Winter sports fans will have a new mountain route this snow season when Breeze Airways launches nonstop flights from Orange County to Telluride, Colorado.
Routes open five days a week beginning Dec. 19 between John Wayne Airport and Montrose/Telluride Regional Airport.
The flights were made possible through a partnership between the airline and Colorado Flights Alliance, which promotes air travel to key destinations in the Centennial State.
“We see a huge opportunity with this route, allowing more guests to experience the amazing skiing that Telluride has to offer, as well as Colorado residents traveling to all that Southern California has to offer,” Breeze Airways’ CEO David Neeleman said in a statement.
$20M for City of Hope for pancreatic cancer research
Philanthropists Norman and Melinda Payson have donated $20 million to the City of Hope to create a center that will advance research and treatments for pancreatic cancer and diabetes.
The gift honors Norman Payson’s mother, who died of pancreatic cancer.
Before this latest contribution, Payson, an entrepreneur and president of NCP Inc., donated $10 million to City of Hope.
“City of Hope is uniquely positioned with the expertise to advance the pioneering treatments and cures needed to end pancreatic cancer, the epidemic of diabetes and related serious illness,” he said in a statement.
The $20 million donation follows a $150 million gift to CoH earlier this month from A. Emmet Stephenson Jr. and daughter Tessa Stephenson Brand. The Stephesons lost Emmet’s wife, Toni, to pancreatic cancer four years ago.
“Pancreatic cancer is among the most complex cancer types affecting millions of people around the world. Unfortunately, our family understands its impact all too well,” Payson said. “City of Hope is uniquely positioned with the expertise to advance the pioneering treatments and cures needed to end pancreatic cancer, the epidemic of diabetes and related serious illness. Melinda and I are honored to further advance research and bring new hope to people worldwide, including here in Orange County.”
Women’s fashion line Ncor expands to Tustin Legacy
Ncor Clothing opened Saturday, Sept. 28 at The District at Tustin Legacy, the second shop for the brand.
The company, created by Cory Cruz in 2022, is known for its trendy women’s fashion that includes dresses, tops, denim and skirts.
Cruz said fashion has been her passion since she was a little girl growing up in El Salvador.
“My mother owned a boutique, and from the age of 3, I was right by her side in the shop,” she recalled. “Watching her work, and later witnessing our family business grow to eight stores, instilled in me a deep love for fashion. She eventually began designing her own clothes, and that sparked a vision for my own journey.”
Ncor’s flagship is in Hollywood. The Tustin store is next to PetSmart and Alternative Retail.
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Costa Mesa retail hub adding 2 food merchants
Paseo 17 in Costa Mesa will soon have two new food and beverage concepts in its retail mix.
Mercado Mesa, a one-stop shop for groceries, grab-and-go items and gifts, will offer prepared meals with a focus on gluten-free options. Created by Summer Tarango, the founder of Mercado Laguna, the shop will sell seasonal produce, local provisions, and ready-to-eat and ready-to-cook meals.
Rye Goods, an organic sourdough bakery and deli, will open early next year. Created by pastry chef Sara Lezama, the shop promises to use locally grown ingredients. Rye Goods is relocating from its original Lido Village location, which means chef Lezama will be able to expand her menu and add a wine bar and wine shop, too. Rye Goods has two other locations in Tustin and Laguna Beach.
Top Chef alum Jackson Kalb also is bringing Ospi to the center this fall. It will be the third location for the classic-meets-modern Italian concept born in Venice Beach. It will be the first for Kalb in Orange County.
New gutters franchise opens in south OC
Mission Viejo resident David Hershman recently opened a franchise gutter cleaning service.
The Brothers that just do Gutters offers gutter installation, repair and cleaning services throughout Orange County.
For more information, go to brothersgutters.com/irvine or contact Hershman at 949-994-4401.
On the move
Adriel Terbeche is the new vice president of Tourism and International Sales at Visit Anaheim, effective Oct. 1. His role will focus on the MICE market (meetings, incentives, conferences, and exhibitions) in order to increase the organization’s international reach. Previously, Terbeche worked at Marriott International, where she led regional sales and account management teams at the company’s Southwest regional properties, including Anaheim.
Grants
Casa Youth Shelter is the recipient of a $4 million grant from CalOptima Health. The money will be used to build a 5,400-square-foot home offering a stable environment for transitional-age youth aged 18-22 who have experienced abuse, homelessness, sex trafficking and suicidal ideation. “This grant … will deliver life-changing transitional housing services for many individuals and families in Orange County who have struggled to navigate the complex system of homeless services and housing,” said Michael Hunn, CEO of CalOptima Health. “Simply put, housing is health. Stable housing is the very foundation for accessing medical and behavioral health services.”
Appointments
San Clemente resident Derek Urwin was recently appointed to the Occupational Safety and Health Standards Board. He is an assistant adjunct professor in the Department of Chemistry and Biochemistry at the UCLA. He has also been chief science adviser at the International Association of Fire Fighters since 2021. The board position does not require Senate confirmation; compensation is $100 per diem. Urwin is registered without party preference.
Status Update is compiled and written 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.
