Baseball star goes to bat for Irvine schools

In December, University High grad Garrett Atkins signed a deal with the Baltimore Orioles, following seven standout years with the Colorado Rockies.

These days, the local major leaguer is also pinch-hitting for another team – the Irvine Public Schools Foundation. Atkins, who grew up in Irvine and recently bought a home here, just filmed a public service announcement on behalf of IPSF, which is working hard to raise funds to help our district weather the state budget crisis. IUSD NewsFlash will post Atkins' spot as soon as it's available. In the meantime, Orange County Register columnist Jeff Miller has the story here. (And to read a recent column from Neda Zaengle, CEO of the Irvine Public Schools Foundation, click here.)