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Safe Holiday Gift-Giving: Essential Tips to Protect Your Little Ones

Issue # 0308

Author

Joshua Tjia
12 Dec

In this Irvine Insider Issue . . .

😁 Laugh Of The Day

🌤️ Irvine Weather

🎤🎶 The King’s Singers Bring Holiday Harmony to Irvine Barclay Theatre

🎄🚂🎄 Irvine’s Holiday Bucket List: Lights, Santa, and Family Fun

🥗🥘 Top Irvine Restaurants Open for the Holidays with Memorable Menus"

🎁🧸 Safe Holiday Gift-Giving: Essential Tips to Protect Your Little Ones

☕️🌰 DIY Holiday Gifts: Delicious Treats to Delight Your Loved Ones

🌱🧤 Join Land Stewardship Activities for All Skill Levels – From Easy Tasks to Rugged Adventures

💧🖌️ Teen Watercolor Workshop: Relax, Create, and Learn with Expert Guidance

🎼🎼 Upcoming High School Music Calendar

🎄🐈 Easy Ways to Cat-Proof Your Christmas Tree and Keep the Holidays Stress-Free

🏀 Justin Hohn Named Anteater of the Week After Leading UC Irvine Basketball to Big West Victory

🏀🏐🎾⚾ UCI Anteaters Upcoming Home Games

🏀 Irvine Valley Women’s Basketball Splits Games at Eagle Invitational

🏀🏀 Upcoming home games for the IVC LASERS

🏈 Woodbridge High Begins Search for New Varsity Football Coach After Five Seasons Under Aaron Craver

🏈🎾 High School Athletics Calendar

🚔🛍️ Organized Retail Theft at Spectrum: Suspects Wanted for Using Store Credit Scheme

🍏🥭🍑 Local Farmers Markets

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

📅📅 Lots of Local Events

📞💡 Useful Contact Information

What do you call Santa's little helpers?

Subordinate clauses.

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

The King’s Singers Bring Holiday Harmony to Irvine Barclay Theatre

The King’s Singers, a renowned six-man a cappella group from England, bring their celebrated harmonies to the Irvine Barclay Theatre on December 13 for a festive concert, Christmas Time is Here.

Formed in 1968 by choral scholars from King’s College, Cambridge, the ensemble has become a global ambassador for close-harmony singing, performing in iconic venues like Carnegie Hall and intimate settings worldwide.

Their repertoire spans traditional holiday favorites, Disney classics, and unique arrangements from their extensive discography of 80 albums, including Grammy and Emmy award-winning works.

Known for their educational outreach and The King’s Singers Global Foundation, the group has a mission to inspire and connect through music. Bass vocalist Jonathan Howard, departing after nearly 15 years, reflects on his journey with gratitude, describing the experience as “traveling the world with friends.”

Tickets range from $34 to $115, available at thebarclay.org.

Irvine’s Holiday Bucket List: Lights, Santa, and Family Fun

Celebrate the holidays in and around Irvine with a variety of activities:

  • enjoy holiday decorations, shopping, ice skating, and a ferris wheel ride at the Irvine Spectrum;

  • ride the Irvine Park Railroad Christmas train to Santa’s Village;

  • experience the Hikari Light Festival at Tanaka Farms;

  • and drop off letters to Santa at designated Irvine community centers by Dec 13.

  • Don’t miss the festive lights at the Great Park starting or the holiday displays at the District paired with dinner and a movie.

Top Irvine Restaurants Open for the Holidays with Memorable Menus"

Looking for unforgettable holiday dining? These three fine-dining destinations in Irvine offer festive menus, unique ambience, and are open year-round, including major holidays:

  • Habana (Irvine Spectrum Center): Enjoy Cuban-inspired festivities with photo booths, poinsettias, special dishes, live music on New Year’s Eve, and a Cuban brunch on New Year’s Day.

  • Meizhou Dongpo (Culver Plaza): Renowned for its elegant ambiance and signature dishes like roast duck, Royal Hot Pot, and sweet-and-sour squirrel fish. Perfect for large gatherings.

  • Fogo de Chão (Irvine Spectrum Center): Indulge in a Brazilian churrasco experience with fire-roasted meats and gourmet sides. Seasonal offerings include wagyu porterhouse, pork belly with malagueta honey, and a whole branzino that feeds six.

Safe Holiday Gift-Giving: Essential Tips to Protect Your Little Ones

The holiday season brings joy and excitement, especially for children unwrapping gifts under the treel and ensuring safety during this magical time is important. December is Safe Toys and Gifts Awareness Month, a reminder to prioritize thoughtful and secure gift choices. Here are some essential tips to keep children safe while enjoying their holiday surprises:

  1. Choose Age-Appropriate Toys

    • Always check toy labels for age recommendations.

    • Avoid toys with small parts for younger children to prevent choking hazards.

    • Consider the safety of all children who might use the toy, including siblings and friends.

  2. Read Safety Precautions and Instructions

    • Carefully review safety and instruction booklets.

    • Ensure toys are durable, free of sharp edges, and built for safe play.

  3. Teach Proper Toy Use

    • Show children how to use their gifts correctly.

    • Supervise initial play to avoid misuse that could lead to injuries.

  4. Avoid Unsafe Food Items

    • Be mindful of stocking stuffers and snacks.

    • Avoid hard candies for children under five and allergenic foods like nuts.

    • Double-check for household allergies before gifting food items.

DIY Holiday Gifts: Delicious Treats to Delight Your Loved Ones

Create thoughtful, homemade edible gifts with these easy, festive recipes perfect for family, friends, and co-workers.

Christmas Jam combines cranberries, oranges, and berries for a versatile, antioxidant-rich spread.

Spiced & Candied Nuts offer a protein-packed, heart-healthy snack with warming spices.

Chocolate Bombs make hot cocoa magical with marshmallows and cocoa powder encased in chocolate shells.

These treats are fun to make, delicious to share, and a great way to add personal charm to your holiday giving!

Find recipes here

Join Land Stewardship Activities for All Skill Levels – From Easy Tasks to Rugged Adventures

Looking to make a difference in nature? Land stewardship activities offer tasks for all skill levels: from beginner-friendly seed planting on flat terrain (Level 1) to adventurous invasive tree removal on rugged slopes (Level 5). Each level matches your abilities with tasks ranging from light tools and easy access to challenging off-trail work in remote areas. Find your perfect activity and contribute to habitat restoration today! Learn more here.

Teen Watercolor Workshop: Relax, Create, and Learn with Expert Guidance

Join a relaxing and fun watercolor painting workshop led by a trained Teacher Artist from Partners4Wellness. Open to teens ages 12 to 17, this in-person series provides instruction, supplies, and snacks. Attend one session or all five! Space is limited—register soon. The next workshop is on Friday, December 13, from 3:00 PM to 4:00 PM at Irvine Katie Wheeler Library. Perfect for exploring arts and crafts in a supportive environment.

Upcoming Northwood High School’s Music Calendar

  1. Fri, December 13, 7:00 - 8:30 PM: Winter Gala Concert

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

Upcoming University High School's Choirs Calendar

No further events scheduled for December.

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. Thurs, December 12, 7:00 - 9:00 PM: Winter Concerts: Concert Orchestra, Symphonic Orchestra and Philharmonic Orchestra

  2. Fri, December 13, 7:00 - 9:00 PM: Winter Concerts: Concert Band, Symphonic Band and Wind Ensemble

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

Upcoming Woodbridge High School’s Vocal Music Calendar

No further events scheduled for December.

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

Upcoming Irvine High School's Music Calendar

  1. 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

Easy Ways to Cat-Proof Your Christmas Tree and Keep the Holidays Stress-Free

Cats and Christmas trees can be a chaotic mix, but there are ways to keep your tree safe and festive.

  • Choose a location away from jumping points like shelves, use a sturdy base, and deter your cat with citrus scents (while avoiding potentially harmful peels).

  • Place fragile ornaments higher up and consider switching to a fake tree if real ones prove irresistible.

  • Keep your cat engaged with toys and attention to minimize mischief, and always monitor for hazards like broken ornaments or toxic pine resin.

  • For any doubts, consult your vet to ensure your décor is safe for your feline friend.

Justin Hohn Named Anteater of the Week After Leading UC Irvine Basketball to Big West Victory

Graduate student Justin Hohn earned Sgt. Pepperoni’s Anteater of the Week honors after leading UC Irvine men’s basketball to a Big West-opening win over Cal State Bakersfield. The 6’2” guard scored 19 points, including four three-pointers, and set a career-high with eight assists, along with four rebounds. Hohn’s buzzer-beating three-pointer before halftime extended the Anteaters’ lead, and he now tops the league in assists (39) and assists per game (4.3). UC Irvine remains undefeated at 9-0, matching the best start in program history, and will face Oregon State on Saturday, Dec. 14, at 2 p.m.

UCI Anteaters Upcoming Home Games

No further upcoming home games for December

Irvine Valley Women’s Basketball Splits Games at Eagle Invitational

The Irvine Valley women's basketball team split its games at the Eagle Invitational at Mt. San Jacinto. The Lasers lost to Mt. San Jacinto, 76-55, on Friday, despite 14 points from freshman forward Neryah Lokeni. They bounced back on Saturday with a 63-52 win over Chaffey, improving to a 5-5 record. Samantha Barnett starred with 26 points, including 21 in the first half, helping IVC build an early lead and maintain control. Haruka Mikuma added 12 points, and Moka Saiki contributed 10 points and five assists. IVC will host Glendale this Saturday at 3 p.m.

🏐⚽🏀 Upcoming home games for the IVC LASERS 

Women’s Basketball

  1. Sat, Dec 14: vs Glendale, 3:00 PM

Men’s Basketball

  1. Fri, Dec 13: vs Mt. San Antonio, 5:00 PM

  2. Fri, Dec 20: vs Cypress, 7:00 PM

  3. Mon, Dec 30: vs Alumni, 6:00 PM

Woodbridge High Begins Search for New Varsity Football Coach After Five Seasons Under Aaron Craver

Woodbridge High School is searching for a new head varsity football coach to replace Aaron Craver, who led the team for five seasons. Principal Linzi Gorzycki thanked Craver for his contributions, acknowledging the dedication of student-athletes and community support. Craver expressed disappointment, citing critiques about staff recruitment but highlighted his efforts in building the program and his desire to stay. During his tenure, Craver held a 12-32 record, including a playoff appearance this season under interim coach John Halagan after Craver’s suspension following a controversial game against Pacifica. Craver plans to continue coaching track and field and is optimistic about future opportunities in football.

High School Athletics Calendar

** Updated With December Schedule

Upcoming Irvine High School’s Varsity home games:

December 2024  

Thursday, December 12

  • 05:00 PM: Soccer, Girls VR vs. Mission Viejo at Irvine High School Stadium

  • 07:00 PM: Basketball, Boys VR vs. Trabuco Hills at Irvine High School Game Gym

Saturday, December 14

  • 02:30 PM: Basketball, Girls VR vs. Apple Valley at Irvine High School Game Gym

Tuesday, December 17

  • 05:00 PM: Water Polo, Girls VR vs. Edison at Woolett Pool

  • 05:00 PM: Soccer, Boys VR vs. University at Irvine High School Stadium

  • 05:30 PM: Basketball, Girls VR vs. Cajon at Irvine High School Game Gym

Organized Retail Theft at Spectrum: Suspects Wanted for Using Store Credit Scheme

Irvine Police seek help identifying suspects involved in organized retail theft at Champs in the Spectrum. Last month, they concealed $125 Nike pants, returned them for store credit, and used the credit to buy Jordan shoes, leaving in a rented 2024 Nissan Sentra. If you have information, email [email protected]. Case #24-12912.

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

November 1 - December 14 Annual Holiday Toy Drive

November 18 – December 13 Letters to Santa

November 29– December 29 Hikari Festival of Lights

December 7 - 15 Holiday Makers Mart 10 AM - 4 PM

December 14 Holidays Around the World 11 AM

December 14 Fiesta Navidad 8 PM

December 17 Holiday Organ Spectacular 7:30 PM

December 20 - December 21 Joss Stone: Merry Christmas, Love 8 PM

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