Orange County Rescue Mission needs help bringing holiday cheer to more than 300 homeless adults and children living at its campuses.
The nonprofit is looking for donations for its residents, who will take part in a gift exchange Dec. 14 at the Village of Hope in Tustin.
“For many residents at the Rescue Mission, this season is more than just a celebration — it’s a time where they can experience the joy and warmth of the holidays without the burden of worry,” said Bryan Crain, OC Rescue Mission president.
The most sought items by adult residents include beanies (warm hats), wallets, watches, journals and pens, hair ties and accessories, reusable water bottles, baseball caps, socks, nail polish, throw blankets, local sports teams fan gear, $10 fast food gift cards, $10 Walmart/Target gift cards.
The wish list for kids includes craft kits, paint sets, coloring and sticker books, dolls, LEGO sets, toy trains and cars, sports equipment, non-battery operated or USB connected gifts.
All items can be dropped off daily from 8 a.m. to 5 p.m. through Dec.13 at the Village of Hope at 1 Hope Drive in Tustin.
Also, donations can be bought online, with the delivery address pointed to the village. Donations can also be dropped-off at all Patterson OC Auto locations.
For donation-related questions, email donations@rescuemission.org or go to rescuemission.org/items.
Pet store shuts down in south county
Pet Wants in Lake Forest is closing its store.
The pet store made the announcement on Facebook, saying the store was closing after six years at Heritage Hills Plaza on Lake Forest Drive.
“We’ve cherished every moment – getting to know you and your furry family members have been the highlight of our journey,” the store owners said in a Dec. 1 post on Facebook. “Your trust in us to provide high-quality, healthy food and treats for your beloved pets has meant the world.
The store, part of a national franchise group, sold a variety of pet food and accessories.
The owners noted that food delivery would still be available through Pet Wants South County or in-person at local farmers markets.
A different pet store franchise also saw a closure recently, only in north Orange County.
In Brea, the 2-year-old Pets Supplies Plus closed at 407 West Imperial Highway. North OC shoppers can find another Pet Supplies Plus operating in Yorba Linda under different franchise ownership. That store has been open since 2021.
Supercharging station opens near Grapevine
Holiday motorists driving EVs over the Grapevine now have another option to charge up.
The Lebec Travel Center opened recently off the 5 freeway, north of Los Angeles. It features 40 charging stations, with another 72 coming by late 2025. The fueling center will eventually include traditional gas pumps, marrying two options for motorists into a modern-day filling station.
Developed by HRI Development in Pasadena, the travel center at the freeway intersection with Frazier Mountain Park Road will include a 7-Eleven convenience store, lounge and hospitality features for motorists.
“EV drivers deserve a great customer experience with full amenities and a lounge, and we believe traditional refueling and EV recharging should co-exist for a holistic fueling experience,” said Hamo Rostamian, president of HRI Development. “Our vision is to bring all types of mobility into a comfortable, welcoming location that transforms the experience for everyone.”
The fueling station will have options for traditional vehicles as well. In the meantime, a more upscale portable bathroom option is in place.
Address: 51526 Ralphs Ranch Road, Lebec 93243. The company notes the station also shows up in the Tesla app.
On the move
Hima Vatti is the new general counsel at Chapman University, succeeding Janine DuMontelle who is retiring. Vatti was previously general counsel at the University of La Verne. Before La Verne, she spent nearly 15 years at Caltech in Pasadena where she was associate general counsel and assistant vice president for Equity, Equity Investigations and Title IX coordinator.
Ladera Ranch resident Billy Grenham is the first chief marketing officer at San Diego-based Luna Grill Mediterranean Kitchen. He’s rejoining former colleague, Rich Pinnella, who’s now president of Lua Grill. Grenham first worked with Pinnella at Yum! Brands, where he was head of Global Marketing and Communications for Taco Bell. Most recently, Grenham was CMO at Lazy Dog Restaurant & Bar in Costa Mesa.
Fundraisers
Girls Inc. of Orange County raised $380,000 at its annual College Bound Luncheon held Nov. 15 at the Marriott Irvine Spectrum. The money will go toward helping hundreds of girls access mentorship, resources and opportunities to achieve academic and career goals. This year’s luncheon encouraged attendees to harness their philanthropic power to help reach more girls and advance parity – not only in education, but also in women’s rights as a whole. For more information about the College Bound Program, go to girlsinc-oc.org .
Blizzard Entertainment in Irvine has partnered with CureDuchenne to honor Mats Steen, a young man who died of Duchenne muscular dystrophy and whose life was featured in the Netflix documentary “The Remarkable Life of Ibelin.” Blizzard released a limited-edition, in-game pet in World of Warcraft, with all game proceeds benefiting CureDuchenne. The money raised will support research for a cure for Duchenne, a rare and fatal disease affecting 300,000 boys worldwide.
Status Update is compiled and written by Business Editor Samantha Gowen. Submit items and high-resolution photos to sgowen@scng.com . Allow at least one week for publication. Items are edited for length and clarity.
