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Tonight’s Cosmic Triple Play: Harvest Supermoon, Blood Moon, and a Partial Eclipse

Issue # 0249

Author

Joshua Tjia
17 Sep

In this Irvine Insider Issue . . .

😁 Laugh Of The Day

🌤️ Irvine Weather

✈️🔥 Firefighters Strengthen Control Lines as Weather Conditions Favor Progress

🍹🌮 10 Restaurants Redefining Mexican Cuisine in Orange County

🥟 New Eatery in Irvine: Bafang Dumpling Opens with Taiwanese Favorites

🌖 Tonight’s Cosmic Triple Play: Harvest Supermoon, Blood Moon, and a Partial Eclipse

🧒🏻🚸 September 19: Join for Safety Education and Community Engagement in Irvine

🏥🎗️ UCI Health Chosen for National Dementia Care Program to Enhance Patient Support

🌳🥾 From Easy Strolls to Rugged Climbs: Find Your Trail Match

🎨🖌️ Irvine Fine Arts Center Offers Creative Classes for Teens in Partnership with Chuck Jones Center

🎼🎼 Upcoming High School Music Calendar

🐈🎣 Top Cat Toys for Enriching Playtime and Reducing Stress

⚽️ UCI Women's Soccer Celebrates Victory, Player Milestones, and Jenika Davis' Courageous Return to the Field

🏀🏐🎾⚾ UCI Anteaters Upcoming Home Games

⚽️ Irvine Valley Women’s Soccer Dominates Victor Valley with 8-0 Shutout, Secures Fourth Consecutive Win

🏀🏀 Upcoming home games for the IVC LASERS

🏊🏻‍♀️💦 Thomas Kelly Named New Swim Coach at Crean Lutheran High School

🏈🎾 High School Athletics Calendar

🚔 Man Arrested in Irvine for Fraud and Grand Theft After Police Stop

🚓🎻 Irvine Man Pleads Guilty to $525K Violin Scheme and Bank Robbery, Faces Up to 40 Years in Prison

🍏🥭🍑 Local Farmers Markets

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

📅📅 Lots of Local Events

📞💡 Useful Contact Information

How does a Japanese chihuahua say hello?

“Konichihuahua.'“

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

Firefighters Strengthen Control Lines as Weather Conditions Favor Progress

Firefighters made significant progress due to favorable weather, focusing on strengthening control lines on the east and west sides near communities at risk. A weak cold front is expected midweek, with drier conditions and higher temperatures this weekend. Fire activity is predicted to remain minimal, allowing firefighters to further improve containment. Evacuation updates for Riverside and Orange County are available on InciWeb.

#AirportFire

10 Restaurants Redefining Mexican Cuisine in Orange County

- Chaak: Gabbi Patrick's Michelin-recognized restaurant draws on Yucatecan ancestry, offering smoky, spicy flavors in a chic, pre-Hispanic-inspired setting.

- Descanso: A plancha (grill) dining experience where chefs cook in front of guests, bringing the sights and sounds of Mexico's street food culture to life.

- El Cholo: A Southern California institution since 1923, known for its signature green corn tamales and consistently high-quality Cali-Mex cuisine.

- El Torito: Famous for its Mexican brunch with bottomless beverages and extensive buffet options, a family favorite since 1954.

- Javier’s: Coastal resort vibes with fresh seafood, hearty carnitas, sizzling steaks, and killer margaritas. A luxurious take on traditional Mexican dishes.

- Maizano: Chef Alan Sanz offers a fine dining experience with dishes like mole blanco and cochinita pibil. His innovative approach earned accolades in Latin America's top dining competitions.

- Paseo: Chef Carlos Gaytán, the first Mexican chef to earn a Michelin star, brings imaginative dishes like lamb barbacoa and a corn trompe l’oeil dessert to the Disneyland Resort.

- Taco Mesa: Known for its fresh, contemporary takes on Mexican cuisine, with a focus on sustainability and organic ingredients.

- Wahoo’s Fish Taco: Surf/skate-themed spot serving Pacific Rim-infused tacos, burritos, and bowls since 1988, expanding its brand across multiple states.

- Xacalli Kitchen: Chef Vincent Espinoza elevates Mexican cuisine with farm-to-table dishes like Yucatán ribs and roasted oyster mushrooms, blending European techniques with Mexican traditions.

New Eatery in Irvine: Bafang Dumpling Opens with Taiwanese Favorites

Bafang Dumpling has opened its doors in Irvine . Originally from Taiwan, with over 1,000 locations across Asia, it's now bringing delicious potstickers, dumplings, and other Taiwanese favorites to the community. Founded by Mr. Lin in 1998, the brand now has over 1,100 stores across Asia and continues to bring people together through its tasty offerings.

#Irvine #BafangDumpling #IrvineEats #GrandOpening #NewInTown #FoodieFavorites #BDIrvine10 #BafangIrvine10

Tonight’s Cosmic Triple Play: Harvest Supermoon, Blood Moon, and a Partial Eclipse

Tonight, on September 17, stargazers will witness a rare celestial event as a harvest supermoon coincides with a blood moon and a partial lunar eclipse. This unique combination is uncommon, with the lunar eclipse peaking at 7:44 PM (PT), visible across North and South America, with some visibility in Europe and Africa. The moon will take on a reddish hue, known as a blood moon, as it passes through Earth's shadow. No special eye protection is needed, making it a perfect opportunity for moonwatchers to enjoy this rare sight in the night sky.

September 19: Join for Safety Education and Community Engagement in Irvine

Communities Come Together is just 2 days away! Join on September 19 from 5-7 p.m. at the Legacy Education Center for a night of safety education and community fun.

  • Hosted by the IUSD Special Education Department, in partnership with the Irvine Police and OC Fire Authority, this family-friendly event will include meeting community helpers, street safety tips, 911 dialing lessons, snacks, and activities.

  • Parents/guardians must attend, and RSVP is required here.

  • Don't miss out on this opportunity for learning and engagement!

UCI Health Chosen for National Dementia Care Program to Enhance Patient Support

UCI Health's Population Health and Value-Based Care program has been selected by the Centers for Medicare & Medicaid Services (CMS) to participate in the Guiding an Improved Dementia Experience (GUIDE) initiative. Led by the UCI Health SeniorHealth Center, in collaboration with the Department of Neurology at the UCI School of Medicine, the program aims to enhance dementia care in Orange County. This new model focuses on providing comprehensive care coordination, support for caregivers, and increased access to services for those living with dementia. The initiative aligns with national efforts to improve dementia care and support caregivers, helping patients remain in their homes and communities.

From Easy Strolls to Rugged Climbs: Find Your Trail Match

The Irvine Ranch Natural Landmarks provides a variety of hiking trails rated by difficulty:

  • Level 1: Easy, suitable for all ages and fitness levels.

  • Level 2: Moderate, around 2 miles, minimal elevation.

  • Level 3: Challenging, around 4 miles with some elevation gain.

  • Level 4: Difficult, 8 miles, faster pace, significant elevation.

  • Level 5: Strenuous, over 10 miles, steep and rugged terrain.

For detailed trail options, visit Irvine Ranch Difficulty Ratings.

Irvine Fine Arts Center Offers Creative Classes for Teens in Partnership with Chuck Jones Center

Three years ago, Disney animator Eric Goldberg, known for his work on the Genie in Aladdin, visited Irvine to share his skills at a community event. The Irvine Fine Arts Center continues to collaborate with the Chuck Jones Center for Creativity to offer art classes for all ages.

  • Upcoming classes for artists aged 12-17 include drawing flowers, designing botanical wreaths, and creating pastel moth drawings from September 24 to October 15.

  • From October 22 to November 12, students can design original video game characters. Sign up for classes at the Irvine Fine Arts Center here: Class Registration.

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

Top Cat Toys for Enriching Playtime and Reducing Stress

  • Cats are natural hunters that enjoy toys they can stalk, chase, and capture.

  • Popular cat toys include crinkle toys, food-filled toys, catnip toys, small stuffed animals, and wand toys.

  • Sensory toys, such as foraging puzzles and climbing structures, provide mental stimulation, reduce stress, and give cats an outlet for their natural instincts like hunting, foraging, and scratching.

  • Play is essential for both kittens and adult cats, helping prevent boredom and encouraging healthy behaviors.

#vcapets

UCI Women's Soccer Celebrates Victory, Player Milestones, and Jenika Davis' Courageous Return to the Field

Laila El Behery had a standout performance with five points in UCI's 80th-minute win over Pacific, marking her first career brace and second career game-winning goal. The Anteaters, now 2-4-2, are in the midst of a 28-day road trip, with their final non-conference match against UC San Diego coming up. UCI also saw several player milestones, including Emilie Castagna’s 50th match and Lawson Willis nearing 5,000 career minutes. Notably, Jenika Davis returned to the field after overcoming Acute Myeloid Leukemia. UC Irvine kicks off Big West play against UC San Diego next, with both teams seeking an early advantage.

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

Irvine Valley Women’s Soccer Dominates Victor Valley with 8-0 Shutout, Secures Fourth Consecutive Win

The Irvine Valley women's soccer team secured their fourth consecutive shutout with a dominating 8-0 victory over Victor Valley at home, improving their record to 4-1. The team has now outscored their last four opponents 21-0. Notable performances included Nikki MacDonald's opening goal in the 11th minute, followed by scores from Jordan Madison, Izzy Rodrigues, Megan Beal (who also converted a penalty), Emily Orosco, Ashley Reina, and second-half goals by Beal and Kuuipo Laumatia. Goalkeepers Sydnee Salamoff and Joanna Valdez each made two saves. IVC will next face College of the Desert on Friday.

🏐⚽🏀 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

Thomas Kelly Named New Swim Coach at Crean Lutheran High School

Crean Lutheran High School has appointed Thomas Kelly as the new swimming coach. Kelly brings extensive experience in both swimming and water polo, having competed at Edison High School and Golden West College, where he earned numerous accolades, including 13 CCCAA All-American titles. He will work alongside Jeff Runyan, the director of aquatics, to advance the school’s swim program. Kelly aims to develop a premier aquatics program in Southern California, fostering disciplined, respectful athletes in a Christ-centered environment. He also continues his athletic and academic career at Concordia University Irvine.

High School Athletics Calendar

** Updated With September Schedule

Upcoming Irvine High School’s Varsity home games:

September 2024

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

Man Arrested in Irvine for Fraud and Grand Theft After Police Stop

A suspect was arrested Thursday afternoon after a detective identified a vehicle linked to recent theft and fraud cases. Following a vehicle code violation, officers stopped the car and found $10,000 in cash, multiple IDs, and credit cards inside. Detectives confirmed that the suspect, Radu-Gogdan Dinca, 35, of Montclair, had just made a fraudulent bank withdrawal. He was arrested and booked at Orange County Jail on burglary and grand theft charges.

#dontcommitcrimeinirvine #irvine #irvinepolice #cityofirvine #police #bodycam

Irvine Man Pleads Guilty to $525K Violin Scheme and Bank Robbery, Faces Up to 40 Years in Prison

Mark Meng, 58, of Irvine pled guilty to wire fraud and bank robbery after orchestrating a scheme from 2020 to 2023 to steal and resell high-value violins worth over $525,000. Posing as a violin collector, Meng convinced shops to loan him violins for trial periods, then sold them without paying. When confronted, he issued fraudulent checks or claimed the instruments were lost. In April 2024, realizing he was under investigation, Meng robbed a bank in Irvine, stealing $446. Meng faces up to 20 years in prison for each charge, with sentencing scheduled for February 2025.

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

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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

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  • 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

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