Jackie Moe
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@OCBizJournal Editor | Entertainment reporter | Marathoner 🏃♀️ | 🏒 ⚾️ | @CSUF & @CSULB Professor | fb.com/jackieemoe
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Articles by Jackie Moe
‘Beauty and the Beast’ Returns to Costa Mesa After 25 Years: Meet Mrs. Potts, Christina Rose Hall
By JACKIE MOE For generations of theatergoers, the story of Beauty and the Beast is wrapped in nostalgia, familiar music and the reminder that there is often much more to people than what first meets the eye. Now, after more than 25 years, Disney is bringing a new North American touring production of the beloved stage musical back to audiences across the country, and to Costa Mesa.
The Greatest Team Fred Hill Ever Played On
People often ask Fred Hill what he is most proud of. Some expect him to talk about football: winning a national championship at USC in 1962, playing in the 1963 Rose Bowl, leading USC in receptions, earning Second-Team All-America honors and being drafted by both the Philadelphia Eagles and Oakland Raiders in 1965. Baseball fans may recall that Hill also helped USC win the 1963 College World Series, played for a Dodgers rookie team and later received a contract offer from the Boston Red Sox.
Behind the Story: A Family, a Team and a Legacy
Take a behind-the-scenes look at Fred Hill’s McDonald’s legacy, his family, and the memories that shaped a lifetime of service to others. Former Philadelphia Eagles owner Leonard Tose with Kimmie Hill, whose battle with leukemia inspired the first Ronald McDonald House. Former Eagles tight end Fred Hill and his wife, Fran, who helped inspire the Ronald McDonald House.
Video: Tour David Wilson’s ‘Unicorn’ Laguna Beach Mansion
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Christiane Noll on Bringing Mother Abbess to Life in ‘The Sound of Music’ in Costa Mesa
By JACKIE MOE For generations, The Sound of Music has captivated audiences with its memorable songs, inspiring story and enduring message of hope. Now, the beloved Rodgers and Hammerstein classic returns to Segerstrom Center for the Arts June 2-14 in a new North American tour directed by Jack O’Brien. Among the acclaimed cast is Tony Award nominee Christiane Noll, who brings her own interpretation to the role of Mother Abbess.
The Cab Comeback: Alex DeLeon Talks ‘Chasing Crowns’ and Anaheim Return
By JACKIE MOE The Cab comeback is officially here. After more than 13 years away from releasing a full-length album, the beloved Las Vegas pop-rock band has returned with Chasing Crowns and a massive nationwide tour that stops tomorrow at House of Blues Anaheim. For a generation raised on neon-colored pop-rock, emotionally charged choruses and MySpace-era playlists, The Cab never really disappeared.
OC50 2025: SUSAN PARKS
CEO/PRESIDENT OC UNITED WAY WHY: Runs Irvine-based nonprofit focused on Orange County’s critical challenges. Parks was named to the top role in 2017. Founding member of Orange County United Way’s Women’s Philanthropy Fund and a former board member of Orange County United Way. Under her leadership, the organization launched three key initiatives (United to End Homelessness, United for Financial Security and United for Student Success).
OC50 2026: CHERYL OSBORN
PRESIDENT / CEO CASCO CONTRACTORS WHY: Leads one of the largest woman-owned general contractor businesses in Orange County. Under her leadership, company has completed over 4,000 projects, specializing in high-end commercial construction, tenant improvements and design-build services.
Elijah Ahmad Lewis Brings 'The Wiz' to Costa Mesa in a Full-Circle Moment
The Wiz, Broadway’s Tony Award-winning genre-blending retelling of The Wizard of Oz, arrived in Costa Mesa on Tuesday as part of its 50th Anniversary national tour, celebrating the legacy of a show that has resonated across generations. Among the principal cast is Elijah Ahmad Lewis, who stars as the Scarecrow; a role that carries deep personal significance.
VIDEO: Tony Koblinski's Karman Space & Defense
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Tebra Tackles Healthcare
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OC500 2025: GARY SINGER - Orange County Business Journal
GARY SINGER CHAIR UC IRVINE FOUNDATION BOARD OF TRUSTEES WHY: Elected chair of UC Irvine Foundation in 2023. Retired Partner, O’Melveny & Myers LLP. Has served as chair of the Ronald M. Simon Family Foundation. IN THE NEWS: Was instrumental in bringing two prominent features to campus: the Irvine Barclay Theatre and the UCI School of Law. Additionally, he and his wife, Melanie, established the Singer Endowed Scholarship, which is awarded to a student-athlete in the School of Social Sciences.
OC500 2025: BRIAN HERVEY - Orange County Business Journal
BRIAN HERVEY VICE CHANCELLOR FOR UNIVERSITY ADVANCEMENT AND ALUMNI RELATIONS UCI WHY: Led “Brilliant Future: The Campaign for UCI,” the largest philanthropic effort for the university and largest comprehensive campaign in OC. IN THE NEWS: UCI in October concluded the Brilliant Future campaign after raising $2.4B+ during a six-year period and completed its acquisition of OCMA, renaming it the UC Irvine Langson Orange County Museum of Art.
The Future of Orange County’s Local News
Editor’s Note: Scott Hays is co-founder and executive producer of OC World, an award-winning nonprofit multimedia company that broadcasts to households from Santa Barbara to San Diego on the KLCS-PBS station. He has more than three decades of journalism experience, including serving as a reporter for publications in Costa Mesa, Fullerton, and Northern California.
OC500 2025: DOUG FREEMAN - Orange County Business Journal
DOUG FREEMAN CO-FOUNDER/EXECUTIVE CHAIR/CEO ORANGE COUNTY MUSIC & DANCE WHY: Founder of National Philanthropy Day, held annually on Nov. 15 since 1986. The day recognizes the contribution philanthropy makes to society, and honors businesses, individuals and support organizations. Executive chair and CEO of nonprofit OC Music & Dance. IN THE NEWS: Marked the 40th anniversary of National Philanthropy Day on Nov. 13.
OC500 2025: RUSS BENDEL JR. - Orange County Business Journal
RUSS BENDEL JR. OWNER/PARTNER RJB RESTAURANT GROUP WHY: Owner and operator of a string of full-service restaurants in OC; portfolio started with purchase of Vine Restaurant + Bar in San Clemente in 2013 and continued to expand with his partners at Newport Beach-based RJB Restaurant Group. IN THE NEWS: Opened Parlor pizzeria in San Clemente in 2024, across from Vine, marking the seventh restaurant in OC for Bendel and partners, including chef Jared Cook.
OC500 2025: NOAH KERNER
CHAIRMAN/CEO ACORNS WHY: Runs Irvine-based fintech firm and a micro-investing app. Launched Acorns in 2014 geared at millennials, that counts 6M global subscribers. Has helped over 15.5M of everyday Americans save and invest more than $26B, mostly in small amounts. IN THE NEWS: To accelerate its family product strategy, acquired Zeta app that provides financial tools and services for couples and families in June; marks fifth product buy in past two years.
OC500 2025: PARKER KENNEDY & JIM BURRA
PARKER KENNEDY CHAIR EMERITUS BOARD OF TRUSTEES CHAPMAN UNIVERSITY JIM BURRA CHAIR BOARD OF TRUSTEES CHAPMAN UNIVERSITY WHO: Kennedy served as the chairman and chief executive of Fortune 500 company First American Corp. from 2003 to 2010, following his father. He also chaired First Advantage Corp., a Nasdaq company ultimately sold to private equity and was president of the American Land Title Association.
OC500 2025: ERIC GOODMAN - Orange County Business Journal
ERIC GOODMAN CEO/PRESIDENT MOUNTAIN VIEW SERVICES WHY: Company has been a supplier of groceries, medical supplies, janitorial supplies, nutritional supplements and incontinent-care supplies to healthcare and other facilities since 1988. IN THE NEWS: Launched mobile liquid IV business called Elivation Health with Charles Antis, CEO and founder of Antis Roofing and Waterproofing. NOTABLE: Recognized at the Business Journal’s Family-Owned Business Awards in 2023.
OC500 2025: SHAHEEN SADEGHI - Orange County Business Journal
SHAHEEN SADEGHI FOUNDER/CEO LAB HOLDING LLC WHY: Former Quiksilver president left the fashion industry to start LAB Holding LLC, a Costa Mesa-based retail venture rooted in rebellion. The company, whose name stands for “Little American Businesses,” champions mom-and-pop shops over corporate chains. Visionary behind successful OC retail centers and food hubs such as The Camp and the Anaheim Packing House.
OC500 2025: GARY AND JULIE CRISP - Orange County Business Journal
GARY AND JULIE CRISP CO-FOUNDERS CRISP IMAGING WHY: Founded Costa Mesa-based digital printing company Crisp Imaging in 2001, building it up to an annual run rate of around $35M in sales. IN THE NEWS: Crisp Imaging acquired Orange-based AAA Blueprint & Digital Reprographics Inc. in May. NOTABLE: Known for annually hosting Super Bowl Party for 500 Marines and veterans at the American Legion post in Newport Beach’s Balboa Peninsula.
OC500 2025: ALEC GLASSER - Orange County Business Journal
ALEC GLASSER FOUNDER/OWNER THE DRAKE WHY: Founded The Drake, a restaurant and live jazz lounge in Laguna Beach named after his time as an elevator operator and bellman at the Drake Hotel in the 1960s. IN THE NEWS: Donated “one of the largest gifts in UCI history,” which propelled UCI past a $2B fundraising goal months ahead of schedule. The undisclosed gift ensured the long-term sustainability of the Alec Glasser Center for the Power of Music and Social Change.
OC500 2025: KIMBERLY CHAVALAS CRIPE - Orange County Business Journal
KIMBERLY CHAVALAS CRIPE CO-CEO RADY CHILDREN’S HEALTH WHY: Has served as the CEO and president of Orange County’s only dedicated pediatric hospital since 1997. Hospital has 334 licensed beds, 54-bed satellite facility in Mission Hospital and 6K-plus workers. Fourth largest hospital in OC with $1.1B in revenue. IN THE NEWS: Opened $300M Southwest Tower in phases in June. The 330K-square-foot outpatient and research tower is part of the hospital’s $1.3B master plan to secure more space for the future.
OC500 2025: WEEN NIU - Orange County Business Journal
WEEN NIU GENERAL MANAGER ADVANTECH NORTH AMERICA/CANADA WHY: Has worked at Irvine-based office of Taiwanese company since 2000, including last 16 as its managing director of North America, which supplies Internet of Things (IoT) solutions. Goal of $1.5B in regional revenue. IN THE NEWS: Building a new six-story building and adjacent two-story facility in Tustin; the two buildings are set on 10 acres at the corner of Red Hill Avenue and Victory Loop near the former Marine helicopter base.
OC500 2025: DONATELLA AND FRANCO BARONE - Orange County Business Journal
DONATELLA AND FRANCO BARONE CO-OWNERS IL BARONE RISTORANTE WHY: Couple opened the now notable Italian restaurant Il Barone in 2009 in Newport Beach; Franco was previously the longtime chef at Antonello near South Coast Plaza. Donatella handles operations and is the face of the front of the house.
OC500 2025: ERIC KENNEDY - Orange County Business Journal
ERIC KENNEDY MANAGING SHAREHOLDER, ORANGE COUNTY BUCHALTER WHY: Leads Buchalter’s Irvine office, which ranks No. 11 on the 2025 list of largest law firms in Orange County. IN THE NEWS: The Irvine office has more than 90 employees, including 60 attorneys with particular strengths in corporate, litigation, intellectual property, real estate, insolvency, healthcare and white-collar crime law.
OC500 2025: TOM CORBETT - Orange County Business Journal
OC 5002025Services/Accounting/Insurance TOM CORBETT EXECUTIVE CHAIRMAN ALLIANT INSURANCE SERVICES INC. WHY: Started at Newport Beach office when it had “zero business” in 1977, became CEO in 1994 and grew insurance firm to generate annual sales of $5B. IN THE NEWS: Irvine-based company surpassed revenue goal in 2024, growing nearly 30% to $5.1B as of Dec. 30. Ranked No. 5 among OC’s largest private companies in June.
OC500 2025: TIM NGUYEN - Orange County Business Journal
TIM NGUYEN CO-FOUNDER/FORMER CHIEF STRATEGY OFFICER MERIDIANLINK WHY: Co-founded in 1998 MeridianLink, a software company that provides software for credit unions, small banks and consumer reporting agencies. Raised $343M when company went public in 2021; now sports $1.3B market cap (NYSE: MLNK). Employee count is 676 as of March. Total Q1 2025 revenue grew by 5% to $81.5M.
OC500 2025: STUART MCCLURE - Orange County Business Journal
STUART MCCLURE CEO WETHOS AI QWIET AI WHY: Co-founded internet security company Cylance Inc., which he sold to Canada-based BlackBerry Ltd. (NYSE: BB) for $1.5B in 2019. Since then, CEO of San Jose-based cybersecurity firm Qwiet AI and CEO of workplace dynamics company Wethos AI in Newport Beach. IN THE NEWS: San Francisco-based Harness acquired Qwiet AI in September. Last year, Wethos AI raised $7.5M in a seed funding round led by Jeff Herbst at GFT Ventures.
OC500 2025: SALEEL AWSARE - Orange County Business Journal
SALEEL AWSARE CEO/PRESIDENT LANTRONIX WHY: Took over as CEO of the network products maker less than two years ago. 25 years’ experience in development, promotion and delivery of semiconductor products to global markets. IN THE NEWS: Lantronix expanded its partnership with TD SYNNEX, a global distributor and solutions aggregator for the IT ecosystem, which will expand the reach of Lantronix throughout Europe.
DAN OLSON & ANDREW OLSON - Orange County Business Journal
DAN OLSON ANDREW OLSON FOUNDERS HOOK HAND RUM WHY: In 2023, launched Hook Hand Rum, new spirit brand revolving around theme of family and storytelling. IN THE NEWS: Pitched Hook Hand Rum to about 40 potential investors with the goal of raising $500K. Moved away from taking loans from the bank and gravitated towards crowdfunding. NOTABLE: Andrew Olson came up with the idea of rum during his time as a bartender at Salt Creek Grille in Dana Point.
OC500 2025: CHARLES ANTIS - Orange County Business Journal
CHARLES ANTIS FOUNDER, CEO ANTIS ROOFING AND WATERPROOFING WHY: Founded namesake provider of roofing, waterproofing and decking services in 1989 for homeowners associations and multi-family residential communities in Southern California. For 13 years, has donated the roof installation for every Habitat for Humanity OC home. IN THE NEWS: Launched new mobile IV therapy business called Elivation Health in September.
OC500 2025: NEWTH MORRIS AND JARED SMITH
JARED SMITH CO-FOUNDERS/MANAGING DIRECTORS ANKONA CAPITAL PARTNERS WHO: Morris co-founded logistics software maker Telogis, which was sold for $900M to Verizon in 2016; the prior year Morris received Innovator of the Year Award from the Business Journal. Smith built supply chain software firm Avetta LLC to more than 200 employees before being sold for undisclosed amount in 2018.
OC500 2025: ANNA RICARDO - Orange County Business Journal
ANNA RICARDO CFO MERICAL WHY: Known as a corporate turnaround specialist with her latest fix at MeriCal, where she has served as chief financial officer since 2023. IN THE NEWS: Won a Business Journal Women in Business Award this year for her work at the contract manufacturer of dietary supplements in Anaheim. Her fix-it strategy involved recruiting new talent, including a controller and a data analytics team to establish accurate reporting and internal controls.
OC500 2025: JEFF MOORAD - Orange County Business Journal
JEFF MOORAD PARTNER/CEO MSP SPORTS CAPITAL PARTNERS WHY: Longtime sports agent since 1980s turned business executive, including exec and ownership roles at San Diego Padres and Arizona Diamondbacks. Created Moorad Sports Partners in 2013. Developing X Games into worldwide platform by building 10 teams for winter sports and 10 for summer sports. IN THE NEWS: MSP Sports Capital Partners sells its equity interest in McLaren Racing, which includes its famous Formula 1 Team.
OC500 2025: PARKE MILLER - Orange County Business Journal
PARKE MILLER EVP LINCOLN PROPERTY COMPANY WHY: Leads Dallas-based landlord’s OC division, includes more than 14M square foot of office, industrial, retail and mixed-use space locally. IN THE NEWS: Tapped to manage two-building, 310K-square-foot office campus in Newport Beach, which was recently acquired by Formosa Ltd. owner Joe Wen.
OC500 2025: SEAN SAINT
SEAN SAINT CEO BETA BIONICS INC. WHY:Diabetes device industry veteran. Worked as an engineer at Dexcom and Tandem Diabetes Care. Joined Beta as CEO in 2022. IN THE NEWS: Took the company public in late January. Originally planned to raise $114.4M, but ended up upsizing to $204M with a market cap of nearly $1B.
OC500 2025: BILL WITTE, GINO CARINO & STEVEN OH - Orange County Business Journal
BILL WITTE FOUNDER/CHAIRMAN/CEO RELATED CALIFORNIA ______________ GINO canori PRESIDENT RELATED CALIFORNIA _______________ STEVEN OH evp, development RELATED CALIFORNIA WHY: Have overseen a real estate development portfolio of more than 21K residential units and about $117B in assets. Related California is the largest affordable housing developer in the state.
OC500 2025: PETER KRAUSS - Orange County Business Journal
PETER KRAUSS CEO TERRAN ORBITAL CORP. WHY: Leads Terran Orbital Corp., a maker of small satellites acquired by its largest shareholder, Lockheed Martin. IN THE NEWS: Terran moved its headquarters to Irvine from Florida, installed a new leadership team and is moving full speed ahead on making more than 100 spacecraft for the U.S. military’s Space Development Agency.
OC500 2025: RICK MATROS - Orange County Business Journal
RICK MATROS CEO/PRESIDENT/BOARD CHAIRMAN SABRA HEALTH CARE REIT WHY: Tustin-based Sabra REIT has been making major progress with its senior housing investments. Has $4.2B market cap. IN THE NEWS: Also has served as executive producer of Sabra Films. In 2023, Matros won an Emmy in the Sports Documentary category for his role as co-executive producer of “Legacy: The True Story of the LA Lakers.” NOTABLE: Has served on the nonprofit Boards of Girls Inc.
OC500 2025: TOM SCHOENHERR - Orange County Business Journal
TOM SCHOENHERR CEO AMBRY GENETICS CORP. WHY: Tapped to oversee Orange County’s third-largest medical diagnostics and testing company following its $1B sale in 2017 to Tokyo-based Konica Minolta Inc., promoted to CEO in 2021. IN THE NEWS: Was acquired for $600M in February by Chicago-based Tempus AI Inc., which is using AI for precision medicine. NOTABLE: Company founded in 1999 by biotech entrepreneur Charles Dunlop, who was named the Business Journal’s Businessperson of the Year in 2017.
OC500 2025: STEVEN GROSSMAN - Orange County Business Journal
STEVEN GROSSMAN EXECUTIVE MEDICAL DIRECTOR HOAG FAMILY CANCER INSTITUTE WHY: Renowned expert specializing in gastrointestinal cancer with more than 20 years of experience. Extensive background in clinical research. IN THE NEWS: Recruited by Hoag in April following a nationwide search to lead the Hoag Family Cancer Institute, which researches and develops new therapies and drug treatments for 35 types of cancer.
OC500 2025: YOSHI MARUYAMA
YOSHI MARUYAMA CEO TOCA FOOTBALL WHY: Heads soccer experience and training company based in Costa Mesa, founded by former professional soccer player Eddie Lewis. Said to be the largest indoor soccer center operator in North America. IN THE NEWS: Last October, announced the close of a $100M Series F round, which will fund the company’s global expansion, new technologies and upgrading its TOCA Soccer training centers.
OC500 2025: EDDIE LEWIS - Orange County Business Journal
EDDIE LEWIS FOUNDER, PRESIDENT TOCA FOOTBALL INC. WHY: Founded Costa Mesa’s TOCA Football, now the largest indoor soccer center operator in North America. Company has raised over $200M since its 2016 inception. Has growing soccer entertainment and dining concept, TOCA Social, which opened its first venue in London and is readying for a rollout in the U.S. IN THE NEWS: Raised an additional $35M, building off last year’s $100M Series F round.
OC500 2025: STEPHEN H. GORDON - Orange County Business Journal
STEPHEN H. GORDON FOUNDER/CEO/chairman GENESIS BANK WHY: Well-known area banker and entrepreneur. When the economy is faltering, Gordon sees opportunity. IN THE NEWS: Acquiring Beverly Hills-based Excel Bank, doubling Genesis’ assets to $400M. Grew Genesis organically; its Orange County deposits climbed 40% to $133.7M in year ended June 30, 2024. NOTABLE: After the dot-com bust in 2000, co-founded Commercial Capital Bancorp, which was sold for almost $1B in 2006.
OC500 2025: BRYON WARD - Orange County Business Journal
BRYON WARD PRESIDENT/PARTNER BURNHAM-WARD PROPERTIES WHY: Has guided Burnham-Ward, founded in 2004, to become a major developer in OC. The company’s portfolio includes retail centers such as SOCO and The Hanger at LBX. IN THE NEWS: Burnham-Ward Properties was also hired by the Orange County Board of Supervisors to revitalize Dana Point Harbor. Ward and his company completed a $45M parking structure at the harbor, the first major component of the revitalization.
OC500 2025: KARL KREUTZIGER - Orange County Business Journal
KARL KREUTZIGER PRESIDENT C.W. DRIVER WHY: Oversees the administration and execution of C.W. Driver projects from Orange County office in Anaheim. IN THE NEWS: Broke ground on $54M, 45K-square-foot innovation hub at CSUF in June. Slated to open in spring 2027. NOTABLE: Served on the boards of Discovery Cube Orange County and HomeAid Inland Empire. QUOTABLE: “I’m proud to say that it’s also my 40 years of relationships with architects, brokerage, and developers where I gain insight.
OC500 2025: RICHARD CABRERA
EVP, HEAD OF COMMERCIAL BANKING COLUMBIA BANK WHY: Long-time OC banker with executive roles at Bank of America, California Bank & Trust and Umpqua Bank. IN THE NEWS: In 2023, Washington state-based Columbia Banking System acquired Umpqua and this year, bought Pacific Premier, the largest bank previously headquartered in OC. Columbia is now one of the largest West Coast banks with $70B in assets.
OC500 2025: BARRY ARBUCKLE - Orange County Business Journal
BARRY ARBUCKLE CEO/PRESIDENT MEMORIALCARE WHY: Runs Fountain Valley-based health system with area hospitals including Orange Coast Medical Center and Saddleback Medical Center. IN THE NEWS: MemorialCare Cancer Institute at Saddleback Medical Center recently expanded its integrative and advanced cancer care capabilities in South OC, introducing ballet-inspired exercises for cancer patients and image-guided therapy for lung, breast or prostate cancer.
OC500 2025: SEAN FOLEY - Orange County Business Journal
SEAN FOLEY REGIONAL PRESIDENT BANC OF CALIFORNIA WHY: Previously top executive roles at KeyBank and U.S. Bank. Joined BANC in 2020 after Jared Wolff became CEO. Year ago, promoted to leader of commercial banking for OC and the Inland Empire. NOTABLE: With the 2023 purchase of PacWest, BANC says it now has two co-HQs in Santa Ana and Los Angeles. BANC is the third-largest bank headquartered in California, with more than $33B in total assets.
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