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Win Big While Saving Water: Enter the Fix a Leak Week Sweepstakes

Issue # 0121

Author

Joshua Tjia
15 Mar

In this Irvine Insider Issue . . .

😁 Laugh Of The Day

🌤️ Irvine Weather

☀🛰 Harnessing the Sun from Space: Caltech's Leap Towards Unlimited, Weather-Proof Power

🌷🌼🌷 From Botanical Gardens to Veterans Memorials: Irvine's Great Park Sets New Standards for Urban Green Spaces

🚽💦 Win Big While Saving Water: Enter the Fix a Leak Week Sweepstakes

🩰 Celebrate Dance and Dedication: Attend the Pas de Deux Fundraiser for ABT Gillespie School

🐕‍🦺🐾❤️Paws, Play, Love: Discover How Fetch! Pet Care Brings Joy to Your Pet Friends

🎷🎶 Celebrate Student Talent at IUSD's High School Music Festivals

🏥👩‍⚕️ Match Day 2024: UCI Medical Graduates Set to Embark on Residency Journeys

🌼🦋 Seeing Colors and Tasting with Feet? Dive Into the Fascinating Life of Butterflies

💍 Make Your Own Jewelry: Learn Color Image Transfer on Polymer Clay This March

🎼🎼 Upcoming High School Music Calendar

🐈🍕 Irvine Animal Care Center Introduces Merlin: The Cuddly Cat Awaiting Adoption

🏐 UC Irvine Men's Volleyball Sweeps UC Santa Barbara in 3-0 Victory at Bren Events Center

🎾 UC Irvine Tennis Faces Dartmouth in Upcoming Match

🏀🏐🎾⚾ UCI Anteaters Upcoming Home Games

🏐⚡ Irvine Valley Triumphs Over Golden West in Epic Volleyball Showdown

🎾🏆 Athlete of the Week: Nick Groves Propels Irvine Valley Tennis to No. 1

🏀🏀 Upcoming home games for the IVC LASERS

🏈🎾 High School Athletics Calendar

🍏🥭🍑 Local Farmers Markets

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

📅📅 Lots of Local Events

📞💡 Useful Contact Information

How did the baker describe the pumpkin pie?

As gourd-geous!

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

Harnessing the Sun from Space: Caltech's Leap Towards Unlimited, Weather-Proof Power

Caltech scientists have successfully demonstrated that it's possible to harness solar energy from space to power Earth continuously, achieving this milestone one year after launching their Space Solar Power Demonstrator into orbit. The project, supported by a $100 million donation from Donald Bren, met three crucial goals: transmitting energy from space to Earth, testing various solar cells, and proving a new power station's capability. This advancement could revolutionize energy generation, offering a constant, weather-independent power source without fossil fuel emissions. Experts believe space solar power could surpass fusion energy in efficiency and feasibility, potentially ready for large-scale deployment in 5-8 years.

From Botanical Gardens to Veterans Memorials: Irvine's Great Park Sets New Standards for Urban Green Spaces

The City of Irvine and SWA are developing the Great Park to enhance connection with nature, featuring a botanical garden, Veterans Memorial Park, forest reserve, and more. Sean O'Malley from SWA highlights the plan's focus on nature and exploration. For details, visit cityofirvine.org/greatparkframework.

#GreatParkFramework #GreatParkDevelopment #YourGreatPark #WeAreIrvine

See video

Win Big While Saving Water: Enter the Fix a Leak Week Sweepstakes

  • Event Date: March 18-24 with entries accepted until March 31.

  • Prizes: Daily $100 Home Depot gift cards during Fix a Leak Week, with a final drawing at month's end.

  • How to Enter: Inspect your toilet (or other water fixtures) for leaks, take a photo, and submit it with a quick entry form. Additional entries can be earned by using the WaterInsight Portal, attending a workshop, and posting on social media.

  • Leak Testing: Pick up dye tablets or use food coloring to check your toilet for leaks. If color appears in the bowl, you likely have a leak. Fix it by replacing the flapper or inflow valve, available at hardware stores.

  • Eligibility: Open to IRWD customers only, excluding employees. Limit of one gift card per household.

  • Extra Entries: Earn up to three additional entries by completing various activities, including online leak checks, attending a workshop, and social media participation.

Celebrate Dance and Dedication: Attend the Pas de Deux Fundraiser for ABT Gillespie School

The Pas de Deux chapter's "An Evening of Dance" fundraiser on April 14, supports ABT Gillespie School students. Hosted by Honorary Chair Susan Jaffe, the event starts at 4:00 pm with a reception and silent auction, followed by performances featuring ABT dancers and students. Highlights include Swan Lake Act I Pas de Trois and Don Quixote Pas de Deux. Attend, sponsor, or donate to support the students' education and training in dance.

Local Business Spotlight Feature

Paws, Play, Love: Discover How Fetch! Pet Care Brings Joy to Your Pet Friends

In this week's edition of the Irvine Insider, we shine the spotlight on Fetch! Pet Care, a standout local business dedicated to providing compassionate and reliable pet care services in Irvine and the surrounding areas. Fetch! Pet Care has quickly become a cherished part of our community, offering a beacon of trust and love for pets and their owners.

The Story Behind Fetch! Pet Care

After a long career in Corporate America and a desire for change, the founder of Fetch! Pet Care embarked on a journey of entrepreneurship, fueled by a passion for animals and a vision to deliver the best pet care services around. This journey led to the creation of the OC Central location of Fetch! Pet Care, where the mission is to love and care for pets as if they were their own.

Why Choose Fetch! Pet Care

Fetch! Pet Care sets itself apart with a wide array of services designed to meet every pet's unique needs, including dog walking, pet sitting, "almost" overnight care, and much more. Here's what makes Fetch! Pet Care the go-to choice for pet owners:

  1. Experienced and Trustworthy Staff: Each sitter is thoroughly vetted, bonded, and insured, ensuring your pet is in safe and loving hands.

  2. Personalized Care: Offering a free in-home consultation to ensure a perfect fit between your pet and their sitter.

  3. Consistent Care: The option to request the same trusted sitter every time, providing familiarity and consistency for your pet.

  4. Stay Connected: Through the Pet Journal, you'll receive updates, texts, and pictures of your pet, keeping you connected while you're away.

  5. Convenient Scheduling: Easily schedule services through phone, email, website, or app, tailored to your needs.

Top Questions to Consider When Hiring a Pet Sitter

When it comes to hiring a pet sitter, it's crucial to make informed decisions. Fetch! Pet Care addresses your top concerns with transparency and dedication:

  • Q1: Are your pet sitters insured? Yes, our sitters are not only bonded and insured but are also passionate about providing the best care.

  • Q2: What services do you offer? From dog walking to "almost" overnight care, we offer a wide range of services. Visit our website for a complete listing.

  • Q3: How can I schedule a pet service? Schedule effortlessly through our app, phone, email, or website, tailored to your convenience.

  • Q4: Will you meet me and my pet before the scheduled service? Absolutely, we offer a free in-home consultation to ensure a great fit and peace of mind.

  • Q5: How do you operate? We provide personalized care in the comfort of your home or hotel, keeping you updated through our Pet Journal.

Community Involvement and Future Plans

Fetch! Pet Care is not just about services; it's about building a community. Through volunteering and participation in local events, they're dedicated to growing brand awareness and continuing to provide quality care to pets in Irvine and beyond.

Special Promotion

Mention “Irvine Insider” for a new customer promotion to save $20 on your first 3 pet visits, valid until 03/31/2024. It's an excellent opportunity for your pets to experience the love and care Fetch! Pet Care offers.

Stay Connected

Learn more about Fetch! Pet Care and how they can serve you and your furry family members by visiting https://occentral.fetchpetcare.com/. Follow them on Facebook and Instagram for updates and engaging pet content.

Fetch! Pet Care embodies everything a pet care service should be – compassionate, reliable, and deeply rooted in the community. Whether you need a trusted companion for your pet while you're away or are looking for a community-minded business to support, Fetch! Pet Care is ready to serve you and your furry family members.

Celebrate Student Talent at IUSD's High School Music Festivals

Attend IUSD's High School Music Festivals to enjoy performances by top student ensembles. Free entry for students with IUSD I.D., others pay $10. Proceeds benefit IUSD music and arts. Details and tickets at iusd.org/MusicFestivals2024.

Match Day 2024: UCI Medical Graduates Set to Embark on Residency Journeys

Match Day is a significant event for graduating medical students in the U.S., marking their transition from classroom to clinical practice as they discover their residency placements. This year, 105 students from UCI will learn their future career locations on March 15. Despite the challenges posed by the COVID-19 pandemic, these students have remained committed to serving their communities.

Their stories include Leonardo Alaniz, who aims to bridge healthcare gaps in underserved communities through reconstructive surgery; Rana Andary, who was inspired by her healthcare professional parents to pursue a career in medicine, focusing on community health and preventative care; and Nicole Finney, who seeks to integrate traditional and holistic practices in her medical career, aiming for a specialty in general surgery with interests in palliative care and trauma/critical care. These narratives highlight the diverse motivations and aspirations of medical students as they prepare to embark on their professional journeys.

Seeing Colors and Tasting with Feet? Dive Into the Fascinating Life of Butterflies

Here are some fun facts for national Learn About Butterflies Day:

  • California Buckwheat, Milkweed, and Sage support Southern California's butterflies

  • They perceive more colors than humans and taste with their feet

  • Some migrate thousands of miles

  • They're essential for pollination, underlining their ecosystem importance

Make Your Own Jewelry: Learn Color Image Transfer on Polymer Clay This March

Explore the art of polymer jewelry making at the workshop on March 23, from 10 a.m. to 5 p.m. at Irvine Fine Arts Center, where participants will learn the technique of transferring color images to polymer clay. They will have the opportunity to create their own pendant or bracelet, enhancing their creative skills. Registration is available at yourirvine.org. 

#PolymerArt #CreativeWorkshop

Upcoming Northwood High School’s Music Calendar

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

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

  2. 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 March.

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

Upcoming Woodbridge High School’s Vocal Music Calendar

  1. March 22nd, 7 PM: Spring Concert

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

  3. 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 March.

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

Upcoming Irvine High School's Choral Calendar

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

  11. 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

Irvine Animal Care Center Introduces Merlin: The Cuddly Cat Awaiting Adoption

Meet Merlin, the cuddly cat who loves lounging on a pizza blanket! He's seeking a calm home to show his sweet side. Visit him for adoption at the Irvine Animal Care Center. For more adoptable pets, check irvineanimals.org/adopt.

UC Irvine Men's Volleyball Sweeps UC Santa Barbara in 3-0 Victory at Bren Events Center

UC Irvine, ranked No. 5, dominated No. 19 UC Santa Barbara with a 3-0 win, showcasing strong service and net play at the Bren Events Center. The Anteaters excelled with 9 aces, notably from William D'Arcy who hit a career-high four aces, and matched Hilir Henno with 10 kills each. UCI out-blocked UCSB 10.5-6.5, with standout performances from Maxim Grigoriev and Connor Campbell. This victory improves UCI's record to 3-0 in Big West and 14-6 overall, highlighting their strength at home with a 7-2 record. The match was efficient, lasting only one hour and 28 minutes, and sets the stage for a rematch at the Thunderdome.

UC Irvine Tennis Faces Dartmouth in Upcoming Match

UC Irvine's tennis team, with a 4-9 record, hosts Dartmouth (4-5 record) on Mar. 15 at the Anteater Tennis Stadium. The Anteaters, coming off a narrow loss to UC San Diego, introduced a new doubles lineup in their last match. They face Dartmouth, who hasn't played since Mar. 2, in their first of four West Coast matches. UC Irvine trails 1-2 in their all-time series against Dartmouth, with no meetings since the 2016 season. Dartmouth's key players include Lexi Dewire and the doubles team of Peyton Capuano and Michela Moore, each with notable wins this season.

UCI Anteaters Upcoming Home Games

Baseball

  1. Fri, Mar 15: vs UC Davis, 6:00 PM

  2. Sat, Mar 16: vs UC Davis, 1:00 PM

  3. Sun, Mar 17: vs UC Davis, 1:00 PM

  4. Fri, Mar 22: vs Cal State Bakersfield, 6:00 PM

  5. Sat, Mar 23: vs Cal State Bakersfield, 1:00 PM

  6. Sun, Mar 24: vs Cal State Bakersfield, 1:00 PM

Men's Tennis

  1. Fri, Mar 15: vs Columbia, 10:00 AM

  2. Sat, Mar 23: vs Gonzaga, 11:00 AM

Men's Volleyball

  1. Sat, Mar 30: vs CSUN, 6:00 PM

Women's Tennis

  1. Fri, Mar 15: vs Dartmouth, 2:00 PM

  2. Sun, Mar 24: vs CSUN, 12:00 PM

Women's Water Polo

  1. Tue, Mar 26: vs Brown, 4:00 PM

Men's Track & Field

  1. Fri, Mar 29: vs Vince O'Boyle Track & Field Classic, All Day

  2. Sat, Mar 30: vs Vince O'Boyle Track & Field Classic, All Day

Women's Track & Field

  1. Fri, Mar 29: vs Vince O'Boyle Track & Field Classic, All Day

  2. Sat, Mar 30: vs Vince O'Boyle Track & Field Classic, All Day

Irvine Valley Triumphs Over Golden West in Epic Volleyball Showdown

Irvine Valley College's volleyball team, ranked 4th in the state, defeated the 2nd-ranked Golden West in a thrilling match, 22-25, 25-21, 27-29, 26-24, 15-13, marking their most significant victory this season. This win handed Golden West its second loss, improving Irvine Valley's record to 7-4 overall and 1-0 in the Orange Empire Conference. Key players included Grant Dvorak, Damon Kooiman, Riley Hurdiss, Domenic Marquez, and Nick Hinker, contributing to the team's .280 hitting percentage. Irvine Valley is set to play Santiago Canyon in their next conference match.

Athlete of the Week: Nick Groves Propels Irvine Valley Tennis to No. 1

Nick Grove, a freshman at Irvine Valley, is named athlete of the week for his contributions to the men's tennis team, leading them to a No. 1 ranking in the ITA So. Cal. With a 5-0 overall and 4-0 conference record, Grove remains undefeated in singles and, alongside Luciano Pardo, unbeaten in doubles. Their significant victory was against the state's No. 4 Riverside, 7-2. Irvine Valley's next match is at Saddleback on Tuesday.

🏐⚽🏀 Upcoming home games for the IVC LASERS

Baseball

  1. Thu, Mar 21: vs Cypress, 2:00 PM

  2. Tue, Mar 26: vs LA Harbor, 2:00 PM

Men’s Tennis

  1. Sat, Mar 16: vs Bakersfield, 10:00 AM

  2. Tue, Mar 19: vs Fullerton, 2:00 PM

  3. Tue, Mar 26: vs Riverside, Tentatively rescheduled for 3/26 or 3/27, 2:00 PM

  4. Thu, Mar 28: vs Gustavus Adolphus, 2:00 PM

Men’s Volleyball

  1. Fri, Mar 15: vs Santiago Canyon *, 6:00 PM

  2. Fri, Mar 29: vs Golden West *, 6:00 PM

High School Athletics Calendar -

** Updated With February Schedule

Upcoming Irvine High School’s Varsity home games:

March 2024

Friday, 15

  • 05:30 PM - Volleyball, Boys VR vs. University at Irvine High School Game Gym

Monday, 18

  • 03:00 PM - Beach Volleyball, Girls VR vs. Tarbut V Torah at Deerfield Park Beach Courts

  • 03:30 PM - Softball, VR vs. University at Irvine High School Softball Field

  • 05:00 PM - Lacrosse, Girls VR vs. Laguna Hills at Irvine High School Stadium

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

We know our community is brimming with businesses that have fascinating stories and big hearts. If you’re a local business owner making waves, crafting unique experiences, or simply putting a smile on our faces, we want to chat with you! “Irvine Insider” is eager to shine a light on the unsung heroes of our city. Let’s collaborate and let the community know what makes your business special.

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

  • Great Park Certified Farmers Market

  • 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

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