James Harvey Irvine

Irvine History Today, Wednesday February 24, 2016



James Harvey Irvine (1867-1947) inherited his father's ranch on his 25th birthday and transformed the undeveloped sheep grazing operation into an agricultural powerhouse. This week's program covers the "confused auction" that nearly changed the course of local history and cost James Harvey Irvine his ranch.

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Portola's Ride

Irvine History Today   Wednesday, February 17th 2016


In July of 1769. Captain Gaspar de Portola of Spain led the first european expedition across what would someday be Orange County. This week, Chris Jepsen from the Orange County Historical Society will discuss Portola's historic ride and its impact on the region.

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If you'd like to learn more about Gaspar de Portola's Expedition, you could check out these books...

"A Description of Distant Roads: Original Journals of the first expedition into California (1769-70)"

It's a transcription of the trail journal of Father Juan Crespi who was part of the expedition.

Portola's own journal is transcribed in

  "The Diary of Gaspar de Portola During the California Expedition 1769-70"

Local historian Don Meadows wrote a book that describes Portola's Route and it's available through the Orange County Historical Society link here.. 

Of course,  you can always check out Chris Jepsen's informative blog,  OC History Round-Up

Saving Adventure Playground

Irvine History Today, Wednesday, February 10, 2016



In the master-planned Village of University Park, Adventure Playground was decidedly un-planned.

It became a beloved neighborhood park soon after it first appeared in the early 1970's.

When the park was in danger of disappearing in 2008, local community members formed Defend Adventure Playground, to raise awareness and preserve the park. This week's guests, Alex Hilenbrand and John Gerrard, tell how this group mobilized public sentiment and saved Adventure Playground for generations to come.

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James Irvine (1827-1886)

James Irvine (1827 - 1886)

Irvine History Today  Wednesday, February 3, 2016


James Irvine was the patriarch of the family that owned the Irvine Ranch for more than a century. This week's show discusses the "rags to riches" story of this unique California pioneer.

Listen to the podcast here!