Our Team

Emily Ball

Publisher

Neighborhood news without the noise: that is the inspiration behind The Vine. Launched in 2020, The Vine is a news source for all things Irvine.

Emily grew up in Orange County, and after working in the tech sector and for the Department of Energy, she returned to her OC roots. In 2006 Emily and her husband settled in Irvine with their two children. She continues to live and work in Irvine as a freelance writer.

Amber Wang

2024 Summer Intern

Amber Wang is a class of 2026 student at Sage Hill School. She is the founder of literary magazine club The Collective and the Editor-in-Chief of the Yearbook club at school. She enjoys all kinds of literature and journalism, actively writing for various organizations. Outside of writing, she is the captain for the varsity volleyball team and enjoys her free time playing volleyball with friends by the beach.

Former Viners

  • Sophia Zhou

    2024 Intern

    Sophia Zhou is a high school student in Orange County. She is passionate about creative writing and journalism, specifically about local politics. In her free time, she enjoys working on her novel, reading, and helping with theater productions.

  • Brianna Bao

    2023 Intern

    Ever since she was young, Briana always found simple joys when she would pick up a pen and write. Whether it was in her “secret diary” or in a birthday card for a dear friend, words seemed to help Briana connect with the world. Throughout the years, Briana has written short stories, poems, and personal essays all connecting to her life as a child growing up in the chaotic 21st century. Now a rising senior in high school, Briana has a passion for studying foreign languages. She started the Philo-Chocolate Society, a space for young humans to ponder about life while indulging in sweet treats. As a (kind-of) old soul, Briana also enjoys listening to the rain and reading heart-felt books under a dim lamp.

    Read Briana’s articles here.

  • Joseph Khoury

    2023 Intern

    Joseph Khoury is high school graduate in Orange County. He has lived most of his life overseas, spending his primary years in Dubai and parts of middle and high school in London, traveling through Asia and Europe. In terms of writing, he likes exploring the more interpersonal and social aspects of Irvine, ranging from the effects of political decisions to social activism and what it means for our community.

    Read Joseph’s articles here.

  • Audrey Fong

    Contributor

    Audrey Fong is a marketer and writer living in Orange County. She graduated from UCI with a B.A. in English in 2019. In her free time, she enjoys working on her two Instagram influencer accounts and writing short stories. Her work has appeared in Juiced Zine, New Forum, Same Faces Collective, Scorched Palms, The Storytelling Project and UCI Humanities Center. Follow her on Instagram @bobabitches and @charlottethecattledog

    Read Audrey’s articles here.