In this Irvine Insider Issue . . .

😁 Laugh Of The Day

🌤️ Irvine Weathers

☕🍁 Happy National Cinnamon Day!

💉🩸 Help Save a Life: Be the Match Event at University Town Center on November 5

🧵 Make a Difference Today: Help Assemble Quilts for Foster Children

🏆 Advaith Thampi, Veteran and Advocate, Selected for Prestigious Distinguished Alumni Award by Community College League of California

🚒🏗 OCFA Station 24 Undergoes Transformative Rebuild with Community Leaders in Attendance

💊 Be Part of the Discussion: Fentanyl Town All Meeting

🎅💌 How to Send Your Letter to Santa Online This Holiday Season: Quick Email Responses Guaranteed

❤👨‍⚕️ Understanding Stroke Risks and Prevention: A Comprehensive Guide from UCI Health's Dr. Wengui Yu

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

🏢🌴 Discover the Vibrant Living, Working, and Playing Experience at Irvine Spectrum District with the Iconic Spectrum Towers

🎄🎁 Explore Handcrafted Treasures at the Holiday Market: December 2-3

🏌️‍♂️⛳ UC Irvine Men's Golf Shines with Season-Best 16-Under at Kapolei Invitational

⚽⭐ Francesco Montanile Clinches Big West Offensive Player of the Week with Stellar Two-Assist Performance

⚽ Discover the Seven UC Irvine Soccer Stars Who Dominated the Big West This Season

⚾ UC Irvine Baseball Wraps Up Season with Two Fall Scrimmages in November

🤽‍♂️ ⚽🏐 UCI Anteaters Upcoming Home Games

🥅⚽ Irvine Valley Men's Soccer Continues Winning Streak, Improving Record to 11-3-4 with Victory Over Santiago Canyon

🏐⚽🏀 Upcoming home games for the IVC LASERS

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

📅📅 Lots of Local Events

What did the turkey say to the computer?

Answer: Google, google, google!

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

Happy National Cinnamon Day!

National Cinnamon Day, celebrated on November 1st, offers a perfect opportunity to indulge in and appreciate the sweet, aromatic qualities of cinnamon. To celebrate National Cinnamon Day, consider baking a moist cinnamon cake, filling your home with its enticing scent. Alternatively, you could brew a pot of tea infused with cinnamon sticks, enjoying the aromatic beverage either hot or cold. Roasting apples with butter, sugar, and cinnamon offers a warm, comforting dessert perfect for the occasion. Additionally, incorporating cinnamon into everyday foods like oatmeal, smoothies, toast, coffee, or yogurt allows for a simple yet effective way to partake in the festivities.

Learn more

Help Save a Life: Be the Match Event at University Town Center on November 5

The Irvine Mayor's office is collaborating with Be the Match to find a blood stem transplant donors for patients in need. The event is at University Town Center, Nov 5, 11am-1pm. Quickly sign-up with a cheek swab for 18-40 year olds in good health. Contact Joyce Valdez at [email protected] if you have any questions. Let's make a difference together!

Make a Difference Today: Help Assemble Quilts for Foster Children

Join Love Irvine on November 4 at 9:00 AM at Mesa Church, Irvine, CA to assemble prayer quilts for foster kids with For The Children, no sewing experience needed. 13 volunteers required, 12 registered. Kick-off rally at Free Chapel from 7:30-8:45 AM with free coffee and breakfast burritos. Connect with the community, pick up t-shirts, and meet the team. Email [email protected] with any questions.

Learn more 

Advaith Thampi, Veteran and Advocate, Selected for Prestigious Distinguished Alumni Award by Community College League of California

On October 27, 2023, the Community College League of California selected Advaith Thampi, an Irvine Valley College (IVC) alumnus, for the Distinguished Alumni Award. Thampi, a dedicated veteran advocate, serves as a Stakeholder and Engagement Liaison for the Department of Veterans Affairs. His military service, educational journey, and advocacy work, particularly in veteran legislation, highlight the impact of community college support services on veterans' post-academic success. He will be honored at the League's Annual Convention on November 17.

Read more

OCFA Station 24 Undergoes Transformative Rebuild with Community Leaders in Attendance

October 30 marked the groundbreaking of OCFA Station 24's rebuild, with attendance from the executive team, city council, staff, and Engine 24 crew. This is OCFA's first station rebuild since 2011, aiming to better serve Mission Viejo and surrounding areas with a new 2-story station that can house up to 3 crews. The project is expected to be completed in early 2025, promising a positive impact on the community. Updates will be shared throughout the progress.

Be Part of the Discussion: Fentanyl Town All Meeting

Source

How to Send Your Letter to Santa Online This Holiday Season: Quick Email Responses Guaranteed

From November 13 to December 11, send your letters to Santa through our online mailbox for a quick email response, facilitated by Gus, the City's official elf. Note that in-person letter handling is unavailable this year. Responses will be within about a week.

Learn more

Understanding Stroke Risks and Prevention: A Comprehensive Guide from UCI Health's Dr. Wengui Yu

Hypertension, largely due to high salt intake, is the main risk factor for stroke, particularly in Asian and Latino populations. UCI Health's Dr. Wengui Yu emphasizes that up to 90% of first strokes can be prevented through lifestyle changes such as reducing salt and calorie intake, eating more fruits, vegetables, and fish, exercising regularly, staying hydrated, quitting smoking, and limiting alcohol. Recognizing stroke symptoms quickly using the BE FAST acronym is crucial for timely treatment.

- Balance: Check for sudden loss of balance or dizziness.

- Eyes: Look for vision loss in one or both eyes, or blurry vision.

- Face Drooping: Observe if one side of the face is uneven, numb, or drooping. Ask for a smile to check for lopsidedness.

- Arm Weakness: Test for weakness or numbness in one arm. Ask to raise both arms and see if one drifts downward.

- Speech: Listen for slurred speech, difficulty speaking, or confusion.

- Time: Act quickly. Call 9-1-1 and get to a hospital immediately if any of these symptoms are present, even if they are temporary.

The UCI Health Comprehensive Stroke and Cerebrovascular Center provides expert care for stroke prevention and treatment.

Read more 

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 4th: Moderate-paced 3-mile hike

• November 13th: Challenging 11-mile Super Trek

• November 14th: 9-mile hike through Bommer and Shady Canyons

• November 15th: Mid-week 10-12 mile hike

• November 17th: Plant identification hike with a focus on local flora

• November 17th: 3.5-mile hike combined with a gentle yoga session

• November 18th: Self-guided access to the Irvine Open Space Preserve trails

• November 25th: Full moon hike

• 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.

Discover the Vibrant Living, Working, and Playing Experience at Irvine Spectrum District with the Iconic Spectrum Towers

The Irvine Spectrum District is a vibrant city center offering living, working, and recreational spaces. The Spectrum Towers at 200 and 400 Spectrum Center Drive, with their nearly all-glass design and strategic positioning, create an iconic skyline for Orange County, offering expansive views and optimal light for companies inside.

See more here

Explore Handcrafted Treasures at the Holiday Market: December 2-3

On December 2 (3-7 p.m.) and December 3 (10 a.m.-3 p.m.), the Holiday Market offers a festive, artisan-focused shopping experience at the Great Park’s Hangar 244, featuring 28 vendors with handmade items like jewelry and clothing. The event coincides with Irvine’s Tree Lighting and Holidayz at the Park Pop-Up events.

More info here or call 949-724-6880.

UC Irvine Men's Golf Shines with Season-Best 16-Under at Kapolei Invitational

UC Irvine men's golf team delivered their season's best at 16-under on the first day of the Kapolei Invitational, tying for fourth place in a 19-team competition. Freshman Jason Tang was a standout, tying for first place individually with a 7-under 65. Two other team members ranked in the top 20, contributing to the team's strong performance. They will continue the tournament in the second round, playing alongside the leading teams.

Source

Francesco Montanile Clinches Big West Offensive Player of the Week with Stellar Two-Assist Performance

Francesco Montanile won the Big West Offensive Player of the Week award for his two assists in UCI's victory, contributing to both of Ricardo Ibarra's goals. He now leads the team in assists and ranks second in points. This is his first weekly honor, adding to his previous accolades from 2021. He is now among other UCI players who have received Big West Freshman of the Week awards this year.

Source

Discover the Seven UC Irvine Soccer Stars Who Dominated the Big West This Season

UC Irvine men's soccer team secured second place in the Big West regular season, with seven players receiving All-Big West awards. Mathias Winum, a standout center back, earned First Team honors, contributing to seven season shutouts and a key assist. Ricardo Ibarra, with five years of consistent performance, made First Team All-Big West for the first time. Luke Pruter and Mario Anaya both received Second Team honors for their defensive skills and goal-scoring. Oscar Cervantes, a fifth-year defensive midfielder, scored two goals and provided two assists. Brady Treinen and Mauricio Gutierrez, both impactful in their first year, secured All-Freshman Team honors.

Source

UC Irvine Baseball Wraps Up Season with Two Fall Scrimmages in November

UC Irvine baseball concludes its 2023-24 schedule with two fall scrimmages in November at Anteater Ballpark, hosting UCLA on November 4 and UC San Diego on November 10, both at 12:00 p.m. Each game will be a minimum of nine innings, and tickets are free for all attendees.

Source

UCI Anteaters Upcoming Home Games

• FRIDAY, NOVEMBER 3RD, 2023

  • Men's Basketball vs Cal State San Marcos - 7:00 PM - EXHIBITION

• WEDNESDAY, NOVEMBER 8TH, 2023

  • Men's Water Polo vs Concordia Irvine - 6 p.m.

• THURSDAY, NOVEMBER 9TH, 2023

  • Women's Volleyball vs Cal State Fullerton - 6:00 p.m.

• FRIDAY, NOVEMBER 10TH, 2023

  • Women's Volleyball vs Hawai'i - 6:00 p.m.

• SATURDAY, NOVEMBER 11TH, 2023

  • Women's Basketball vs Seattle U - 2:00 PM

  • Men's Basketball vs New Mexico State - 7:00 PM

• FRIDAY, NOVEMBER 17TH, 2023

  • Men's Basketball vs Occidental College - 7:00 PM

• MONDAY, NOVEMBER 20TH, 2023

  • Women's Basketball vs Eastern Washington University - 6:00 PM

Source

Irvine Valley Men's Soccer Continues Winning Streak, Improving Record to 11-3-4 with Victory Over Santiago Canyon

The Irvine Valley men's soccer team secured a 3-2 victory over Santiago Canyon in an Orange Empire Conference game, improving their overall record to 11-3-4 and 6-1-4 in the conference. They dominated the game with 15 shots, eight on goal, and goals scored by Grant Miller (2) and Armon Haghighat. Miller's second goal, assisted by Ivan Lopez, was the game-winner in the 92nd minute. Josh Simonton, IVC's freshman keeper, made three saves. The team's next game is a crucial conference match at home against Santa Ana on Friday.

Source

🏐⚽🏀 Upcoming home games for the IVC LASERS

Men’s Basketball:

1. Thu Nov 09 - vs Ventura. Irvine Valley Classic. Time: 7:00 PM

2. Sat Nov 11 - vs IVC Classic. IVC Classic. Time: TBA

3. Wed Nov 15 - vs San Diego Miramar. Time: 7:00 PM

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

Wednesday, 08 November

- Water Polo, Boys (VR) vs. TBA - CIF SEMI-FINALS at Woolett Pool

Saturday, 11 November

- Water Polo, Boys (VR) vs. TBA - CIF FINALS at Woolett Pool

Thursday, 16 November

- 05:30 PM: Basketball, Girls (VR) vs. Foothill/Santa Ana at Irvine High School Game Gym

Wednesday, 22 November

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

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

November 1 Academy of St Martin in the Fields Chamber Ensemble 8 PM

See video

November 1 The IUSD Annual Band Spectacular 7 PM

November 1 - 17, November 27 - December 14 Knott’s Berry Farm Military Tribute Days

Eligible Military personnel and up to 5 additional people for $19.99 each.

November 2 Crime Survivors 20th Anniversary Celebration Gala 6 PM

November 3 - 4 The Music of Star Wars 8 PM

November 4 Love Irvine City-wide Serve Day

November 4 Love Irvine: Quilts for Foster Kids 9 AM

November 4 OC Waste and Recycling Free Compost Giveaway 7:30 AM - 12 PM

November 4 Holiday Faire 10 AM- 4 PM

November 4 - 5 Turn It Out with Tiler Peck

See video

November 5 Be The Match 11 AM - 1 PM

November 5 Veterans Month Concert 1:30 PM

See promo video here

November 8 Fentanyl Town Hall Discussion 5 PM

November 8 Scott Bradlee's Postmodern Jukebox Life in the Past Lane Tour 8 PM

Click here to watch the intro video

November 8 - 9 World Ballet Series: Cinderella 7 PM

Click here to watch the trailer

November 9 Théotime Langlois de Swarte and Le Consort

See video

November 10 Midori with Festival Strings Lucerne 8 PM

See video

November 10 - 18 Anything Goes at Concordia University Irvine Studio Theatre

November 11 Concordia’s Brunch and Boutique

November 11 VOICES Veterans Storytelling Project

November 11 Veteran Day Ceremony 11 AM - 12:30 PM

November 13 Global Harmony Symphony 7 PM

November 16 - 18 Forbidden Broadway: The Next Generation

November 16 - 18 California Dreamin’ with Guest Conductor Ludovic Morlot 8 PM

November 18 Experience Malavika Sarukkai's Anubandh – Connectedness: A Revolutionary Bharatanatyam Performance at the Irvine Barclay Theatre

See the trailer here

November 19 Pacific Symphony Santiago Strings: Sonic Narratives 1 PM

November 19 Pacific Symphony Youth Concert Band: Seeing Sound, Hearing Colors 6 PM

November 20 Pacific Symphony Youth Orchestra: Indivisible 7 PM

November 21 UCI Symphony Orchestra 8 PM

TAYLOR SWIFT - THE ERAS TOUR Playing now

The cultural phenomenon continues on the big screen! Immerse yourself in this once-in-a-lifetime concert film experience with a breathtaking, cinematic view of the history-making tour.

Click for Showtimes

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

See video

December 2 - 3 Holiday Market 3 PM - 7PM

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

December 8-17 American Ballet Theatre's The Nutcracker

Click here to see the intro video

December 14 - 16 A Merry Little Christmas with Megan Hilty

See video here