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Striking the Right Chord: Irvine Teen Uses the Harp to Heal and Inspire

Issue # 0452

Author

Joshua Tjia
28 Jul

In this Irvine Insider Issue . . .

😁 Laugh Of The Day

🌤️ Irvine Weather

🎶🪉 Striking the Right Chord: Irvine Teen Uses the Harp to Heal and Inspire

🚓⚠️ Missing Person: Irvine Police Seek Help Locating Elderly Man Last Seen on Pendio Street

🚧 Intersection Upgrades Begin at Alton and Culver, July 28–31

🥡🥢 Savor Modern Chinese Flavors with EverSpring’s $16.95 Bento Box Lunch

👦🎡 Irvine Spectrum Hosts Monthly Family Event with Free Activities for Kids

👀🥗 Eat Right for Better Sight: How Food Supports Eye Health

🏓 Woodbridge Hosts Pickleball Clinics for Intermediate to Advanced Players

🎨🫧 Parent & Child Art Class: Mud, Suds, and Imagination

🎼🎼 Upcoming High School Music Calendar

☀️🐾 5 Ways to Help Flat-Faced Pets Beat the Heat This Summer

🏃🏻‍♀️ UC Irvine Women’s Track Sets Academic Record with Five Honorees

🏀🏐🎾⚾ UCI Anteaters Upcoming Home Games

🏀🏀 Upcoming home games for the IVC LASERS

🏈🎾 High School Athletics Calendar

🚓🚨 Two Arrested in Irvine Public Storage Burglary Case

🍏🥭🍑 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 sheep covered in chocolate?

A candy baa.

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

Striking the Right Chord: Irvine Teen the Uses Harp to Heal and Inspire

Naomi Gesk, a 17-year-old senior at University High in Irvine, discovered her passion for the harp at age 9 and now uses her talent to uplift the community.

  • She performs at churches, hospitals, and fundraisers through programs like UCI Health’s Music to Heal, and founded the first Irvine Unified Harp Ensemble with support from mentor Brad Harris.

  • The group of eight student harpists shares music at local events, promoting healing and connection.

  • Naomi also won first place in the 2023 American Harp Society National Competition, and continues to mentor others, seeing the harp as a bridge to bring comfort and inspiration to those in need.

Missing Person: Irvine Police Seek Help Locating Elderly Man Last Seen on Pendio Street

The Irvine Police Department is seeking the public’s assistance in locating 76-year-old Serafin Triperinas, who was last seen yesterday around 1 p.m. on Pendio Street. He was wearing a black shirt and tan pants. Mr. Triperinas has dementia and speaks Greek. Anyone with information is kindly asked to contact 9-1-1. Community assistance is greatly appreciated.

Intersection Upgrades Begin at Alton and Culver, July 28–31

From Monday, July 28, through Thursday, July 31, single lane closures will be in effect in both directions of Alton Parkway at Culver Drive from 9 a.m. to 3 p.m. as part of the Culver Drive and Alton Parkway Intersection Improvement Project.

  • This phase involves the removal and repaving of the concrete crosswalk at the intersection.

  • Motorists should anticipate delays and are advised to use alternate routes when possible.

  • Upon completion, the project aims to improve signal timing coordination along both the Culver Drive and Alton Parkway corridors.

Savor Modern Chinese Flavors with EverSpring’s $16.95 Bento Box Lunch

EverSpring Modern Chinese offers a weekday Bento Box Special priced at $16.95, available Monday through Friday from 11:00 AM to 5:00 PM. After 5:00 PM, the Bento Box is available at the regular price of $19.95. Everspring emphasizes a modern approach to traditional Chinese cuisine, focusing on fresh ingredients, handcrafted dishes, and a blend of authentic and American-Chinese flavors.

Irvine Spectrum Hosts Monthly Family Event with Free Activities for Kids

Families are invited to enjoy a free, fun-filled morning at the Irvine Spectrum’s Giant Wheel Lawn every first Tuesday of the month from 10 a.m. to 12 p.m. Enjoy complimentary Carousel rides, kid‑friendly games, bubbles, music from an interactive DJ, and more. The next event is on Tuesday, August 5.

Eat Right for Better Sight: How Food Supports Eye Health

Good vision starts with good nutrition. UCI Health experts highlight how antioxidant-rich foods can help prevent eye conditions and support lifelong visual health. Two easy, eye-friendly recipes show how simple it is to eat with your eyes in mind.

Key Points:

  • Food & Eye Health:
    A nutrient-rich diet can lower the risk of macular degeneration, cataracts, and dry eyes.

  • Vital Nutrients:
    Lutein, zeaxanthin, vitamins A, C, E, zinc, and beta-carotene protect the retina and support tear production and night vision.

  • Start Early:
    Colorful fruits, vegetables, whole grains, lean proteins, and healthy fats build strong eyes in children.

Recipes

  • Turkey Zucchini Burgers:
    Loaded with eye-boosting nutrients and topped with lemon yogurt sauce for extra vitamin C.

  • Watermelon-Kiwi Skewers:
    Refreshing, hydrating, and packed with lycopene, vitamin C, and protective antioxidants.

  • Flavor with Benefits:
    Ingredients like parsley, mint, cumin, and chili-lime salt add both taste and eye health perks.

These recipes are simple, fun, and designed for supporting healthy vision at any age. Find the recipes here

Woodbridge Hosts Pickleball Clinics for Intermediate to Advanced Players

Woodbridge Village Association is offering live ball pickleball clinics for intermediate to advanced players (levels 3.0–4.5). Depending on the number of participants, play may include round robin tournaments, mix-and-match point play, or single court drills.

To register, stop by the office at 31 Creek Road or call (949) 786-1800 during regular business hours.

Parent & Child Art Class: Mud, Suds, and Imagination

Join Messy, Muddy Hands & Toes, an art class that invites young children ages 1–5 to dive into the world of sensory art through playful activities using fingers, feet, mud, and suds. Each week brings a new creative project designed to spark curiosity, build motor skills, and make joyful memories. Parent participation is part of the experience, so come ready to get a little messy!

🗓️ Tuesdays, Aug 5–26
🕚 11:15 AM–Noon
📍 Heritage Community Center Craft Room
📍 14301 Yale Ave, Irvine, CA
💵 $64 (Resident) / $69 (Non-Resident) + $20 supply fee
📞 Call 949-724-6750 to register

Find more information here

We will resume with the high school music calendar events when the schedule is available for the fall semester.

5 Ways to Help Flat-Faced Pets Beat the Heat This Summer

Flat-faced pets such as Bulldogs, Pugs, Persian cats, and Exotic Shorthairs are especially vulnerable to heat due to their shortened airways, which make it harder for them to breathe and stay cool. Protect them during hot weather with the following tips:

  • 💧 Provide plenty of fresh, cool water at all times

  • 🌳 Ensure they have access to shade and a cool, quiet resting area

  • ☀️ Avoid exercise or outdoor activity during the hottest parts of the day

  • 🌬️ Use fans or damp towels to help them cool down

  • 💦 Watch for signs of overheating, such as heavy panting, drooling, or sluggishness

For more pet care tips, visit cityofirvine.org/animals.

UC Irvine Women’s Track Sets Academic Record with Five Honorees

UC Irvine women’s track & field team earned USTFCCCA All-Academic Team honors for the 12th time in 16 years, with a program-record five student-athletes recognized individually for academic and athletic excellence.

Honorees include

  1. DeAna Davis (hammer throw)

  2. Jazzmine Davis (hurdles)

  3. Malia Gay (800m)

  4. Reyna Johnson (long jump)

  5. Zharia Taylor (high jump)

Notable achievements include Taylor becoming UCI’s first NCAA All-American since 1997 and Jazzmine Davis winning Big West Track Athlete of the Meet.

UCI Anteaters Upcoming Home Games

We will resume with UCI’s athletic calendar events when the schedule is available for the fall quarter.

🏐⚽🏀 Upcoming home games for the IVC LASERS 

We will resume with IVC’s athletic calendar events when the schedule is available for the fall semester.

We will resume with the high school athletic calendar events when the schedule is available for the fall semester.

Two Arrested in Irvine Public Storage Burglary Case

Two suspects were arrested following a commercial burglary at Public Storage on Construction Circle on July 16. Irvine Police identified and arrested Ethan Chase Mull, 34, from Lake Forest, after a foot chase.

  • A search of his home uncovered drugs, firearms, and ammo.

  • He was booked on multiple charges, including burglary, conspiracy, and being a felon in possession of firearms and body armor.

  • A second suspect, Travis Lee Orrin, 40, from Yorba Linda, was later located at an Artesia motel and also arrested for burglary and conspiracy.

  • Both were booked at Orange County Jail.

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

July 12 - End of August Tanaka Farms Melong Tasting Tours

July 29 Library Card Sign-Up Event 4:30 - 6:30 PM

August 5 Toddlers & Tunes 10 AM - 12 PM

August 5 2025 National Night Out 5:30 - 7:30 PM

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