Irvine News: The Orange County Register

Crean Lutheran boys basketball too big, too strong for Canyon

Steve Fryer — Wed, 07 Jan 2026 07:05:38 +0000

Crean Lutheran small forward Bryce Coleman lays the ball in during an 80-54 win in a Crestview League game against Cayon on Tuesday, January 6, 2026. (Photo by Jeff Antenore, Contributing Photographer)

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IRVINE – Shorthanded, yet too tall.

Crean Lutheran’s boys basketball team played Tuesday night without 6-foot-7 forward Jacob Majok, but the Saints did have 6-11 Chadrack Mpoyi.

Mpoyi scored 25 points, many of those on gym-shaking dunks, as Crean Lutheran overwhelmed visiting Canyon 80-54 in the Crestview League opener for both teams.

Crean Lutheran, No. 2 in the Orange County Top 25, improved to 15-5 overall. No. 6 Canyon is 11-7.

Majok, a 6-7 senior who signed with UC Riverside, did not play because he is recovering from an ankle injury.

Crean Lutheran’s Chadrack Mpoyi scored 25 points in the Saints’ 80-54 win over Canyon in a Crestview League game Tuesday, Jan. 6, 2026. (Photo by Steve Fryer, Orange County Register/SCNG)

As Mpoyi said, Majok, who averages nine points and seven rebounds a game, is not easily replaced.

“Jacob was our MVP last year,” said Mpoyi, who signed with Minnesota. “He’s our leader, our captain.”

Mpoyi and 6-3 junior guard Hunter Caplan took charge in Majok’s absence.

Mpoyi shot 12 of 15 from the floor – one of his misses was a 3-point attempt – and Caplan was 6 of 7 on 3-pointers for 20 points. Caplan also had six assists.

Crean Lutheran’s Nick Giarrusso, a 6-5 junior wing, had nine rebounds and 10 assists. Saints senior Will Malual scored nine points with seven rebounds and also was a forceful defensive presence.

Crean’s quick inside-outside offense kept Canyon defenders scrambling.

“That was our focus for this game,” Mpoyi said.

Crean Lutheran dominated early. Taking advantage of Canyon’s seven turnovers in the first quarter, the Saints flew to a 21-1 lead. They took a 23-5 advantage into the second quarter.

Canyon is famous for its spirit, so of course the Comanches cut into their deficit. They outscored Crean 23-17 over a period that started in the first quarter and carried over into the second quarter. They trimmed the Saints’ lead to 11 points, but could not get closer.

The score was 38-24 at halftime.

In the third quarter Mpoyi, who averages 14 points a game, scored 11 points and Caplan made a pair of 3s to keep Crean Lutheran comfortably ahead. It was 59-40 going into the fourth quarter.

The Saints stretched the lead to 30 points in the final quarter.

Caplan, who averages 16 points a game, said getting Mpoyi more involved is a growing emphasis for Crean’s offensive structure. And, Caplan added, Mpoyi can offer more for the team.

“Even when he’s not scoring,” Caplan said, “just his impact of being here on the court. You see the dunks, his rebounding. And his defense, that’s another story.

“He makes all of our jobs way easier.”

The CIF Southern Section computer-created power rankings, which will determine the teams for each playoff division at the end of the regular season, have Crean Lutheran at No. 8 overall. Last season, the top 10 teams in the rankings were placed in the Open Division.

Canyon is No. 45 in the CIF-SS power rankings.

Senior guard Tate Dohrmann led Canyon with 15 points.

Crean Lutheran’s next game is a league game Friday at La Habra.

Canyon’s next game is a league game Friday at Foothill.

Also coming up for Canyon is a nonleague game at Intuit Dome on Monday against Esperanza.

Erik Terry resigns as Northwood’s football coach after one season

Dan Albano — Wed, 07 Jan 2026 01:22:24 +0000

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Northwood football coach Erik Terry has resigned after one season for family reasons, he confirmed Tuesday.

Terry said will he continue as co-athletic director at the Irvine Unified school.

This past season, Northwood finished 4-6, including a 1-4 in the Foxtrot League, and missed the playoffs.

Three players earned first-team, all-league honors. They were defensive linemen Jacob Harper and Xayn Ali and athlete Jack Schultz.

Quarterback Dylan D’Epifanio was among Northwood’s second-team, all-league selections. The sophomore has since withdrawn from the school, Terry said.

Terry’s coaching staff included several former head coaches, including Stephen Barbee.

Barbee, who coached defensive backs, arrived after a successful, seven-year run at Long Beach Poly. He led the Jackrabbits to a CIF title, a feat he also achieved at St. Margaret’s.

Terry replaced J.C. Clarke, who also served as an assistant last season. Clarke guided Northwood to consecutive CIF-SS titles and a CIF State runner-up finish.

In the 2026-27 league cycle in Orange County, Northwood drops one league to the Iota League. The new-look Iota also includes Cypress, Kennedy, Laguna Hills, Marina and Pacifica.

Please send football news to Dan Albano at dalbano@scng.com

It’s time for league action in Orange County boys basketball

Steve Fryer — Mon, 05 Jan 2026 23:40:51 +0000

Starting this week, league games will dominate the boys basketball schedule until the CIF Southern Section playoffs begin in early February.

The biggest game this week is St. John Bosco at Santa Margarita on Friday at 7 p.m. It is a Trinity League opener for both teams.

St. John Bosco (11-4), led by 6-6 senior Christian Collins, is ranked No. 3 in CIF-SS in the computer rankings.

Santa Margarita (19-2), led by senior guard Kaiden Bailey (Georgia Tech signee), is No. 2 behind top-ranked Sierra Canyon.

In the CalHiSports.com state rankings, Santa Margarita is No. 3 and St. John Bosco is No. 5. Sierra Canyon is No. 1 there, too.

Orange Lutheran (14-5), which is No. 10 in the Orange County rankings, plays at county No. 3 JSerra (13-8) on Friday in another Trinity League opener.

The schedule for Tuesday has some standout league matchups. In the Crestview League, O.C. No. 6 Canyon (11-6) is at No. 2 Crean Lutheran (14-5) and No. 14 La Habra (15-4) is at No. 8 Cypress (14-7).

In the Freeway League on Friday, No. 18 Sonora (15-5) plays at No. 15 El Dorado (16-2).

ORANGE COUNTY NOTES

The first version of the computer rankings that the CIF-SS will use for the creation of the playoff divisions were released last week. The second posting is due this week and the rankings will continue each week through Feb. 2. …

Canyon and No. 17 Esperanza (18-1) play each other in a nonleague game Monday, Jan. 12, at Intuit Dome, the home of the Clippers. Tip-off is scheduled for 2 p.m. …

Los Alamitos senior Tyler Lopez was named MVP of the Diamond Division for The Classic at Damien. The Griffins’ Joseph Ojeda and Isaiah Williamson were named to all-tournament. Los Alamitos beat Auburn of Washington in the division final. Canyon, Fairmont Prep and La Habra also were in the Diamond Division. …

Esperanza was the champion of the Bronze Division in The Classic at Damien. …

Calvary Chapel defeated Jurupa Hills 63-61 in the Iron Division final of The Classic. Calvary’s Micah Francisco was named division MVP and the Eagles’ Ephraim Coffin was named all-tournament. …

Los Amigos went 3-1 in the Bronze Division of The Classic at Damien. …

Orange Lutheran went 3-1 and won the consolation championship in the Silver Division at The Classic. Lancers Josh King and Noah Zeola were selected to the all-tournament team. King is averaging 24 points a game. …

Fountain Valley won the championship of the Oxford Academy tournament. Barons senior guard Kenneth Nguyen scored 30 points in a 79-53 win over Pacifica in the championship game. He was the tournament MVP. …

Crean Lutheran 6-11 senior Chadrack Mpoyi was named all-tournament in The Classic at Damien. …

Newport Harbor went 4-0 in the Gold Division of The Coast Classic tournament at Estancia. The division had a round-robin format without a championship game. Newport’s Owen Saukkola was named all-tournament. …

The Coast Classic’s Silver Division was played in the 16-team bracket style. Godinez beat Cabrillo 58-57 in the championship game. Jaiden Torres of Godinez was division MVP. …

Cypress won the Governors Division championship of the Torrey Pines Holiday Classic. Guard Ryan Gov was named division MVP. He scored 32 points in the Centurions’ 83-73 win over Poway in the division final. …

Zain Majeed is averaging 25 points a game for Mater Dei since becoming eligible Dec. 26. He is a 6-8 junior who transferred from IMG Academy in Florida. …

Not all teams post stats at MaxPreps.com. Of those that do, Brea Olinda senior Logan Severson is the California leader in 3-point baskets with 67 in 19 games.

Orange County boys basketball Top 25: Santa Margarita still on top

Steve Fryer — Mon, 05 Jan 2026 21:00:18 +0000

The Orange County boys basketball rankings as of Monday, Jan. 5. The team records are through Sunday, Jan. 4.

Notable this week: Santa Margarita won the championship of the top division in the Desert Holiday Classic. … Mater Dei went 4-0 in its division of the Desert Holiday Classic. … Los Alamitos won the championship of the Diamond Division of The Classic at Damien tournament. … Huntington Beach makes its season debut in the Top 25 … Transfers who had to observe the sit-out period became eligible to play on Dec. 26.

BOYS BASKETBALL TOP 25

1. Santa Margarita 19-2: The Eagles won the championship of the top division in the Desert Holiday Classic. They also beat Roosevelt and Fairfax. They are home against St. John Bosco (11-4) in a Trinity League opener Friday.

Previous ranking: 1

2. Crean Lutheran 14-5: The Saints lost to Redondo Union in the semifinals of the Platinum Division in The Classic at Damien. They beat Cypress 72-60 in a Crestview League opener.

Previous ranking: 2

3. JSerra 13-8: The Lions lost to Notre Dame of Sherman Oaks in the championship game of the National Division of the Torrey Pines Holiday Classic.

Previous ranking: 3

4. Corona del Mar 16-1: The Sea Kings finished second in its division of the Desert Holiday Classic. They beat Fountain Valley 64-46 in a Sunset League game, the first loss of the season for the Barons.

Previous ranking: 4

Corona del Mar’s Luke Mirhashemi (0) looks for an opening as Cypress’ Terrence Hoang (12) guards in the second quarter of a North/South Challenge boys basketball game, December 23, 2025, at Tesoro High School in Rancho Santa Margarita. (Photo by Steven Georges, Contributing Photographer)

5. Los Alamitos 8-6: The Griffins won the championship of the Diamond Division in The Classic at Damien. They beat Auburn of Washington 60-53 in the division final.

Previous ranking: 7

6. Canyon 11-6: The Comanches went 2-2 in the Diamond Division of The Classic at Damien, then beat Arizona’s No. 3-ranked team Brophy Prep.

Previous ranking: 5

7. Mater Dei 12-7: With their roster improved by recently eligible transfers, the Monarchs won their division of the Desert Holiday Classic.

Previous ranking: 10

8. Cypress 14-7: The Centurions won the championship of the Governors Division in the Torrey Pines Holiday Classic, and lost to Crean Lutheran in a Crestview League game.

Previous ranking: 6

Corona del Mar’s Luke Mirhashemi (0) tries to block as Cypress’ Brennen DeLa Cruz (15) leaps to score in the third quartter of a North/South Challenge boys basketball game, December 23, 2025, at Tesoro High School in Rancho Santa Margarita. (Photo by Steven Georges, Contributing Photographer)

9. Fairmont Prep 10-7: The Huskies went 2-2 in the Diamond Division of The Classic at Damien.

Previous ranking: 8

10. Orange Lutheran 14-5: The Lancers won the consolation championship in the Silver Division of The Classic at Damien.

Previous ranking: 11

11. Pacifica Christian 13-4

Previous ranking: 9

12. Tesoro 17-3

Previous ranking: 12

13. Servite 15-5

Previous ranking: 17

14. La Habra 15-4

Previous ranking: 14

15. El Dorado 16-3

Previous ranking: 13

16. Edison 14-3

Previous ranking: 15

17. Esperanza 18-1

Previous ranking: 16

18. Sonora 15-5

Previous ranking: 20

19. Fountain Valley 16-1

Previous ranking: 21

20. Newport Harbor 13-4

Previous ranking: 19

21. San Clemente 10-9

Previous ranking: 18

22. Huntington Beach 10-7

Previous ranking: Not ranked

23. Villa Park 12-9

Previous ranking: 24

24. Aliso Niguel 11-8

Previous ranking: 25

25. Woodbridge 12-6

Previous ranking: 23

Littles party like its midnight for New Year’s Eve

Heather McRea — Wed, 31 Dec 2025 21:55:46 +0000

Noa Ubaldo and Solstice Higdon, from left, play in confetti during a New Year’s Eve celebration at Pretend City Children’s Museum in Irvine, CA on Wednesday, December 31, 2025. (Photo by Paul Bersebach, Orange County Register/SCNG)

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They partied like it was midnight — dancing, confetti raining down.

These toddler revelers rang in the new year in party dresses and fancy hats, only at the strike of noon on Wednesday.

Pretend City hosted bedtime-appropriate celebrations of New Year’s Eve by following midnight around the globe: 9:40 a.m. as the new year dawned in Thailand; 12 p.m. as celebrations commenced in Pakistan; and 2 p.m. as the people of Greece bid farewell to 2025.

The always popular New Year’s Eve Around the World at the children’s museum in Irvine highlights the cultures of the countries, while including the youngsters in the fun of celebrating the holiday.

Sprinkles Cupcakes closing all stores New Year’s Eve

Pat Maio — Wed, 31 Dec 2025 20:25:27 +0000

Sprinkles Cupcakes, founded in 2005 in Beverly Hills, abruptly moved to close all of its locations on New Year’s Eve 2025. The cupcake chain launched by Candace Nelson touted luxuriously made sweets. She sold the chain to a private equity firm in 2013 for undisclosed terms. (File photo: H. Lorren Au Jr. / The Orange County Register)

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Sprinkles Cupcakes, a chain of scratch-made gourmet cupcakes, cookies and cakes that got its start in Beverly Hills and was later bought by a private equity giant, is closing all stores on Wednesday, Dec. 31.

“A few days ago, I learned that Sprinkles Cupcakes, the company I started in 2005, and then sold to private equity in 2012, will be closing its bakery doors today,” founder Candace Nelson — an investment banker turned baker — said Wednesday in an Instagram video post.

Nelson opened the first Sprinkles in 2005 in Beverly Hills.

The chain, which was bought by investment firm KarpReilly LLC, operated 21 stores and 25 ATMs that dispensed fresh cupcakes 24 hours a day, seven days a week, in California, Florida, Nevada, Texas, Utah and Washington, D.C.

While a spokesperson with KarpReilly, the Greenwich, Connecticut-based private equity owner was not available for comment, a Sprinkles spokesperson confirmed in a statement to the Southern California News Group that upcoming orders will not be fulfilled, and that the company will be “canceling affected orders prior to closure” on Dec. 31.

“After careful and thoughtful consideration, we’ve made the very difficult decision to transition away from operating company-owned Sprinkles bakeries,” the spokesperson said. “As a result, our company-owned locations will be closing, with our final day of service scheduled for Dec. 31.”

This “decision was not made lightly,” and “we truly appreciate your understanding,” the spokesperson said.

On opening day 20 years ago, Nelson sold 200 cupcakes in two hours, attracting celebrity devotees including Tyra Banks and Barbra Streisand. Nelson’s concept pioneered an explosion of specialty dessert and haute cupcake shops in Southern California.

The news of the chain’s closure hit the founder hard.

“Just to say that out loud is completely surreal. Even though I sold the company over a decade ago, I still have such a personal connection to it, and this isn’t how I thought the story would go. I thought Sprinkles would keep growing and be around forever,” Nelson said. “I thought it was going to be my legacy. It’s hard to describe how I’m feeling right now. But one thing is for sure, I’m incredibly grateful for all of the joy our cupcakes brought to millions of people over the years.”

KarpReilly has a portfolio of 44 companies listed on its website and invests in small to mid-size consumer growth companies. Some of those businesses include Newport Beach-based California Fish Grill, San Diego-based Burger Lounge and downtown-Los Angeles-based women’s clothing brand Christy Dawn. Sprinkle Cupcakes was no longer listed as a current investment.

In 2007, the private equity firm acquired a majority position of Irvine-based Habit Burger Grill before taking it public in 2014, later selling in 2020 to Yum! Brands, the parent of KFC, Pizza Hut and Taco Bell.

KarpReilly manages funds and affiliates with capital commitments in excess of $800 million.

The closures come nearly three years after Sprinkles announced a new franchising strategy.

Dan Mesches, the former Sprinkles president and CEO who ran the chain from January 2017 to July 2024, told Nation’s Restaurant News nearly three years ago that the business had plans to grow to over 100 U.S. franchise locations and 100 international locations by 2026.

In August 2024, Mesches left Sprinkles to lead Swensons Drive-In Restaurants, an Akron, Ohio-based chain of nostalgic, 1950s-style drive-in restaurants known for made-to-order burgers.

“I have so many amazing Sprinkles memories, which I plan to share over the next few weeks as I process this news,” Nelson said. “I built this company as a point of joy and connection.”

Over the years, Sprinkles was sold out of a cupcake truck and its proprietary mixes from more than 250 Williams-Sonoma stores throughout the United States and Canada. In 2012, the company debuted its cupcake ATM, dubbed as the world’s first such device.

Sprinkles also sold its bakery goods at Disneyland in Anaheim and through ATMs, such as those on the campus of the USC and the Little Italy neighborhood in San Diego. In Southern California, Sprinkles had stores in Beverly Hills, downtown Los Angeles, Irvine, La Jolla, Manhattan Beach, Newport Beach and The Grove shopping complex in the Beverly Grove area of Los Angeles.

The cupcakes were made fresh in small batches throughout the day and contained no preservatives, trans fats or artificial flavors, according to the company.

As of Wednesday morning, Nelson’s announcement on Instagram had received more than 360 comments on her post and nearly 2,100 likes.

“I’m so sorry. Damn PE (private equity) really does know how to f… up a good thing,” wrote one commenter under the handle of codiesanchez.

“Wow! Candace!!! That must be very tough. I’m happy you sold the company when you did, but truly sorry the new team was not able to grow and thrive with your strong foundation: Truly the end of an important chapter for you,” wrote another poster, faith_wheeler7. “May one door close so another may open.”

Another poster, tayywalkerr of San Diego, wrote that she was speechless over the news. “This is so hard to hear. These cupcakes were my obsession for years. Still my favorite cupcake ever. You built something so amazing & always brought joy to anyone I bought cupcakes for.”

7 Orange County mocktail spots to try for Dry January

Brock Keeling — Wed, 31 Dec 2025 18:01:24 +0000

Alcohol sales continued to dip in 2025, showing a slight decline in volume and value. Locally and globally, sales for beer, wine and spirits are all trending downward. A variety of factors, from a growing consumer trend leaning toward moderation to broader economic woes, have contributed to this boozy slump. “The percentage of U.S. adults who say they consume alcohol has fallen to 54%, the lowest by one percentage point in Gallup’s nearly 90-year trend,” according to a study by Gallup.

Hungry? Sign up for The Eat Index, our weekly food newsletter, and find out where to eat and get the latest restaurant happenings in Orange County. Subscribe here.

But the same can’t be said for mocktails, which have proven, at least for now, to be much more than a passing trend.

ALSO READ: Mocktails, the hero of Dry January, find their place on cocktail menus — and beyond

Alcohol-free or low-ABV (alcohol by volume) beverages are fantastic alternatives for those practicing moderation or in recovery. Gone are the days when teetotalers were limited to a syrupy Shirley Temple or a soda loaded with high-fructose corn syrup or aspartame. Today, most bar and restaurant cocktail menus feature a “mocktail” or “zero proof” section, offering a bounty of flavor and creativity. With the arrival of Dry January, the annual ode of kicking off the year alcohol-free, here are a handful of standout spots in Orange County to grab a snazzy sip.

Belly of the Beast at Stowaway

14401 Newport Ave., Tustin, 657-208-2088, stowawaytiki.com/botb

At this hush-hush, Pinocchio-themed speakeasy hidden behind Stowaway tiki bar, you’ll find a few mocktails like the Bahama No Mama (with coconut, orange, pineapple and grenadine), POGtail (passionfruit, orange, guava). Reservations required.

Bosscat Libations

18169 Von Karman Ave., Irvine, 949-333-0917; 118 W Chapman Ave., Orange, 714-716-1599; bosscatkitchen.com

Three mocktails are available at this O.C.-born spot from Leslie Nguyen and John Reed. Check out the Coconut Wireless (featuring pineapple, coconut, ginger, allspice and almond), the Zero Proof (apple spice, soda water, citrus, cranberry and ginger) or the Pivot (ARU coffee and coconut horchata syrup).

ALSO SEE: Here are 5 LA County restaurants where you can order mocktails for Dry January

The Cauldron

8028 Beach Blvd., Buena Park, 714-484-2733, thecauldronbar.com

In a world of increasingly costly mocktails, it’s nice to see a place giving those who eschew booze a break at only $6 a pop. The lineup at this witchy venue includes Cat’s Claw (featuring cranberry juice, soda and lemon), Bitter Ginger (ginger beer, bitters, lime and mint), Upside Down (pineapple juice, vanilla, ginger beer and cherry), Dead and Berried (fresh blackberries, mint, lime, simple syrup and soda water) and Orange Is the New Black (cold-pressed coffee, orange juice, vanilla and Aztec chocolate bitters).

Ilya in San Clemente features mocktails, including the False Promise. (Photo by Brock Keeling, Orange County Register/SCNG)

Ilya (San Clemente)

1502 S El Camino Real, San Clemente, 949-703-1111, ilyarestaurant.com

“Top Chef” winner Charbel Hayek’s new coastal Mediterranean restaurant in San Clemente offers a couple of mocktail bangers that are as tasty as they are gorgeous. Clean Sheet features a chamomile-thyme tincture mixed with blue fig Syrup, elderflower and lemon juice finished with elderflower tonic, while the False Promise boasts jasmine and sencha tea extract with coconut water and lime juice finished with ginger beer and Thai basil.

Khan Saab

229 E. Commonwealth Ave., Fullerton; 714-853-1081, khansaaboc.com

Noted as the pioneers of the mocktail movement in Orange County — “When we opened Khan Saab in February of 2020, our nonalcoholic bar program was the first of its kind in Southern California and only the fourth in the nation,” said chef Imran Ali Mookhi in 2022 — this Fullerton spot offers a creative and vibrant litany of mocktails. Highlights here include a Mango Mojito (with manho nectar, mint, jaggery and lime), a Smoked Negroni (Seedlip Spice 94, rose syrup and Palo Santo bitters), a Peshawari Mule (Seedlip Spice 94, ginger, mint and ginger beer) and even a Dirty Sprite (lime, simple syrup, salt, mint and its titular lemon-lime soda).

ALSO SEE: 5 places to get mocktails for Dry January in the Inland Empire

Puesto

8577 Irvine Center Drive, Irvine, 949-[608-9990; 3311 Michelson Drive, Irvine, 949-608-7272‬; 1040 W. Katella Ave., Anaheim, 714-294-0362; eatpuesto.com

Conceived by Beau du Bois, Puesto’s vice president of bar and spirits, nonalcoholic tipples include a Passionfruit Margarita that uses a zero-proof tequila alternative; a Cantarito featuring a tequila alternative, orange cordial, fresh lime and Jarritos grapefruit soda; and a Michelada with nonalcoholic Corona beer, housemade clamato, shamoy, mango and fresh lime. Zero-proof beers include two Beros: a Kingston Golden Pilsner and a Double Tasty West Coast Style IPA. House-made agua frescas (like passionfruit and pineapple).

Strong Water Anaheim offers no alcohol drinks including Anana Rising, with pineapple, lemon, cinnamon and walnut bitters, left, and Tarobi Colada, with pineapple, lime, coconut, taro cream and cane on Monday, December 30, 2024. (Photo by Mindy Schauer, Orange County Register/SCNG)

Strong Water Anaheim

270 S. Clementine St., Anaheim; 714-844-1875 or strongwateranaheim.com

Since opening in 2019, Ying Chang and Robert Adamson’s Anaheim spot has become the gold standard for cocktails in Orange County. So much so that they’ve earned two consecutive James Beard Award nominations. They also make two mighty fine mocktails: the Anana Rising (a punchy concoction with pineapple, lemon, cinnamon and walnut bitters) and the Tarobi Colada (a tropical tipple with pineapple, lime, coconut, taro cream and sugar cane). Strong Water also pours two low-alcohol brews, the Bitter Mai Tai and the Fernet Swizzle.

Irvine council changes mind, keeps lease for Household Hazardous Waste Collection Center

Victoria Le — Wed, 31 Dec 2025 15:25:28 +0000

The Irvine Household Hazardous Waste Collection Center is staying open.

The facility at 6411 Oak Canyon was slated to close at the end of 2025, but city leaders changed plans recently and area residents can continue to visit the site to dispose of paint cans, batteries and anything that contains corrosive, toxic, ignitable or reactive ingredients.

The center’s lease with the city was supposed to expire Dec. 31 and OC Waste & Recycling — the managing entity of the site — had initially not been given the option to extend. The city is eying an expansion of the Irvine Central Bark, the dog park next door.

But after dozens of community members lobbied and sent letters to the council in opposition to the hazardous waste collection center’s closing, councilmembers unanimously agreed to extend the existing lease.

“This is a facility that’s been used by thousands of people and got a lot of really good feedback, in regards to the upcoming closure,” Councilmember Mike Carroll said.

The collection center will continue to take hazardous waste for up to an additional year, through Dec. 31, 2026, city officials said. By then, the council wants to find the center a permanent location, possibly at the Frank R. Bowerman Landfill that is about six miles northeast of the center, officials said.

There are four household hazardous waste collection sites in Orange County spread across four cities: Anaheim, Huntington Beach, San Juan Capistrano and Irvine.

The Irvine center will continue to take waste between 9 a.m. and 3 p.m., Tuesdays through Saturdays.

All-County girls tennis: Lisa Polkanova is the OC player of the year

Dan Albano — Tue, 30 Dec 2025 19:45:18 +0000

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ALL-ORANGE COUNTY GIRLS TENNIS 2025

PLAYER OF THE YEAR

Lisa Polkanova, Woodbridge, Senior

Woodbridge’s Lisa Polkanova grew up playing tennis with the same aspirations as many of her peers on the competitive tournament circuit.

She wanted to be the best in her age group.

“I was very determined to try to get No. 1,” she recalled. “I don’t think I ever got it but I was pretty high.”

Polkanova’s goals broadened at Woodbridge as the success of her team became a focus. She and the Warriors succeeded together.

Polkanova impressively blended the roles of ace and team leader this season.

Woodbridge senior Lisa Polkanova, pictured with coach Ryan Sabado, left, and assistant Tony Lin is the Orange County girls tennis player of the year for 2025. (Courtesy of Madyson Miao)

As a co-captain with senior Catherine Riggs, Polkanova helped lead Woodbridge to the CIF-SS Division 2 semifinals. And as a singles player, Polkanova reached the quarterfinals of the CIF individual finals and claimed Pacific Coast League MVP as the singles champion.

“A great season to wrap up an amazing career,” Woodbridge coach Ryan Sabado said.

Polkanova’s all-around game helped Woodbridge (21-6) beat Notre Dame of Sherman Oaks, Orange Lutheran and Redondo in the playoffs.

The Warriors fell in the semifinals to eventual champion Calabasas 10-8.

In singles play, Polkanova showed her competitive roots in a sport that she learned at a young age from her father Michael.

The four-year varsity player avenged an earlier loss to Ashley Liang of Northwood to collect an 8-3 win in the Pacific Coast League singles final.

Polkanova captured her first league title after losing in the finals the previous two seasons to twinsKylie and Kenzie Nguyen of Portola, respectively.

In the CIF-SS Individual Championships, Polkanova avenged a loss to Redondo Union’s Kareena Yang to post a 7-5, 6-3 victory to make the quarterfinals.

Polkanova fell in the quarterfinals — the furthest round that any O.C. player reached — to eventual champion Ania Zabost of Louisville.

While pleased with all of her accomplishments, Polkanova’s experience with teammates left the strongest impression on her journey.

“High school tennis, at first, it was almost like a culture shock because when you play USTA tournaments, you’re always by yourself … and the matches are always dead silent,” she said. “But high school tennis, it was really nice to be able to be part of a team where you have other people you can bond with and go to matches with.”

“We’re a really tight-knit community (at Woodbridge),” she added. “It was just such a wonderful experience that I don’t think I would have had anywhere else. It was just super fun, and the camaraderie, is really heart-warming.”

Polkanova is uncommitted for college tennis. She said she might attempt to play as a walk-on. She has a 4.7 grade-point average is applying to Ivy League and UC system schools.

COACH OF THE YEAR

Jamie Gresh, Corona del Mar

Jamie Gresh guided Corona del Mar to CIF-SS Division 1 and CIF-USTA Southern California Regional championships this season. The Sea Kings finished second at the CIF State finals.

Corona del Mar defeated Portola 10-8 in the Division 1 championship for its first section crown since 2019.

The Sea Kings also beat Portola 5-2 for the regional title to advance to state for the first time.

Corona del Mar’s Jamie Gresh is the Orange County girls tennis coach of the year for 2025. He guided the Sea Kings to CIF-SS Division 1 and CIF-USTA SoCal Regional titles. (Courtesy of Jamie Gresh)

Corona del Mar (24-1) suffered its only loss, a 4-3 setback to Santa Clara County’s Los Altos, in the state final in late November.

Gresh, in his 11th season as Corona del Mar’s coach, credited assistant coach Tyler Gaede for leading the team in his absence after undergoing hip surgery late in the season.

ALL-COUNTY FIRST TEAM

SINGLES

Lisa Polkanova, Woodbridge, Sr.: The Orange County player of the year.

Emilie Lew, Corona del Mar, Sr.: Lew won the Sunset League singles title and reached the second round of the CIF-SS individual finals. She is committed to 2025 Division III champion Washington University in St. Louis, Mo.

Sophia Dumitrascu, Yorba Linda, So.: Dumitrascu claimed the Crestview League singles title and advanced to the quarterfinals of the CIF-SS Individual Championships. She is rated a five-star recruit by Tennis Recruiting Network.

DOUBLES

Julia Cross, So. and Sienna Lynn, Fr., Corona del Mar: The Sunset League’s doubles champion advanced to the quarterfinals of the CIF-SS individual tournament.

Huiqing Sun, Sr., and Sara Wang, Fr., Crean Lutheran: Sun and Wang won the Crestview League doubles crown and reached the semifinals of the CIF-SS individual finals.

Leanna Roman, Sr. and Jiah Lee, Jr., Portola: Roman and Lee claimed the Pacific Coast League doubles title and advanced to the quarterfinals of the CIF-SS Individual Championships.

Sahana Chakravarthy, Jr. and Payton Nguyen, Jr., Portola: The Pacific Coast League runner-up in doubles advanced to the quarterfinals of the CIF-SS individual tournament.

Emily Gao, Sr., and Grace Kersenbrock, Sr., Santa Margarita: The pair captured the Trinity League title and finished second at the CIF-SS Individual Championships.

ALL-COUNTY SECOND TEAM

SINGLES

Polina Briggs, Corona del Mar, Sr.

Rebecca MacCallum, Laguna Beach, Jr.

Aubrey Meis, San Juan Hills, Jr.

DOUBLES

Trudy Sten, So. and Maya Varma, Fr., Aliso Niguel

Sasha Briggs, Sr. and Isabel Roytman, Sr., Corona del Mar

Ava Levitanus, So. and Julianna Johnson, So. JSerra

All-County girls golf: Donina Zhou is the OC player of the year

Dan Albano — Mon, 29 Dec 2025 17:30:41 +0000

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ALL-COUNTY GIRLS GOLF TEAM 2025

PLAYER OF THE YEAR

Donina Zhou, Santa Margarita, Jr.

Santa Margarita golfer Donina Zhou was known for her consistent play this fall but how she responded to one of her lowest moments became part of her legacy.

At the CIF-SCGA Southern California Regional, she carded a 3-over-par 77 at Los Serranos Golf Club.

For the first time, Zhou recalled, her 18-hole score was too high to contribute to the Eagles’ final tally.

While disappointed with her individual play, the junior celebrated Santa Margarita’s first-place finish and focused on her teammates’ assessment that her rare slip was nothing to worry about.

“They were like, ‘It’s one tournament, you’ll be fine,’ ” Zhou recalled. “It was very reassuring for me.”

Zhou’s even-keeled reaction paid major dividends at the CIF State championships.

Santa Margarita’s girls golf team, featuring players from left, Madelyn Cheng, Annika Raja, Nora Qu, Angelina Tao, Donina Zhou and Emily Song captured the CIF State championship on Wednesday, Nov. 19 at Poppy Hills Golf Course. Coach Jill Hegna holds the trophy. (Courtesy of Yuan Yi)

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Zhou shot a 3-under 68 at Poppy Hills Golf Course to tie for second at state and lead Santa Margarita to a third title in four seasons.

After finishing as Orange County’s top individual at state for the third consecutive season, Zhou credited for success to her teammates.

“I didn’t want to let down my team,” she said. “We’re all pretty easy going. Since there’s no drama, and we spend so much time together, it just comes very naturally that we’re all super close.”

Zhou, who is committed to Princeton, led Santa Margarita in scoring average for 9 and 18 holes.

At the CIF-SS Division 1 final, she and teammate Angelina Tao each carded 5-under 69s as the Eagles won the title at Los Serranos.

Zhou also was the county’s top finisher as the CIF-SS individual finals by tying for third with another 69 at Temecula Creek Golf Club.

“Donina had another remarkable season,” Santa Margarita coach Jill Hegna said.

Zhou delivered her consistent play after undergoing a swing change under private coach Angel Martinez at the beginning of the campaign.

While motivated by her teammates and playing in college, Zhou said her father Zhou Zhou is another source of inspiration.

Zhou, 16, said her father introduced her to golf, which she began playing in the first grade.

“He’s a big source of motivation for me and I definitely go to him for a lot of advice about golf,” she said. “There were a few setbacks in the middle (of the season for our team) but I think everyone locked in for state and we were able to perform to our potential there.”

COACH OF THE YEAR

Jon Pang, Northwood

In his first season, Northwood’s Jon Pang built off a strong foundation set by former Northwood coach Zach Halop to guide the Timberwolves to an undefeated regular season, a fourth-place finish in CIF-SS Division 1 and sixth place in the CIF-SCGA SoCal Regional.

It was Northwood’s third consecutive appearance in the regional.

Northwood’s Jon Pang is the Orange County girls golf coach of the year for 2025. (Courtesy of Jon Pang)

“Our success stems from the high standards that have been established at Northwood for many years by coach Zach Halop, who I was fortunate to succeed,” Pang said.

Pang blended a roster featuring senior captains Jio Yoo and Zoe Yan and strong freshmen Moyu Wang and Sarah Ro. Yoo, who is committed to UC Irvine, recorded five birdies en route to a 4-under-par 70 at the Division 1 finals at Los Serranos Golf Club.

ALL-COUNTY FIRST TEAM

Donina Zhou, Santa Margarita, Jr.: The Orange County player of the Year.

Jude Lee, Orange Lutheran, Sr.: The 2024 Orange County player of the year and Stanford signee won the Trinity League individual title by carding rounds of 69 and 68 for an 11-under-par score of 137.

Nora Qu, Santa Margarita, So.: Qu shot a 1-under-par 70 to tie for seventh in the CIF State championships at Poppy Hills Golf Course.

Annika Raja, Santa Margarita, So.: Raja tied for 20th at the state championships with a 2-over-par 73.

Emily Song, Santa Margarita, Jr.: Song posted the Eagles’ lowest score at the CIF SoCal Regional with a 4-under-par 70 and tied for 11th at state with an even-par 71. Song, who is committed to Yale, finished as the Trinity League runner-up and won the Southern individual regional.

Angelina Tao, Santa Margarita, Sr.: Tao, who is committed to Dartmouth, shot a 2-under-par 72 at the regional to help lead the Eagles to the title. She also scored at state to become a three-time champion.

Audrey Zhao, Sage Hill, So.: Zhao recorded six birdies en route to a 4-under-par 70 at the regional to qualify for state.

ALL-COUNTY SECOND TEAM

Chloe Ahn, Woodbridge, So.

Madelyn Cheng, Santa Margarita, So.

Chloe Chien, Crean Lutheran, Jr.

Lindy Gan, University, So.

Gabrielle Kim, Orange Lutheran, Sr.

Katie Park, Orange Lutheran, So.

Jio Yoo, Northwood, Sr.