• Irvine Insider
  • Posts
  • UC Irvine Leads the Charge in Zero-Waste Initiative, Aiming for 90% Recycling Rate

UC Irvine Leads the Charge in Zero-Waste Initiative, Aiming for 90% Recycling Rate

Issue # 076

Author

Joshua Tjia
11 Jan

In this Irvine Insider Issue . . .

😁 Laugh Of The Day

🌤️ Irvine Weather

🚸🤝 How OC GRIP's Mentorship Program is Transforming Lives in January

♻🚮 UC Irvine Leads the Charge in Zero-Waste Initiative, Aiming for 90% Recycling Rate

🎨🏢 Irvine's Public Arts Committee Now Recruiting Local Residents

🐟🍽 California Fish Grill's Rapid Growth - 11 New Stores in 2024, Total Doubling in Five Years

💲💰⌚ Governor Newsom Faces Tight Deadline for 2024-25 Budget Amidst Looming $68 Billion Deficit

📃🎙🔊 Orange County's Finest Young Poets Take Center Stage at State Finals

🎽💨 Apex Fun Run: Fitness, Fun, and Leadership Development Coming Soon

🎗💕 UCI Health's Advanced Breast Cancer Screening Now Available in Four Locations

🍓🌸🍓 U-Pick Strawberry Wagon Rides and Tours at Tanaka Farms

🌳🌲🧤 How to Embrace Tree Planting & Urban Forestry in 2024

🎻🎶 Discover the Story Behind Tchaikovsky's Violin Concerto at Segerstrom Concert Hall

🎼🎼 Upcoming High School Music Calendar

🏐🧹 UCI Sweeps Saint Francis, Henno Makes Big West Career Record with 136 Aces

🏀🌟 UC Irvine's Basketball Senior, Justin Hohn, Named Anteater of the Week

🏀🏐🎾⚾ UCI Anteaters Upcoming Home Games

🏀 Irvine Valley Women's Basketball Triumphs Over Palo Verde with a Commanding 77-48 Victory

🏀🏀 Upcoming home games for the IVC LASERS

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

🚨💄💅 Irvine's Ulta Beauty Hit by $6,000 Theft, Police Pursuing Leads

📅📅 Lots of Local Events

📞💡 Useful Contact Information

Why did the cat get a job with the Red Cross?

Answer: It wanted to be a first-aid kit!

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

How OC GRIP's Mentorship Program is Transforming Lives in January

January's National Mentoring Month focuses on fostering mentor relationships between youth and adults. The Orange County Gang Reduction and Intervention Partnership (OC GRIP) collaborates with law enforcement, businesses, and non-profits to prevent gang involvement among kids through mentorship, which has been proven to reduce negative behavior and boost school engagement.

UC Irvine Leads the Charge in Zero-Waste Initiative, Aiming for 90% Recycling Rate

The University of California, Irvine (UCI) is leading in sustainability, aiming for zero waste by recycling at least 90% of its waste. Lin Tang, UCI Dining Services Director, has seen a significant evolution in waste management over 20 years, with UCI now nearly achieving zero-waste in dining through a partnership with Aramark. The university has reduced single-use plastics, eliminating 500,000 plastic cups annually since 2018, and replaced plastic bags with compostable ones. UCI's housing is at 79% waste diversion, with initiatives like Peter's Exchange thrift store and Goodwill bins reducing waste. Future goals include removing plastic bottles from campus and continuing education and engagement in sustainability efforts.

Irvine's Public Arts Committee Now Recruiting Local Residents

The City of Irvine is seeking an Irvine resident to join the new Public Arts Committee. The role involves advising on arts and cultural programs, public space design, and the Public Arts Master Plan. Interested candidates should send a cover letter and resume to [email protected].

#WeAreIrvine #LocalArt #ArtCommittee #ApplyNow

California Fish Grill's Rapid Growth - 11 New Stores in 2024, Total Doubling in Five Years

California Fish Grill plans to open 11 new restaurants in 2024, doubling its total locations in five years. Since 2020, it has opened 26 new stores, reaching 55 locations, including expansion into Phoenix and Las Vegas. CEO Bob Holden, who joined in 2014, is eyeing further expansion into East Coast markets. The chain, known for sustainable seafood practices, reintroduced mahi mahi after ensuring responsible sourcing. All locations are company-owned, with 2023 sales projected at $135 million. New Chief Marketing Officer Mark Hardison aims to enhance brand strategy and customer relationships.

Governor Newsom Faces Tight Deadline for 2024-25 Budget Amidst Looming $68 Billion Deficit

Gov. Gavin Newsom is set to present his initial 2024-25 spending plan, beginning a six-month process of negotiations amid a significant budget deficit. Key points include the size of the deficit (estimated at $68 billion by the Legislative Analyst’s office, though Newsom's team may project a lower figure), and important dates: mid-January for the Analyst’s review of Newsom’s plan, late January for legislative budget hearings, May 14 for Newsom's revised budget, June 15 as the Legislature's deadline for a balanced budget, and July 1 as the final deadline for approving the 2024-25 spending plan.

Orange County's Finest Young Poets Take Center Stage at State Finals

Orange County students will compete to become the Champion at the Poetry Out Loud State Finals, happening on Feb. 1st at 5:30pm, Nicholas Studio, South Coast Repertory..

Apex Fun Run: Fitness, Fun, and Leadership Development Coming Soon

Starting January 22nd, Westpark Elementary is launching the Apex Fun Run fundraiser and leadership program. This 2-week event, hosted by Apex, focuses on teaching students leadership skills and positive traits, culminating in a high-energy fitness event. Funds raised will be used for student needs and school activities. More details on how to support the school will be provided in the coming weeks.

#ApexPower #BuildingLeaders

UCI Health's Advanced Breast Cancer Screening Now Available in Four Locations

Mammograms, crucial for early breast cancer detection, are recommended annually for women starting at age 40. UCI Health offers these services in Costa Mesa, Irvine, Orange, and Yorba Linda. Accredited by the American College of Surgeons and the American College of Radiology, UCI Health provides state-of-the-art breast cancer care and 3D mammography for more accurate detection. They also specialize in high-risk patient care. Appointments can be made online or by calling 714-456-7237.

U-Pick Strawberry Wagon Rides and Tours at Tanaka Farms

This weekend, join Tanaka Farm's special winter Strawberry Picking Tours on 1/13 & 1/14, and U-Pick Wagon Rides on 1/15 at Tanaka Farms. Spaces are limited and reservations are required. Book on our website.

#californiagrown #farmexperience #strawberrypicking

How to Embrace Tree Planting & Urban Forestry in 2024

This year, find ways to help trees and the environment

  • 1) Plant a tree, either personally or at community events, especially in winter or spring.

  • 2) Make sustainable choices by selecting appropriate tree species for your urban area using resources like Cal Poly's SelecTree.

  • 3) Educate yourself about local trees and their care, sharing knowledge through resources like CAL FIRE and Arbor Day's Tree City USA Program.

  • 4) Care for trees by mulching, weeding, and pruning, with guidance from sites like treesaregood.org.

Join CAL FIRE's Urban and Community Forestry Program in planting and caring for trees in 2024.

#treeplanting #urbanforestry #greencities #healthytrees

Discover the Story Behind Tchaikovsky's Violin Concerto at Segerstrom Concert Hall

Tchaikovsky's Violin Concerto, inspired by Lalo's Symphonie espagnole, faced early challenges, including being labeled "unplayable" by Leopold Auer and rejected by his student Josif Kotek. Despite initial criticism, the concerto, known for its emotional depth and technical demands, has become a celebrated classic. Experience this masterpiece performed by Paul Huang and the Pacific Symphony, conducted by Matthew Halls, from Jan. 11-13 at the Renée and Henry Segerstrom Concert Hall in Costa Mesa. The program also features works by Sibelius and Vaughan Williams.

#TchaikovskyConcerto #ClassicalMasterpiece #PaulHuang

Upcoming Northwood High School’s Music Calendar

  1. January 11, 2024: IUSD Winds Area Concert (7:00 pm - 8:30 pm)

  2. January 12, 2024: Symphony Irvine Collaboration Concert (7:00 pm - 8:30 pm)

  3. March 6, 2024: Spring Festival Concert – Band (7:00 pm - 8:00 pm)

  4. March 7, 2024: Spring Festival Concert – Orchestra (7:00 pm - 8:00 pm)

  5. March 16, 2024: Irvine Jazz Festival (8:00 am - 5:00 pm)

  6. May 11, 2024: Instrumental Music Awards

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

Upcoming University High School's Choirs Calendar

  1. February 1 & 2: LEGENDS CONCERT at 7:00 PM.

  2. March 7, 8, 9, 14,15, 16: EVITA - Spring Musical at 7:00 PM.

  3. May 2 & 3: Broadway Rocks! at 7:00 PM.

For the latest updates or additional details, please visit https://www.uhschoirs.org/2023-24-season.html

Upcoming Woodbridge High School's Music Calendar

No events scheduled for January.

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

Upcoming Woodbridge High School’s Vocal Music Calendar

  1. January 17th-22nd: WHS Music Department Disney World Trip

  2. February 29th-March 2nd, 7 PM shows: The Wizard of Oz

  3. March 22nd, 7 PM: Spring Concert

  4. April 16th, 7 PM: IUSD Honors Concert

  5. May 31st, 7 PM: Broadway Rocks Concert

For the latest updates or additional details, please visit https://woodbridgechoirs.weebly.com/calendar.html

Upcoming Irvine High School's Music Calendar

No events scheduled for January.

For the latest updates or additional details, please visit https://www.vimb.info/calendar

Upcoming Irvine High School's Choral Calendar

  1. Fri & Sat, Jan. 26 & 27: Weekend Singers & Canta Bella at Pilgrim Pines.

  2. Th-Sat, Feb. 1-3, All day: CA All-State Choir Weekend (Any Student) in Sacramento, CA.

  3. Th.-Sat, Feb. 29-Mar 2, 7:00 PM: IHS Musical (Any student) at IHS Theater.

  4. March 12 or 13, Morning: IHS Arts Assembly (Canta Bella & Irvine Singers) at IHS Game Gym.

  5. Mon, Mar. 18, 7:00 PM: Spring Concert (All Choirs) at Concordia Univ.

  6. Fri, March 22, Morning: CSU Fullerton Festival (Irvine Singers) at CSUF Meng Hall.

  7. April 1st - 5th, 2024: TBD.

  8. Tues, April 16, 7:00 PM: IUSD Honors Concert (Selected Members) at OCPAC.

  9. Wed, April 17, 6:30 PM: 8th Grade Parent Night at IHS Gym.

  10. TBD: Aliso Women’s Festival (Canta Bella) - Location TBD.

  11. Wed, April 17, All day: Forum Festival (Concert Chorale, Chorale & Viva Cantar) at Knott’s Berry Farm.

  12. Wed, April 26, 6:00 PM: SPUR Awards (Chordinated Chaos) at IHS Theater.

  13. Tues & Wed, May 28 & 29, 3:30-6:30 PM: Dress rehearsal “Voices” (All Choirs) at IHS Theater.

  14. Thurs.- Sat, May 30-June 1, 7:00 PM: Voices 2024 (All Choirs) at IHS Theater.

  15. Wed, June 5, 7:00 PM: Heritage Awards (Chorale) at IHS Gym.

For the latest updates or additional details, please visit https://www.ihschoralmusic.org/calendar.html

UCI Sweeps Saint Francis, Henno Makes Big West Career Record with 136 Aces

UCI's volleyball team achieved a sweeping victory against Saint Francis, highlighted by Hilir Henno setting a new Big West career record with 136 aces. Henno and Nolan Flexen led the team with impressive performances, including key aces and kills. The team demonstrated strong blocking and serving skills, contributing to their win in three sets. UCI now stands 1-1 in their four-match homestand, with a game against No. 15 Princeton next.

UC Irvine's Basketball Senior, Justin Hohn, Named Anteater of the Week

Justin Hohn, a senior at UC Irvine, was named Sgt. Pepperoni’s Anteater of the Week for his outstanding performance in men's basketball, leading his team to two Big West victories. He scored 17 points against Cal State Fullerton and 14 points against UC Davis, including a game-tying layup that led to an overtime win. Averaging 15.5 points and 3.0 assists with a 52% field goal rate for the week, Hohn has been a key player for UC Irvine, which holds an 11-5 record and is set to play next in Hawai’i.

UCI Anteaters Upcoming Home Games

Men's Basketball

  1.   Thurs, Jan 18th: vs UC San Diego, 7:00 PM

  2.  Sat, Jan 27th: vs CSUN, 7:00 PM

Men's Volleyball

  1. Sat, Jan 13th: vs Princeton, 6:00 p.m.

  2.   Wed, Jan 17th: vs McKendree, 6:00 p.m.

  3.  Wed, Jan 31st: vs UCLA, 6:00 p.m.

Women's Basketball

  1.  Thurs, January 11th: vs Hawai'i, 6:00 PM

  2. Sat, January 20th: vs UC Davis, 2:00 PM

  3.  Thurs, January 25th: vs Long Beach State, 11:00 AM

Men's Tennis

  •  Fri, January 26th: vs BYU, Time TBA

  •  Sat, January 27th: vs San Diego State, Time TBA

Baseball

  1.  Sat, January 27th: vs Alumni Game, 12:00 PM

Irvine Valley Women's Basketball Triumphs Over Palo Verde with a Commanding 77-48 Victory

Irvine Valley's women's basketball team beat Palo Verde 77-48, improving their record to 9-5. This was their last nonconference game, with their next match against Orange Coast in the Orange Empire Conference. Leading at halftime, they dominated the second half. Key players included Moka Saiki with 20 points, Christen Ziska, and Emily Freeman, contributing significantly in points, rebounds, and assists. The team had a 35.2% shooting rate and a notable advantage in rebounds and assists.

🏐⚽🏀 Upcoming home games for the IVC LASERS

Men's Basketball

  1. Fri, Jan 12: vs Fullerton* at 6:00 PM

Women's Basketball

  1. Fri, Jan 12: at Santa Ana* at 7:00 PM

  2. Wed, Jan 17: vs Golden West* at 6:00 PM

  3. Fri, Jan 19: at Fullerton* at 7:00 PM

High School Athletics Calendar -

** Updated With January Schedule

Upcoming Irvine High School’s Varsity home games:

January 2024

Thursday, January 11

  • -Water Polo, Girls Varsity (VR)

    - 4:00 PM vs. Woodbridge at Woodbridge High School

Friday, January 12

  • Soccer, Girls Varsity (VR)

    - 5:00 PM vs. Woodbridge at Irvine High School Stadium

  • Basketball, Girls Varsity (VR)

    - 5:30 PM vs. Woodbridge at Irvine High School Game Gym

  • Basketball, Boys Varsity (VR)

    - 7:00 PM vs. Woodbridge at Irvine High School Game Gym

Tuesday, January 16

  • Soccer, Boys Varsity (VR)

    - 5:00 PM vs. Beckman, Arnold at Irvine High School Stadium

Wednesday, January 17

  • Wrestling, Boys Varsity (VR)

    - 6:30 PM vs. Beckman, Arnold at Irvine High School Game Gym

  • Wrestling, Girls Varsity (VR)

  • - 6:30 PM vs. Beckman, Arnold at Irvine High School Game Gym

Friday, January 19

  • Soccer, Boys Varsity (VR)

    - 5:00 PM vs. Laguna Hills at Irvine High School Stadium

Monday, January 22

  • Soccer, Girls Varsity (VR)

    - 3:30 PM vs. Portola at Irvine High School Stadium

  • Water Polo, Girls Varsity (VR)

    - 4:30 PM vs. Portola at Portola High School

  • Basketball, Girls Varsity (VR)

    - 5:30 PM vs. Portola at Irvine High School Game Gym

  • Basketball, Boys Varsity (VR)

    - 7:00 PM vs. Portola at Irvine High School Game Gym

Wednesday, January 24

  • Water Polo, Girls Varsity (VR)

    - 4:15 PM vs. Northwood High School at Northwood High School

  •  Soccer, Girls Varsity (VR)

    - 5:00 PM vs. Northwood High School at Irvine High School Stadium

  • Basketball, Girls Varsity (VR)

    - 5:30 PM vs. Northwood High School at Irvine High School Game Gym

  •  Basketball, Boys Varsity (VR)

    - 7:00 PM vs. Northwood High School at Irvine High School Game Gym

Friday, January 26, 2024

  •  Soccer, Boys Varsity (VR)

    - 3:15 PM vs. Woodbridge at Irvine High School Stadium

  • -Soccer, Girls Varsity (VR)

    - 5:00 PM vs. Sage Hill at Irvine High School Stadium

Tuesday, January 30, 2024

  • Basketball, Girls Varsity (VR)

    - 5:30 PM vs. Beckman, Arnold at Irvine High School Game Gym

Irvine's Ulta Beauty Hit by $6,000 Theft, Police Pursuing Leads

Three suspects stole $6,000 worth of beauty products from Ulta Beauty on Jamboree on January 3. They fled in a silver Hyundai Sonata. Contact [email protected] with any information.

#irvine #irvinepolice #irvinepd #police #wanted #crime #orangecounty #cityofirvine

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.

Know somebody who lives in the Irvine and surrounding areas and would benefit from being kept in the know?

Please share Irvine Insider with them! It’s simple!