Member of the Month Archive

Tuesday, August 04, 2020

(Orange County Business Journal) Hospital operations across the U.S. continue to be impacted by the coronavirus pandemic, but heart valve maker Edwards Lifesciences Corp. is optimistic that its patients will get the necessary treatments for their life-threatening health conditions as the year goes on. “We’ve had it proven to us with our own eyes that our patients are not going to be postponed or delayed,” Chief Executive Mike Mussallem told the Business Journal on July 28, noting the resourcefulness of hospitals that took swift action to reschedule postponed elective procedures. “The back half of the year will be better than what we experience...

Hoag Experiments with Pilot Health Center

Monday, August 03, 2020

(Orange County Business Journal) The Hoag Health Center in Foothill Ranch isn’t your typical medical clinic. The 45,000-square-foot facility at the Foothill Ranch Towne Center is an open-floor plan that could be a combination of an Apple store, a fitness center and an island resort. The center features a gym with a workout regimen that requires a recommendation from a doctor. It has areas dedicated to physical therapy and women’s health. It also has a “tech bar” to help users connect to health improvement apps. It also has a Patch Coffee Co. bar and small specialty stores selling products from Lululemon Athletica, Camp...

UCI Establishes School of Pharmacy and Pharmaceutical Sciences

Monday, August 03, 2020

The University of California, Irvine Board of Regents voted to establish the UCI School of Pharmacy and Pharmaceutical Sciences, elevating the program started in 2006 to full-school status. It is only the third school of its type in the UC system. This nascent school is a critical part of the Susan and Henry Samueli College of Health Sciences. Its distinguished faculty and talented students will teach, research, and learn at the cutting edge of their disciplines and contribute to the delivery of outstanding integrative healthcare to patients across our region and, ultimately, across the nation. Under the leadership of Founding Dean Ja...

Center for Accelerating Clinical Trials Gave UCI Health an Investigative Edge When Pandemic Hit

Wednesday, July 29, 2020

Back in mid-March, when COVID-19 became a worldwide crisis, UCI Health clinicians were poised to quickly begin working on possible treatments to tame the deadly virus. The prior summer, after three years of planning, the UCI Center for Clinical Research had opened. It heralded a new era in UCI Health’s efforts to expand access to breakthrough therapies by accelerating clinical trials – research studies seeking ways to prevent, detect and treat diseases. “This [launch] was extremely timely,” says Dr. Daniela Bota, vice dean of clinical research and medical director of the center, which now has 75 principal investigators and 120 clinical researchers on staff. “Whe...

Fast Company Ranks Vincit a Best Workplace for Innovators

Wednesday, July 29, 2020

Vincit has been named one of Fast Company’s Best Workplaces for Innovators 2020 worldwide. The award identifies companies that empower employees at all levels to improve processes, create new products, or invent new ways of doing business. “To be recognized by Fast Company as a Best Workplace for Innovators among companies like Google, Amazon, Microsoft, and Salesforce, is a true honor,” says Ville Houttu, CEO of Vincit USA. “Passion is one of our core values, and it is the key to innovation. I want to thank the team for taking ownership of their work, and encouraging a culture that is always open to new ideas.” Out o...

Irvine Valley College Welcomes New Leadership

Wednesday, July 29, 2020

On July 30, Irvine Valley College is set to welcome its new President, Dr. John Hernandez. An educator for more than 30 years, with 22 of those spent in administration, Dr. Hernandez was appointed president of Santiago Canyon College in Orange in July 2017, after serving as interim president there from July 2016 until his permanent appointment. Prior to that, he was the college’s Vice President for Student Services from 2005 to July 2016. Before joining Santiago Canyon College, Dr. Hernandez was Associate Vice President and Dean of Students at Cal Poly Pomona; Associate Dean for Student Development at Santa An...

Hoag Ranked Best in Orange County by US News & World Report

Tuesday, July 28, 2020

U.S. News & World Report’s 2020-2021 Best Hospitals Rankings once again named Hoag Memorial Hospital Presbyterian the highest-ranked hospital in Orange County, the fourth-best hospital in the Los Angeles metro area and eighth-best in California. The rankings also included national rankings in seven specialty areas and recognition for Hoag’s high performance in 13 specialty procedures. In this unusual year, 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. “We have been humbled each year that w...

Orange County United Way Names Antis Roofing & Waterproofing CEO Among New Board Members

Tuesday, July 28, 2020

(Orange County Breeze) Orange County United Way announced the election of four new members to its board of directors, including Charles Antis CEO of Antis Roofing & Waterproofing, a platinum-level Leaders Circle member of the Greater Irvine Chamber. Antis was appointed along with Shirin Behzadi, Board member, advisor and former CEO of Home Franchise Concepts; Mark Clemens of KPMG LLP; and Mark Stockton of US Bank Home Mortgage All new members were elected at the Orange County United Way Board Meeting held on June 19, 2020, and will serve through June 30, 2023. “We’re very excited to welcome these four new members to our Board of Directors, and we are confident the...

UCI Ranks 16th in Top Public Universities That Pay Off the Most in 2020

Tuesday, July 28, 2020

University of California, Irvine (UCI), has been ranked the 16th best public university in the nation that pays off to attend by CNBC Make It, a program that aims to provide the information students need to balance considerations through its annual 50 Colleges that Pay Off the Most ranking. The list spotlights 50 schools that provide students the highest average salaries for their tuition dollars. UCI—known for its engineering and criminal justice programs and one of 10 campuses in the University of California school system—in 2019 enrolled approximately 30,382 undergraduate students. The average annual net cost for in-state students (income $48,001-$75,000) is $14,746. The median salar...

Transportation Corridor Agencies Reaches Significant Construction Milestone on Bridge Project

Thursday, July 23, 2020

All six lanes – three in each direction – of Oso Parkway at the 241 Toll Road are open to drivers, marking a significant construction milestone for the Transportation Corridor Agencies (TCA) Oso Parkway Bridge Project. Sidewalks and dedicated bike lanes on both sides are also open. Crews constructed the Oso Parkway Bridge overcrossing one half at a time, while maintaining drive-through access for commuters and residents. Intermittent daytime lane closures may be necessary over the next few weeks to install traffic detection loops, create permanent striping and relocate traffic signals at each end of the project area. “With the state’s stay-at-home orders du...

Cox’s YurView Network to Air Orange County Soccer Club’s Final Six Home Games

Wednesday, July 22, 2020

Cox Communications’ YurView network will air Orange County Soccer Club’s (OCSC) remaining six home games of the 2020 season between July 25 and Sept. 19, 2020. In addition to live game coverage, Orange County matches will be replayed on YurView California in Orange County (Cox Channel 3), Palos Verdes (Cox Channel 3), and Santa Barbara (Cox Channel 4). All home games start at 7 p.m. PT and the television schedule is as follows: Saturday, July 25 | Phoenix Rising FC Friday, August 7 | LA Galaxy II Saturday, August 15 | Las Vegas Lights FC Saturday, August 29 | San Diego Loyal SC Saturday, Sept. 5| LA Galaxy II Friday, Sept. 18 | Las Vegas Light...

UCI Anti-Cancer Challenge Goes Virtual for 2020

Wednesday, July 22, 2020

UCI Anti-Cancer Challenge, a movement to raise awareness and funds for cancer research, is going virtual for 2020 in order to maintain social distancing and safeguard participant health. The reimagined Anti-Cancer Challenge now includes an eight-week virtual fundraising and wellness program that connects people around the local community and across the nation. Participants can ride, run or walk virtually with friends and family wherever they are. “In only three years, the community has rallied to support 43 pilot projects and early-phase clinical trials that have moved the dial on cancer research,” says Richard Van Etten, MD, PhD, director of the UCI Cha...

UCI Health to Hire 60 Doctors Devoted to Internal, Family & Geriatric Medicine Over the Next Five Years

Wednesday, July 22, 2020

Long known for its more than 500 world-class specialists who treat the most complex conditions, UCI Health is on a mission to expand its primary care services. Dr. Matthew Boone was recruited last fall from USC’s Keck School of Medicine to oversee this mission. Boone is no stranger to Orange County, having run and been affiliated with many of the county’s medical groups and hospitals over the last 30 years. “I always felt that primary care at UCI was an underdeveloped gem,” says Boone, who is associate dean of clinical affairs and a professor at the UCI School of Medicine. “Its reputation wa...

Vincit Earns National Recognition with Stevie Award

Wednesday, July 22, 2020

The Irvine-based, digital app and technology company Vincit has been recognized with a Stevie Award by the American Business Awards. The Stevie Awards for Great Employers is an international business awards competition that is open to all organizations worldwide. The awards recognize the world's best companies to work for, and the HR teams, professionals, achievements, new products, and suppliers that help to create and drive great places to work. “This has been an unprecedented and evolving time for businesses and workplace culture. I’m proud to see the team continue to demonstrate our commitment and passion for great culture and workplace best practices,&rdquo...

UCI Receives Record $529 Million in Research Funding for Fiscal 2019-2020

Monday, July 20, 2020

From cutting-edge research and clinical trials focused on cancer care to creating a new center devoted to protecting personal data privacy, University of California, Irvine scholars, scientists, and physicians are blazing new paths to help change the world. And their impact keeps growing. In fiscal 2019-20, which ended June 30, UCI researchers received the most funding in campus history: $529 million in grants and contracts. Awards from federal and state agencies, leading foundations, and forward-thinking companies increased by 20 percent over 2018-19 totals, reflecting strong and burgeoning support for UCI’s top-ranked faculty, first-rate facilities, diverse and talented student body, and community-based programs. “This researc...

NSF Grants $18 Million to UCI for Materials Science and Engineering Center

Wednesday, July 15, 2020

The National Science Foundation has awarded $18 million to the University of California, Irvine in support of a new Materials Research Science and Engineering Center (MRSEC). UCI is one of three MRSECs newly funded by the NSF in 2020, joining 16 other existing centers at leading research institutions in the United States. The UCI MRSEC, which officially begins its six-year operation period on Sept. 1, will engage researchers in the discovery and development of materials with new capabilities – addressing grand challenges in advanced manufacturing, human health, and national defense. Using sophisticated tools, such as those found in UCI’s recently established transmission electron microscop...

BBB Serving the Pacific Southwest Launches Main St. Matters

Tuesday, July 14, 2020

Life has taken a drastic turn in the wake of the current crisis, forcing small businesses to shift nearly every aspect of their daily functions. Behind each small business is a team, giving it their all, but still caught amidst compounding negative impact. Start-ups, hometown offerings, and Main Street shops comprise a significant economic footprint, so now is the time to extend a helping hand. Better Business Bureau Serving the Pacific Southwest is proud to launch the BBB Main St. Matters Grant Program, designed to provide essential funding during this unprecedented time. “Main Street businesses are the lifeblood of our economy,&rdquo...

Orange County SC to Resume Play July 16 on ESPN2

Monday, July 13, 2020

The Orange County Soccer Club will have a national audience when the season resumes, with the club’s first game back, July 16 against Phoenix Rising FC set to air nationally on ESPN2, and on the ESPN App. In addition to the game, ESPN2 will premiere the pilot episode of the Orange County SC & Rangers FC original documentary, “Path to Glory” immediately before the game at 5:30PM/PT on ESPN2 and after the airing, the documentary will be live on the ESPN FC YouTube for 48 hours. Watch the Path to Glory Trailer Here. "We are so excited for the opportunity to resume the seaso...

UC Irvine Awarded $14.4 Million Alzheimer’s Research Grant

Friday, July 10, 2020

(Orange County Register) The National Institutes of Health (NIH) has awarded $14.4 million to the UCI MIND institute at UC Irvine to continue its crucial work in the study of Alzheimer’s disease, for which there remains no cure or prevention. UCI MIND, formally known as the Institute for Memory Impairments and Neurological Disorders, is one of only 32 Alzheimer’s Disease Research Centers around the country funded by the National Institute on Aging, an arm of the NIH. UC Irvine is one of the original half-dozen research centers established by the NIH in the early 1980s to study Alzheimer’s disease and other dementia-related disorders. Th...

Irvine Ranch Water District Launches WaterStar Certification Program

Wednesday, July 08, 2020

WaterStar certification offered by Irvine Ranch Water District (IRWD) is a way to communicate to the community that an organization values water conservation. Certification can also help businesses improve water use efficiency, save on water bills, and obtain financial incentives for efficiency improvements. Certified WaterStar Businesses will earn the use of the WaterStar logo for display, web posting, and advertising. IRWD may also feature certified businesses in print media, on webpages, and water conservation literature to be distributed to IRWD’s customer base. Certified businesses will also be recognized at an IRWD Board Meeting and receive an award acknowledging their achievement. The recognitio...

Michael V. Drake to Become 21st President of University of California

Tuesday, July 07, 2020

The University of California Board of Regents announced on July 7 the appointment of Michael V. Drake, M.D., as the 21st president of UC’s world-renowned system of 10 campuses, five medical centers, three nationally affiliated labs, more than 280,000 students and 230,000 faculty and staff. Drake has a long and distinguished career in higher education, most recently as president of Ohio State University (OSU) from 2014 until this past week. Prior to his six years at OSU, his entire academic career has been at UC, including as chancellor of UC Irvine for nine years from 2005 to 2014 and as the systemwide vic...

UCI Appoints Ian Williamson as Dean of The Paul Merage School of Business

Monday, July 06, 2020

Ian O. Williamson, pro-vice-chancellor and dean of the Wellington School of Business and Government at Victoria University of Wellington, New Zealand, has been named dean of the University of California, Irvine’s Paul Merage School of Business. He will begin his new role on Jan. 1, 2021. “Professor Williamson brings the depth and breadth of experience across disciplines, industries and continents that are necessary to meet the challenges of an evolving educational landscape within a global economy as we prepare the next generation of business leaders,” said UCI Chancellor Howard Gillman. An internationally recognized human resource management expert, Williamson has been involved i...

City of Irvine Issues Amended Face Covering Order

Monday, June 29, 2020

Irvine City Manager John Russo, in his capacity as Director of Emergency Services, on June 24 released an amended Executive Order requiring the use of face coverings. This amendment aligns with new guidance from the California Department of Health. “This order was originally implemented by the Irvine Disaster Council on April 8, to safeguard our residents, businesses, and visitors from the spread of COVID-19,” stated City Manager Russo. “By aligning our order with the most recent statewide guidance, we continue the necessary measures to protect our community. It is critical we work together and follow health directives, allowing businesses to reopen an...

FivePoint Selling Broadcom Offices for $355M

Monday, June 29, 2020

(Orange County Business Journal) PRP Real Estate Investment Management, a Washington, D.C.-based real estate investor-backed in part by overseas funding partners, plans to buy the two largest buildings at Irvine’s FivePoint Gateway office campus. PRP is under contract to purchase the two buildings, which are occupied by chipmaker Broadcom Inc. under a long-term lease running until 2037, for $355 million. PRP and Irvine’s FivePoint Holdings LLC, which leads the investor group that currently owns the buildings, confirmed a deal was in place late last week. The deal, expected to close in mid-August, will be the largest office sale in Orange County in three years. FivePoin...

Orange County Soccer Club to Return to Field

Thursday, June 25, 2020

Orange County Soccer Club (OCSC) will return to the field this year under a modified United Soccer League (USL) format. “We are excited about the recent developments and the new competition structure that will allow us to resume the 2020 USL season,” said Jeff Garner, president of business relations, OCSC. “We are looking forward to getting back out on the field and continuing to provide the best soccer experience we can for our fans." A 2020 schedule is expected soon, July 11 being the earliest possible date for a game. When play resumes all OCSC games will be available on ESPN+ o...

Pretend City Announces Reopening June 26

Thursday, June 25, 2020

The Pretend City Children’s Museum will reopen on June 26. The museum has developed a comprehensive reopening plan that expands on ten years of experience operating as a clean, safe, and fun learning environment. Those principles, Clean - Safe - Fun, will continue to guide operations as guests are welcomed back. “We know that children need play now more than ever," said Board Chair Erin Boyl. “Our team is excited to reopen in a safe way so we can provide much needed respite for families in Southern California. We can’t wait to see the smiling faces and hear the laughter o...

Bryan Starr Touts Irvine’s Resilience in Irvine Standard

Wednesday, June 24, 2020

(As published in the Irvine Standard) Strong communities are made up of resilient and innovative individuals and businesses – those that courageously continue to work to find solutions, especially during times of crisis. Irvine is perhaps better positioned to weather disruptions caused by the coronavirus pandemic than any other city. The visionary Irvine Master Plan, established 60 years ago, and responsible city management throughout our city’s history has laid the groundwork for the best possible outcome of these unprecedented circumstances. World-Class Health Care Irvine is further bolstered by world-class health care institutions and medical personnel – all that are addressing COVID-19 and coming u...

Small Business Support Program Grants Awarded to 506 Irvine Businesses

Wednesday, June 24, 2020

In an effort to mitigate the financial impact of COVID-19, the City of Irvine has awarded Small Business Support Program grants to 506 local businesses. The one-time grants of up to $10,000 are being distributed to businesses located in the Orange County’s 3rd Supervisorial District from a variety of industries including, but not limited to retail, dining and entertainment, automotive, professional and personal services, and technology. Due to some businesses requesting less than the $10,000, the city was able to assist six additional businesses than originally anticipated. Funding for the program came from a $5 million grant from the County of Orange...

Transportation Corridor Agencies’ Boards Unanimously Approve There be No Toll Rate Increase

Wednesday, June 24, 2020

The Transportation Corridor Agencies’ (TCA) two Boards of Directors have unanimously approved a Fiscal Year 2021 (FY21) budget that addresses the unknown duration and impacts of COVID-19 and reflects a conservative approach that focuses on core operating necessities while reducing operating and capital expenditures by 51 percent. The approved budget of $289.5 million – $135 million for the San Joaquin Hills Transportation Corridor Agency (SJHTCA) and $154.5 million for the Foothill/Eastern Transportation Corridor Agency (F/ETCA) – allows the Agencies to meet important financial obligations, reduce overall expenses and continue to advance priority projects – including the completion of Oso Parkway Bridge, th...

UCI Beckman Laser Clinic Gets New Director

Wednesday, June 24, 2020

(Orange County Business Journal) The University of California-Irvine Beckman Laser Institute and Medical Clinic (BLIMC) has tapped Thomas Milner, a three-time entrepreneur and serial technology inventor with 55 issued patents, to oversee and expand its research activities. Milner was recently named director for the photonics institute; he’s the third person to have the position. Milner starts July 1. His plans include prioritizing diversity in faculty and establishing external advisory committees with industry and academic-like entities so that BLIMC is ultimately “recognized by the industry as an excellent partner for both knowledge, intellectual property, scientific and engineering expertise, and as a source of students wh...

UCI Paul Merage School of Business Announces Appointments to Center for Health Care Management and Policy Advisory Board

Friday, June 19, 2020

Avanir Pharmaceuticals, Inc. and the UCI Paul Merage School of Business are pleased to announce the appointment of two new executives to the School's Center for Health Care Management and Policy advisory board. Wa'el Hashad, president and CEO of Avanir Pharmaceuticals, and Lisa Locklear, vice president and CFO of Avanir Pharmaceuticals, have joined forces with the school to help advance the mission of preparing business leaders for a digitally driven world. Wa'el Hashad joined Avanir in July 2017. He is a passionate leader with over 25 years of pharmaceutical experience in sales, marketing and general management, within both the U.S. and international markets. "Avanir and th...

Orange County Soccer Club & Unite Health Share Ministries Team Up to Donate Game Tickets to Families

Wednesday, June 17, 2020

Orange County Soccer Club (OCSC), announced a partnership with, Unite Health Share Ministries (UHSM) – a faith-based health care nonprofit, to launch its latest initiative, the OCSC Community Corner. The OCSC Community Corner, supported by UHSM, is a season-long outreach program that provides nonprofit organizations tickets to every OCSC regular-season home game to share with the children and families they serve. “We’re looking forward to bringing families together at OCSC games through this new program. As an Orange County native, I am delighted to help other local nonprofit establishments give back to our incredible community,” said Christopher Jin, president of UHSM. “A...

UCI Leads $10 Million Personal Data Privacy Center

Tuesday, June 16, 2020

(Orange County Business Journal) The University of California-Irvine will lead a $10 million research center aimed at protecting personal data privacy. The center, funded by the National Science Foundation, will be hosted by UCI and will collaborate with Northeastern University, the University of Iowa, the University of Southern California and Spain’s IMDEA Networks Institute. “It is an honor and responsibility to lead one of NSF's signature projects to address the timely and important problem of personal data protection on the internet,” said principal investigator Athina Markopoulou, professor and chairperson of the Department of Electrical Engineering & Computer Science at UCI. The researchers will addres...

A Healthy Market for Healthcare Development

Tuesday, June 09, 2020

(Orange County Business Journal) Orange County has seen a consistent batch of new office product built over the latter part of the latest market cycle, adding several million square feet of high-end inventory in markets including Irvine, Tustin, and Newport Center. The cycle has been a boon to multifamily developers, too, with thousands of mid-rise units springing up in former commercial spots across the county. With a pandemic-created recession now in its early stages, and questions over the length and severity of its impact, a different sector looks poised to withstand a likely decline in new construction: healthcare. Several billion dollars’ worth o...

Irvine Co. Presses on with Development

Tuesday, June 09, 2020

(Orange County Business Journal) Irvine Co. has been Orange County’s most active commercial developer the past year and over the past decade. Don’t expect that to change in the next year. The Newport Beach-based firm still appears full speed ahead with a pair of office projects in the Irvine Spectrum area totaling close to 900,000 square feet. The second phase of the firm’s Spectrum Terrace office project, a three-building, roughly 345,000-square-foot collection of high-end buildings, has seen steady work over the past few months with a heavy base of workers—all practicing social distancing and other safety measures. A few miles away, near the intersectio...

Larry L. Zeiber Leads Philanthropic Wave of Support for City of Hope Orange County

Monday, June 08, 2020

Larry L. Zeiber has joined City of Hope as the vice president of philanthropy for Orange County, where he is leading fundraising for the $1 billion world-class campus underway in Irvine. The much-anticipated campus will feature the latest in cancer research and treatment, changing the way cancer care is delivered across the region. “City of Hope’s medical breakthroughs are fueled by generous philanthropic donations. That generosity thrives in Orange County, where we have already seen incredible enthusiasm from many diverse donors,” said Kristin Bertell, chief philanthropy officer, City of Hope. “With Larry on board, we now have a driving force wh...

City of Irvine Launches Small Business Support Program

Wednesday, June 03, 2020

The City of Irvine today launched the Small Business Support Program to mitigate the financial impact of COVID-19 on local small businesses. Businesses located in Irvine with 25 or fewer employees are eligible to apply. Funding for the program comes from a $5 million grant from the County of Orange, through the federally approved CARES Act. The Irvine City Council voted to implement the program at a special meeting on May 29, just days after the Orange County Board of Supervisors approved funding for districts. Businesses that meet the program’s criteria can apply for one-time grants in the amount of $10,000. The grant applicatio...

Hoag Named Among Great Hospitals in America

Tuesday, June 02, 2020

Hoag has been named one of the 100 Great Hospitals in America for 2020 by Becker's Hospital Review. The hospitals included on this list have been recognized nationally for excellence in clinical care, patient outcomes, and staff and physician satisfaction. These institutions are industry leaders that have achieved advanced accreditation and certification in several specialties. The list also includes industry innovators that have sparked trends in healthcare technology, hospital management, and patient satisfaction. Becker's Healthcare selected the following hospitals for inclusion based on analysis of ranking and award agencies, including U.S. News & World Report's 2019-20 rankings, CareChex, Healthgrades, CMS star ratings, Leapfrog grades...

Irvine City Council Does Not Reach Agreement for COVID-19 Testing

Monday, June 01, 2020

At its meeting on May 26, the Irvine City Council unanimously voted to not approve a contract with US Health Fairs for drive-up COVID-19 testing after it could not reach an agreement with the nonprofit organization. The Council also directed city staff to continue with vigorous efforts to find and implement a universal COVID-19 testing program for Irvine which will provide quality testing that protects the health and well-being of Irvine residents. COVID-19 testing is currently provided for many, but not all, residents through the County of Orange and the state at multiple locations. No-cost testing is available for symptomatic and asymptomatic healt...

City of Hope Completes Irvine Land, Office Buy

Friday, May 29, 2020

(Orange County Business Journal) City of Hope’s plans for building a comprehensive cancer center at Irvine’s Great Park Neighborhoods took a big step forward after it completed the acquisition of property at the city’s FivePoint Gateway office campus. City of Hope, a research and treatment center for cancer, diabetes, and other life-threatening diseases with its main campus in Duarte, bought a 190,000 square foot, four-story building at the Irvine site, and 11 acres of adjacent land. A deal had been in the works for over a year. The final price comes out to $108 million, according to Irvine’s FivePoint Holdings LLC, the maste...

Hospitals Reopening for Non-COVID-19 Work

Friday, May 22, 2020

(OC Business Journal) Orange County’s hospitals are returning to normal, in phases, as a feared surge of Coronavirus patients has not occurred. “UCI Health is fully operational and providing all levels of care in a safe environment for patients and staff,” Chad Lefteris, CEO, UCI Health, told the Business Journal. OC hospitals are a huge industry unto themselves. According to the Business Journal’s annual list, 31 facilities reported $9.1 billion in net patient revenue for the 12 months ended Sept. 30. That amounted to about $758 million a month. Last year, they handled 1.37 million patient days and 3.7 million outpatient visits. The hospitals, which hav...

Kaiser Permanente Orange County Earns 'A" Rating in Safety

Sunday, May 17, 2020

(Patch) Kaiser Permanente Orange County hospitals were awarded an 'A' in the spring 2020 Leapfrog Hospital Safety Grade, a national distinction recognizing Anaheim and Irvine Medical Center's achievements providing safer health care. The Leapfrog Group is an independent national watchdog organization committed to health care quality and safety. The Safety Grade is a letter grade assigned to all general hospitals across the country and updated every six months, assessing how well the hospital prevents medical errors and other harms to patients. "We are very proud of this recognition, as it further exemplifies our continuous commitment to prioritize patient safety," said Mark Costa, senior vice presiden...

UCI Researchers Create Tech That Could Help with COVID-19 Contact Tracing

Monday, May 11, 2020

(Spectrum News 1) California Gov. Gavin Newsom has said one of the parameters of getting back to some sort of normal is having a system that can help track where people who’ve been infected with COVID-19 have been. One tool is in the works in Southern California that is using the power of technology to help with contact tracing, while protecting privacy. A software engineer at UC Irvine has helped develop the foundation for something that could eventually help with that contact tracing. And all it takes is using the camera to scan a QR code. And it will take you to sit...

Samuel Johnson Appointed Interim CEO of Transportation Corridor Agencies

Tuesday, April 14, 2020

The Transportation Corridor Agencies (TCA) Boards of Directors have unanimously appointed Samuel Johnson to the position of Interim Chief Executive Officer. Since joining TCA in 2015 as Chief Toll Operations Officer, Johnson has had responsibility and oversight for the Agencies’ tolling systems, customer service, revenue management, violation processing, toll compliance, customer experience communications, and information technology functions. He championed the statewide effort to adopt sticker transponders and implemented strategic contracting approaches for systems and services that have enhanced customer service and improved the Agencies’ fiscal position, saving millions of dollars per year. Johnson serves as president of the International Bridge, Tunnel and Turnpik...

IVC Foundation Establishes Emergency Fund for Students, Staff Impacted by COVID-19

Monday, April 13, 2020

In response to the Coronavirus pandemic, the Irvine Valley College Foundation has established an Emergency Fund to provide immediate emergency bridge funding to impacted students and employees of the college. Click here for more information or to donate to the fund. The Irvine Valley College Foundation provides support to enhance teaching and learning at Irvine Valley College, cultivating resources for students including access to an exceptional education and a caring campus community.

Irvine Co. Provides Rent Flexibility

Monday, April 06, 2020

Orange County’s largest real estate owner adjusted its business model for residential and commercial properties in response to coronavirus concerns. In addition to upping cleaning efforts like other local landlords, Irvine Co. has offered rent payment flexibility for retail and apartment tenants. “We understand these are unprecedented times for our country and the world,” Butch Knerr, president of Irvine Company Retail Properties, said in a letter to retail tenants. “Working together, we will move forward and emerge stronger than ever.” It counts a commercial portfolio of nearly 35 million square feet in Orange County and nearly 60 million square feet companywide; and ha...

Octane Announces Second Non-Profit Accelerator Cohort

Monday, April 06, 2020

Octane recently announced the second cohort of its Non-Profit Accelerator program, which is modeled after its LaunchPad SBDC accelerator for business and life science companies. The pro bono service is made possible through a partnership with the Edwards Lifesciences Foundation. The new cohort includes: Achievement Institute of Scientific Studies, a nonprofit that guides disadvantaged students interested in STEM careers; Breakthrough San Juan Capistrano, which offers free college-access programs to first-generation students, from middle school to college graduation. The organization received a $28,000 gift from Kingston Technology earlier this month; Patient Safety Movement Foundation in Irvine, a Joe Kiani-created group focuses on eliminating preventable harm...

Tough Times: Real Help Right Now Episode 1 - HR

Monday, April 06, 2020

The Greater Irvine Chamber's new video series, Tough Times: Real Help Right Now, features industry experts in the greater Irvine business community providing a deep dive into real-time, relevant, and essential information for businesses as they respond to the current global health crisis. This episode features human resources expert Brian Montes of Scaleocity Works as he provides tips and tools to navigate daily business changes. Stay tuned for future episodes of the Crisis Management & Recovery Strategies for Small Business series. Resources provided by speaker: Company Property Policy Template Forgiveable Small Business Loan Information Sheet Sample Furlough Letter Content provided by volunteer presenters for this video series doe...

UCI Beall Applied Innovation Invites Community to Share COVID-19 Response Ideas

Monday, April 06, 2020

UCI Beall Applied Innovation has issued an invitation to the UCI community to share their ideas for the fight against COVID-19. “We are in the midst of a pandemic and we know that there is an entrepreneur, industry collaborator, faculty researcher, student innovator, or funding partner that has developed an idea or prototype or concept that might play a role in slowing the spread of COVID-19 or curing those ailing because of it,” said Executive Officer Richard Sudek. Contact one of UCI Beall Applied Innovation’s experts below with your startup, product idea, or resource need related to COVID-19. Whether you’re an individual...

UCI Health Names Chad Lefteris as New CEO

Monday, April 06, 2020

The UC Irvine health system has named Chad Lefteris as its new chief executive. Lefteris will oversee the overall UCI Health operation, which includes UCI Medical Center in Orange and more than a dozen outpatient research and specialty care centers throughout Orange County and parts of Riverside County. He has been UCI Health’s chief operating officer since December 2018. His appointment as CEO comes amid the COVID-19 coronavirus pandemic. UCI announced that it is participating in a clinical trial to test the antiviral drug remdesivir as a potential treatment for COVID-19. “After a nationwide search, the search committee identified the ideal candidate within ou...

City of Irvine to Follow California State Guidelines Regarding Face Coverings

Friday, April 03, 2020

California’s public health officials released guidance on the use of cloth face coverings to protect against COVID-19 for those who must leave their homes to conduct essential activities. The guidance does not require people to wear face coverings – and is not a substitute for the state’s current guidance regarding social distancing and hand washing. On March 24, the Irvine City Council passed a resolution strongly recommending that all retail sales businesses and service businesses provide protective supplies to their employees. This past weekend more than 9,000 masks were distributed throughout the Irvine community including, Kaiser Permanente, Hoag Hospital, and Irvine’...

Octane Has Released its 2019 Impact Report

Tuesday, March 31, 2020

Octane has released its 2019 Impact Report. Orange County has become nationally recognized or creating high-quality ideas, entrepreneurs, and a lifestyle to build sustainable growing businesses. Octane portfolio companies raised a record $337M in 2019, up 57% from 2018. Today, Octane stands at a positive inflection point and is a powerful catalyst to position Southern California for sustained growth of companies, to create high-paying jobs, and to deliver successful financial returns for investors. Additionally, InSoCal, an organization that includes Octane, Connect/SDVG, LAVA, and Alliance for SoCal Innovation, has held multiple events and programs that have pushed innovation further for Southern California, drawing more than 6,000 people from acros...

SBDC Offers Free Daily Webinar Series

Monday, March 30, 2020

The Small Business Development Center (SBDC) as a resource partner of the U.S. Small Business Administration (SBA), is assisting businesses in identifying the best avenue for sustaining the current global health crisis by hosting a series of free, daily webinars. Available to all small businesses, the webinar series will feature information on the Economic Injury Disaster Loan, Payroll Protection Program, Disaster Bridge Loan, 7a Forgiveness Program, and other funding opportunities for businesses. Click here to register for the daily webinars.

UCI Researchers Will Test Former Ebola Drug as Part of Coronavirus Clinical Trial

Monday, March 23, 2020

Everybody is hoping for a miracle drug to treat COVID-19, the disease caused by the infectious novel coronavirus. Now, researchers at UC Irvine have a shot at helping to find it. As part of a national clinical trial, the Orange County team of medical scientists are authorized to use the anti-viral drug remdesivir — once developed to treat the Ebola virus — on certain COVID-19 patients hospitalized at UCI Medical Center in Orange. The study’s goal, over an unspecified period of time, will be to determine the drug’s effectiveness against a disease that has already killed more than 11,000 people. The research i...

SBA Offers Disaster Assistance to California Small Businesses Economically Impacted by the Coronavirus (COVID-19)

Monday, March 16, 2020

The U.S. Small Business Administration is offering low-interest federal disaster loans for working capital to California small businesses suffering substantial economic injury as a result of the Coronavirus (COVID-19), SBA Administrator Jovita Carranza announced. SBA acted under its own authority, as provided by the Coronavirus Preparedness and Response Supplemental Appropriations Act that was recently signed by the President, to declare a disaster following a request received from Gov. Gavin Newsom’s designated representative, Director Mark S. Ghilarducci of the Governor’s Office of Emergency Services on March 13. The disaster declaration makes SBA assistance available in the following California counties: Alameda Alpine Amador Calaveras Contra Costa El Dorado Imperial Kern Lake Los Angeles Madera Marin Mariposa Mendocino Merced Mono Napa Orange Placer Riverside Sacramento San Bernardino Sa...

University Lab Partners, Irvine Company, Greater Irvine Chamber Executives Welcome OC’s First Wet-Lab Incubator

Wednesday, March 04, 2020

Celebrating the grand opening of University Lab Partners (ULP), Orange County’s first wet-lab incubator, ULP Founder and President Ken Beall, Irvine Company President Doug Holte, and Greater Irvine Chamber President and CEO Bryan Starr welcomed guests to the Feb. 27 program at UCI Beall Applied Innovation. “University Lab Partners is an important addition to Irvine’s life science and med-tech startup community; it provides a home for early-stage bioscience and med-tech companies that need an environment where they can work to advance their technology forward,” Starr said. “ULP provides a unique opportunity for small companies in these sectors to successfully scale int...

Hoag Receives Highest Nursing Credential with Prestigious Magnet Recognition

Monday, March 02, 2020

Hoag Memorial Hospital Presbyterian has again attained Magnet recognition for its continued dedication to high-quality nursing practice. As part of the American Nurses Credentialing Center’s (ANCC) Magnet Recognition Program, this voluntary credentialing program is the highest honor an organization can receive for professional nursing practice. “Magnet recognition is a tremendous honor and is an incredible source of pride for our nurses,” said Robert T. Braithwaite, president and CEO, Hoag. “To earn this prestigious designation for an additional four years underscores the foundation of excellence and values that drives our entire staff to deliver the highest quality of care to this community.” Magnet has become the gold standar...

Irvine Mayor Christina L. Shea Delivers State of the City Address

Friday, February 28, 2020

Irvine Mayor Christina L. Shea delivered her State of the City Address on Feb. 25 to a capacity crowd in the Irvine City Hall Council Chamber. Topics included sustainability, public safety, fiscal strength, and development at the Orange County Great Park. In her address, Mayor Shea announced that the city received an award for sustainability from the California Environmental Protection Agency. The award recognized Irvine’s organic landscape policy, which reduces the use of synthetic pesticides on city property, and includes the use of goats for weed abatement and fire mitigation. Community members had a chance to learn more about the us...

Innovation Drives Orange County’s World-Renowned Cancer Care and Healthcare

Wednesday, February 26, 2020

By Bryan Starr, President and CEO, Greater Irvine Chamber Innovation is the key to Orange County’s exceptional healthcare and is what sets our healthcare and its delivery far apart from other parts of the nation and the world. Patients accessing healthcare in Irvine, from routine maintenance to advanced disease treatment, receive top care delivered by some of the world’s most expert practitioners using the latest science and technology. The following are some of the ways Greater Irvine Chamber-partner healthcare institutions are at the leading edge of medical research and patient care in Irvine and Orange County. Cancer Care City of Hope, named the bes...

UCI is No. 1 Among MONEY Magazine’s Best Colleges in California

Tuesday, February 25, 2020

MONEY magazine has ranked the University of California, Irvine (UCI) No. 1 on its 2020 list of California’s Best Colleges. The university was also last year named the best college in the nation by MONEY. Colleges evaluated for inclusion on the list were scored on affordability, quality of education, and student outcomes. The youngest university admitted to the Association of American Universities, UCI is a research institution founded in 1965 and is one of 10 campuses in the University of California public university system. The full price of attending UCI for the 2019-2020 school year is an estimated $35,500 for California residents...

UC Irvine Set to Start Construction on $185-Million Health Sciences Complex

Monday, February 24, 2020

UC Irvine will begin construction this month on a state-of-the-art 9-acre health sciences complex for integrative patient care, training, and research. The initial work will be site preparation, with groundbreaking expected later this year, probably in the fall, according to university spokesman Tom Vasich. The site — on the corner of Bison and California avenues adjacent to the UCI Research Park — will include a five-level, 108,200-square-foot building for the Susan and Henry Samueli College of Health Sciences and an adjoining four-level, 71,500-square-foot building for the Sue and Bill Gross School of Nursing. The health sciences building will house the Susan Samuel...

UCI Again Receives Most Applications in UC System from State’s High School Seniors

Monday, February 10, 2020

For the second year in a row, the University of California, Irvine is the most popular UC campus for the state’s college-bound high school seniors. A total of 72,391 aspiring in-state freshmen applied to attend UCI this fall, up 2,000 from last year and more than applied to any of the other eight UC undergraduate campuses. Additionally, UCI was the top choice for first-generation college students and those from low-income families and underrepresented groups – also for the second consecutive year. “These outstanding numbers are a testament to our success in advancing our mission,” said Chancellor Howard Gillman. “We exist to provide the bes...

HBLA’s Dov Lazarus, City of Hope’s Nisha Morris Elected to Greater Irvine Chamber Board of Directors

Sunday, February 09, 2020

Dov Lazarus, CPA, audit partner at HBLA Certified Public Accountants, Inc., and Nisha Morris, associate vice president, Marketing and Communications at City of Hope Orange County, have been elected to serve on the 2020-2021 Greater Irvine Chamber Board of Directors. Lazarus has more than twenty years of accounting and auditing experience, with significant experience serving companies in a variety of industries including importing, manufacturing, distribution, automotive and retail. He has serviced some of the firm’s more significant clients. He previously worked at Price Waterhouse South Africa and Price Waterhouse Australia. Lazarus is a member of the American Institute of Certified Public Accountant...

Hoag Promise Campaign Still Going Strong After Hitting $627M Goal 18 Months Early

Thursday, August 22, 2019

Hoag Hospital Foundation has surpassed the $627 million Hoag Promise Campaign goal 18 months ahead of its Dec.31, 2020, target thanks to more than 22,000 donors who made 83,000-plus Hoag Promise Campaign gifts. Hoag will continue raising funds for the Hoag Promise Campaign until its end date in a bid to meet or exceed its ambitious clinical fundraising priorities within the larger Campaign. “Health care will never stop evolving and innovating, and Hoag will never relinquish its vision of providing leading-edge care in all of our service lines,” said Flynn A. Andrizzi, Ph.D., Hoag Hospital Foundation president. “Philanthropy is the key t...

HR Expert Shares Tools for Navigating Coronavirus Impact on Businesses

Monday, March 30, 2020

Tough Times: Real Help Right Now Episode 1 - HR In this series, industry experts in the greater Irvine business community deep dive into real-time, relevant, and essential information for businesses as they react to, respond to, and recover from the current global health crisis. The first episode in the series features human resources expert Brian Montes of Scaleocity Works. Resources: Company Property Policy Template Forgiveable Small Business Loan Information Sheet Sample Furlough Letter Surviving COVID-19 Crisis Presentation

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