Member of the Month Archive

Irvine Public Schools Foundation Honors Top Companies That Helped Raise $1.75 Million for Irvine Schools

Thursday, March 04, 2021

Irvine Public Schools Foundation (IPSF), a leading educational nonprofit organization focused on enriching the educational experience of each child in every school, has announced its annual list of Top Companies Supporting Educational Excellence. These socially responsible companies are investing in Orange County's future by ensuring local youth have access to educational resources that will enhance their academic and future success. “We are proud to live in a professionally-diverse community that allows us to build rich partnerships with companies across many industries. With their support, we are able to fulfill our vision of providing students with opportunities that prepare them for th...

UC Irvine Makes Top Ten Public Colleges in the West List

Thursday, March 04, 2021

(Wall Street Journal) The University of California system has the four highest-ranked public schools in the West in the Wall Street Journal/Times Higher Education College Rankings. In all, it has six of the top 10 public schools in the region, with University of California, Irvine ranked seventh. The University of California, Santa Barbara ranked sixth. Among private schools, two of the country’s top 10 colleges of any kind are located in California—Stanford University, ranked No. 4 overall nationwide, and the California Institute of Technology, No. 7 overall. The WSJ/THE ranking is based on 15 factors across four main categories: Forty percent of each school’s overal...

Orange County Chief Executive Frank Kim Provides UPDATE OC

Wednesday, March 03, 2021

A partnership with local Chambers of Commerce to educate the community about relevant issues emerging in Orange County, County Executive Officer Frank Kim discussed how the County is doing financially including the progress of the Orange County vaccination program and the impact of the pandemic on the County. Watch the video:

UC Irvine, City Settle Lawsuit Over New Medical Complex

Wednesday, March 03, 2021

(Orange County Register) Making good on earlier comments about their ability to work together, the City of Irvine and its resident university have settled a legal fight over UC Irvine’s plans to build a hospital and medical center on the edge of the campus. The $1 billion medical complex near Birch Street and Jamboree Road will include a 144-bed hospital as well as a Center for Children’s Health, medical offices and urgent care. City officials said the jobs and better health care access from the project would be welcome, but they had concerns about traffic, construction noise and added burdens on the city’s police an...

City of Hope Orange County Unveils County¬wide Street Art Initiative, Uniting a Community Through Shared Messages of Hope

Tuesday, March 02, 2021

After a year of global crisis and loss, City of Hope Orange County is leading a countywide street art installation to share messages of hope at venues across the region, including COVID-19 vaccine Super Point of Dispensing (POD) sites. The top-ranked cancer research and treatment center is partnering with Orange County Health Care Agency, community organizations and businesses, and local artists in a visual expression of a shared vision for a more hopeful and healthier community. The Hope Lives in OC initiative comes after sustained waves of uncertainty and intense difficulty that include loss of loved ones, sickness, economic instability, racial injustic...

City of Irvine Launches $17.7 Million Emergency Rental Assistance Program

Tuesday, March 02, 2021

To continue to mitigate the impacts of COVID-19 on Irvine’s residential renters, the City of Irvine, in partnership with Orange County United Way, will be allocating approximately $17.7 million for the Emergency Rental Assistance Program (ERAP). The program is funded through a combination of federal and state dollars. The program will provide funding for unpaid rent from April 1, 2020, to March 31, 2021. For eligible households, the program will pay for up to 80% of unpaid rent if the landlord agrees to forgive the remaining 20%. In cases where landlords are unwilling to participate, 25% of the unpaid rent wil...

Award-Winning Career Edge Program Goes Virtual with Record Attendance

Monday, March 01, 2021

As the Greater Irvine Chamber’s award-winning Career Edge program adapted to Coronavirus safety measures, it was delivered virtually, with a record attendance of 62 students from 20 colleges, universities, high schools, and academies in Orange County and a larger part of California. The digitally formatted February 2021 session, Successful Business Etiquette & Workplace Behaviors, received positive feedback. Out of 41 student survey respondents, 76% indicated they registered for the workshop because they wanted to learn more about the work world, and 80% indicated the session was interesting and kept their attention. Survey respondents ranked the skills covered during the workshop in order o...

OC Restaurant Week 2021 Begins March 7

Monday, March 01, 2021

If there was ever a time to celebrate restaurants, it's now. Whether trying something new or revisiting a favorite, OC Restaurant Week, March 7 – 13, offers thoughtfully crafted menus, cocktails to-go, and wine specials, for dine-in or takeout. And, with more than 100 participating restaurants, OC Restaurant Week is bigger and better than ever! “Since its inception more than a decade ago, OC Restaurant Week has provided opportunities for residents and visitors to explore the diverse and delicious dining our region has to offer. This year, community participation in the culinary celebration takes on increased meaning as it brings economi...

MemorialCare Saddleback Medical Center Earns Elite Honor for Maternity Care

Friday, February 26, 2021

MemorialCare Saddleback Medical Center is one of only two hospitals in Orange County recognized on Newsweek’s Best Maternity Hospitals 2021 list. This high honor highlights hospitals that provide exceptional care to mothers, newborns, and their families. Newsweek developed this prestigious list in partnership with The Leapfrog Group, an independent nonprofit that monitors the quality and safety of health care. Hospitals that received the top maternity care honor had to fully meet all of Leapfrog’s rigorous targets in several quality and safety measures, including lower rates of early elective deliveries, C-sections, and episiotomies, as well as assuring newborn jaundice screenings are conducted along with techniques to preven...

UCI Medical Center recognized among the country’s Best Maternity Care Hospitals

Friday, February 26, 2021

UCI Health has again been recognized by Newsweek as one of America’s of Best Maternity Care Hospitals for 2021. The distinction recognizes facilities that have excelled in providing care to mothers, newborns, and their families, as verified by the 2020 Leapfrog Hospital Survey. Best Maternity Care Hospitals is part of the publication’s Best Health Care series, developed by The Leapfrog Group. “It is an honor to be recognized for the excellent maternity and newborn care UCI Health provides every day,” said Chad T. Lefteris, CEO, UCI Health. “Our team of committed physicians, nurses, and other specialists stop at nothing to offer each woman in our care the best treatment for her condition...

Irvine Mayor Farrah N. Khan Delivers State of the City Address

Wednesday, February 24, 2021

Mayor Farrah N. Khan delivered her State of the City Address virtually from the Irvine City Hall Council Chamber on February 23. Topics included COVID-19 impact and City response, community investment and development, cultural diversity, City awards, and the celebration of Irvine’s 50th anniversary. In her address, Mayor Khan reiterated her commitment to investment in and the development of the City in the coming year. She highlighted the $17.7 million in rent relief, the formation of the Diversity, Equity, and Inclusion Committee, and the commencement of a $2 million transportation pilot program. She also emphasized the coming $27 million in librar...

Transportation Corridor Agencies Begins Cattle Grazing Pilot Program at Live Oak Plaza Conservation Area

Wednesday, February 24, 2021

The Transportation Corridor Agencies (TCA) this week kicked off a pilot program in which cattle graze the land at the Agencies’ Live Oak Plaza Conservation Area in Trabuco Canyon. The first grazing period will continue for approximately two to three weeks. The program, approved by the Foothill/Eastern Transportation Corridor Agency (F/ETCA) Board of Directors last year, helps to mitigate wildfire risk and promote native vegetation. Conservation grazing, or targeted grazing, is the use of grazing livestock to improve and maintain the quality of biodiversity of natural areas. In May, the F/ETCA adopted conservation grazing as the preferred, science-based approach to manag...

Bank of Southern California Joins Greater Irvine Chamber as Bronze-Level Leaders Circle Partner

Tuesday, February 23, 2021

Bank of Southern California has joined the Greater Irvine Chamber as a bronze-level Leaders Circle partner. “Our partnership with the Greater Irvine Chamber allows Bank of Southern California to further its commitment to the region’s business community,” said Danni Remington Smithson, executive vice president and regional manager, Bank of Southern California Orange County. “I’m honored to take part in advancing the mission of both organizations in serving the community.” Based out of the company’s Irvine office, Remington Smithson is responsible for growing the Bank’s customer base in Orange County by building lasting relationships with local businesses. Danni is well known in the Greate...

IVC Names Performing Arts Center Main Stage for Irvine Resident

Tuesday, February 23, 2021

Irvine Valley College (IVC) and the Irvine Valley College Foundation are proud to announce the first-ever naming gift for the IVC Performing Arts Center. Masoud Rezanoor, an Irvine resident, pledged $250,000 to provide enrichment opportunities for the music department at IVC. To acknowledge Rezanoor’s generosity, the Main Stage of the Performing Arts Center will be renamed the Rezanoor Stage. Rezanoor is a longtime Irvine resident and retired CPA who loves the community he lives in. His connection with IVC first started when his daughter attended and graduated with her Associate in Arts degree in 2000. When the COVID-19 stay-at-home mandate wa...

UCI Researchers Join Forces to Tackle Challenges in Human Health and the Environment

Monday, February 22, 2021

The newly opened Interdisciplinary Science and Engineering Building at the University of California, Irvine was conceived with one goal in mind: providing a place where researchers in disparate academic fields could work together to address grand challenges, principally in human health and the planet’s climate crisis. Faculty, students and staff are now moving into the facility after three and a half years of construction. Made possible by seed financing from Susan and Henry Samueli, through the Samueli Foundation, combined with resources from the UC Office of the President and UCI, the gleaming, six-story edifice of glass, steel and concrete adds mor...

Bugatti Getting its Own Irvine Showroom for $2 Million Veyron, $3 Million Chiron

Friday, February 19, 2021

(Orange County Register) Bugatti Newport Beach in Irvine is expanding its operation with a 1,500-square-foot showroom and service center that will showcase some of the French automaker’s high-performance and ultra-pricey vehicles. The dealership at 44 Auto Center Drive recently broke ground on the $2 million expansion, which is expected to be completed in late 2021 or early 2022. The showroom will feature a “configuration table” where buyers can order custom options in regard to color, trim, and other details. “There was no Bugatti franchise in Orange County before, but we’ve been awarded the franchise so we’re building a dedicated showroom at this address,” said Pietr...

City of Irvine and MemorialCare Partnered to Provide COVID-19 Vaccination Clinic

Friday, February 19, 2021

Through the leadership of Mayor Farrah N. Khan, the City of Irvine and MemorialCare partnered together to offer a COVID-19 small trial vaccine clinic for Irvine’s most vulnerable seniors. “I’m thrilled to be able to provide vaccines to our City’s most vulnerable residents,” said Mayor Khan. “The City Council and I have listened to residents’ requests and needs to bring vaccines to the City, and this is just the beginning of the great work my COVID-19 Task Force is capable of achieving through our partnerships.” The small trial clinic took place Friday, Feb. 19 at Lakeview Senior Center. Seniors vaccinated include the City’s most vulnerable populatio...

Have Your Voice Heard: Participate in the Greater Irvine Chamber State of Business Survey

Wednesday, February 17, 2021

To remain in touch with Irvine businesses during the Coronavirus crisis and learn about their needs, challenges, and aspirations, the Greater Irvine Chamber is conducting a short online survey, now through March 26, 5:00 p.m. The survey results will inform the Chamber how to best focus its resources to help Irvine business during this challenging time and into the future. TAKE THE SURVEY HERE Your input is appreciated and will benefit the entire Irvine business community. The online survey allows the Chamber to keep in touch with businesses while adhering to social distancing measures and is part of the award-winning Business Outreach Rally, which is conducted twice a year. Ove...

Homes Priced From Low-$400,000 Coming to Irvine

Tuesday, February 16, 2021

(Orange County Register) Irvine will get 68 affordable homes for income-qualified buyers at roughly half the price of a typical residence in the city. Irvine Community Land Trust started construction on its first ownership project — the Sage Park development on 4 acres north of Irvine Blvd. in the Portola Springs neighborhood. The nonprofit housing developer’s attached-home project, expected to be ready in 2022, will have 16 units with two bedrooms, 36 with three bedrooms and 16 with four. The trust estimates pricing to start “in the low-$400,000s.” As a comparison, the typical Irvine home is valued at $933,518 by Zillow — up 4.6% i...

Irvine, Orange County: Leader in Patient Care

Tuesday, February 16, 2021

By Bryan Starr, President and CEO, Greater Irvine Chamber As published in the Feb. 15, 2021 issue of the Orange County Business Journal Irvine is a well-established global leader in life sciences, innovation, and medical technology and manufacturing. With companies like Allergan, B. Braun, Biolase Technologies, Edwards Lifesciences, and Kahala Biosciences located in Irvine, and Avanir Pharmaceuticals, Bausch & Lomb, and Beckman Coulter close by, Orange County is a life science innovation hub and has been fairly described as the medical device capital of the world. As reported right here in the pages of the Orange County Business Journal over the past severa...

City of Hope Orange County is the Presenting Sponsor for the Greater Irvine Chamber 2021 Women of Influence Virtual Event

Monday, February 15, 2021

City of Hope Orange County is the presenting sponsor for Greater Irvine Chamber 2021 Women of Influence event to be live-streamed Wednesday, March 24 at noon. “The 2021 Women of Influence awardees are special because they show us the power and creativity of determined women, especially in challenging times. Today, we face a world we could not have imagined just one year ago. Let’s take inspiration from these honorees, empowering one another to build a better future for us all,” said Annette M. Walker, president, City of Hope Orange County. City of Hope launched a Newport Beach location in January as th...

John Wayne Airport Lands Direct Route to Hawaii, Resumes Flights to Cabo San Lucas and Puerto Vallarta

Saturday, February 13, 2021

(Orange County Register) After a nine-year hiatus, a direct flight to Hawaii from Orange County is returning to John Wayne Airport. As of Feb. 13, travelers were able to start booking summer flights from John Wayne Airport to Honolulu aboard a daily United Airlines flight. The daily route, according to an announcement by the airline, begins May 6 and is scheduled to depart SNA daily at 8:30 a.m. and arrive in HNL at 11:30 a.m. The return flight leaves Honolulu at 12:50 p.m. Hawaii time and lands at 9:10 p.m. in Orange County. Direct flights from Santa Ana to Hawaii’s islands have had a stop-and-star...

Cox Communications’ Sam Attisha named 2021/2022 board chair for the California Cable & Telecommunications Association

Friday, February 12, 2021

The California Cable & Telecommunications Association (CCTA) announced during its Winter Board Meeting that Sam Attisha, senior vice president and region manager for Cox Communications’ California operations, will serve as the 2021/2022 board chair, providing leadership as the association champions innovative approaches to how Californians live, work and connect. Attisha, who began his role as board chair today, will serve a two-year term. “Sam’s wealth of experience in the industry and his commitment to communities throughout California will be an asset as our board and organization continue to reshape how our industry innovates and supports our state’s future,” said Carolyn McIntyre, presiden...

MemorialCare Introduces SilverCloud to Address Mental and Behavior Health

Friday, February 12, 2021

MemorialCare is addressing mental and behavioral health conditions related to the Coronavirus pandemic, by providing access to a free online educational and therapeutic resource, SilverCloud, to help MemorialCare patients and members of the community, to think and feel better. SilverCloud, designed by experienced clinicians and based on proven therapeutic methods, provides digital tools and tactics to promote positive behavior changes that can help with mild to moderate levels of stress, anxiety, insomnia, and depression to improve well-being. It is safe, confidential, and can be accessed anytime, anywhere. A study conducted last summer by the Centers for Disease Control concluded that 40% o...

Federal COVID-19 Response Taps UCI Health as a Model for Delivering Monoclonal Antibody Therapy

Thursday, February 11, 2021

Monoclonal antibodies are showing promise for improving outcomes for COVID-19 patients, but when a hospital is already beyond capacity, administering them can be a challenge. As hospitalizations soared across California, clinicians with UCI Health created a system for delivering monoclonal antibodies that is keeping hospital beds available for patients with the greatest need. “The hospital bed is one of the most valuable resources that we have, which has been stretched thin by the COVID-19 pandemic,” said Dr. Daniel S. Chow, an assistant professor in residence in radiological sciences and co-director for the Center for Artificial Intelligence in Diagnostic Medicine as well as th...

Destination Irvine Looks to Sports Groups to Lead Hotel Recovery

Wednesday, February 10, 2021

During 2020—a tumultuous year for the travel and tourism industry—Destination Irvine (a division of the Greater Irvine Chamber) was faced with a monumental task: to continue bringing groups to Irvine to support the community’s economic vitality. Despite California’s COVID-19 restrictions, which are stricter than any other states’ and include crippling restrictions for groups of any size to gather, and a lack of guidelines as to what hotel-based meetings and sports tournaments will look like in the months ahead, Destination Irvine found opportunities to bring visitors to Irvine. But it’s been an uphill battle. Prior to March 2020, Destination Irvine was on pac...

Qatar Donates $40,000 to OCSC Community Foundation

Tuesday, February 09, 2021

The Orange County Soccer Club Community Foundation has received a $40,000 donation from the Embassy of the State of Qatar in the United States to support healthy, active communities in Orange County in celebration of Qatar’s National Sports Day. The donation received from the people of Qatar helps OCSC Community Foundation fulfill its mission: to use soccer as a vehicle to promote health and wellness, develop youth leadership, advance social change and create positive community impact. "This generous support will allow us to continue making our community a better, healthier place through soccer clinics, mental health clinics, equipment distribution, and academic programs,"...

11 Great Things About Living in Irvine

Monday, February 08, 2021

Irvine residents already what makes it a great city in which to live, play, and work. And there are well beyond 11 reasons. But to help those who are interested in moving to Irvine, Extra Space Storage has put together a list of 11 of the master-planned city's desirable qualities. Recognized as one of the happiest cities in America and one of the best U.S. cities for raising a family, this California city is incredibly safe, offers a rapidly growing job market, and has an abundance of family-friendly activities. Here are 11 things you need to know about living in Irvine! Plant Roots in America’s Safest City Phot...

Greater Irvine Chamber Earns Top Awards from Industry Association

Monday, February 08, 2021

The Greater Irvine Chamber was honored with top awards by the Western Association of Chamber Executives (W.A.C.E.) for its communications program and branded portfolio. The announcement was made during the 2021 W.A.C.E. Conference presented virtually Feb. 3-5. The Chamber received the top honor of Best Overall Communications Program. This is the Chamber’s fourth time to earn the title. The Chamber also earned three first-place honors: outstanding program for its Celebrate Resiliency campaign, best digital newsletter for Weekly Connection, and outstanding achievement in video for Greater Irvine Chamber: Here to Ensure You Are Part of Irvine’s Success, as well as special merit in the website category. The Western Association of Chamber Executives is the premie...

Hoag Orthopedic Institute Names Jay Patel, MD, New Chief Strategy Officer

Monday, February 08, 2021

Hoag Orthopedic Institute (HOI) has named Jay Patel, M.D., the new chief strategy officer. He replaces James Caillouette, M.D., a founder of HOI who held the position for more than 10 years. Dr. Caillouette assumed the board Chair position on January 1, 2021. The institute performs the most hip and knee replacement surgeries in California. “Dr. Patel is unique at HOI in that beyond his superb training as a hip and knee surgeon, he also worked as a consultant for McKinsey—a world-renown strategic consultancy group. This combination of expertise will be extremely valuable for the institution moving forward,” said Dr. Caillouette, wh...

COVID-19 Shots Speed Up In Orange County As Health Networks Join the Race

Saturday, February 06, 2021

(Orange County Register) The Orange County government’s mass coronavirus vaccination drive is no longer the main option in town as traditional health networks ramp up immunizing their own elderly patients. Together, county representatives and health care providers – including large players such as Kaiser Permanente, Providence, and UCI Health – had administered about 265,000 first and second doses to 221,000 people by Jan. 31, according to the OC Health Care Agency’s latest figures. The shots are speeding up. Administrators have more than doubled the average number of shots given daily since mid-January to about 12,000 per day. The county Health Care Agency’s vaccination networ...

Free 2020 Tax-Preparation Services Available in Irvine

Friday, February 05, 2021

The City of Irvine, in partnership with Orange County United Way (OCUW), is offering free tax preparation services to taxpayers who earned less than $60,000 in 2020. Qualifying taxpayers who live, work, or attend school in Irvine can receive help filing their taxes from IRS-trained and certified volunteers, who will also assist eligible taxpayers in applying for tax credits, including the state and federal Earned Income Tax Credits (EITC). Free tax-preparation services are available at Cypress Community Park, 255 Visions in Irvine, from Feb. 10 through April 7, 2021, on Wednesdays between 12–7 p.m. An appointment is required; no walk-ins will b...

MemorialCare Participating in I-SPY COVID Trial to Evaluate Treatments for Severely-Ill COVID-19 Patients

Friday, February 05, 2021

MemorialCare Long Beach Medical Center continues its fight against COVID-19 as a participant in the I-SPY COVID Trial (Investigation of Serial Studies to Predict Your COVID Therapeutic Response with Biomarker Integration and Adaptive Learning). The focus of the trial is to improve outcomes for severely-ill COVID-19 patients. The I-SPY COVID Trial is an adaptive platform trial that incorporates a single-study structure to evaluate multiple treatments independently within the same trial. This method allows for the rapid assessment of potentially impactful therapies. All patients admitted to the hospital with COVID-19 requiring high flow oxygen or mechanical ventilation are screened for potential participation in thi...

UCI Institute for Future Health to Harness Technology to Build Personalized Health Model

Thursday, February 04, 2021

A newly established Institute for Future Health at the University of California, Irvine will combine research and clinical work to address the movement toward a more personalized healthcare model. The institute aims to integrate lifestyle, community, environment, and socioeconomic factors in conjunction with biomedical and clinical knowledge to radically transform health systems away from hospitals and clinics and into the hands of each individual. “The mission of the Institute for Future Health is to empower people to better manage their health and quality of life with technology-enabled, personalized, and timely advice,” said Pramod Khargonekar, vice chancellor for research. “Our approach is to understand lifestyle an...

Destination Irvine Earns Global Hospitality Award: Irvine, USA’s Best Emerging Leisure & Recreation Travel Destination

Tuesday, February 02, 2021

LUXlife has awarded its 5th annual Hospitality Award to Destination Irvine for its work to market Irvine’s well-deserved status as “USA’s Best Emerging Leisure & Recreation Travel Destination.” “To be globally recognized with this award, during a truly challenging year, is quite an honor,” said Wendy Haase, vice president, Destination Irvine. “Irvine being recognized as the best U.S. destination for leisure and recreation will further our marketing efforts that highlight the city’s safe and responsible COVID-19 recovery.” LUXlife Magazine, one of AI Global Media’s most popular standalone publications, recognized that many firms whose work is vital to the industry were not bein...

Executive Coach Marsha Link, Ph.D., to Give Women of Influence Keynote on Emotional Intelligence & Self-Care in the Modern Workplace

Monday, February 01, 2021

Popular speaker and principal of Link Consulting Marsha Link, Ph.D., will provide the keynote presentation on emotional intelligence and self-care in the modern workplace, titled Time to Thrive, for the Greater Irvine Chamber 2021 Women of Influence virtual event on Wednesday, March 24 at 12:00 p.m. Dr. Link is an experienced clinician and consultant who has worked with individuals and groups in a variety of settings in business, education, and nonprofit organizations. Throughout her career, she has been passionate about advancing women in their respective roles and chosen directions. As an executive coach, Dr. Link has helped many women identify and achieve their professiona...

Two H Mart Stores Expected in 2021 Will Bring Irvine’s Total to Three

Monday, February 01, 2021

(Orange County Register) Irvine will have two more H Mart supermarkets by year’s end when the Korean-American chain lands at Northpark Plaza and Westpark Plaza, bringing the city’s total to three. The stores are replacing Albertsons, which are due to close by the end of February. H Mart, which has an anchor location at Diamond Jamboree, offers a large selection of traditional Asian food plus the usual pantry essentials. The market is known for its kimchi bar, a selection of pickled and spiced cabbage. It also has an array of produce and fresh fish. The stores at Northpark Plaza and Westpark Plaza will span mor...

Progress Made by Great Park Developer FivePoint on Wildlife Corridor Connecting O.C. Coast with Cleveland National Forest

Sunday, January 31, 2021

(Los Angeles Times) During the Laguna Beach fire of 1993, many animals had difficulty retreating from the massive blaze due to a lack of open space. About 20% of Orange County’s gnatcatchers, an endangered songbird, were killed in the fire, which caused devastating damage, burning 16,000 acres and hundreds of homes. Then, in the wake of the fire, animals from the surrounding habitat could not access coastal areas to replenish their populations. Nearly three decades later, some progress has been made on a wildlife corridor funded, designed and constructed by Great Park developer FivePoint Holdings. The company is working alongside the environmental group Laguna Greenbelt, whic...

Bond Refunding Yields Significant Savings for Foothill/Eastern Transportation Corridor Agency

Friday, January 29, 2021

The Foothill/Eastern Transportation Corridor Agency (F/ETCA) has executed a bond refunding transaction on certain outstanding 2013A and all 2013C bonds in a move that further strengthens the Agency’s cash position and creates additional flexibility to pay down other bonds early or invest in key capital projects. “This transaction is another example of how the F/ETCA works in the best interest of the public to reduce debt service and ensure the long-term financial health of the Agency. I commend the work our staff has done to facilitate the continued strong fiscal position of the Agency,” said F/ETCA Chair and Yorba Linda Mayo...

In Case You Missed It: Greater Irvine Chamber Business Outlook Presentation and Slides Available Online

Friday, January 29, 2021

Whether you missed the Jan. 28 live-streamed presentation of the 2021 Greater Irvine Chamber Business Outlook event, would like to revisit it, or share it with others, the complete presentation, program booklet, and Chris Schwarz’s slide deck can be accessed here: Business Outlook 2021.

Orange County House Members Land Key Committee Roles

Wednesday, January 27, 2021

(Orange County Register) Orange County’s seven-member congressional delegation is settling into committee assignments for the upcoming session, with freshmen members getting word of their appointments from House leadership. The diverse committee appointments — ranging from Foreign Affairs to Transportation to Natural Resources — could play major roles in shaping what representatives do for their constituents over the next two years in office. Partisanship and the close political divide of the House of Representatives combine for a “national lawmaking environment (that) makes it incredibly difficult to get things done,” said UC Irvine political science professor Matthew Beckmann. But Beckmann added that gridlock isn’t a given...

Nominations Open for Greater Irvine Chamber 2021 Women of Influence Awards Recognizing Women in Eight Categories

Tuesday, January 26, 2021

The Greater Irvine Chamber’s 2021 Women of Influence virtual event on Wednesday, March 24 at noon, will recognize an outstanding woman in each of eight categories who have positively impacted their industries and the business community in Orange County. In honor of International Women’s Day, a special Lifetime Achievement Award is included in the lineup, recognizing a woman whose history, contributions, and achievements have had a profound impact, inspiring the next generation of women leaders. Eligible nominees must lead, serve, or work for an active business or nonprofit located or operating in Orange County, or attend a high school, college, o...

Record-Breaking Half-Year for Leads Groups with $25 Million in Closed Business Referrals; David Feldberg Earns Q2 2020 FY Rainmaker Title with $10.3 Million

Tuesday, January 26, 2021

The previous (2019-2020) fiscal year was a record-breaking year for Greater Irvine Chamber Leads Groups. With more than 2,200 leads exchanged, the six leads groups generated $22,247,720 in closed business referrals during the period, surpassing any figure during the history of the program. But despite the limitations of COVID-19 related shutdowns, the groups were even more productive this fiscal year with a combined $25,035,558 in closed business in just the first six months of reporting for the 2020-2021 fiscal year. The top-performing members by closed business referrals for the first half of the fiscal year 2020-2021 are: $10,383,500– David Feldberg $4,200,290 – Mel Ray $1,445,923 – Jammi...

City of Irvine Cares Campaign

Thursday, January 21, 2021

The City of Irvine launched Irvine Cares, the first initiative of Mayor Farrah N. Khan’s newly assembled COVID-19 Task Force. The campaign invites the public to slow the spread of COVID-19 by pledging support of mitigation measures which includes acting as an advocate to ensure the health and safety of Irvine’s most vulnerable. Through Irvine Cares, community members pledge to protect one another by wearing a mask, washing their hands frequently, practicing social distancing, and staying home when sick. They commit to practicing kindness and good judgment by being respectful of others, especially those who are at increased risk for severe illness, and to be an advocate by promoting best practices in preventing COVID-19. Community members can take the pledge online at cityofirvine.org/irvinecares or download a pledge card and mai...

Irvine Launches Third District Small Business Support Program

Tuesday, January 19, 2021

The City of Irvine received $722,000 from the County of Orange to assist small businesses affected by COVID-19 within the Irvine portion of Orange County’s Third Supervisorial District. One-time grants up to $5,000 are available to eligible small businesses to help cover the costs of business interruption caused by the COVID-19 pandemic and related stay-at-home orders. To qualify, the business must be in the 3rd District of Irvine and employ 10 or fewer full-time-equivalent employees. Additionally, businesses must not have received grant funding through the City of Irvine Small Business Support Program from June 2020, and must have an active City of Irvine Business License tha...

Mayor Farrah N. Khan’s COVID-19 Task Force Launches First Initiative

Saturday, January 09, 2021

Irvine Ranked the Top Five Cities to Ring in the New Year

Monday, December 21, 2020

Irvine has been ranked as the fifth Best City to Ring in the New Year. After exiting one rollercoaster of a year, ringing in a new year will be something to celebrate, even if with less gathering. Celebrating the new year should still be fun, but it’s only fun if you make it into the next year safely. And if you want to go into 2021 without a scratch, it’s best to know where to go. Irvine is also the #1 Southern California city in which to safely countdown to 2021 on New Year’s eve. Along with Irvine and other California cities, th...

Mayor Farrah N. Khan Announces COVID-19 and Business Reopening Task Forces

Tuesday, December 15, 2020

In response to the coronavirus pandemic, Irvine Mayor Farrah N. Khan has announced the formation of COVID-19 and Business Reopening task forces to guide the city in 2021 and beyond. The City, in partnership with key business leaders, will coordinate establishment of the Business Reopening Task Force to assist the Mayor in her efforts to help promote small business growth, support local entrepreneurship, target industry relocation within City boundaries, and assist the City in remaining responsive to the business community. Additionally, it advises the Mayor on topics where the City has the ability to shape issues affecting the business community. The Taskforce provides a foru...

John Wayne Airport Once Again Ranked Among Nation’s Best

Friday, December 11, 2020

John Wayne Airport ranked #2 among large airports in North America by J.D. Power’s 2020 North America Airport Satisfaction Study, continuing its record of top-rankings since it was elevated to the large airport category in 2017. John Wayne Airport ranked #1 among large airports in 2017 and 2018. “We are pleased that our efforts to continually elevate the guest experience are reflected in the customer satisfaction survey,” said Airport Director Barry Rondinella. “I am proud of our entire team for rising to the unique challenges we encountered this year. It is through their dedication and commitment that we continue to hold ‘favorit...

Destination Irvine Earns Smart Meetings’ Platinum Choice Award

Tuesday, November 17, 2020

Destination Irvine has earned a Platinum Choice Award by Smart Meetings, the nation’s leading meetings industry publisher and voice of inspiration for meeting professionals. Smart Meetings readers nominate hotels, conference centers, convention and visitors bureaus (CVB), and destination marketing organizations that consistently exceed expectations and help planners deliver on their goals. Destination Irvine is only one of five organizations in California to earn the distinction. “I am extremely proud of the Destination Irvine team and beyond grateful to all of our hoteliers for their continued support of our sales and marketing efforts,” said Wendy Haase, the organization’s vice president. “While COVID-1...

Police Chief Mike Hamel and City of Irvine Employees Honored for Years of Service

Monday, October 26, 2020

The Irvine City Council recognized six employees for 25, 30, and 35 years of dedicated service to the City. City of Irvine employees work to keep the community safe, reduce Irvine’s carbon footprint, keep traffic flowing, and support events and activities for residents and visitors. Police Chief Mike Hamel, Irvine Police Department 25 Years of Service Irvine Police Chief Mike Hamel is a 27-year law enforcement veteran who has been with the Irvine Police Department since 1995. He is the first Irvine Police Chief to rise through the ranks from police officer to Chief. Chief Hamel began his law enforcement career in 199...

Irvine is Safest City of its Size for 15th Year

Tuesday, September 29, 2020

For the 15th consecutive year, Irvine is the Safest City of its size for violent crime, according to FBI data for 2019. Information released on Sept. 28 shows Irvine has the lowest rate of violent crime per capita of any city in the nation with a population of 250,000 or more. Irvine is also the Safest City of its size for violent crime for the first half of 2020, according to preliminary FBI data released earlier this month. The FBI’s Annual Uniform Crime Report measures crime, which includes murder, rape, robbery, aggravated assault, burglary, larceny-theft, auto theft, and arson. Irvine Mayor Christina Shea congratulated the Irvine Police Departmen...

Best of Orange County 2020: Irvine Voted Best City to Live In

Saturday, September 26, 2020

(Orange County Register) For the past 24 years, Best of Orange County voters have been asked to name the county’s best city to live in. Irvine has never failed to place in the top 3, and it has been the top vote recipient for 13 of those years and ranked second for 10 more. Many reasons are cited for Irvine’s livability. It routinely ranks among the nation’s safest cities—including being ranked "America's Safest Big City" by the FBI crime ranking of cities over 100,000 in population every year since 2005—and has recorded the lowest per capita crime rate for cities with 250,000 o...

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