In this Irvine Insider Issue . . .

😁 Laugh Of The Day

🌤️ Irvine Weather

🚘🧓 Empowering Senior Drivers With Confidence: California's Free Senior Driving Classes Now Open

🏡 UCLA Wins NAIOP SoCal Challenge with Innovative Tustin Hangar Redevelopment Plan

🍴🎄🧡 Season of Giving: Irvine Nonprofits Lead the Charge in Feeding and Housing the Needy

❄🎁 Experience Enchantment at the Great Park: Winter Lights, Iconic Photography, and Fun-Filled Camps Await

🚧 Sand Canyon Roadwork Notice: Night Work Scheduled, Completion by January 19

📚📕 Irvine Heritage Park Library Hosts Free Homework Help Session for Grades 2-8 on December 7

⚕💚 UCI Health's Commitment to Excellence Recognized with Prestigious Leapfrog 2023 Top Hospital Honor

📃🧠 UCSF's Dr. John Rubenstein to Discuss Neurodevelopmental Disorders at Beckman Center on December 6th

🐶🌳 Transform Your Lawn: Discover Dog-Friendly Groundcovers from IRWD's Gardening Newsletter

🎨🖼 UCI Art Students Showcase on Dec 7: the Tenth Thursday Exhibition Opens Doors to Public

🎼🎼 Upcoming High School Music Calendar

⚽3️⃣ Three Anteaters Clinch Coveted Spots on United Soccer Coaches All-Region Teams

🏐🔚 UC Irvine Women’s Volleyball Ends Season with 11-19 Record After Intense Five-Set Match Against Long Beach State

🤽‍♂️ ⚽🏐 UCI Anteaters Upcoming Home Games

🏐⚽🏀 Upcoming home games for the IVC LASERS

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

📅📅 Lots of Local Events

What do you call a bunch of chess players bragging about their games in a hotel lobby?

Answer: Chess nuts boasting in an open foyer!

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

Empowering Senior Drivers With Confidence: California's Free Senior Driving Classes Now Open

The California Highway Patrol is hosting free "Age Well, Drive Smart" classes for senior drivers (65+) to promote safe driving and reduce accidents. This initiative, part of Older Driver Safety Awareness week, emphasizes that driving ability depends on performance, not age. Funded by a grant from the California Office of Traffic Safety and the National Highway Traffic Safety Administration, these classes are available statewide. Sign up at your local CHP office

Source

UCLA Wins NAIOP SoCal Challenge with Innovative Tustin Hangar Redevelopment Plan

A UCLA graduate student team won the NAIOP SoCal Real Estate Challenge with their redevelopment plan for Tustin's south hangar, proposing a mixed-use development featuring an architectural hub and diverse housing. The contest, held at USC, had teams from UCLA and USC envisioning the best use for Southern California land parcels. The UCLA team's winning concept, "Legacy Ranch," aims to transform the 60.24-acre south hangar site into a cultural and residential area for all demographics.

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Season of Giving: Irvine Nonprofits Lead the Charge in Feeding and Housing the Needy

- Meals on Wheels: Delivers over 8,000 meals yearly to homebound seniors and serves 2,400 meals at Lakeview Senior Center. More than 200 drivers, volunteering five days a week, provide both food and companionship. Volunteers find the experience life-changing. Details at cityofirvine.org/senior-services/irvine-meals-wheels or call 949-724-6910.

- Second Harvest Food Bank: For 40 years, it has fed those in need in Orange County, serving about 400,000 people monthly through 294 partners across 362 sites. The Irvine farm, opened in 2021, contributes over 2 million pounds of fresh produce annually, focusing on nutrition. More info at feedoc.org/get-involved.

- Families Forward: Aims to prevent and end family homelessness in Orange County. In the last year, it helped 679 families achieve housing stability and provided support, including food and basic needs, to over 12,000 individuals. The organization works with various agencies to secure sustainable housing for working families with children, who are increasingly at risk due to high living costs. Visit families-forward.org for more information.

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Experience Enchantment at the Great Park: Winter Lights, Iconic Photography, and Fun-Filled Camps Await

Visit the Great Park for all its merry events this holiday season.

• See "Holidayz at the Park" with interactive light displays until January 7 at Palm Court Art Complex.

• Catch the final month of the Dorothea Lange photography exhibit at the Great Park Gallery.

• Enroll kids and teens in winter camps, offering activities like chess and tennis, at yourirvine.org.

Explore and play at the Great Park, more info at yourgreatpark.org.

Source

Sand Canyon Roadwork Notice: Night Work Scheduled, Completion by January 19

Nighttime roadwork on Sand Canyon Avenue, between Barranca Parkway and the 5 Freeway, starts tonight from 9 p.m. to 4 a.m., excluding the week of December 25. Expected completion by January 19. Traffic disruptions anticipated; alternate routes advised. More info at cityofirvine.org/roadconstruction.

Source

Irvine Heritage Park Library Hosts Free Homework Help Session for Grades 2-8 on December 7

Student are invited to join the free homework help event for 2nd-8th graders at Irvine Heritage Park Library, 14361 Yale Avenue, Irvine, CA, on Dec 7, 2023, from 4:30-6:00 pm. Bring your own supplies.

Source

UCI Health's Commitment to Excellence Recognized with Prestigious Leapfrog 2023 Top Hospital Honor

UCI Medical Center has been awarded the 2023 Top Hospital distinction by The Leapfrog Group, a highly competitive and prestigious honor recognizing excellence in patient safety and quality in the U.S. This award, given to only 132 hospitals nationwide, is based on rigorous standards and highlights UCI Health's commitment to top-tier healthcare. The selection criteria include patient outcomes, resource use, and error prevention measures. UCI Health also received an "A" in the 2023 Hospital Safety Grade Report and has been acknowledged for various other achievements in patient care and nursing excellence. UCI Health, part of the University of California, Irvine, is the only academic health system in Orange County and offers a wide range of medical services. The Leapfrog Group, a national nonprofit, focuses on improving American healthcare quality and safety.

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UCSF's Dr. John Rubenstein to Discuss Neurodevelopmental Disorders at Beckman Center on December 6th

On December 6th, 7pm, at the Beckman Center, Dr. John Rubenstein from UC San Francisco Medical School will give a one-hour lecture on neurodevelopmental disorders and lithium chloride's role in treatment. The event is free, and registration is available

Transform Your Lawn: Discover Dog-Friendly Groundcovers from IRWD's Gardening Newsletter

Dogs often damage lawns with their urine, but there are pet-friendly groundcovers that can maintain an attractive yard. Kurapia is durable, low-maintenance, and drought-tolerant. Yarrow offers fine foliage and can be mowed to look like a lawn. Silver carpet forms a dense mat with yellow blooms and requires no mowing. Elfin thyme, with its lavender-pink flowers, is a hardy turf alternative. These tips are from The Dirt, IRWD's gardening newsletter. More details are available in their fall edition at IRWD.com/thedirt.

Source

UCI Art Students Showcase on Dec 7: the Tenth Thursday Exhibition Opens Doors to Public

On Dec. 7 at 6:30pm, UCI's Claire Trevor School of the Arts hosts the Tenth Thursday Undergraduate Student Exhibition. It features diverse art forms like painting, ceramics, and video by talented undergraduates. Free entry, no registration needed. Organized by Liz Glynn and Deborah Oliver, it's a great opportunity to meet the artists and enjoy their end-of-quarter projects. Advance parking permits available at a discount.

Source

Upcoming Northwood High School’s Music Calendar

1. December 15, 2023: Winter Gala (7:00 pm - 8:30 pm)

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

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

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

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

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

7. 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. October 12 & 13: Songs & Stories ('80s!) at 7:00 PM.

2. December 7 & 8: A Winter Celebration at 7:00 PM.

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

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

5. 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

1. December 10, 2023: Winter Wind Concert at 4:00 PM

2. December 14, 2023: Winter Concerts at 7:00 PM

3. December 15, 2023: Winter Concerts at 7:00 PM

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

1. Wed Dec 6, 2023, 7pm - 9:30pm: Orchestra Concert

2. Thu Dec 7, 2023, 7pm - 9:30pm: Band Concert

3. Tue Dec 19, 2023, 7pm - 9pm: Jazz the Halls

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

Upcoming Irvine High School's Choral Calendar

1. Sat, Dec. 9, 5:00 PM: Sparkle & Shine Holiday Concert (All choirs) at Game Gym.

2. Wed, Dec. 13, 6-7 PM: Caroling Performance (Singers & Canta Bella) at JWA Airport.

3. Tues, Dec. 19, 7:00 PM: Jazz the Halls (Chordinated Chaos) at IHS Theater.

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

18. 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

Three Anteaters Clinch Coveted Spots on United Soccer Coaches All-Region Teams

United Soccer Coaches named three Anteaters to their All-Region teams. Luke Pruter, as goalkeeper, made the Second Team after an impressive season with eight shutouts and a goals-against average of 1.04. Mathias Winum and Oscar Cervantes were honored on the Third Team for their defensive and offensive contributions, respectively. This recognition marks the first for the team since 2019, bringing their total to eight under coach Yossi Raz and 27 overall for the program.

Source

UC Irvine Women’s Volleyball Ends Season with 11-19 Record After Intense Five-Set Match Against Long Beach State

UC Irvine's volleyball team, seeded 5th, lost in a close five-set match to 4th seed Long Beach State at the Outrigger Big West Volleyball Championship. The season ended for UC Irvine with an 11-19 record, while Long Beach State improved to 20-9. Key players for UC Irvine included Ella Gardiner with 13 kills and two blocks, and Nicole Feliciano with her 14th double-double of the season. Long Beach State's Elise Agi led with 19 kills. The match saw Long Beach State outperform UC Irvine in hitting, blocking, and aces. Despite a strong fight from UC Irvine, including winning the second and fourth sets, Long Beach State clinched the final set 15-10.

Source

UCI Anteaters Upcoming Home Games

Men's Basketball

1.  December 16th, 2023 vs South Dakota - 7:00 PM

2.  December 28th, 2023 vs UC Riverside - 7:00 PM

Women's Basketball

1.  December 30th, 2023 vs Cal State Bakersfield - 2:00 PM

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. Fri Dec 22 - vs Alumni, Time TBA

High School Athletics Calendar -

** Updated With December 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:

December 2023

- Wednesday, 6 December

- 05:00 PM: Boys Soccer, Varsity vs. Laguna Beach (Irvine High School Stadium)

- 07:00 PM: Boys Basketball, Varsity vs. Wilson/Long Beach (Irvine High School Game Gym)

- Friday, 8 December

- 05:00 PM: Boys Soccer, Varsity vs. St. Margarets Episcopal (Irvine High School Stadium)

- 07:00 PM: Boys Basketball, Varsity vs. Brea Olinda (Irvine High School Game Gym)

- Tuesday, 12 December

- 06:30 PM: Girls Basketball, Varsity vs. Trabuco Hills (Irvine High School Game Gym)

- Wednesday, 13 December

- 05:00 PM: Boys Soccer, Varsity vs. Aliso Niguel (Irvine High School Stadium)

- Friday, 15 December

- 07:00 PM: Boys Basketball, Varsity vs. Whitney (Irvine High School Game Gym)

- Tuesday, 19 December

- 05:00 PM: Girls Soccer, Varsity vs. Valencia/Placentia (Irvine High School Stadium)

- Wednesday, 20 December

- 05:00 PM: Boys Soccer, Varsity vs. Tustin (Irvine High School Stadium)

- 06:00 PM: Girls Basketball, Varsity vs. Edison (Irvine High School Game Gym)

- Thursday, 21 December

- 03:00 PM: Girls Water Polo, Varsity vs. Trabuco Hills (Woolett Pool)

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

Click here for discount coupon code

December 6 UCI Guitar Ensemble 12 PM

December 6 - 7 Westpark Annual Talent Show 7 PM

December 7 - Empowering the Youth 5 PM - 7 PM

December 7 Crean Lutheran High School The Joy of Christmas: Christmas Around the World 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 Woodbridge Winter Fest 4 - 6 PM

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 18 The Holidays with Canadian Brass 8 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