Events
Spotlight OC
Explore Orange County through immersive cultural experiences
Offered in partnership with
Spotlight OC is a non-credit learning program that blends cultural exploration, arts, industry, science, and innovation through immersive, in-person excursions.
Spanning four Saturday sessions per year, each approximately 3 hours long, the program is designed for adult learners and curious professionals who want insider access to Orange County’s most fascinating, often hidden, locales. Instruction is delivered on-site by UC Irvine faculty, local experts, and a DCE facilitator, featuring guided tours, hands-on demonstrations, and informal discussions. This experience fosters community, professional networking, and lifelong learning without the pressure of academic credit.
Who Should Enroll
Adventurers, dreamers, and changemakers living in Orange County who seek a sense of purpose and place in their community. They are seeking opportunities to learn, connect with others, and be involved.
Program Benefits
- Develop an awareness of Orange County landmarks, institutions and organizations — their history, current state and future state
- Increase community engagement through volunteering, attending events/activities and developing a stronger sense of happiness/self
- Strengthen communication and critical thinking
- Expand personal and professional networks
- Enhancing cultural and civic awareness
- Personal enrichment and career exploration
Payment
To complete your registration, you will be redirected to the UC Irvine Marketplace. Please note that all attendee information and payment processing will be securely handled directly on the Marketplace platform. Your registration and payment data will be subject to the UC Irvine Privacy Policy.
Spring 2026
Mercado González – Northgate Market
Discover one of Orange County’s most vibrant cultural destinations during this immersive Spotlight OC experience at the Mercado González – Northgate Market in Costa Mesa.
This behind-the-scenes, in-person program invites participants to explore the intersection of family legacy, entrepreneurship, food culture, and community impact through guided access to the market. Led by local experts and facilitated by UC Irvine, the experience will examine the history of the Northgate González Market family, the evolution of the Mercado concept, and the regulatory, cultural, and business frameworks that shape food-centered community spaces.
Participants will engage in an insider tour featuring conversations around heritage, innovation, food systems, and cultural representation, offering a deeper understanding of how food serves as both a business and a powerful connector of identity and place. Following the tour and discussions, attendees are encouraged to enjoy the Mercado’s diverse culinary offerings and continue the conversation through informal networking with fellow participants.
Date: Saturday, April 18, 2026
Time: 9:00 AM – 12:00 PM
Fee: $75.00
Location: Northgate Mercado, Costa Mesa
You will be redirected to an external site for registration.
Participating Faculty:
María G. Rendón, is an Associate Professor of Sociology in the Department of Urban Planning and Public Policy at the University of California, Irvine. Her research examines class, racial and ethnic inequality across neighborhoods and schools and how these contexts shape life outcomes, particularly for Latinos.
She is the author of multiple articles and an award-winning book, Stagnant Dreamers: How the Inner City Shapes the Integration of Inner-City Latinos (Russell Sage). Dr. Rendón’s most recent research calls attention to how neighborhood and school conditions help explain class, racial and ethnic disparities in STEM.
She is currently working on a new book that focuses on the first wave of Mexican immigration to southern California, those that came in the 1920s, how they contributed to the development of the region, and how neighborhood conditions shaped their integration, with a focus on the Long Beach and Port of Los Angeles area. Dr. Rendón earned her PhD in Sociology and Social Policy from Harvard University and from Los Angeles.
Summer 2026
OC Coroner’s Division
Go behind the scenes of one of Orange County’s most critical public service agencies at the Orange County Sheriff’s Department – Coroner’s Division.
This in-person event offers participants rare insight into the scientific, legal, and human dimensions of death investigation. Guided by Coroner Division professionals and facilitated by UC Irvine, attendees will explore how forensic science, medicine, and public policy intersect to serve the community. Topics include the role of the coroner, investigative procedures, cause and manner of death determinations, collaboration with law enforcement and public health agencies, and the ethical responsibilities that guide this work.
Through expert-led discussions and an on-site tour, participants will gain a deeper understanding of how evidence-based practices, advanced technology, and compassionate service support public safety and justice. The experience also highlights career pathways in forensic science and public service, as well as the importance of transparency and trust in governmental institutions.
Date: Saturday, June 13, 2026
Time: 9:00 AM – 12:00 PM
Fee: $75.00
Location: OC Sherriff’s Department Coroner Division, Santa Ana
You will be redirected to an external site for registration.
Check back later to register.