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Tanaka Farms 2024 Pumpkin Patch & Fall Harvest Festival: Fun for the Whole Family

Issue # 0248

In this Irvine Insider Issue . . .

😁 Laugh Of The Day

🌤️ Irvine Weather

🚁🧯 Helicopters, Fire Crews, and Dozers Push for Containment as Cold Front Approaches Trabuco Canyon

💡 UC Irvine Team Finds New Light-Matter Interaction That Could Improve Solar Energy and Everyday Tech

📷 Great Park Gallery Hosts Concert Photography Exhibition Starting September 29

🍂🍁Tanaka Farms 2024 Pumpkin Patch & Fall Harvest Festival: Fun for the Whole Family

👁️ Learn About Cataract Surgery and Clearer Vision at UCI Health Event

🔥⚠️ How to Protect Your Home and Family: Wildfire Safety Tips from IRC

Laura Green’s Nature-Inspired Art Now Available at Irvine Fine Arts Center Store

🎼🎼 Upcoming High School Music Calendar

🚧🐈‍⬛ Irvine Animal Care Center Undergoes Major Renovation, Set for Completion in Summer 2026

🏐 UC Irvine Women's Volleyball Rallies to Defeat Wyoming in Thrilling Five-Set Showdown

🏀🏐🎾⚾ UCI Anteaters Upcoming Home Games

🏀🏀 Upcoming home games for the IVC LASERS

🏈 University High Flag Football Prepares for Rivalry Showdown with League Leader Woodbridge

🏈🎾 High School Athletics Calendar

🚔💄 24-Year-Old Woman Arrested for $1700 Cosmetic Theft at Irvine Target with Help from Minor

🍏🥭🍑 Local Farmers Markets

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

📅📅 Lots of Local Events

📞💡 Useful Contact Information

What do you give a sick bird?

Tweetment!

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

Helicopters, Fire Crews, and Dozers Push for Containment as Cold Front Approaches Trabuco Canyon

Firefighters in Trabuco Canyon are actively constructing direct fire lines and using helicopter operations to keep the fire behavior moderated.

  • A marine layer dissipated, briefly raising temperatures, but an approaching cold front is expected to bring light showers and cooler weather, which should help reduce fire activity.

  • Night crews will continue working in key areas like Harding Truck Trail and Cold Springs Canyon to increase containment, while patrolling for flare-ups.

  • Firefighters are battling the Airport Fire from both the air and ground, and hidden hazards remain.

  • Public is advised to stay off trails in affected areas.

#AirportFire

UC Irvine Team Finds New Light-Matter Interaction That Could Improve Solar Energy and Everyday Tech

A research team led by chemists from UC Irvine, in collaboration with Russia’s Kazan Federal University, has discovered a new way light interacts with matter, potentially improving solar power systems, LEDs, and semiconductor lasers. Published in ACS Nano, the study reveals that photons can gain momentum similar to electrons when confined to nanometer-scale silicon, a material key to modern electronics. The findings challenge previous assumptions about light-matter interactions and could extend the applications of optical spectroscopies beyond traditional chemical analysis. The project was supported by the Chan Zuckerberg Initiative and Kazan Federal University.

Great Park Gallery Hosts Concert Photography Exhibition Starting September 29

The Great Park Gallery in Irvine is hosting "Thank You, Good Night: Concert Photography," an exhibition celebrating iconic concert photography.

  • The exhibit opens on Sunday, September 29, with a free reception from 1–3 p.m., and will run through December 29. 

  • The gallery features images like Bob Gruen's 2010 photo of a legendary American rock band performing in Paris.

  • Visit Thursday–Friday from noon–4 p.m. and Saturday–Sunday from 10 a.m.–4 p.m.

  • Admission and parking are free. More details at cityofirvine.org/great-park/exhibitions.

#GreatParkArts #ConcertPhotography

Tanaka Farms 2024 Pumpkin Patch & Fall Harvest Festival: Fun for the Whole Family

The 2024 Pumpkin Patch & Fall Harvest Festival at Tanaka Farms is now open to the public, offering a unique and fun-filled experience for all ages.

  • Visitors can enjoy a variety of activities, including wagon rides, a corn maze, U-Pick Pumpkin Fields, and the exciting pumpkin cannon.

  • The festival runs through October, with extended weekend hours beginning on October 4.

  • Weekday visitors can take advantage of quieter days filled with educational exhibits and pumpkin picking.

  • Tickets and parking passes can be booked in advance, and Tanaka Farms encourages everyone to come out and celebrate the fall season with family and friends.

Learn About Cataract Surgery and Clearer Vision at UCI Health Event

If you are struggling with blurred or cloudy vision, cataract surgery could possibly be one of the solutions. With over 6.1 million Americans having undergone the procedure, it's a common way to restore clear sight. Join Dr. Soroosh Behshad from UCI Health Gavin Herbert Eye Institute for a free, in-person event on Monday, September 23, at 7:00 p.m. to learn everything you need to know about cataract surgery and its outcomes.

Register here

How to Protect Your Home and Family: Wildfire Safety Tips from IRC

With multiple fires currently affecting Southern California, including the Airport Fire in South Orange County, the Irvine Ranch Conservancy (IRC) urges all Orange County residents to prioritize wildfire safety. The Orange County Fire Authority’s Ready, Set, Go Initiative helps communities prepare for wildfires by focusing on three key steps:

  1. "Ready" encourages proactive preparation like creating defensible space and emergency kits

  2. "Set" advises packing essential items for quick evacuation

  3. "Go" emphasizes the importance of early evacuation to ensure safety.

Stay informed through reliable sources like OCFA, CAL FIRE, and Watch Duty.

Laura Green’s Nature-Inspired Art Now Available at Irvine Fine Arts Center Store

Meet Laura Green, the latest featured artist at the Irvine Fine Arts Center Store. Green's artwork is inspired by her exploration of river trails and coastlines by bike. Many of her paintings depict figures on journeys, reflecting her fascination with maps and navigation. The Art Center Store hours are

  • 10 a.m.–9 p.m. Mondays–Thursdays

  • 10 a.m.–5 p.m. Fridays

  • 9 a.m.–5 p.m. Saturdays

Visit cityofirvine.org/arts for more info.

Upcoming Northwood High School’s Music Calendar

  1. Tue, October 8, 7:00-8:00 PM: Vocal Music Fall Concert at NHS Theater.

  2. Wed, October 9, 7:00-8:30 PM: Instrumental Music Fall Concert at NHS Theater.

  3. Thu, October 10, 7:00-8:30 PM: Instrumental Music Fall Concert at NHS Theater.

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

Upcoming University High School's Choirs Calendar

  1. Thu & Fri, October 17 & 18, 7:00 PM: Songs & Stories at Big Theater.

  2. Thu, December 5, 7:00 PM: A Winter Celebration at 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. Wed, November 6, 7:00 PM: IUSD Band Spectacular.

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

Upcoming Woodbridge High School’s Vocal Music Calendar

  1. Thu, October 17, 7:00 PM: Fall Concert at WHS Performing Arts Center.

  2. Wed, October 30, 7:00 PM: IUSD High School Vocal Festival at Portola HS.

  3. Tue, November 5, 1:00 PM: Concordia Treble Chorus Festival, TBD.

  4. Fri, December 6, 7:00 PM: Winter Celebration Concert at 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. Tue, October 29, 7:00-9:30 PM: Autumn Serenade

  2. 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

Irvine Animal Care Center Undergoes Major Renovation, Set for Completion in Summer 2026

The Irvine Animal Care Center is undergoing a major renovation and expansion, which began in August and is set to be completed by summer 2026.

  • The project will include a new entrance, upgraded reception area, multipurpose room for education and training, and improved kennels and activity yards.

  • The center remains open throughout construction, with temporary facilities in place to ensure animals continue to receive top care and adoption services remain uninterrupted.

  • Updates on the renovation will be shared regularly. Learn more at cityofirvine.org/animals.

#IrvineAnimalCareCenter #WeAreIrvine

UC Irvine Women's Volleyball Rallies to Defeat Wyoming in Thrilling Five-Set Showdown

UC Irvine volleyball, led by Emma Napoleon's career-high 15 kills, won a tough five-set match against Wyoming at the Buffs Invitational in Boulder, Colo. The Anteaters took the first two sets 25-22 and 25-21, but Wyoming bounced back to claim the next two, 26-24 and 25-18. UC Irvine sealed the match with a 15-11 win in the final set, improving their season record to 5-3. Notable performances included Katie Smith’s 13 kills and 10 digs, Hunter Riedl’s 12 kills, and Nicole Feliciano’s 37 assists and 13 digs. Wyoming led statistically but couldn’t secure the win.

UCI Anteaters Upcoming Home Games

Men's Soccer

  • Fri, Sep 20: vs Alumni, 3:00 PM

  • Sat, Sep 21: vs Utah Tech, 6:00 PM

  • Sat, Sep 28: vs San Diego State, 6:00 PM

Women's Soccer

  • Tue, Sep 24: vs East Los Angeles, 3:00 PM

  • Sun, Sep 29: vs CSUN, 1:00 PM

Men's Water Polo

  • Fri, Sep 27: vs California, 1:00 PM

  • Sat, Sep 28: vs Stanford, 12:00 PM

🏐🏀 Upcoming home games for the IVC LASERS

Women’s Soccer

  1. Tue, Sep 24: vs East Los Angeles, 3:00 PM

Women's Volleyball

  1. Fri, Sep 20: vs Riverside, 6:00 PM

  2. Fri, Sep 27: vs Golden West, 6:00 PM

University High Flag Football Prepares for Rivalry Showdown with League Leader Woodbridge

University High School’s girls flag football team is set to face off against defending Pacific Coast League champion Woodbridge on Wednesday at 3:30 p.m. at University. Woodbridge currently leads the league, while University holds second place. Coach Jeff Marchiorlatti emphasized the importance of the Woodbridge game, noting the rivalry and the battle for first place. The Trojans (3-3 overall) went 1-1 last week, defeating Irvine 28-0 but losing to Northwood 18-0. Standout performances included Arden Marchiorlatti’s two touchdowns and six defensive flag pulls, and Carmen Cruz’s leadership on defense with six flag pulls and two pass defenses.

High School Athletics Calendar

** Updated With September Schedule

Upcoming Irvine High School’s Varsity home games:

September 2024

Monday, September 16

  • 03:00 PM: Tennis, Girls VR vs. Canyon/Anaheim at Irvine High School Heritage Park

Tuesday, September 17

  • 04:15 PM: Water Polo, Boys VR vs. Yucaipa at Woolett Pool

  • 05:15 PM: Volleyball, Girls VR vs. Laguna Beach at Irvine High School Game Gym

Wednesday, September 18

  • 03:30 PM: Flag Football, Girls VR vs. Rosary Academy at Irvine High School Stadium

Thursday, September 19

  • 03:00 PM: Tennis, Girls VR vs. La Habra at Irvine High School Heritage Park

  • 05:15 PM: Volleyball, Girls VR vs. St. Margarets Episcopal at Irvine High School Game Gym

Friday, September 20 

  • 07:00 PM: Football, VR vs. Kennedy/La Palma at Irvine High School Stadium

  • 07:00 PM: Traditional Competitive Cheer VR vs. Kennedy/La Palma at Irvine High School Stadium

Monday, September 23

  • 03:00 PM: Tennis, Girls VR vs. Capistrano Valley at Irvine High School Heritage Park

  • 03:30 PM: Flag Football, Girls VR vs. Laguna Beach at Irvine High School Stadium

  • 04:00 PM: Golf, Girls VR vs. Laguna Beach at Oak Creek Golf Course

Friday, September 27  

  • Water Polo, Boys VR - S&R Tournament at Woolett Pool

Saturday, September 28

  • Water Polo, Boys VR - S&R Tournament at Woolett Pool

Monday, September 30

  • 04:00 PM: Golf, Girls VR vs. Portola at Oak Creek Golf Course

24-Year-Old Woman Arrested for $1700 Cosmetic Theft at Irvine Target with Help from Minor

24-year-old Monalisa Cristina Barbu of Rowland Heights was arrested for concealing over $1700 in cosmetics in a baby stroller at the Target on Jamboree, with the help of a minor. There was no baby in the stroller, and a third adult suspect may have been involved. Security stopped them as they were exiting the store, and officers arrested both Barbu and the minor. Barbu was booked at Orange County Jail for multiple charges, while the minor was released to family and may face burglary charges.

#dontcommitcrimeinirvine #irvinepolice #cityofirvine

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 55% - 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

September 14 - October 31 Pumpkin Patch at Tanka Farms

September 17 Great Park Heart of the Park Showcase 1 PM - 2:30 PM

September 20 An Evening with Samara Joy 8 PM

September 22 Fiesta Latina en Irvine 11 AM - 4 PM

September 26 - 28 Rachmaninoff & Beethoven 8:00 PM

September 28 Silent Disco 6 PM - 9 PM

We could use your help

We’ve got big plans as we get up to speed! But we need your help!

One huge way that you can help us is to spread the word for us.

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