Volume 2 Issue 10
October 2026
The RECap
A newsletter from South Coast Research and Extension Center
and UC Cooperative Extension Orange County
| | A classic orange pumpkin growing in our pumpkin field. | |
UC Master Food Preserver Program
by Jennifer Borges, Program Coordinator
Grape Jelly, From Vine to Shelf in 5 Hours!
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MFP volunteers with Natalie Levy
Photo Credit: Brandon Hsu
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MFP volunteers juicing grapes
Photo credit: Natalie Levy
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Rogers Red Grape Vine
Photo credit: JA Sisneroz
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MFP Norma Yarborough making jelly
Photo credit: Natalie Levy
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The Master Food Preservers had a unique opportunity to work with Dr. Natalie Levy, Soil Health and Organic Materials Management Advisor at SCREC, to harvest, juice, and preserve grapes all in one day! A team of volunteers went into the field to harvest Rogers Red Grapes in the morning, and by afternoon the fruit had been juiced AND made into grape jelly by another team of volunteers. It was a great example of how different SCREC projects can be connected to tell a bigger story about what volunteers do locally to support UC ANR’s mission and projects.
Vitis ‘Roger’s Red’ is a naturally occurring hybrid of Vitis californica and V. vinifera discovered growing in Sonoma County, California. The vines produce a small, seeded grape that juices well and is suitable for making jelly and wine. A trusted grape jelly can be found here: Grape Jelly Liquid Pectin - National Center for Home Food Preservation
If you have food preservation questions, or are interested in more information about the Master Food Preserver program, check out our website: UC Master Food Preserver Program of Orange County
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South Coast REC Celebrates 70 Years of Research and Community
by Diana Cervantes, Broadcast Communication Specialist
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The original sign for South Coast REC, formerly known as South Coast Field Station.
Since 1956, the University of California South Coast Research and Extension Center has been a site of agricultural research in the Golden State. Today, surrounded by one of Orange County’s most urbanized areas, it remains a living laboratory where science, education and community come together.
Read the full article here.
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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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Meet
Guadalupe Cabrera
Nutrition and Health Educator, 28 years of service
| | Guadalupe (center, front row) pictured with some of her students.
What does a "typical" day look like for you?
I begin my day by organizing the necessary materials for my classes before traveling to the school site. Upon arrival, I set up the instructional space and welcome the participants. Each nutrition class I facilitate consists of three key components: providing nutrition education, leading a food demonstration, and conducting a short physical activity session. After each class, I manage the cleanup and, if a second session is scheduled at a different site, I transition there to repeat the process. Following program delivery, I dedicate time to administrative tasks and community outreach. I conclude my day by reorganizing supplies and preparing materials to ensure readiness for the next day's sessions.
| | | | Guadalupe teaching a nutrition class. | | |
What part of your work are you most excited about or proud of right now?
The most rewarding part of my work is being out in the community and supporting the residents of Orange County. I feel a deep sense of pride when I help our EFNEP participants discover how to improve their diets and recognize the vital impact that physical activity has on their own health and the well-being of their loved ones. I am also passionate about teaching essential food safety practices to prevent foodborne illness and empowering participants to manage their food budgets more effectively to make their resources go further. Seeing adults of all ages gain greater control over their health and finances is what makes me truly proud to be part of this program.
The most exciting part of my role is witnessing the transformation in our participants. After completing the program, many share how they have successfully integrated healthier habits into their lives, such as reducing their intake of salt, sugar, and fat, and increasing their physical activity. It is incredibly fulfilling to empower individuals with the practical skills they need to succeed—from reading nutrition labels to effective meal planning and healthy grocery shopping.
What’s your favorite fruit/vegetable/plant we grow at SCREC?
I love all of them from persimmons to avocados, cherimoya, raddish, everything.
You can learn more about the Expanded Food and Nutrition Education Program here.
| | The Condiment Upgrade: Saucy, Spicy & Homemade | |
Why buy a condiment loaded with ingredients you don’t need when you can make your own? Skip the high-fructose corn syrup, preservatives, unnecessary thickeners, and a list of ingredients you can’t pronounce - there’s a better way!
Join the Master Food Preservers of Orange County for a hands-on Make It & Take It Condiment Workshop where we’re kicking the bland, the overly processed, and the unnecessary extras to the curb.
On the menu:
SPICED TOMATO JAM
Ketchup’s sophisticated cousin. Sweet, spicy and savory – you control the heat!
WHOLE GRAIN MUSTARD
Bold. Tangy. A little bit sassy. Once you make mustard from scratch, you may never look at the yellow bottle the same way.
CORN RELISH
Sweet, tangy and crunchy with just the right amount of zip.
GREAT RECIPES. GREAT FLAVOR. NO CHEMISTRY DEGREE REQUIRED.
Date: October 6, 2026
Time: 1:00-3:00pm
Location: South Coast REC 7601 Irvine Blvd. Irvine, CA 29618
Fee: $40 per ticket, advance registration is required. Click here for more information and to register.
| Organic Marketing Event: Sell More of What you Grow | | |
Please join us for an upcoming Organic Marketing event hosted by Community Alliance with Family Farmers in Southern California.
Date: Wednesday, October 14, 2026
Time: 4:00-6:00pm
Location: South Coast REC 7601 Irvine Blvd. Irvine, CA 29618
Registration: CAFF is providing free dinner for all guests at this event. However, registration is required in order to be included in the dinner service at this event. Please RSVP by Wednesday, October 7th, in order to be included in the free dinner. Click here to register.
More info:
At this Organic Marketing event, we will be focusing on the following theme, “Sell More of What you Grow”, with an emphasis on both direct marketing and selling to institutional buyers.
At this event, Brandon Wickes, CAFF Organic Contractor, will be presenting the Small Organic Farmer Marketing Toolkit, followed by a speaker panel featuring Sabina Giakoumis from Anaheim Union High School District, Scott Berndt from Riverside Unified School District and Inland Empire Regional Food Hub, Patrick Mitchell from EAT! Cultural Center, and Cathryn Henning from Rooted Farmers and BeeWorthy Farms.
For more information about other CAFF events, click here.
| | Orange County Bee Team Apiary Workshop | | |
Certified California Master Beekeeper Program instructors will offer an introduction class teaching the basics about beekeeping and strategies to successfully raise your honey bees in Southern CA.
Each workshop will focus on a specific season using techniques and skills that you will be able to use in your own hives.
Date: Saturday, October 24, 2026 - Rescheduled to Saturday, October 31, 2026
Time: 9:00am - 11:30am
Cost: $40.00 per person/per date
Location: South Coast REC 7601 Irvine Blvd. Irvine, CA 92618
Registration: Click here for more information and to register.
Questions? Contact us at: Tammy Majcherek, tjmajcherek@ucanr.edu
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