In this Irvine Insider Issue . . .

😁 Laugh Of The Day

🌤️ Irvine Weather

🚨💥 Irvine Police Investigate After Car Plunges into Lake, Driver Pronounced Deceased

🏮🎄 Experience the Magic: HIKARI's Million-Light Festival at Tanaka Farms

💚🌱 Irvine Celebrates Green Milestone with Gateway Preserve and Veterans Memorial Park

💙🩸🖤 Managing Diabetes: Essential Steps to Prevent Serious Health Complications

🌳🥾Tackle the Bommer Canyon East Fork and Ridge Route Loop Hike on December 2

🌄 Unlock the Great Outdoors: Bommer Canyon's Upcoming Activities and Hikes

🐶🏠 Irvine Animal Care Center's 'Third Chance for Pets' Program Offers New Hope to Animals in Need

🎨 Cultural Craft Workshop at Irvine University Park Library on December 10

🏀🦃 UC Irvine Women's Basketball Outplays Pacific at Tiger Turkey Tip-Off

🏀 UCI Men’s Basketball Second-Half Surge Overwhelms Rice in a Thrilling 83-68 Showdown at Ball Dawgs Classic

🤽‍♂️🌟 UC Irvine Men's Water Polo Team Garners Multiple All-Big West Honors; Prepares for NCAA Quarterfinals

🤽‍♂️ ⚽🏐 UCI Anteaters Upcoming Home Games

🏐 Irvine Valley Women's Volleyball Triumphs in Epic Battle to Secure Spot in 3C2A State Championships

🏀6️⃣ Irvine Valley Women's Basketball Secures Sixth Straight Win: Defeating El Camino 85-37

🏐⚽🏀 Upcoming home games for the IVC LASERS

🏀 OC Boy's High School Basketball Results for Nov. 25

🏈🎾 High School Varsity Athletics: Football Face-offs and Sports Calendar

👮‍♂️📮 Two LA Men Arrested for Mail Fishing in Irvine, Investigation Ongoing

🆔💵 Thief Steals Thousands From Bank Account with Fake ID in Irvine, Police Seek Information

📅📅 Lots of Local Events

Why don't mountains get cold in the winter?

Answer: Because they wear snowcaps!

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

Irvine Police Investigate After Car Plunges into Lake, Driver Pronounced Deceased

Irvine PD and OCFA responded to a report of a car driving into a lake near Yale and Irvine Center Drive. The vehicle, identified as a silver Mercedes sedan, was found submerged by OCFA, 30 yards from shore. The Orange County Sheriff’s Dive Team assisted in the recovery. The driver, Camilla Megan Mendoza from Long Beach, was found deceased inside the vehicle. Irvine PD's MAIT is investigating the incident. Witnesses with information are urged to contact Detective Ostrowski.

Source

Experience the Magic: HIKARI's Million-Light Festival at Tanaka Farms

This year's HIKARI - A Festival of Light at Tanaka Farms is now open, promising an even brighter experience with more lights and displays. The festival, which translates to "shine" in Japanese, features over a million twinkling lights. Visitors can enjoy cozy wagon rides through the festively lit "Land of a Thousand Lanterns," explore various light displays, and have numerous photo opportunities. Starting as a drive-thru event in 2020, HIKARI has evolved into a walk-through holiday festival that beautifully blends farm ambiance with Japanese cultural elements.

- Activities: Visit Barnyard Animals, enjoy food, games, arts & crafts, meet Santa, live music on weekends.

- Pricing: Parking $10; Adults $25-$35, Children (3-12) $15-$25, under 2 free; Military free; Activity tickets $6 each or 6 for $30. Military personnel are also welcomed free of charge.

- Important: Closed on closed on Christmas Eve, Christmas Day, New Year’s Eve, and New Year’s Day. Advance booking advised.

Learn more and book a visit here

Source

Irvine Celebrates Green Milestone with Gateway Preserve and Veterans Memorial Park

Irvine is advancing two major projects: the transformation of a closed asphalt plant into the Gateway Preserve, a 700-acre green space with trails and parks, and the development of the Veterans Memorial Park & Gardens on a former Marine Corps Air Station site. The closure of the All American Asphalt plant, a significant local polluter, marks a victory for residents who campaigned against its harmful emissions. Councilman Larry Agran played a key role in both projects, overcoming opposition to fulfill a long-standing commitment to honor veterans and enhance community green spaces.

Read more

Managing Diabetes: Essential Steps to Prevent Serious Health Complications

Diabetes, affecting over 30 million in the U.S., can lead to severe health issues like heart disease, blindness, and kidney failure. However, with proper management through diet, exercise, and medication, these risks can be significantly reduced. Dr. Qin Yang from UCI Health Diabetes Center emphasizes the importance of lifestyle changes for diabetics.

Key complications of diabetes include:

- Eye Problems: High blood sugar can damage eye blood vessels, leading to conditions like diabetic retinopathy and potentially blindness.

- Nerve Damage: This often occurs in hands and feet, leading to ulcers or infections, and in severe cases, amputation.

- Heart Disease: Diabetics have a higher risk of heart disease and stroke due to factors like high blood pressure.

- Kidney Disease: High blood glucose can cause kidney failure, necessitating dialysis or transplantation.

Controlling blood sugar is crucial to prevent these complications. This involves a healthy diet rich in protein and fiber, regular exercise, and medication if necessary. While managing diabetes is challenging, it's vital for avoiding severe health consequences. Dr. Yang also recommends working with diabetes educators for optimal blood sugar control.

Read more

Source

Tackle the Bommer Canyon East Fork and Ridge Route Loop Hike on December 2

Join a 3-mile, level-3 difficulty hike in Bommer Canyon on Saturday, December 2, from 8:00 am to 10:30 am. The hike features stunning views, 700 feet elevation change, and steep inclines, requiring good physical condition. Pre-registration is mandatory, with essential hiking gear needed. Health and safety protocols are in place. Visit the Staging Areas Playlist page for more info. Limited to 20 participants, with 16 spaces left.

Sign up here

Source

Unlock the Great Outdoors: Bommer Canyon's Upcoming Activities and Hikes

Bommer Canyon offers a variety of outdoor activities organized by numerous groups and volunteers, with most programs being free of charge. Pre-registration is required for events led by IRC-Certified Volunteers, closing at 4 p.m. the day before the event. Minors must be accompanied by an adult, and for any assistance, reach out via email to [email protected].

Upcoming events:

• November 27th: Full moon hike

• November 30th: 7-mile hike in Bommer Canyon

The activities are family-friendly, with some available after 5 pm on weekdays or during weekends. For more details, trail tips, and FAQs, visit the Bommer Canyon website.

Irvine Animal Care Center's 'Third Chance for Pets' Program Offers New Hope to Animals in Need

The Irvine Animal Care Center's Third Chance for Pets program helps animals from overcrowded shelters, hoarding situations, or natural disasters, offering them a third chance at a forever home. Featured pets include:

• Daffodil, a loving girl

• Bosko, who enjoys long walks

• Dandy, a joyful cuddler

Visit the center between 1–4 p.m. to meet these pets. More info on the program and other animals is available at irvineanimals.org.

#ThirdChanceForPets #AnimalRescue #PetAdoption #IrvineAnimalCareCenter #IrvineAnimals #WeAreIrvine

See video

Cultural Craft Workshop at Irvine University Park Library on December 10

Join "Around the World with Crafts" at Irvine University Park Library on Dec 10, 11 am-12 pm. A free event for children 3-8 years and families to learn about various cultures through monthly craft activities. No registration needed.

Source

UC Irvine Women's Basketball Outplays Pacific at Tiger Turkey Tip-Off

UC Irvine women's basketball team won 66-60 against Pacific at the Tiger Turkey Tip-Off, maintaining an unbeaten record in the tournament and marking their third consecutive win. The Anteaters led by 12 points in the fourth quarter, with Nikki Tom scoring a season-high 15 points. The team shot 45% from the field and forced 22 turnovers. Pacific's top scorer was Cecilia Holmberg with 15 points. UC Irvine will next face Texas Tech on November 29. The win was Pacific's first home loss of the season, and UC Irvine has kept opponents under 70 points for 40 games and forced over 20 turnovers in four of their six games this season.

Source

UCI Men’s Basketball Second-Half Surge Overwhelms Rice in a Thrilling 83-68 Showdown at Ball Dawgs Classic

In the Ball Dawgs Classic final, UC Irvine's Anteaters defeated Rice 83-68, thanks to a strong second-half performance. Justin Hohn led UC Irvine with 18 points, including a career-high nine rebounds. Key contributions also came from Derin Saran (16 points) and others, with notable team stats including a 62.1% shooting in the second half and a six-game winning streak. Rice's top scorer was Travis Evee with 17 points. The game was tied at halftime, but UC Irvine pulled ahead in the second half with strategic plays and effective scoring. Their next game is against Duquesne on Nov. 29.

Source

UC Irvine Men's Water Polo Team Garners Multiple All-Big West Honors; Prepares for NCAA Quarterfinals

Six UC Irvine men's water polo players received All-Big West honors. The team, coached by Dan Klatt, had an 18-9 season and is heading to the NCAA Championships for the first time in 30 years. Luka Krstic made the All-Big West First Team, leading UCI with 68 points. Tyler Padua and Johann Thrall were named to the Second Team, with Padua drawing 50 exclusions and Thrall leading in goals. Jacob Pyle and Jack Stevens received Honorable Mentions, with Pyle saving 146 goals this season and Stevens scoring a game-winner against UC Davis. Freshman Gage Verdegaal also made the All-Big West Freshman Team. UCI will face Princeton in the NCAA quarterfinals on Dec 1.

Source

UCI Anteaters Upcoming Home Games

Men’s Basketball:

1. Sat Dec 16 - vs South Dakota, 7:00 PM

2. Thurs Dec 28 - vs UC Riverside, 7:00 PM

Women’s Basketball:

1. Sat Dec 2 - vs Denver, 2:00 PM

2. Sat Dec 30 - vs Cal State Bakersfield, 2:00 PM

Source

Irvine Valley Women's Volleyball Triumphs in Epic Battle to Secure Spot in 3C2A State Championships

The Irvine Valley women's volleyball team, led by first-year head coach and former player Anna Unke, has qualified for the 3C2A State Championships after a challenging win over Orange Coast. The match, lasting nearly two and a half hours, saw the Lasers triumph in five sets. This marks their first return to the state event since 2019. Key players included Tessa Marocco, Ava Guenther, and Natalia Brandlin, contributing significantly to the victory. The team now heads to the state tournament at Mt. SAC, facing San Joaquin Delta in their opening match.

Source

Irvine Valley Women's Basketball Secures Sixth Straight Win: Defeating El Camino 85-37

The Irvine Valley women's basketball team, ranked 13th in the state and 5th in Southern California, maintained their unbeaten streak (6-0) by defeating El Camino 85-37. Key players included Emily Freeman (20 points, 5 assists), Aryana Cortes (14 points), Makena Tomlinson (12 points), Daphne Rudis (11 points), and Moka Saiki (10 points). The Lasers dominated the second quarter and maintained a strong lead, shooting 47.7% overall and making 13 three-pointers. Their next game is at home against Long Beach City..

Source

🏐⚽🏀 Upcoming home games for the IVC LASERS

Men’s Basketball:

1. Fri Dec 15 - vs LA Valley. 6:00 PM

2. Tue Dec 19 - vs Orange Coast. 6:00 PM

3. Fri Dec 29: vs Alumni. 5:00 PM

Women’s Basketball:

1. Tue Nov 28 - vs Long Beach, 5:30 PM

2. Fri Dec 22 - vs Alumni, Time TBA

OC Boy's High School Basketball Results for Nov. 25

- Rancho Alamitos Tourney: Royal defeated Irvine 62-47, with Jalen Yim scoring 15 points. Northwood won over Tustin 53-45 for third place. Other games included Santiago beating Oxford Academy 76-40, West winning against Westminster 60-45, and Palm Desert defeating Diamond Bar 63-54.

- Feast Week at Marina: Cypress triumphed over Tesoro 73-54, led by Ryan Gov and Kingston Birdsong. Cypress Coach Derek Mitchell praised the team's unity and is preparing for a game against Los Alamitos.

- Edison After Thanksgiving Event: Foothill beat Newport Harbor 67-58, with Travis Paleo as the standout player.

- Beach Bonanza: Crean Lutheran won against Pacifica Christian 60-49, led by Kaiden Bailey.

- Costa Mesa Showcase: JSerra dominated Costa Mesa 88-46. Troy defeated University 80-59, with Terry Ahn scoring 21 points. Other matches saw Segerstrom beating Orange 58-38 and Westminster winning over Saddleback 84-49.

Source

High School Athletics Calendar -

** Updated With November Schedule

Northwood High School Monthly Athletics Calendar (All Level)

University High School Monthly Athletics Calendar (All Level)

Woodbridge High School Monthly Athletics Calendar (All Level)

Upcoming Irvine High School’s Varsity home games:

November 2023

Monday, 27 November

- 05:00 PM: Soccer, Boys (VR) vs. Foothill/Santa Ana at Irvine High School Stadium

Tuesday, 28 November

- 05:00 PM: Soccer, Girls (VR) vs. Foothill/Santa Ana at Irvine High School Stadium

- 05:30 PM: Basketball, Girls (VR) vs. Tustin at Irvine High School Game Gym

Wednesday, 29 November

- 05:00 PM: Soccer, Boys (VR) vs. Tesoro at Irvine High School Stadium

Two LA Men Arrested for Mail Fishing in Irvine, Investigation Ongoing

Irvine police arrested two men from LA for fishing mail out of a USPS mailbox using burglary tools. The incident, still under investigation, occurred when an officer spotted a suspicious vehicle near a mailbox.

Because there is an observed increase in this type of mail theft, it is advised if you need to mail checks or other important documents to hand them directly to a letter carrier or to drop them off inside the post office to avoid such thefts.

Source

Thief Steals Thousands From Bank Account with Fake ID in Irvine, Police Seek Information

A man is wanted for using a counterfeit passport card with his photo and a victim's details to steal $3,600 from their bank account, and for similar thefts in another city. Multiple victims are involved. Tips can be sent to [email protected].

#IrvinePD #WantedSuspect

Source

November 24 - December 30 Hikari Festival of Lights at Tanaka Farms 4:30 PM - 10 PM

November 30 Diane Schuur at 70: An Evening of Songs and Stories 8 PM

December 1 Colin Mochrie & Brad Sherwood: Scared Scriptless 8 PM

See video

December 2 Palm Court Light Display Dusk - 9:30 PM

December 2 Nutcracker for Kids by Pacific Symphony 10:00 and 11:30 AM

December 2 The Queen's Cartoonists Holiday Hurrah: Yule Love It! 6 PM

See video

December 2 - 3 Holiday Market 3 PM - 7PM

December 3 Handel's Glorious Messiah 3 PM

December 3 Jake Shimabukuro: Christmas in Hawaiʻi 7 PM

December 7 - Empowering the Youth 5 PM - 7 PM

December 8 Silent Night Silent Disco 7 PM

December 8-17 American Ballet Theatre's The Nutcracker

Click here to see the intro video

December 9 Concordia Christmas 

December 9 - 10 123 Andrés 

December 9 - 24 Festival Ballet Theatre: The Nutcracker

December 10 Holidays Around the World 11 AM

December 15 - 16 Celtic Woman: Christmas Symphony Tour 8 PM

December 14 - 16 A Merry Little Christmas with Megan Hilty

See video here

December 17 - 18 Tis the Season! 5 PM, 7:30 PM

December 19 Holiday Organ Spectacular 7:30 PM

Decmber 22 The Pan American Nutcracker Suite Reimagined 8 PM

December 23 Fiesta Navidad 8 PM

Decmber 30 KC and the Sunshine Band 7:30 PM

December 30 Salute to Vienna New Year's Concert 3 PM