Children undergoing treatment at CHOC in Orange got a dose of Christmas cheer recently from Orange County’s Credit Union.
The Santa Ana-based credit union donated 365 toys collected during its annual toy drive to Children’s Hospital of Orange County.
The gifts ranged from stuffed animals, games, puzzles, art supplies, LEGOs and play sets.
In other CHOC news, the hospital announced last week that it’s seeking to merge with Rady Children’s Hospital in San Diego.
According to the San Diego Union-Tribune, the parent companies of each hospital are planning to merge, with regulator approval, under the name Rady Children’s Health. How or if names would change is still being determined.
“We want to make sure we’re honoring the histories of both organizations,” Patricio Frias, speaking with Kimberly Chavalas Cripe, CHOC’s president and CEO, told the newspaper in a joint interview Wednesday.
The hospitals in a statement said they believe becoming one will help train and recruit talent and expand access to pediatric care throughout Southern California.
The billionaire Ernest Rady and his wife Evelyn have given nearly $400 million to the San Diego institution. The family, which has donated millions of dollars to San Diego causes, also gave $15 million toward the creation of the Rady Shell, an $85 million amphitheater at the Embarcadero Marina Park South.
Airport reduces passenger count as annual cap looms
John Wayne Airport’s seat restriction policy appears to be working, pushing down November’s passenger count 6%.
The airport, which has seen rising passenger traffic since the pandemic restrictions ended, is restricted each year to 11.8 million annual passengers. In October, the airport was nearing 10 mission passengers, not far from its cap with two months of busy travel ahead.
The airport counted 954,228 passengers through its gates, compared with 1,014,095 in November 2022.
That restriction also reduced aircraft operations, which slipped 5.7%. Commuter operations were down 36%.
The top three airlines in November 2023 based on passenger count were Southwest Airlines (287,012), United Airlines (149,707) and Alaska Airlines (148,983).
The annual passenger cap is part of a 1985 agreement between Orange County, Newport Beach and community organizations Airport Working Group and Stop Polluting Our Newport.
Kia helps light up New Year’s celebration
When the ball drops in New York City on New Year’s Eve, look for the giant “2024” and know that a Kia from Southern California helped light up the night.
Irvine-based Kia America sent a new, all-electric 2024 Kia EV9 across the country, part of a coast-to-coast journey that began in Los Angeles. The numerals were towed into Times Square by the Kia SUV.
It’s the fourth year that Kia America participated in the New Year’s Eve Countdown.
Coming Up
The Arts & Learning Conservatory will present “Music of the March: A Tribute to MLK and the Motown Era” at 7:00 p.m. on Saturday, Jan. 13 at the Irvine Barclay Theatre.
The performance is called a journey through American history, with the life and legacy of Rev. Dr. Martin Luther King Jr. with the sound of the Motown era woven throughout.
Tickets for this event range from $35 to $105. For more information and to buy tickets, go to shorturl.at/dBST7
On the move
Saul Viramontes joins Orange County Power Authority as a management analyst responsible for research, administrative, operations, financial and analytical duties. Viramontes has a background in customer service, community relations and work in the government sector. Linda Kraemer also joins the agency as its community engagement manager. She is a member of Women of Renewable Industries and Sustainable Energy and Climate Psychology Alliance of North America.
Laguna Art Museum has made some key hires and executive changes. Crystal Tosello is the museum’s new development manager. Carl E. Smith is taking on the role of exhibition and graphic designer. Carly Bornmann is the new development events coordinator, and Cami Keller is the collections and registration assistant. Lastly, Robbin Rundle is LAM’s education coordinator, and Laura Belani is its registrar and collections manager.
Correction
Kim Constantine is a city councilor in Fountain Valley. Because of an editor’s error, the Dec. 18 Status Update column identified her as mayor of the city. The city swore in a new mayor Dec. 5.
Status Update is compiled from press releases by contributing writer Karen Levin and edited by Business Editor Samantha Gowen. Submit items and high-resolution photos to [email protected]. Allow at least one week for publication. Items are edited for length and clarity.
