News

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...

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...

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,"...

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...

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...

Concordia University Irvine Exceeds Comprehensive Campaign Goal Topping $100 Million

Monday, February 01, 2021

Concordia University Irvine (CUI) today announced the successful completion of its comprehensive campaign exceeding $100 million and surpassing its original goal of $85 million, making it the largest campaign in the University’s history. Launched in 2013, Forward in Faith—The Campaign for Concordia focused on new facilities, scholarships, academic programs, and the University’s endowment. “To witness donors place their confidence in our academic tradition and in our Concordia family in this way is both remarkable and historic,” said Dr. Michael Thomas who became Concordia University Irvine’s fifth president January 2020. “Celebrating this accomplishment, however, during the current circumstances of our state and countr...

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...

Chapman University Joins Greater Irvine Chamber Leaders Circle as a Platinum-Level Partner

Sunday, January 31, 2021

Chapman University has joined the Greater Irvine Chamber as a platinum-level Leaders Circle partner. “Chapman University is very proud to be a part of the Greater Irvine Chamber,” said Daniele C. Struppa, president of Chapman University. “With the establishment of our Harry and Diane Rinker Health Science Campus in 2014, Chapman took a decisive step forward in both health science education and research. Our Rinker Campus is home to our School of Pharmacy, and several graduate programs within Crean College of Health and Behavioral Sciences. In various and unique ways, this campus supports the community and enterprises of not only th...

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...

UCI Alum Appointed COVID Data Director, White House COVID-19 Response

Tuesday, January 26, 2021

University of California, Irvine alum Dr. Cyrus Shahpar has been appointed to the Biden administration in the role of COVID data director. Dr. Shahpar has focused on infectious disease and public health throughout his career, and previously led rapid response for the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention. He departs a role as vice president for Epidemic Intelligence at the Resolve to Save Lives Initiative to join the Biden administration, having previously served on the incoming administration’s Agency Review Team for the Department of Health and Human Services. Dr. Shahpar earned his medical degree and MBA at UC Irvine and his master’s i...

Transportation Corridor Agencies CEO Samuel Johnson Receives Humanitarian Award

Monday, January 25, 2021

Transportation Corridor Agencies (TCA) CEO Samuel Johnson was honored recently by the Women in Tolling Council with the presentation of its Humanitarian Ambassador award for 2020. The Women in Tolling Council is part of the International Bridge, Tunnel and Turnpike Association (IBTTA), the worldwide association for the owners and operators of toll facilities and the businesses that serve them. IBTTA has members in 23 countries on six continents. Johnson is the organization’s Immediate Past President. “In a year of unrest and unknowns, we are so grateful to you for helping to create and support the Women in Tolling Council and th...

UCI to Build $1 Billion, 144-Bed World-Class Hospital on Irvine Campus

Saturday, January 23, 2021

Plans to build a world-class, acute care hospital on the northern edge of the University of California, Irvine academic campus advanced significantly today, as the University of California Board of Regents granted approval of the project’s 144-bed acute care facility, ambulatory care center, and cancer center. The hospital joins the previously approved UCI Health Center for Advanced Care to create the new UCI Medical Center Irvine-Newport, a full-service academic health complex that will bring a broad spectrum of the most advanced healthcare services to coastal and southern Orange County, including access to the hundreds of clinical trials underway at UCI Health...

UCI Coronavirus Vaccine Could Protect Against All COVID Strains

Friday, January 22, 2021

(Patch) UC Irvine scientists are developing a vaccine to attack all strains of coronavirus, the university reported on Jan. 21. Along with the vaccine, scientists say they have identified a potential breakthrough that —if it works—would solve many of the problems related to distributing the medicine to patients across the world, a UCI professor on the project says. Lbachir BenMohamed— a UCI School of Medicine professor of immunology and the founder of the Laboratory of Cellular and Molecular Immunology at the University of California, Irvine—says that his team is developing what they envision will be a vaccine that could work on al...

Irvine Unified Receives $2 Million From Irvine Company for Art, Music, Science Programs

Wednesday, January 20, 2021

(Orange County Register) The Irvine Unified School District on Jan. 19, received some much-needed financial assistance from one of its partners. A $2 million donation from the Irvine Company will help the district provide art, music, and science programs for students in grades fourth through sixth. The contribution is part of an ongoing 20-year, $45 million commitment by the Irvine Company’s Excellence in Education Enrichment program. Established in 2006, the program has helped Irvine Unified navigate declining state and local budgets and is now offering aid amid the coronavirus pandemic, officials said. “This commitment is essential in helping IUSD address the challenges brought o...

Nationally Recognized Radiologist, Nuclear Medicine Expert Joins Hoag Family Cancer Institute to Bring Molecular Imaging and Therapy to Orange County

Saturday, January 16, 2021

Hoag Memorial Hospital Presbyterian is building upon its personalized, science-based approach to cancer care with the launch of its Molecular Imaging and Therapy Program, led by nationally recognized expert Gary A. Ulaner, M.D., Ph.D. Dr. Ulaner, who is dual board-certified in radiology and nuclear medicine, recently joined Hoag Family Cancer Institute from Memorial Sloan Kettering Cancer Center where he served as the PET/CT expert on the Breast Cancer and Myeloma Disease Management Teams. He is bringing with him multiple innovative clinical trials, some of which are federally-funded by the National Institutes of Health, that use molecular imaging to detect cancer a...

Hoag Orthopedic Institute Announces David Gazzaniga, M.D., as First Division Chief for Sports Medicine

Thursday, January 14, 2021

Hoag Orthopedic Institute (HOI), one of the largest providers of orthopedic care in the nation, announced the election of orthopedic surgeon David Gazzaniga, M.D., as its Division Chief for Sports Medicine. Dr. Gazzaniga, who serves as head team physician for the NFL’s Los Angeles Chargers, will be the first Division Chief of Sports Medicine at HOI and will be responsible for the continuum of care for the entire sports medicine service line. “Hoag Orthopedic Institute would like to congratulate Dr. Gazzaniga on his appointment as our first Division Chief for Sports Medicine,” said Jennifer Mitzner, CEO of HOI. “Dr. Gazzaniga is ...

Linda DiMario Joins Octane Team

Thursday, January 14, 2021

Octane has contracted with Linda DiMario to serve as Director of Community Engagement leading Octane Foundation for Innovation. In this role, DiMario will manage four key initiatives under OFI including STEM Fellows, Non-Profit Accelerator, NextGen, and Women Leaders of Octane. All were initiated during 2018-2019 and significant in the development of the Orange County innovation ecosystem. Recently retired as Executive Vice President of the Greater Irvine Chamber, DiMario is well established in the community. She continues to serve the Chamber as an economic development consultant. “I am excited to work with Octane, their very talented leadership, team, and Board to grow th...

James M. Cox Foundation Donates $75,000 To Feed Families Across Southern California During Pandemic

Thursday, January 07, 2021

Cox Communications is helping feed families throughout Cox’s California markets with $25,000 donations to Second Harvest Food Bank, Foodbank of Santa Barbara County, and the Jacobs & Cushman San Diego Food Bank. The grants, totaling $75,000 from the James M. Cox Foundation, will support local families in need during the COVID-19 pandemic. “Cox has always supported the communities we serve,” said Sam Attisha, senior vice president and region manager for Cox Communications in California. “Now, more than ever, supporting our food banks and enabling access to nutritious food for families and children who need our help is so important. We’re committed to doing our part and will continue t...

Oso Parkway Bridge Virtual Grand Opening

Tuesday, January 05, 2021

The Transportation Corridor Agencies (TCA), County of Orange, and Caltrans will host a virtual grand opening on Wednesday, Jan. 13 at 10 a.m. for the Oso Parkway Bridge Project. Highlights will include a clever “virtual ribbon-cutting” featuring local elected officials; remarks from Orange County Supervisor Lisa Bartlett and TCA Board Members; comments from stakeholders, including Caltrans; project video; drone footage; and more. Watch the Simulcast on Facebook.com/TheTollRoads, YouTube.com/TheTollRoadsOC. The Oso Parkway Bridge provides motorists with a direct connection between Los Patrones Parkway and State Route 241, improving safety and traffic flow on Oso Parkway. The bridge contains six lanes (three in each direction)...

Sonesta Hospitality Portfolio Grows with Two New Irvine Hotels

Tuesday, January 05, 2021

Sonesta International Hotels Corporation has introduced two of its newest properties in the U.S. in Irvine: Sonesta Irvine - Orange County Airport (formerly the Wyndham Irvine–Orange County Airport) located at 17941 Von Karman Ave., and Sonesta Simply Suites Orange County–Spectrum Center (formerly Candlewood Suites) at 16150 Sand Canyon Ave. With the addition of these Irvine hotels, Sonesta’s national footprint expands in a key tourism and business region. Sonesta Irvine is the company’s third full-service hotel in the California. Minutes away from Orange County’s John Wayne Airport, Sonesta Irvine boasts 335 rooms and suites and 11 venues totaling 7,500 square feet of flexible meetin...

MemorialCare is Presenting Sponsor for Greater Irvine Chamber Business Outlook

Monday, January 04, 2021

MemorialCare, a platinum-level Leaders Circle partner of the Greater Irvine Chamber, is returning for the second year as Presenting Sponsor for the Chamber's Business Outlook featuring UCI's economy expert Chris Schwarz, and live-streamed on Thursday, Jan. 28, at noon. "The Greater Irvine Chamber Business Outlook event couldn't come at a more important time, as our business community is focused on mitigating the fiscal impact that COVID-19 has had on employers," said Barry Arbuckle, Ph.D., president and CEO, MemorialCare. "MemorialCare is honored to once again sponsor this timely event, as we join the community of Irvine and all of Orange County in gaining the vita...

Greater Irvine Chamber Member MemorialCare and Others Recognized Among OC’s Top Workplaces for 2020

Monday, December 21, 2020

The Orange County Register published its Top Workplaces for 2020. Based on employee feedback through a survey conducted by the Register with its Top Workplaces partner Energage, 105 Orange County employers earned the recognition, including Greater Irvine Chamber platinum-level Leaders Circle partner MemorialCare, and member companies Astronics Test Systems, CBE Office Solutions, Girl Scouts of Orange County, Insperity, and Vincit. MemorialCare hospitals were the only hospitals to be recognized this year and MemorialCare Orange Coast Medical Center has been honored with this distinction for eleven consecutive years. As Orange County hospitals are experiencing more COVID-19 positive patients, being recognized serves a...

TCA Deputy Chief Executive Officer Valarie McFall Named Woman of the Year

Friday, December 18, 2020

Transportation Corridor Agencies (TCA) Deputy Chief Executive Officer Valarie McFall has been named Woman of the Year by the Orange County Chapter of Women’s Transportation Seminar (WTS) during a virtual ceremony held Dec. 17. The annual award honors a woman who is a leader in transportation and has made an outstanding contribution to the transportation industry. McFall joined TCA in 2000 and has spent 20 years spearheading management and restoration efforts of nearly 2,200 acres of land for mitigation of transportation projects. She has held several key positions within the Agencies that allowed her to perform this important work, progressing ove...

Hoag Earns Straight A's for Hospital Safety

Thursday, December 17, 2020

The Leapfrog Group has awarded Hoag Memorial Hospital Presbyterian straight “A’s” on the Leapfrog Hospital Safety Grade for its hospitals in Newport Beach and Irvine. Achieving the nation’s top honor for patient safety, the Leapfrog Hospital Safety Grade rates how well hospitals protect patients from preventable harm and medical errors. “Patient safety has been, and continues to be, our priority and we are honored that Hoag has been recognized by Leapfrog as one of the top hospitals in the nation for keeping our patients safe,” said Robert T. Braithwaite, Hoag president and chief executive officer. “We are proud of and grateful fo...

UCI Health Receives COVID-19 Vaccine, First Batch of 3,000 to be Given to Frontline Healthcare Employees

Wednesday, December 16, 2020

UCI Health on Dec. 16 received an initial shipment of the COVID-19 vaccine at the UCI Medical Center and will begin providing the first round of injections to its front-line healthcare workers. UCI Health was allotted some 3,000 units of the Pfizer-BioNTech COVID-19 vaccine. It will begin offering vaccinations to frontline healthcare workers today and continue with a full roll out tomorrow to its frontline clinical co-workers who care for patients in high-risk settings or patients with unknown COVID-19 status. UCI Health officials say they plan to vaccinate 2,000 people in this group, known as Group A, by Sunday and then begin t...

Hoag Hospital Expands Maternity Services with the Opening of the Fudge Family Birthing Suites in Irvine

Tuesday, December 15, 2020

Hoag Memorial Hospital Presbyterian has announced the opening of the Fudge Family Birthing Suites at Hoag Hospital Irvine which reimagines pregnancy, delivery, and recovery for modern families -- with private birthing suites, a perinatal VR guided program, and a calming outdoor walking garden. Take a 360 virtual tour and watch the grand opening video. Already a leader in women’s health, with the most prestigious nursing credentials in the nation and the most trusted maternity staff in Orange County, Hoag has listened to the needs and desires of today’s new mothers in designing 12 birthing suites in Irvine that are unlike anything else available in a hospital setting...

Hydrogen's Role in Clean Energy to Take the Spotlight in SoCalGas' H2 Hydrogen Home

Tuesday, December 15, 2020

As part of its efforts to support California's climate change goals and its mission to become the cleanest, safest and most innovative energy company in America, Southern California Gas Co. (SoCalGas) today announced it will build a state-of-the-art demonstration project to show the role hydrogen could play in attaining California's goal of achieving carbon neutrality. Named the H2 Hydrogen Home, the project is the first of its kind in the U.S. and will include a home, solar panels, a home battery, an electrolyzer to convert solar energy into clean hydrogen, and a fuel cell to convert that hydrogen back to electricity. The hydrogen will also be blended with natural gas for us...

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...

City of Hope’s Annette Walker Named Among Most Influential People in American Healthcare

Friday, December 11, 2020

Annette Walker, president of City of Hope Orange County, was recognized by Modern Healthcare as one of 2020’s 100 Most Influential People. This is the second consecutive year Walker has been honored for her legacy of healthcare contributions and transformational leadership centered on making a difference in people’s lives. “I’m extremely humbled by this honor during a year when we saw remarkable leadership, bravery, and resilience from people on the front lines. Helping others and improving the lives of people in our communities is the most important thing a person or organization can do. This award speaks to our incredible City o...

Foothill/Eastern Transportation Corridor Agency Approves Plan to Refund Bonds for Significant Savings

Friday, December 11, 2020

The Foothill/Eastern Transportation Corridor Agency (F/ETCA) Board of Directors has approved plans to reduce debt service and save millions by refunding some of the Agency’s outstanding 2013A and 2013C bonds. The refunding is estimated to save the F/ETCA in excess of $100 million without expending cash or extending bond maturity dates. The refunding would also enhance the Agency’s cash position, which is key given the uncertainties of COVID-19, but also allows the Agency flexibility to pay down other bonds early – something the Board has expressed interest in – or invest the savings in key capital projects. “At the direction of ou...

UCI Joins National Manufacturing Cybersecurity Collaboration

Friday, December 11, 2020

The California Institute for Telecommunications & Information Technology at the University of California, Irvine is joining the Cybersecurity Manufacturing Innovation Institute, a national organization focused on improving cybersecurity and energy efficiency in American manufacturing. In late November, the University of Texas at San Antonio (UTSA) formally launched CyManII, a $111 million public-private partnership funded by the U.S. Department of Energy, to engage in collaborative research and development that will help U.S. manufacturers become more resilient against cyber threats. UTSA will lead the consortium of 59 proposed member institutions. U.S. manufacturers are among the top targets for cybercriminals and nation-state adversaries, impacting the productio...

CUI President Michael Thomas Delivers His First State of the University Address

Thursday, December 10, 2020

Dr. Michael A. Thomas in October gave his State of the University address, looking back on his first year leading Concordia University Irvine and sharing his vision for the university’s future. Despite a year of unforeseen challenges, Dr. Thomas expressed there is much for which to be thankful. “I want to first acknowledge all of the hard work, sacrifices, trust, shared communal spirit, and corporate faith that the CUI community has demonstrated over these last six months. And I do so with gratitude and thanksgiving,” Thomas said in his address. “So, thank you! Each and every one of you students, faculty, staff, deans...

Orange County SC-Rangers FC Soccer Documentary “Path To Glory” Picked Up by CBS Sports Network

Wednesday, December 09, 2020

The Orange County Soccer Club and Rangers Football Club original documentary, Path to Glory, presented by PRO EM Event Services, has been picked up by CBS Sports Network and will premiere on Tuesday, Dec. 8 at 3:30 p.m. PT (6:30 p.m. ET), with Episode #2 airing Wednesday, Dec. 9 at 3:30 PM/PT (6:30 p.m. ET). The final 2 episodes of the series will premiere on Dec. 24 at 4:30 p.m. PT (7:30 p.m. ET). The four-part documentary follows the professional journeys of three young players from each club as they cross the Atlantic to live and train far from home in the other’s country (Glasgow an...

UCI Researchers Develop At-Home Coronavirus Saliva Test

Wednesday, December 09, 2020

Researchers in the Henry Samueli School of Engineering at the University of California, Irvine announced promising results in the development of a noninvasive at-home antigen test to detect the spike of SARS-CoV-2 proteins in saliva. The team, led by Michelle Khine, professor of biomedical engineering, posted their findings on the preprint server medRxiv.org. Khine is proposing a point-of-care platform that uses saliva, an electrochemical reaction and the children’s toy Shrinky Dinks to create the low-cost electrodes. “A rapid, population-scale diagnostic and screening device is our goal, and we think our electrochemical aptamer-based assay could be an ideal candidate,” Khine said. Working with Khine...

UCI Researchers Develop Rapid Antibody Generation Technology to Target SARS-CoV-2 Virus

Monday, December 07, 2020

Using the same strain of yeast that ferments wine and makes dough rise, a team led by University of California, Irvine and Harvard Medical School researchers has developed an in vitro technology that can rapidly hypermutate antibodies. The new technology generates antibodies faster than animal immune systems and better than current synthetic methods, giving researchers the tools for evolving exceptionally potent agents, including therapeutic candidates that target SARS-CoV-2. In the research, posted as a preprint on BioRxiv.org, the UCI/HMS team created the synthetic antibody generation system called autonomous hypermutation yeast surface display, nicknamed AHEAD. They demonstrated the power of their system in a number of experiments. “Ou...

City of Hope Initiates Phase 1 Clinical Trial to Test its First SARS-CoV-2 Investigational Vaccine

Friday, December 04, 2020

City of Hope has initiated a phase 1 clinical trial that will test one of its investigational SARS-CoV-2 vaccines in healthy volunteers between the ages of 18 and 55 who have not had COVID-19. The investigational vaccine, known as COH04S1, aims to stimulate the immune system to produce antibodies, which can block the virus from entering cells, and also spur abundant T cells that are thought to provide the elusive long-term protection that could protect against future outbreaks. “Based on preclinical research, we are hopeful that the vaccine will protect against SARS-CoV-2 infection that can lead to COVID-19 disease, helping t...

UCI's Dr. Susan M. O'Brien named Giant of Cancer Care

Friday, December 04, 2020

Dr. Susan M. O’Brien, the UCI Chao Family Comprehensive Cancer Center’s associate director for clinical research, has been named a Giant of Cancer Care® for her sustained contributions in the field of leukemia. O’Brien was one of 15 international pioneers in cancer research and care to be honored during the Nov. 5 awards program ceremony, which was held virtually due to the coronavirus pandemic. It is the eighth consecutive year the program has recognized the physician-scientists whose work has propelled the field of oncology across the spectrum of cancer types and created pathways for future breakthroughs. This year’s awardees bring to 113 the total numbe...

Cox Charities Grants $75,000 to Support Local Nonprofits

Wednesday, December 02, 2020

Cox Charities surprised nine nonprofit organizations with grants totaling $75,000 to help them address the immediate needs of our local communities. The grants focus on three key areas of need: COVID-19 relief, the digital divide, and social justice efforts. Cox Charities is funded by employee donations that are matched by Cox and overseen by a volunteer advisory board of employees. Cox Charities members (employees who donate to the foundation) were given the opportunity to vote for which organizations they thought were making an essential impact in one of the three focus areas and should receive a grant The following Orange County an...

Thousands of Top U.S. Hospitals Encourage Everyone to #MaskUp

Thursday, November 19, 2020

One hundred of the nation’s top health care systems, representing thousands of hospitals in communities across the U.S., have come together with an urgent plea for all Americans – mask up, because wearing a facemask is our best chance at slowing the surging COVID-19 pandemic now. More than 11.5 million Americans have tested positive for the virus – including an additional one million in just the past week – leading to nearly 250,000 deaths. The current trends are daunting and frightening. If the nation stays on its current course, hospital leaders are increasingly concerned that more healthcare facilities will be overwhelmed as shortage...

Kaiser Permanente Renews as Greater Irvine Chamber Gold-Level Leaders Circle Sponsor

Monday, November 09, 2020

Kaiser Permanente has renewed its gold-level Leaders Circle sponsorship with the Greater Irvine Chamber. Kaiser Permanente’s mission is to provide high-quality, affordable health care services and to improve the health of its members and the communities it serves. As a nonprofit health care system, Kaiser Foundation Health Plan, Inc., Kaiser Foundation Hospitals, and their respective subsidiaries advance this mission through investments in high-quality integrated care and coverage to make health care more affordable. 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 highes...

Hoag Hospital Irvine Expansion Helps Position City as Patient Care Hub

Saturday, November 07, 2020

(Orange County Register) Already known as a hub for medical technology and research firms, Irvine is also increasingly becoming a center for direct patient care, with a proposed expansion of Hoag Hospital Irvine as the latest example of the trend. Hoag in Irvine is moving forward with plans that would expand its Sand Canyon Avenue facilities to more than double the number of patient beds and add nine buildings, reorganizing the hospital into specialized institutes of care. While the hospital is already allowed some expansion under city rules, updates and additions to older plans will go before the city’s Planning Commission late...

Edison’s Looking for the Makers of Tomorrow and Giving Them $40,000 STEM Scholarships

Tuesday, November 03, 2020

Edison Scholars recognizes students that want to be makers of tomorrow – the dreamers, inventors, guardians and pioneers – those that dare to be great. Each year, Southern California Edison awards $40,000 scholarships to 30 high school seniors who want to make a difference in the world by studying science, technology, engineering or math (STEM) in college. Last year, Orange County had eight Edison Scholars with four scholarship recipients from Irvine. From preventing greenhouse gas emissions to increasing access to clean energy in underserved communities, real issues need bright ideas to create change. This is a chance for students to stand up...

UC Irvine Partners with O.C. Businesses to Develop Safe Reopening Protocols

Friday, October 02, 2020

(Los Angeles Times-Daily Pilot) UC Irvine is providing consulting services to private businesses to develop rules and procedures to keep employees and customers safe from COVID-19 as the economy starts to open up. “As the only program in public health in Orange County, we have an obligation to assist our community,” UCI professor Karen Edwards said in a press release. “I think there’s a gap in this area for us to step up and offer these types of services. This has the potential to have a major positive impact.” Orange County was on track to move into the state’s less restrictive orange tier until th...

Kaiser Permanente is First US Health Care System to Achieve Carbon-Neutral Status

Tuesday, September 15, 2020

(Patch) Kaiser Permanente, the nation's largest integrated, nonprofit health system, has become the first health care system in the United States to achieve carbon-neutral status. With its longstanding commitment to improving conditions that lead to poor health, Kaiser Permanente has prioritized sustainability to contribute to and catalyze a green future free of the extreme climate conditions currently harming so many Americans. This move to carbon neutrality eliminates the organization's 800,000-ton annual carbon footprint, the equivalent of taking 175,000 cars off the road. The U.S. health care industry overall is responsible for roughly 10 percent of the country's greenhouse gas emissions. "As wildfires rag...

Wells Fargo Gives $1 Million in Scholarships to Bridge Financial Gaps Faced by Students Amidst COVID-19

Wednesday, September 09, 2020

Students dedicated to making a positive difference in the world offer the greatest hope for the future, but for many their plans are threatened due to the unexpected financial gap posed by COVID-19—sometimes prohibiting them from continuing and completing college. Wells Fargo wants to help close that gap by launching the Wells Fargo Student Impact Scholarship. This new initiative will provide 200 students with $5,000 each—funds that could help them cover various costs for their instruction and potentially make the difference in being able to continue their education. Wells Fargo’s commitment will go beyond financial assistance to include an optiona...

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...

why
irvine