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Stay Safe During Santa Ana Winds: Tree Reporting Options for Irvine Residents

Issue # 0318

Author

Joshua Tjia
08 Jan

In this Irvine Insider Issue . . .

😁 Laugh Of The Day

🌤️ Irvine Weather

🌳💨⚠️ Stay Safe During Santa Ana Winds: Tree Reporting Options for Irvine Residents

🏞️🛝 Great Park Kicks Off New Year with Exciting Developments: Discover What’s Next

🚛☀️ City of Irvine Introduces Solar-Powered EV Chargers to Support Growing Electric Fleet

👗👧🏻 Don’t Miss the Ribbon Cutting: Pretend City’s Amphitheater Opens Jan 31

💜🩺 UCI Health Offers Free Dementia Caregivers Support Group – Join In-Person or Online

🔬🔥 AI-Powered Wildfire Detection Revolutionizes Southern California Safety

🩰 Experience Martha Graham’s Iconic Dance Legacy at Segerstrom Center – Jan. 18

🎼🎼 Upcoming High School Music Calendar

🐈‍⬛🐕 Kickstart 2025 Fitness Goals with Your Furry Friend

🏐UC Irvine Men’s Volleyball Opens 2025 Season at ASICS Invitational

🏀🏐🎾⚾ UCI Anteaters Upcoming Home Games

⚽️ From Irvine Valley to Oklahoma: Mason Tracey Kicks Off His NCAA Career at Oklahoma Christian

🏀🏀 Upcoming home games for the IVC LASERS

🏀 Irvine Boys Basketball Triumphs Over Woodbridge in Rivalry Opener

🏈🎾 High School Athletics Calendar

🚔🚨 Irvine DJ Arrested on Suspicion of Assaulting Minor

🍏🥭🍑 Local Farmers Markets

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

📅📅 Lots of Local Events

📞💡 Useful Contact Information

What did the mother cow say to the baby cow at midnight?

It's pasture bedtime.

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

Stay Safe During Santa Ana Winds: Tree Reporting Options for Irvine Residents

Santa Ana winds, with northeast gusts reaching 20-30 mph and up to 55 mph, are expected to continue today, and the City of Irvine reminds residents to report downed trees

Outdoor burning is not recommended due to fire risks, and the winds may damage property and create hazardous driving conditions across Southern California.

Stay updated on the weather at weather.gov, find power outage tips at sce.com/outage-center/preparing-for-outages, and wildfire preparation resources at ocfa.org/RSG.

Great Park Kicks Off New Year with Exciting Developments: Discover What’s Next

The Great Park is entering an exciting new phase of development this year with several highly anticipated amenities under construction. Residents can look forward to:

  • The Heart of the Park

  • Veterans Memorial Park and Gardens

  • a Botanic Garden

  • and a Permanent Amphitheater

To stay informed about the progress and next steps, visit greatparkframework.org.

City of Irvine Introduces Solar-Powered EV Chargers to Support Growing Electric Fleet

The City of Irvine has implemented three portable, solar-powered EV Arc chargers and procured an electric Ford F-150 Lightning fleet vehicle using $333,830 in funding from the federal Energy Efficiency and Conservation Block Grant (EECBG) program. These chargers, installed at the City’s Operations Support Facility, are off-grid systems capable of providing up to 265 e-miles of charge per day, with functionality during power outages or adverse weather conditions. Supporting the City’s growing electric fleet of 23 vehicles, the project expands charging capacity without requiring infrastructure upgrades. Additional details are available at cityofirvine.org/electrifyirvine.

Don’t Miss the Ribbon Cutting: Pretend City’s Amphitheater Opens Jan 31

Pretend City Children's Museum is unveiling its renovated Amphitheater on January 31, with a ribbon-cutting and fashion show at 9:30 AM (members-only) and public access starting at 10:00 AM. This event celebrates the support of their Igniting Potential Donors, whose contributions foster creativity and imagination in early childhood development. The arts are highlighted for their role in shaping problem-solving skills and emotional expression. Don't miss this exciting milestone!

UCI Health Offers Free Dementia Caregivers Support Group – Join In-Person or Online

Caring for a loved one with dementia can be both rewarding and challenging. UCI Health’s Dementia Caregivers Support Group meets every third Tuesday of the month from 12:30-1:30 PM at the Senior Health Center (Pavilion 4 – Orange) or via Zoom. This free group offers a supportive environment to share experiences, gain practical advice, and find emotional support. Registration is required, and confidentiality is emphasized.

Upcoming session: Tuesday, January 21. Contact Nicole Matsumoto, LCSW, at (949) 814-4793 for more information.

Register here

AI-Powered Wildfire Detection Revolutionizes Southern California Safety

Since 2021, Irvine Ranch Conservancy has partnered with Ryan Honary, founder of SensoRy AI, to enhance wildfire detection through AI-driven wireless mesh sensor technology. Inspired by the 2018 Camp Fire, Ryan’s innovation predicts and detects environmental hazards in real time, safeguarding Southern California’s open spaces. His groundbreaking work has earned numerous accolades, including the 2019 Ignite Innovation Grand Prize and the 2020 American Red Cross Disaster Services Hero Award. Recently, Ryan demonstrated the latest advancements and real-world applications of his life-saving technology.

Experience Martha Graham’s Iconic Dance Legacy at Segerstrom Center – Jan. 18

Celebrate the legacy of Martha Graham, a pioneering force in modern dance, at Segerstrom Center’s participation in the global GRAHAM100 celebration. The event features timeless Graham classics like Appalachian Spring and Immediate Tragedy, alongside innovative new works such as CAVE and We The People, showcasing the company’s enduring excellence and creativity. Don’t miss this powerful tribute to an iconic dance visionary. Performances start at $44.07 on Saturday, Jan. 18, at 7:30 PM.

Find tickets here

Upcoming Northwood High School’s Music Calendar

No events scheduled for January.

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

Upcoming University High School's Choirs Calendar

  1. January 10, 7:00 PM-10:00 PM: Winter Show, Performing Arts Center

  2. January 23 - 24, 7:00 PM: Legends Concert, 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. January 10, 7:00 PM-10:00 PM: Winter Show, 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 8: SCVA Vocal Jazz Festival, Saugus HS (Santa Clarita).

  2. 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

Kickstart 2025 Fitness Goals with Your Furry Friend

Kickstart 2025 with a furry workout partner! Engaging in activities like playing tug-of-war with a cat or going for a run or walk with a dog is a fun and effective way to stay active and improve overall well-being. Pet owners are encouraged to share their fitness moments using #IrvineAnimals and explore more pet-friendly activity ideas at cityofirvine.org/irvine-animal-care-center/resources. Fitness and fun go hand in paw!

UC Irvine Men’s Volleyball Opens 2025 Season at ASICS Invitational

Third-ranked UC Irvine Men's Volleyball kicks off the 2025 season at the ASICS Invitational, hosted by UC Santa Barbara, from January 9-11 at Rob Gym. The Anteaters will take on Menlo on Thursday at 7:00 p.m., Tusculum on Friday at 2:00 p.m., and Missouri S&T on Saturday at 4:30 p.m. UCI, led by AVCA National Player of the Year Hilir Henno and Big West Preseason Team member Maxim Grigoriev, enters the season following a NCAA semifinal appearance and a 20-11 record. Historically successful at this tournament, UCI aims to continue their winning streak, starting strong against a lineup of competitive teams.

UCI Anteaters Upcoming Home Games

Women's Basketball

  1. Thu, Jan 9: vs CSUN, 6:00 PM

  2. Sat, Jan 11: vs UC San Diego, 2:00 PM

Men's Basketball

  1. Thu, Jan 16: vs Cal State Fullerton, 7:00 PM

  2. Sat, Jan 18: vs Cal Poly, 7:00 PM

From Irvine Valley to Oklahoma: Mason Tracey Kicks Off His NCAA Career at Oklahoma Christian

Freshman standout Mason Tracey from Irvine Valley men's soccer is transferring to NCAA Division II Oklahoma Christian after an impressive debut season. Named second-team all-Orange Empire Conference, Tracey started 17 games, scoring four goals and providing five assists for 13 points. Highlights include a two-goal performance in a 3-1 win against Orange Coast on Nov. 12. The Vista Murrieta High alumnus joins an Oklahoma Christian team that finished 6-8-3 in 2024.

🏐⚽🏀 Upcoming home games for the IVC LASERS 

Men’s Basketball

  1. Wed, Jan 08: vs Santiago Canyon, 6:00 PM

  2. Fri, Jan 17: vs Saddleback, 6:00 PM

Men’s Baseball

  1. Fri, Jan 17: vs Mt. San Antonio (Scrimmage), 11:00 AM

Women’s Basketball

  1. Wed, Jan 15: vs Riverside, 6:00 PM

Irvine Boys Basketball Triumphs Over Woodbridge in Rivalry Opener

Irvine High School's boys basketball team continued its impressive season with a 51-41 victory over Woodbridge in their Pacific Coast League opener, marking the Vaqueros' 10th straight win and first victory over Woodbridge in four years. Led by standout Cooper Stearns with 25 points and 17 rebounds, Irvine closed the game with a decisive 10-0 run. Key contributions came from Ali Dal with 10 points and Jalen Yim with eight, including a crucial 3-pointer in the final minutes. The win reflects Irvine's strong start to league play with a 17-2 record. Woodbridge, led by Jaiden Sabino's 20 points, fought hard but fell short in the rivalry matchup. Both teams anticipate a potential rematch in the league tournament finals.

High School Athletics Calendar

** Updated With January Schedule

Upcoming Irvine High School’s Varsity home games:

January 2025

Friday, January 10

  • 5:00 PM - Girls' Soccer (VR) vs. Portola at Irvine High School Stadium

  • 5:30 PM - Girls' Basketball (VR) vs. Northwood at Irvine High School Game Gym

Saturday, January 11

  • 10:00 AM - Boys' Wrestling (VR) - Andrew Pena Classic at Irvine High School Game Gym

Tuesday, January 14

  • 5:30 PM - Girls' Basketball (VR) vs. Laguna Beach at Irvine High School Game Gym

Wednesday, January 15

  • 5:00 PM - Boys' Wrestling (VR) vs. Northwood at Irvine High School Game Gym

  • 5:00 PM - Girls' Wrestling (VR) vs. Northwood at Irvine High School Game Gym

Friday, January 17

  • 5:00 PM - Girls' Soccer (VR) vs. St. Margarets Episcopal at Irvine High School Stadium

  • 5:30 PM - Girls' Basketball (VR) vs. University at Irvine High School Game Gym

  • 7:00 PM - Boys' Basketball (VR) vs. Northwood at Irvine High School Game Gym

Irvine DJ Arrested on Suspicion of Assaulting Minor

The Orange County District Attorney's Office issued a news release. A 37-year-old DJ at the Irvine Spectrum's virtual reality store was arrested on suspicion of molesting a 12-year-old boy he met at the gaming store. Haifeng Cai, 37, of Irvine, has been charged with three felonies for perpetrating lewd and lascivious acts on a child under the age of 14. Cai faces up to 12 years in state prison if convicted on all counts. He is now being held in lieu of a $1 million bond. Cai, who goes under the handle "DJ Novus," is accused of meeting the 12-year-old while working at the Odyssey Virtual Reality store at Irvine Spectrum. On December 14th, 2024

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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