty, Ronan, and Tika; the cats were Aki, Bagel, Baguette, Candy, Caramel, Ciabatta, Glitch, Hedgehog, Koky, Rye, Sherman, and Venti; and the guinea pig was Butternut. Additionally, 5 dogs were reunited with their owners. For more on adoption, visit irvineanimals.org/adopt.

Source

Sweeten Your Skills: Join Irvine Fine Arts Center's Macaron Making Class on National Cookie Day

Celebrate #NationalCookieDay by joining the “French Baking: Macarons” class on December 5, from 6:30–9 p.m. at Irvine Fine Arts Center. Learn to make perfect macarons with a crunchy exterior and chewy center. Register at yourirvine.org.

#MacaronMasterclass #IrvineFineArts.

Source

UC Irvine Women's Basketball Gears Up for a Crucial Clash with New Mexico State

UC Irvine's women's basketball team, with a 5-3 record, is set to play an away game against New Mexico State, who stands at 4-3, on December 5th. The game, taking place in Las Cruces, is a part of UC Irvine's road-heavy schedule. The Anteaters have been showcasing a robust defense, consistently holding opponents under 70 points, and are leading the Big West in scoring defense. Key players like Moulayna Johnson Sidi Baba and Déja Lee are pivotal in the team's balanced offensive strategy. UC Irvine, celebrating their 50th season, has a strong historical presence in women's basketball and is looking to continue their success in the upcoming game against New Mexico State.

Source

Utah State 79, UC Irvine 69: Aggies Clinch Victory in Second-Half of Men's Basketball Game

In a high-scoring game, Utah State defeated UC Irvine 79-69. UC Irvine started strong with a 58.6% shooting in the first half but fell to 35.7% in the second, while Utah State maintained around 50% throughout. Key players for UC Irvine included Justin Hohn with 21 points and Dean Keeler with 15. Utah State's top scorer was Mason Falslev with 19 points. The game was competitive with 15 lead changes, mostly in the first half. UC Irvine's next game is against San Diego State.

Source

UCI Anteaters Upcoming Home Games

Men's Basketball

1.  December 16th, 2023 vs South Dakota - 7:00 PM

2.  December 28th, 2023 vs UC Riverside - 7:00 PM

Women's Basketball

1.  December 30th, 2023 vs Cal State Bakersfield - 2:00 PM

Source

Feather River vs. Irvine Valley: Women's Volleyball Showdown Ends in a Decisive Victory for Feather River

Feather River College, led by coach Sarah Ritchie, defeated Irvine Valley in straight sets (25-12, 25-12, 25-20) in the 3C2A State Women's Volleyball Championship semifinals. Libero Katherine Gee was a standout with 20 digs, contributing to Feather River's advance to the final for the second consecutive year. The team now faces the winner of the San Diego Mesa vs. Grossmont semi. Key players included Kiyana Faupula, Ashlee Kraft, Autumn Bennett, and Anna Bolich, who delivered impressive performances in kills, assists, and digs. Irvine Valley's coach Anna Unke praised her team's effort despite the loss. Feather River's early leads in each set and strong defense were crucial to their victory. The match marked the teams' first encounter since the 2019 state championship, with Irvine Valley finishing tied for third in the tournament. Mia Bertolone of Irvine Valley was named to the all-tournament team.

Source

🏐⚽🏀 Upcoming home games for the IVC LASERS

Men’s Basketball:

1. Fri Dec 15 - vs LA Valley. 6:00 PM

2. Tue Dec 19 - vs Orange Coast. 6:00 PM

3. Fri Dec 29: vs Alumni. 5:00 PM

Women’s Basketball:

1. Fri Dec 22 - vs Alumni, Time TBA

OC High School Basketball Roundup: Crean Lutheran, El Dorado, and JSerra Secure Big Wins

- Bosco Winter Classic: Crean Lutheran defeated Animo Venice 86-31, with Kaiden Bailey scoring 26 points. They play Long Beach Poly next.

- Gary Raya Classic: El Dorado won against Pomona 67-27, led by Andrew Salvador. Yorba Linda narrowly beat Fountain Valley 52-49.

- San Juan Invitational: El Camino overcame Laguna Hills 66-56. Trabuco Hills defeated Victory Christian 76-57, with Matt Mowers contributing 18 points and 13 rebounds.

- Beach Bash Tourney: JSerra beat Heritage Christian 74-55, led by Sebastian Rancik. Pacifica Christian won against Orange Lutheran 63-44.

- Non-League: Tarbut V’ Torah triumphed over Meridian 80-17, with Ari Veron scoring 19 points.

Other notable games included Los Altos vs. Troy, Mater Dei vs. Godinez, and Rancho Buena Vista vs. Tesoro.

Source

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:

December 2023

- Wednesday, 6 December

- 05:00 PM: Boys Soccer, Varsity vs. Laguna Beach (Irvine High School Stadium)

- 07:00 PM: Boys Basketball, Varsity vs. Wilson/Long Beach (Irvine High School Game Gym)

- Friday, 8 December

- 05:00 PM: Boys Soccer, Varsity vs. St. Margarets Episcopal (Irvine High School Stadium)

- 07:00 PM: Boys Basketball, Varsity vs. Brea Olinda (Irvine High School Game Gym)

- Tuesday, 12 December

- 06:30 PM: Girls Basketball, Varsity vs. Trabuco Hills (Irvine High School Game Gym)

- Wednesday, 13 December

- 05:00 PM: Boys Soccer, Varsity vs. Aliso Niguel (Irvine High School Stadium)

- Friday, 15 December

- 07:00 PM: Boys Basketball, Varsity vs. Whitney (Irvine High School Game Gym)

- Tuesday, 19 December

- 05:00 PM: Girls Soccer, Varsity vs. Valencia/Placentia (Irvine High School Stadium)

- Wednesday, 20 December

- 05:00 PM: Boys Soccer, Varsity vs. Tustin (Irvine High School Stadium)

- 06:00 PM: Girls Basketball, Varsity vs. Edison (Irvine High School Game Gym)

- Thursday, 21 December

- 03:00 PM: Girls Water Polo, Varsity vs. Trabuco Hills (Woolett Pool)

November 24 - December 30 Hikari Festival of Lights at Tanaka Farms 4:30 PM - 10 PM

Click here for discount coupon code

December 6 UCI Guitar Ensemble 12 PM

December 6 - 7 Westpark Annual Talent Show 7 PM

December 7 - Empowering the Youth 5 PM - 7 PM

December 7 Crean Lutheran High School The Joy of Christmas: Christmas Around the World 7 PM

December 8 Silent Night Silent Disco 7 PM

December 8-17 American Ballet Theatre's The Nutcracker

Click here to see the intro video

December 9 Concordia Christmas 

December 9 - 10 123 Andrés 

December 9 - 24 Festival Ballet Theatre: The Nutcracker

December 10 Holidays Around the World 11 AM

December 15 Woodbridge Winter Fest 4 - 6 PM

December 15 - 16 Celtic Woman: Christmas Symphony Tour 8 PM

December 14 - 16 A Merry Little Christmas with Megan Hilty

See video here

December 17 - 18 Tis the Season! 5 PM, 7:30 PM

December 18 The Holidays with Canadian Brass 8 PM

December 19 Holiday Organ Spectacular 7:30 PM

Decmber 22 The Pan American Nutcracker Suite Reimagined 8 PM

December 23 Fiesta Navidad 8 PM

Decmber 30 KC and the Sunshine Band 7:30 PM

December 30 Salute to Vienna New Year's Concert 3 PM