Ambassador of the Month Archive

Nominations Open for Greater Irvine Chamber’s 40 Under 40 Awards

Wednesday, October 06, 2021

Nominations for the 2021 Greater Irvine Chamber 40 Under 40 awards are now open! This program recognizes professionals under the age of 40 who are making strides in their industries and the Orange County community. Forty individuals selected from the nominees will be formally recognized during the 40 Under 40 reception held on Thursday, Dec. 9, at the Marriott Irvine Spectrum, 7905 Irvine Center Dr., 5:30 – 8 p.m. Eligible nominees must: Be employed by an active business located or operating in Orange County Be 39 years of age or younger on Dec. 9, 2021 Demonstrate leadership skills and initiative Have demonstrated integrity Application includes a brief description on how the following criteria applies to the individual: What innovative an...

UCI Renews as Greater Irvine Chamber Leaders Circle Platinum Sponsor

Tuesday, October 05, 2021

University of California, Irvine (UCI) has renewed as a Greater Irvine Chamber Leaders Circle platinum-level sponsor. “Sixty years ago, in this place, there were no buildings, no roads, and for all intents and purposes no people. Not a city in sight — just open grazing land on a 90,000 acre, dusty ranch in the San Joaquin foothills. Yet the University of California, acting on behalf of the people of this great state, chose to build a new public research university here. Why? Because it knew the power of such an institution to drive growth and innovation, to spur development and advancement, to provide an environment where business flourishes an...

Orange County Board of Supervisors Recognizes Orange County Soccer Club’s Contribution and Commitment to Community

Monday, October 04, 2021

The Orange County Board of Supervisors recognized the Orange County Soccer Club (OCSC) with a resolution during its Sept. 28 meeting. Third District Supervisor Don Wagner presented the resolution, recognizing OCSC’s “dedicated service to the Orange County Community.” In the resolution, he highlights the Club’s commitment to providing affordable family entertainment while working to be “a positive, unifying force in the community.” Supervisor Wagner will be on-hand at OCSC’s upcoming Irvine Night match on Wednesday, Oct. 20 to present the resolution to the Club during a special halftime ceremony. “It is a great honor for the club to receive this resolution from the County,” said Jef...

OCTA 405 Widening Project Refi Expected to Save $158 Million

Friday, September 17, 2021

(Orange County Register) The Orange County Transportation Authority expects to lop off more than $158 million in interest by resetting its federal loan for the 405 Freeway widening project, savings its officials said will help maintain cost-effective tolls on the new express lanes and get the agency out of debt sooner. The OCTA on Sept. 9, closed on the $629 million loan at a new, lower interest rate of 1.95%, a drop from the 2.91% rate of its original loan, spokeswoman Megan Abba said. The agency has 35 years to pay off the amount, though the refinancing means it likely won’t take tha...

Southern California Adds 68,200 Jobs in August — Fastest Hiring in 4 Months

Friday, September 17, 2021

(Orange County Register) Southern California bosses added 68,200 jobs in August — the biggest hiring spree in four months — despite a resurgent coronavirus. State job figures released Sept. 17, found bosses had 7.36 million employees last month in the four counties covered by the Southern California News Group. This staffing level was up 0.9% in a month and 6.7% in a year, according to a survey of employers in Orange, Riverside, San Bernardino, and Los Angeles counties. Orange County: 94% of pre-virus jobs — down 92,600 after adding 7,200 last month. Recovery pace? Up 10,500 a month. Unemployment? 6% this month vs. 6.3% previou...

Greater Irvine Chamber Partners with OC Supervisor Donald P. Wagner to Host October 6 Job Fair

Wednesday, September 15, 2021

As part of its commitment to workforce development, the Greater Irvine Chamber is partnering with Orange County Third District Supervisor Donald P. Wagner, and other organizations to present a Job Fair on Wednesday, Oct. 6, 10 a.m. to 2 p.m., at Irvine Valley College, 5500 Irvine Center Dr., in Irvine. The Job Fair is designed for employers to recruit qualified candidates for paid employment opportunities. There is no cost for employers to participate. Companies must be recruiting to fill at least one paid full-time or part-time position. Employer participation requires registration with the Orange County Workforce Development Board, create an employer account wit...

Irvine was Perfectly Master-Planned for Distinguished Educators to Thrive

Wednesday, September 08, 2021

Irvine was master-planned with education at its core, ensuring Irvine’s long-term economic vitality. Today, numerous public and private post-secondary education and research institutions continue to support that concept. Those with a presence in the city include: California State University, Fullerton Chapman University, Rinker Health Science Campus Concordia University Irvine Fashion Institute of Design and Merchandising George Washington University Hancock International College Irvine Adult School Irvine Valley College Pepperdine University Stanbridge University University of California, Irvine University of California, Orange County Academic Center University of LaVerne, Orange County Regional Campus University of Massachusetts, Global Webster University Westcliff University Irvine’s youth are prepared for higher learning at some of the nation’s finest K-12 schools. Irvine Unified School District (IUSD) high schools hav...

Jorge Mora Named Greater Irvine Chamber Ambassador of the Month for September 2021

Tuesday, September 07, 2021

Jorge Mora, business development consultant for KTimeHR, has been named the Greater Irvine Chamber Ambassador of the Month for September 2021. “The Greater Irvine Chamber has provided me with exceptional networking opportunities, which often lead to mutually beneficial business partnerships. Being a Chamber member enables me to develop meaningful professional and personal relationships with local business leaders,” Mora said. “It’s a pleasure to serve as Chamber Ambassador and to participate in events and programs the Chamber offers its members.” Mora became an Ambassador just months after joining the Chamber in 2019 and now serves as vice-chair for the Ambassadors Committee. In addition t...

John Wayne Airport Awarded $1 Million Grant from FAA

Sunday, August 29, 2021

John Wayne Airport (JWA) was awarded a $1 million grant from the U.S. Department of Transportation’s Federal Aviation Administration (FAA) to support the implementation of advanced electric power technology, part of JWA’s goal to continually improve airport emissions. The FAA awarded $20.4 million in grants to reduce emissions and improve air quality at airports across the country. The awards will fund zero-emission airport vehicles, including their electric charging infrastructure, and will electrify the ramp equipment used to service planes at the gate. The grant made to Orange County’s JWA will help fund a 35-foot electric shuttle bus and charging station. “Transportation might be the biggest emitte...

Air Canada to Offer Vancouver Service from JWA in October

Thursday, August 26, 2021

(Orange County Register) Starting in October, daily flights to Vancouver will be available from John Wayne Airport via Air Canada – the latest airline to begin regular service in Orange County. In the past nine months, three other new carriers have launched flights at JWA: Allegiant Air, Spirit, and Sun Country airlines. Those three and Air Canada were given some slots when county officials approved annual passenger allocations in late 2020; Orange County supervisors on Tuesday approved a four-year lease that will allow the Canadian airline to begin service this fall. JWA is uniquely restricted by a legal settlement that caps the numbe...

Officials Spotlight Orange County Mental Health Services, $5 Million Earmarked for OC Be Well campus in Irvine

Thursday, August 26, 2021

(Orange County Register) A group of state and local officials gathered at the Be Well OC mental health services hub in Orange on Aug. 19, to applaud the on-site programs that began operating in January and celebrate an infusion of $5 million in state funds to help build a second campus near the Great Park in Irvine. The early afternoon presentation of oversize mock checks happened even as Assemblywoman Sharon Quirk-Silva, D-Fullerton, worked remotely from an empty hearing room at the Capitol in Sacramento, chairing a three-hour virtual meeting that looked at various aspects of both homelessness and mental health services i...

Emile Haddad, Founder of Irvine Great Park Developer FivePoint, Leaving CEO Post

Wednesday, August 25, 2021

(Orange County Register) Emile Haddad, the real estate executive who spearheaded the conversion of an old airbase into housing, athletics, and entertainment at Irvine’s Great Park Neighborhoods, is leaving his leadership role at the end of September. FivePoint Holdings announced late Monday, Aug. 23 that Haddad will transition Sept. 30 from day-to-day management of the company he founded to senior adviser. He will also remain on FivePoint’s board of directors and serve as chairman emeritus. FivePoint’s new management team includes Stuart Miller, executive chairman of FivePoint’s long-time partner and homebuilder Lennar; and Lynn Jochim, FivePoint’s chief operating officer, who is being promoted t...

Google Offers High School Students Career Certificates

Wednesday, August 25, 2021

(Orange County Register) Google is partnering with the Anaheim Union High School District to offer students career certificates in data analytics, IT support, and project management, district officials announced Wednesday. This collaboration is the first of its kind in the nation. No prior experience is needed for the students to take Google’s online certification programs, which aim to prepare students for entry-level roles in fields that are projected to grow over the next 10 years. They are created and taught by Google employees. “We feel that these are important, transformative courses that allow a student to have hands-on, applied skills, which are needed i...

UCI-Led Study Finds Disparities in OC Rates of COVID-19 Infection, Mortality

Thursday, August 19, 2021

Socioeconomic, geographic and demographic factors all played critical roles in the risk of SARS-CoV-2 infection and COVID-19 mortality among Orange County residents last year, according to a study led by the University of California, Irvine. The findings, published in the journal Emerging Infectious Diseases, show that some groups were more likely to test positive and die from the virus. Furthermore, risk factors for infection shifted over time. “At the beginning of the pandemic in March 2020, cases were clustered in the more affluent coastal areas of the county but then shifted to north-central locations, particularly in the cities of Santa An...

Irvine is OC's First City to Pledge Carbon Neutrality

Sunday, August 15, 2021

(Times OC) With the Irvine City Council’s unanimous approval of an aggressive climate resolution on Tuesday night, the city became the first in Orange County to make a pledge of carbon neutrality. As California begins exploring ways to become carbon neutral by 2035, cities are faced with quickly adopting their own climate action plans to help the state achieve its goal. The Irvine ACHIEVES resolution, which calls for the city to reach a zero-carbon economy by 2030, will guide its climate action plan. In addition to being the first in the county, Irvine is only the third city in the state to se...

Irvine City Council Modifies Name of Orange County Great Park

Friday, August 13, 2021

The Irvine City Council approved a modification to the name of the Orange County Great Park at their meeting July 27. The action will drop “Orange County” from the park’s name, to be more reflective of the ownership of the park and its growing national appeal. “The City of Irvine is a top destination that is home to multiple attractions, including Great Park,” said Mayor Farrah N. Khan. “We are proud of this state-of-the art amenity, which draws internationally-known artists, national sports teams and competitions, and visitors from across the country. The modified name better represents the City where it resides...

OCTA Invests $2.7 million to Clean Orange County Water

Thursday, August 12, 2021

The Orange County Transportation Authority board this week approved nearly $2.7 million to improve water quality in Orange County cities from San Clemente to Stanton. The funds come from Measure M, the half-cent sales tax renewed by Orange County voters in 2006 for transportation improvements. Measure M, also known as OC Go, includes funding for an environmental cleanup program that awards money on a competitive basis to cities and the County of Orange for projects that reduce the impacts of water pollution related to transportation. “This is a great way to help protect Orange County’s natural resources while continuing to improve th...

Bryan Starr Discusses the Legacy of Irvine’s Master Plan in Podcast

Tuesday, August 10, 2021

In a recent radio interview with OC Talk Radio, Bryan Starr, President and CEO of the Greater Irvine Chamber and its destination marketing and economic development divisions, discussed the legacy of Irvine’s Master Plan, the city’s many assets, and the Chamber’s role as convener, champion, and catalyst for economic vitality in the greater Irvine area. “Everything comes back to the master plan,” Starr said, referencing Irvine centered around what is now University of California, Irvine. “The initial step, right away, made us a city of innovation, a city of education, that has been perpetuated into the 21st century.” Impact OC Talk Radio...

Carlos Oregon of Thinkbox Technology Group Appointed as Greater Irvine Chamber Board Chair

Tuesday, August 10, 2021

Carlos Oregon of Thinkbox Technology Group has been appointed Chair of the Greater Irvine Chamber Board of Directors. He joined the Chamber’s Board in 2016 as member at large and was appointed to the executive committee in 2019. As CEO of Thinkbox Technology Group, Oregon led the organization’s expansion to a global market. His wide-ranging international experience includes foreign direct investment, business development, operations, consulting, program/project management, C-level support, and corporate social responsibility. He directs client support teams in California, Washington, Florida, Texas, Massachusetts, and Europe, supporting enterprise-wide initiatives for HQ expansions, data center buildouts and migrations, VOIP upgrades, next-gen infrastructure deployments, an...

Octane Announces New Leadership for LaunchPad and Enterprise Solutions

Monday, August 09, 2021

Octane, Orange County’s leading accelerator, announced the appointment of three new roles at the organization. Michael Hill has joined as Director of LaunchPad SBDC, Scott Lopez has joined as Director of Capital Markets at Octane Enterprise Solutions, and Dave Beck has transitioned to Vice President at Octane Enterprise Solutions. Michael is an experienced entrepreneur and angel investor with a deep passion for helping startup tech companies advance their business models. He has co-founded, scaled and created liquidity for investors at two startup software companies and a professional services business which he ran for 25 years. Prior to leading his own ventures, h...

Boys & Girls Club Central Orange Coast CEO Robert Santana Leads Additional Chapter During its Executive Search

Tuesday, August 03, 2021

Roberta Santana, MBA, CEO of the Boys & Girls Club of Central Orange Coast, will lead an additional local chapter of the national organization. As Consulting CEO of the Boys & Girls Club of Greater Redlands-Riverside, Santana will shepherd the chapter while its Board of Directors searches for a permanent CEO. “I am humbled to serve the kids and families of the Inland Empire, Riverside, and the Redlands area,” Santana said. “I’m looking forward to the impact I can make serving this region.” Santana continues to serve as CEO of Boys & Girls Clubs of Central Orange Coast, impacting the kids an...

Edwards Lifesciences Initiates $100 Million Social Impact Investment Fund to Advance Racial Equity

Tuesday, August 03, 2021

Edwards Lifesciences Corporation has established a Social Impact Investment Fund to expand access to capital in underserved communities. The $100 million fund was created as a new portfolio of investments aimed at advancing racial equity through economic development, especially in predominantly Black and underserved communities in the United States. “Events in 2020 prompted reflection on how we could expand Edwards’ active community engagement to provide even more support for our employees and communities, particularly as it relates to social equity and justice,” said Scott Ullem, Edwards’ chief financial officer. “We believe that increasing the availability of capital in underserved areas can contribut...

With Rivian, Lordstown, and Karma in Irvine, So Cal is a New EV Mecca

Monday, August 02, 2021

(Orange County Register) With the click of a mouse, a Karma Automotive technician brings a brand new electric vehicle to life. You sit inside and marvel at the sleek console, the plush seats, the streamlined, jet-age dashboard. Never mind that this new car doesn’t yet exist. Never mind that the driver’s seat you’re sitting on is actually a metal office chair. Thanks to the magic of virtual reality, Karma Automotive’s designers can visualize how a car looks long before they build it. “I can put you inside a car,” said David Hilton, who as Karma’s senior design director oversees work at the EV maker’s desig...

UCI Medical Center Among America’s Best Hospitals for 21 Consecutive Years

Friday, July 30, 2021

For the 21st consecutive year, U.S. News & World Report has recognized UCI Medical Center as one of America’s Best Hospitals. The annual rankings recognize hospitals that excel in treating the most challenging patients and conditions. This year, the report highlights the excellence of UCI Health programs in gynecology, No. 24; and geriatrics, No. 44, among similar programs nationally. The medical center is ranked No. 8 in the Los Angeles metropolitan region. “We are pleased to be recognized once again as one of America’s Best Hospitals. Our dedicated team of physicians, nurses, therapists and support staff reflect the unparalleled level of care only an academic health system can provide.,” sai...

City of Hope Makes US News & World Report's Best Hospitals List for 15th Consecutive Year

Wednesday, July 28, 2021

City of Hope has been included in U.S. News & World Report’s Best Hospitals list for the 15th consecutive year, placing the hospital among the nation’s leading cancer hospitals. City of Hope is developing a cancer campus of the future and a network of advanced cancer care in Orange County. Its comprehensive cancer center will open in Irvine in 2022 and its Newport Beach location has been providing patients with world-class care since early 2020. Learn more at cityofhope.org/OC City of Hope Orange County is the diamond-level Leaders Circle partner of the Greater Irvine Chamber.

Hoag is the Highest Ranked Hospital in Orange County in U.S. News & World Report's Latest Best Hospitals Rankings

Wednesday, July 28, 2021

For the 5th consecutive year, U.S. News & World Report's 2021-2022 Best Hospitals Rankings named Hoag Memorial Hospital Presbyterian the highest-ranked hospital in Orange County, the fourth-best hospital in the Los Angeles metro area, and ninth-best in California. The rankings also included national rankings in five specialty areas and recognition for Hoag's high performance in all 17 specialty procedures and conditions. After an unprecedented year through the COVID-19 pandemic, the annual Best Hospitals rankings and ratings serve as an important resource to assist patients and their doctors in making informed decisions about where to receive care for challenging health conditions and common elective procedures. "Receiving this prestigious national designation i...

Irvine Leaders to Drop Orange County from Great Park Name

Wednesday, July 28, 2021

(Orange County Register) Irvine will remove the reference to Orange County in the name of its Great Park, the City Council decided on July 27, saying the city should be highlighted for its operating and ownership of the roughly 1,300-acre attraction. The council voted 4-1 to drop the county from the park’s moniker, “in a phased manner that will utilize the least amount of funds spread over the longest time possible,” Councilman Mike Carroll said during a meeting of the Great Park Board of Directors, which Irvine’s council members comprise. Great Park Manager Steve Torelli told the city’s leaders the renaming would com...

Irvine Mayor Farrah N. Khan Named a Top US Mayor to Watch

Wednesday, July 28, 2021

(Route Fifty) Irvine Mayor Farrah N. Khan has been named one of 10 Top Mayors to Watch in the nation by Route Fifty, a digital publication covering topics related to state and local government leaders. The past year or so has been one of unprecedented challenges and fast-paced problem-solving for local governments, as they've weathered the pandemic and are now moving to recover from it. In the meantime, city leaders have also had to continue grappling with long-standing difficulties surrounding issues like homelessness, affordable housing shortages, and aging infrastructure. Route Fifty regularly covers these topics and is recognizing a group of mayors it deems worth paying special attention to given the innovativ...

Palm Court Arts Complex at the Orange County Great Park Celebrates its 10th Anniversary

Wednesday, July 28, 2021

The Palm Court Arts Complex at the Orange County Great Park will celebrate its 10th anniversary during a reception for the Great Park Gallery’s summer exhibition, Chuck Jones: Season of Creativity. The Palm Court Arts Complex first opened to the public in 2011, and the community is invited to a special exhibition reception Sunday, August 1 at noon to honor a decade of art, creativity, and community. The Palm Court Arts Complex comprises: historic Hangar 244, a 10,000-square-foot events and gallery space; the Great Park Gallery featuring rotating exhibitions; the Artist Studios, a gathering and programs space; and the Palm Court, wit...

Hoag Receives $3 Million for Expansion from Iacocca Family Foundation

Tuesday, July 27, 2021

(Newport Beach Independent) Hoag Memorial Hospital Presbyterian has received a $3 million gift from the Iacocca Family Foundation that will expand and enhance a program for type 1 diabetes at the Mary & Dick Allen Diabetes Center. In appreciation of the generous gift, Hoag is naming the Mary & Lee Iacocca Program in Type 1 Diabetes to honor the Iacocca Family Foundation’s mission to fund innovative and promising diabetes research that will lead to a cure for the disease and alleviate its complications. Lee Iacocca established the Iacocca Family Foundation in 1984 in honor of his late wife, Mary K. Iacocca, who died fro...

Rethinking OC’s Office Scene to Attract, Keep Talent

Monday, July 26, 2021

(Orange County Business Journal) For over a year, Orange County employers have sought to refigure the use of their office space to adjust to an ever-changing “new normal.” Now, with a majority of local adults fully vaccinated and the state open for business, those employers have a clearer idea of what the post-pandemic office looks like. Hint: Plexiglas and walkway signage doesn’t play as large of a role as many initially thought. “All of the thoughts we had a year ago have changed. We were in the middle of a crisis, and now we can see beyond the crisis,” said Greg May, executive vice presiden...

Irvine Ranch Landmarks Reopen Wilderness Access Days

Wednesday, July 21, 2021

(Times OC) Nature lovers can now return to the natural landmarks of Irvine Ranch with Wilderness Access Days, which had been closed due to the COVID-19 pandemic. The Irvine Ranch Conservancy, along with OC Parks and the city of Irvine, reopened the free public events last weekend with a public hike in Black Star Canyon. “Irvine Ranch Conservancy staff, volunteers and partners are excited to welcome visitors back to experience the beauty of the Landmarks,” Dave Raetz, the conservancy’s vice president and chief operating officer, said in a press release. “Throughout the pandemic, IRC staff and landowners worked diligently to restore and preserv...

Waste Management Renews as Greater Irvine Chamber Gold-Level Leaders Circle Partner

Wednesday, July 21, 2021

Waste Management has renewed as a gold-level Leaders Circle partner of the Greater Irvine Chamber. A Chamber member since 1979, Waste Management is North America’s leading provider of comprehensive waste management, offering services such as garbage collection and disposal, recycling, and dumpster rental. Waste Management has been listed on the 2018 Dow Jones Sustainability Indices for North America and the World. This distinction marks a recognition of the company’s corporate sustainability leadership within the industry. Leaders Circle members of the Greater Irvine Chamber are among the most influential companies and organizations in Irvine and Orange County. They take a proactive role in supporting the region’s business community at the highest level. For information on ho...

Irvine, Orange County Among Best Places To Live In US Reports Say

Wednesday, July 14, 2021

(Patch) Irvine is among the top 100 best places to live in the U.S., according to a recent report from Niche. The towns on the list are known in general for their low crime rates, proximity to good jobs, and strong school systems. Niche—that connects people to their future schools, neighborhoods, and workplaces—analyzes and ranks factors such as livability, crime rates, the housing market and trends, schools, employment, and access to other amenities and resources. Rankings are based on city data from the U.S. Census, Federal Bureau of Investigation, Centers for Disease Control and Bureau of Labor Statistics. Irvine is #11 on the list...

Irvine officials Discuss Renaming Orange County Great Park to include City Name

Tuesday, July 13, 2021

(Orange County Register) The Orange County Great Park has sports fields, ice rinks and other facilities used by athletes from around the county and beyond, and plans are in the works to add other regional attractions including a water park, children’s museum and Marine Corps aviation museum. But the park’s roughly 1,300 acres lie within Irvine city limits, and the city funds and operates the park. So what’s in a name? Irvine city leaders planned to discuss renaming the recreation mecca as the Irvine Great Park during a July 13 City Council meeting. “I think we’ve been working very hard on branding Irvine and really highlightin...

Chapman University to Transform Old Packing House into New Dance Center with $5M Grant

Friday, July 09, 2021

(Orange County Register) A $5 million grant from one of Chapman University’s most generous donors will allow the university to transform the 100-year old Villa Park Orchards Association Packing House into the Sandi Simon Center for Dance, a 33,000 square foot complex which will serve Chapman’s 150 dance majors and host performances for the community. Located at 350 N. Cypress St. in Orange, the center is scheduled to be completed by next summer and be in use for the fall 2022 semester. The $5 million was donated by philanthropists Ron and Sandi Simon, who have gifted millions to the university over the years throug...

Greater Irvine Chamber 2021-2022 Board Slate Includes Three New Members and Incoming Chair

Wednesday, July 07, 2021

The Greater Irvine Chamber installed its new 2021-2022 Board of Directors during a July meeting held at the Marriott Irvine Spectrum, kicking off the fiscal year term. The new slate includes incoming Board Chair Carlos Oregon, president/CEO of Thinkbox Technology Group, who is assuming the gavel following outgoing Chair Jeff Davis, vice president, Entitlement, Irvine Company. Three executives from Orange County organizations have been appointed to the board: Wendy Aid, Director of sales, Cox Business With more than 15 years of experience in the telecommunications industry, Wendy Aid is a results-driven leader with the proven ability to develop and lead sales teams to excee...

Chevron Renews as Greater Irvine Chamber Bronze-Level Leaders Circle Partner

Tuesday, July 06, 2021

Chevron has renewed as a bronze-level Leaders Circle partner of the Greater Irvine Chamber. Established as the Pacific Coast Oil Co. in 1879, today Chevron is a leading energy provider worldwide. Chevron’s success is driven by its people and their commitment to get results the right way — by operating responsibly, executing with excellence, applying innovative technologies, and capturing new opportunities for profitable growth. Leaders Circle members of the Greater Irvine Chamber are among the most influential companies and organizations in Irvine and Orange County. They take a proactive role in supporting the region’s business community at the highest level. For information on how to become a part of this elite Leaders Circle group...

Wild Rivers Water Park Groundbreaking July 7 at the Orange County Great Park

Tuesday, July 06, 2021

Construction on the Wild Rivers Water Park at the Orange County Great Park will begin July 7. In April 2020, the Irvine City Council approved a location and lease for the water park. In November, the Irvine Planning Commission voted unanimously to approve the conditional use permit for the 20-acre project at the southeast corner of Great Park Blvd. and Skyhawk. Wild River’s plans include multiple components including in-ground slides, pools, and thrill slides. As currently proposed, there will be 20 attractions available on opening day, with additional attractions planned for the future, including a potential 3-acre expansion. “I’m beyond thrilled to brin...

Orange County Officials Support Veterans Cemetery on County Land

Monday, July 05, 2021

(Orange County Register) A number of Orange County officials and military veterans have come together to support building a veterans cemetery on county land in Anaheim Hills, and some of them gathered at the Gypsum Canyon site on July 1, to demonstrate their commitment. Dozens of veterans, many wearing caps naming a branch of the service or vets organization, filled the seats under a shade tent with a backdrop of brush-covered hills south of the 91 freeway and just east of the 241 toll road. “We have been supporting this site for a veterans cemetery for years now,” OC Supervisor Don Wagner said. “We are o...

Marines Air Museum Could Land at OC Great Park in Irvine

Wednesday, June 30, 2021

(Orange County Register) After more than 20 years in another location, the Flying Leatherneck Aviation Museum may be coming in for a landing near its original home in Irvine. The museum honoring the Marines’ aviation history was created in 1989 at Marine Corps Air Station El Toro. When the base closed 10 years later, the museum was moved about 100 miles south to MCAS Miramar, said Mike Aguilar, a retired Marine brigadier general and the executive director of the museum’s nonprofit foundation. The planes and other artifacts displayed at the museum are owned by the Marine Corps, which closed the San Diego-area museu...

The Travel & Tourism Industry Plays a Critical Role in Restoring the Economy

Tuesday, June 29, 2021

By Bryan Starr, President & CEO, Greater Irvine Chamber As published in the Orange County Business Journal, June 29, 2021 The COVID-19 pandemic caused global economic hardship with the travel industry being the hardest hit, even more so than it was during the Great Recession. Prior to the pandemic, travel spending in Irvine contributed nearly $781 million to the city’s economy, supporting nearly 6,000 jobs, and generating nearly $50 million in state and local tax revenue. In 2020 there was a nearly 57% decline in travel spending and a loss of approximately 1,570 jobs, proving just how important the economic impact o...

Hoag at Home Launches Hospice and Home Visiting Physician Services to Orange County

Wednesday, June 23, 2021

Hoag Memorial Hospital Presbyterian announced today the launch of Hoag at Home, a comprehensive home care service offering that provides patients with the high-quality personalized care they need in the comfort of their home. Hoag at Home represents an evolution in Hoag’s commitment to the community and a recognition of the changing demographics of the county. This new service allows Hoag to extend the world-class care that is delivered in Hoag hospitals, physician offices, and health centers right to a patient’s place of residence. “People are living and staying mobile longer, and there are more ways to allow people to age i...

Orange County Soccer Club Announces New Family Game Night and 2021 Season

Tuesday, April 27, 2021

After a year of challenges unlike any other, The Orange County Soccer Club is excited to announce its promotional schedule, The NEW Family Game Night, a series of innovative and safe programming options designed to bring fans back into our community safely. The New Family Game Night includes two post-match firework shows, three Beer Fests, a unique set of five specialty nights designed to support family fun, and a weeknight program designed around $1 beers and affordable food offerings. Additionally, the 2021 schedule features theme nights, premium giveaways, and community nights with more events being added prior to the season opene...

Eight Women Named Greater Irvine Chamber 2021 Women of Influence

Friday, March 26, 2021

Eight outstanding Orange County women were selected from an impressive group of finalists and honored during the Greater Irvine Chamber’s 2021 Women of Influence virtual event live-streamed on March 24. GAME CHANGER Janeen Hill, Ph.D. Dean, Crean College of Health and Behavioral Sciences Chapman University EXECUTIVE Patty Juarez National Diverse Segments Director Wells Fargo ADVOCATE Farrah N. Khan Mayor City of Irvine ENTREPRENEUR Nada Nasserdeen CEO & Founder Rise Up For You AUTHENTIC LEADER Danni Remington Smithson Vice President & Regional Manager Bank of Southern California INNOVATOR Amy von Kaenel Founder & CVEO VolunteerCrowd RISING STAR Caitlyn Yang CEO & Founder StartSmart INTERNATIONAL WOMEN’S DAY AWARD Lynn Jochim Chief Operating Officer FivePoint To read how the honorees have positively impacted their industries and the Orange County community, view the event program booklet. 2021 WOME...

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