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Simple Ways to Build Friendships at Any Age: UCI Expert Shares Tips for Staying Connected

Issue # 0348

Author

Joshua Tjia
20 Feb

In this Irvine Insider Issue . . .

😁 Laugh Of The Day

🌤️ Irvine Weather

🏙️🤝 Assistance League of Irvine: Local Volunteer Organization Supporting the Community

🍔🌮 Yum Brands Restructures: Irvine Named Headquarters for Taco Bell and Habit Burger

🥗🫒 The Great Greek Mediterranean Grill Now Open in Irvine

🚜 Jeffrey Open Space Trail Project: Overnight Closures on Walnut Ave & I-5 Ramps

🎾 Spring Break Junior Tennis Camp at Great Park – Sign Up Now

👋🏻 Simple Ways to Build Friendships at Any Age: UCI Expert Shares Tips for Staying Connected

🌾🐾 Rehabilitated Bobcat Thrives After Release in OC Parks

🎶🎵 South Coast Chinese Orchestra & Choirs to Perform at OC Lantern Festival This Saturday

🎼🎼 Upcoming High School Music Calendar

🐈🐕 Join Now! Volunteer to Support Animals in Need at Irvine Animal Care Center

⚾️ Chase Call Named Sgt. Pepperoni’s Anteater of the Week for Standout Baseball Performance

🏀🏐🎾⚾ UCI Anteaters Upcoming Home Games

⚾️ Irvine Valley Baseball Tops West LA 3-1, Improves to 7-3

🏀🏀 Upcoming home games for the IVC LASERS

🏀 Irvine Basketball Fights Off Cabrillo Rally to Secure Playoff Victory

🏈🎾 High School Athletics Calendar

🚔🚨 Suspect Wanted for Vehicle Theft at Solana Apartment Homes

🍏🥭🍑 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 a sleeping bull?

A bull-dozer.

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

Assistance League of Irvine: Local Volunteer Organization Supporting the Community

The Assistance League of Irvine (ALI) is a nonprofit volunteer organization focused on community programs and services. As part of a national network of 120 chapters, ALI contributes to efforts that have collectively provided $38.8 million in community support, with over 3.2 million service hours impacting 12 million individuals.

  • The Irvine chapter includes around 100 active members and 125 Assisteens, who log over 24,000 volunteer hours annually.

  • Key programs include Operation School Bell, which provides school clothing for income-qualified IUSD students, and a scholarship program for graduating high school seniors and Irvine Valley College students, including single parents and veterans.

  • A New Member Coffee event will be held on Saturday, March 22, at the ALI Thrift & Gift Shop (2452 Alton Parkway) for those interested in learning more.

  • For more information, contact [email protected].

Yum Brands Restructures: Irvine Named Headquarters for Taco Bell and Habit Burger

KFC's parent company, Yum Brands, announced a corporate restructuring that will relocate KFC’s U.S. headquarters from Louisville, Kentucky, to Plano, Texas, while also designating Irvine, California, as the headquarters for Taco Bell and Habit Burger. The move is part of Yum’s strategy to streamline operations and foster collaboration among its brands. Despite the shift, Yum will maintain corporate offices in Louisville and provide a $1 million endowment to the University of Louisville. Irvine will continue to be a key hub for Yum Brands, reinforcing its role in the fast-food giant’s future growth.

The Great Greek Mediterranean Grill Now Open in Irvine

The Great Greek Mediterranean Grill is now open in Irvine, bringing classic Mediterranean dishes with a modern twist.

  • Owned by entrepreneur Dany Askar and his family, the fast-casual eatery serves fresh, authentic favorites like The Great Greek Gyro, Souvlaki plates, Feta Fries, and house-made dips.

  • Guests can enjoy customizable bowls, fresh Greek salads, and desserts like Baklava and Mom’s Rice Pudding.

  • The restaurant also offers catering with build-your-own Gyros and Souvlaki Skewers.

  • Find more information at www.thegreatgreekgrill.com/irvine-ca-westpark or call 949-932-0119.

Jeffrey Open Space Trail Project: Overnight Closures on Walnut Ave & I-5 Ramps

Road Closure Alert: As work continues on the Jeffrey Open Space Trail Bicycle and Pedestrian Bridge, Walnut Ave. south of Jeffrey Rd. and the southbound I-5 on/off-ramps at Jeffrey Rd. will be fully closed on:

  • Feb. 20 (9 PM) – Feb. 21 (7 AM)

  • Feb. 21 (9 PM) – Feb. 22 (7 AM)

Access to homes and businesses will remain open, but no access to the southbound I-5 ramps or Caltrans Park & Ride during closures. The project is expected to finish by March 2026. Stay updated via the Roadway Improvement & Traffic Advisory newslette here

Spring Break Junior Tennis Camp at Great Park – Sign Up Now

Join Coaches Kevin & Ryan for a fun-filled Spring Break Tennis Camp at Great Park Tennis Center! Open to ages 5-17, the camp offers skill-building for all levels—

  • beginners (10 & under) use age-appropriate equipment

  • newer players focus on stroke development

  • and advanced players refine techniques & match strategies.

March–April sessions available. Register today: 949-724-6617 [email protected].

Simple Ways to Build Friendships at Any Age: UCI Expert Shares Tips for Staying Connected

Building friendships becomes harder after 50, but staying socially connected is crucial for mental and physical well-being, says UCI Health psychiatrist Dr. Jody Rawles.

  • He highlights group exercise (running, cycling, yoga, Pilates) as a great way to meet people in a low-pressure setting, with natural opportunities to connect before and after workouts.

  • He also encourages forming multigenerational friendships by engaging with neighbors, mentoring youth, and supporting older adults.

  • Strong social ties help reduce disease risk, improve eating habits, and enhance sleep.

Rehabilitated Bobcat Thrives After Release in OC Parks

Exciting wildlife update! After a successful rehabilitation, a bobcat released near Silverado Creek in OC Parks’ Irvine Ranch Open Space is thriving. These elusive predators play a crucial role in maintaining Orange County’s ecosystem by keeping prey populations in check. Often found in the Santa Ana Mountains and regional parks, they navigate dense vegetation and rocky terrain with ease.

South Coast Chinese Orchestra & Choirs to Perform at OC Lantern Festival This Saturday

The South Coast Chinese Orchestra, along with the Irvine Chinese Chorus, Southern California Taiwanese Presbyterian Church Joint Choir, and Orange County Ladies Chorus, will deliver a special performance at the Orange County Lantern Festival this Saturday. Don’t miss this vibrant celebration of music and culture!

Upcoming Northwood High School’s Music Calendar

  1. February 28: CSUF Wind Ensemble Festival, CSU Fullerton

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

Upcoming University High School's Choirs Calendar

  1. February 27 - March 1,6,7,8 7:00 PM: Guys and Dolls Musical, 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. February 27 - March 1, 7:00 PM-10:00 PM: Shrek the Musical, Performing Arts Center

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

Upcoming Woodbridge High School’s Vocal Music Calendar

  1. February 27 - March 1: Shrek the Musical, 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. March 5-8, 7:00 PM: Mary Poppins Musical, Irvine Performing Arts Center.

  2. March 13, 6:30 PM: Festival Concert, Irvine Performing Arts Center.

  3. March 15, All Day: Irvine Jazz Festival, Irvine High School Campus.

  4. March 18, 7:00 PM: District Jazz Festival, Woodbridge HS Performing Arts Center.

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

Join Now! Volunteer to Support Animals in Need at Irvine Animal Care Center

The Irvine Animal Care Center is seeking volunteers (18+) for roles in Animal Care, Foster Care, Greeter, and Transport to support animals in need. This is a great opportunity to give back, gain experience, and help pets find forever homes. Learn more and apply at irvineanimals.org/volunteer.

Chase Call Named Sgt. Pepperoni’s Anteater of the Week for Standout Baseball Performance

Senior outfielder Chase Call was named Sgt. Pepperoni’s Anteater of the Week after a standout performance at the MLB Desert Invitational, collecting seven RBIs on six hits with a .462 batting average. He helped UC Irvine defeat No. 24 Nebraska (10-5) with two RBIs, led an 18-4 rout over New Mexico with a three-run homer and four RBIs, and added a triple and RBI in a 9-8 loss to No. 16 Vanderbilt. The ‘Eaters return to action Feb. 21-23 at Texas Tech.

UCI Anteaters Upcoming Home Games

Men's Basketball

  • Thu, Feb 20: UC Irvine vs. CSUN at 7:00 PM

Women's Water Polo

Fri, Feb 21: UC Irvine vs. Loyola Marymount University at 4:40 PM

Women's Basketball

  • Sat, Feb 22: UC Irvine vs. Cal State Bakersfield at 2:00 PM

Baseball

  • Wed, Feb 26: UC Irvine vs. Utah Tech at 6:00 PM

Irvine Valley Baseball Tops West LA 3-1, Improves to 7-3

Irvine Valley’s baseball team secured a solid 3-1 win over West Los Angeles, improving to 7-3 overall. Sophomore left-hander Jackson Chastain dominated on the mound, pitching 6.2 innings with seven strikeouts, allowing just four hits and one walk. Freshman Andres Hernandez and sophomore Zack Marker closed out the game. Offensively, Jackson Snitko’s double put IVC on the board, followed by another RBI double from Shaun McCaghren, who later added a second double to drive in Jake Amundson. McCaghren finished 2-for-4 with two RBI.

🏐⚽🏀 Upcoming home games for the IVC LASERS 

Women's Basketball

  1. Fri, Feb 21 – vs Orange Coast, 6:00 PM

Baseball

  1. Sat, Feb 22 – vs San Diego Mesa, 12:00 PM

Men’s Tennis

  1. Tue, Feb 25 – vs Fullerton, 2:00 PM

  2. Thu, Feb 27 – vs Bakersfield, 1:00 PM

Women's Beach Volleyball

  1. Sat, Feb 22 – vs San Diego Mesa, 12:00 PM

  2. Thu, Feb 27 – vs LA Valley, 1:00 PM

Irvine Basketball Fights Off Cabrillo Rally to Secure Playoff Victory

Irvine secured a hard-fought 71-66 victory over Long Beach Cabrillo in the CIF Division 2A quarterfinals, led by senior center Cooper Stearns’ triple-double (25 points, 16 rebounds, 11 assists). The Vaqueros (29-2) extended their winning streak to 22 games, never trailing and fending off a late fourth-quarter rally by Cabrillo. Despite turnovers and a heavy press from the Jaguars, Irvine remained composed, executing crucial plays down the stretch. Ali Dal and Jalen Yim each scored 12 points, while Holden Stearns added 11. A 20-minute delay due to a game clock malfunction didn’t shake Irvine’s focus as they advanced to Friday’s semifinal against St. Bonaventure and secured a spot in the CIF SoCal regional tournament in March.

High School Athletics Calendar

** Updated With February Schedule

Upcoming Irvine High School’s Varsity home games:

February 2025

Thursday, February 20

  • 3:00 PM - Tennis (Boys, VR) vs El Toro at Irvine High School Heritage Park

Monday, February 24

  • 3:00 PM - Tennis (Boys, VR) vs Edison at Irvine High School Heritage Park

  • 6:00 PM - Lacrosse (Boys, VR) vs Mission Viejo at Irvine High School Stadium

Suspect Wanted for Vehicle Theft at Solana Apartment Homes

A man was caught stealing items from at least two vehicles at Solana Apartment Homes around 4 a.m. on February 12. Authorities are seeking assistance in identifying him. If you recognize the suspect, please email [email protected].

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

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