Volume 1 Issue 11
November 2025
The RECap
A newsletter from South Coast Research and Extension Center
and UC Cooperative Extension Orange County
| | Orange County 4-H Youth Development Program | | |
Looking for a way to give back to your community?
Have a special skill or talent you want to share?
OC 4-H is always happy to have new volunteers to support our program!
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For example, you could lead a project in an area that is a special spark or hobby for you. And, we always need evaluators for youth presentations at our amazing events like Food Fiesta or Field Day.
Bring your heart for helping kids and we will find a place for you! Of course, enrollment is open for youth members as well, so if you know someone who would be perfect for 4-H, share this information with them too!
We also have in-school and after-school programs – see if your local school would like to have a 4-H club or enrichment program! Contact oc4h@ucanr.edu for more information or sign up here and someone will contact you.
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Employee Spotlight
Get to know the folks who work with South Coast REC and UCCE Orange County.
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Get to know
Naomi Robles
Senior Agricultural Technician
at South Coast REC
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Hi everyone, my name is Naomi Robles & I've been working for UC ANR for over six years. My agricultural career started in high school with Future Farmers of America, where I mainly raised and showed livestock through the Orange Section Covina FFA chapter. In 2018, I graduated from California State Polytechnic University, Pomona with a B.S. in Agricultural Science. A year later, I was hired at UC South Coast Research & Extension Center. I started as a Farm laborer, then was promoted six months later into the role I have now, as the REC's Senior Agricultural Technician. For over 17 years, I've had the privilege of learning & working in this beautiful industry. Not many people get to see the "behind the scenes" aspects of where our food, fiber, and fuel come from... let alone how that process is done. So, when people ask me what I do for work, I tell them I'm a 'Fancy Farmer' (research = fancy).
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What does a "typical" day look like for you?
A "typical" day for me? Well, every day can be different, especially out in the field. As field staff, we put on many hats & adapt to special/changing needs of Agricultural & Horticultural research in the areas of: Potable/Reclaim Water, Avocado Breeding/Rootstock, Plant Pathology, Subtropical Fruits, Landscape/Tree Management, Ornamental Plant Nursery Production, Entomology, Biological Control, Soil Science, Turf Grass, Agronomic Crops, Integrated Pest Management, & Data Sampling/Analysis. You might see me zooming around the REC on my Kubota, going back & forth between projects. Tasks can range from performing a wide variety of standard repetitive field experimental procedures in multiple field experiments to specialized/general agricultural field work/irrigation, to even routine operational records on-site at UC South Coast REC.
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What part of your work are you most excited about or proud of right now?
The aspect of my job that brings me the most sense of pride would have to be...seeing the fruits of my labor unfold before my eyes. From taking care of groves that are older than I've been alive to seeing some I've planted around the time I first started working here. Nothing beats watching the literal representation of your growth alongside you. Watching the groves and veggie crops change throughout the season, seeing the entire process from start to finish & everything else in between. To me, getting my hands dirty & being outside, sure, it's a lot of work, but it's so rewarding in the end.
What’s your favorite fruit/vegetable/plant we grow at SCREC?
Speaking of fruit, my favorite fruit to eat on site would have to be the Meiwa Kumquat (Fortunella crassifolia Swingle). There's only one tree on site, & usually Kumquats come off very tart, this particular tree produces consistently sweet fruit! My favorite fruit to show people is the Australian Finger Limes! Just cutting one open & having them squeeze it...only for tiny, caviar-like citrus pearls to come out; it's super unique/ fun to show off.
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Pro Tips
Tips, tricks, and advice from our program experts
| | Make a Batch from Scratch: Preserving Cranberries | | |
If cranberries are a staple on your holiday table, try making a batch from scratch! The simplest cranberry relish is printed right on the packaging and it makes an easy, and rewarding, activity to do with children.
Here are some tips for making the perfect sauce:
- Make sure you bring the recipe to a full boil TWICE – once when making the simple syrup, and again after you add the cranberries. Boiling is critical to binding the sugar to the pectin to create a gelled product.
- Spice your sauce up by adding a spice sachet (whole spices like cinnamon, cloves, and cardamom secured in cheesecloth) to the pot when you add the cranberries.
- A 12-oz bag of cranberries will make roughly 2 ¼ cups of sauce.
- Measure after chopping if the recipe specifies the use of chopped berries.
- It is not necessary to thaw frozen berries before use.
- Dehydrated cranberries cannot be used to make sauce - they do not contain enough pectin.
- Sauce needs to be cooled at room temperature – chilling too quickly may affect the gel.
- Whole cranberries can be frozen whole & in the original packaging (sort and rinse before using).
- Freezing sauce is not recommended – it can separate and get watery in the freezer.
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Involve children in the project by having them measure the sugar and water. Let them help choose any spices you add to the recipe to familiarize them with how different whole spices look and smell. Older children can manage and stir the pot to prevent scorching. Get creative and package the sauce in 4-ounce jars so extra can be gifted to neighbors or used later. Be sure to share with any recipients that cranberry sauce will last for 10-14 days when properly stored in the refrigerator.
Jennifer Borges is the new Program Coordinator for the Master Food Preservers of Orange County. She can be reached with questions or inquiries at jhborges@ucanr.edu. For quick answers to your food preservation and safety questions, contact the MFP Helpline: uccemfp@ucdavis.edu
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Register soon, spots are limited!
Saturday, November 8, 2025 - Rain or Shine
Register for one of the available sessions:
8:30am - 9:30am
10:00am - 11:00am
11:30am - 12:30pm
Fee: $30.00 per group of four - includes (1) bag per group provided on site.
All proceeds benefit our outreach and extension activities for the local community.
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Date: Saturday, November 15th
Time: 10:00am - 12:00pm
Event Fee: $75.00
(1) bag will be provided per registered purchase. Limit of (3) guests per registrant from the same household.
Fuyu and Hachiya types available!
It's not too late to start your Hoshigaki for holiday gifts.
Register now, space is limited!
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Several representatives from UCANR will be attending and presenting at the upcoming Landscape Expo in Anaheim, CA November 12th and 13th!
Attend Dr. Beatriz Nobua-Behrmann's talk on Invasive Borers in Urban Forests on Thursday, November 12th at 8am.
Stop by the Emerging Tree Pests Program booth as well!
| 4-H Outreach at Shucked Musical | |
OC 4-H will be hosting an outreach table at the Segerstrom Center for the Arts through the run of the Tony Award-winning Shucked musical comedy full of clever puns, catchy songs, and a whole lot of heart.
The show runs from November 11th through November 23rd.
This hilarious and audacious farm-to-fable musical is about the one thing Americans everywhere can't get enough of: corn! Shucked proves that sometimes tearing down a few walls, rather than growing them, is the only way to preserve our way of life. Whether you’re a Broadway fan, a comedy lover, or just in need of some feel-good fun, Shucked will have you grinning ear to ear. Stop by and see us on show day!
Use Code 4HOC for a 30% off discount on tickets!
| 3-part Forestry Webinar Series | |
4-H Youth Development Book Drive | | Join OC 4-H in our Fall Community Service Project: 1000 New Books Drive for CHOC Hospital Little Library, which provides books to patients and their families during their hospital stay. Until November 16, drop off NEW BOOKS ONLY in the box in Building 103 at South Coast REC. | | | | |
