IRVINE : Summer Programs for Youth Offered

Culinary, exercise and sign-language classes as well as field trips are among the city’s summer youth programs.

Registration is underway for the events and classes, which begin this week and continue through August at Deerfield Community Park, 55 Deerwood West.

Beginning today, budding chefs can join the international cooking class on Mondays from 3:30 to 5 p.m. through July 10. A second session will be Aug. 7 through 28. The class, for children 7 through 11 years old, costs $25 and will focus on Mexican and Italian cuisines.

A jogging club for ages 14 and older will be from 6:30 to 7:30 p.m. on Tuesdays and Thursdays, June 20 to July 27. The cost is $25.

American sign language for children 9 through 12 years old will be from 3:30 to 5 p.m. Wednesdays from July 12 through July 26. The fee is $15.

One-day events will include a trip to the Richard Nixon Library & Birthplace for ages 16 older. The trip, from 9:30 a.m. to 3:30 p.m. Aug. 5, will cost $18, which includes admission and transportation.

An excursion to the Griffith Park Observatory for a laser-light show and astronomy presentation will be Aug. 12 from 1:30 to 8:30 p.m. The cost is $30 for ages 16 and older and includes admission and transportation.

A visit to the Los Angeles Arboretum will be from 9 a.m. to 3 p.m. on July 8 for ages 16 and older. A $25 fee covers admission, transportation and a picnic lunch.

Children 2 through 6 years old can join Simba of “Lion King� movie fame at a pancake breakfast that will feature arts, crafts, games and a souvenir. The breakfast will be from 9:15 to 10:45 a.m. on Aug. 18 and will cost $10.

A shopping spree for ages 16 and older will be from 9 a.m. to 2 p.m. on Aug. 26.

The $10 fee covers transportation to the Citadel, a discount shopping outlet in the City of Commerce.

Information: (714) 551-8638.