Jessica Millan Patterson: California Republicans’ comeback continues

• December 13, 2024

Ballot counting isn’t a sprint in California; it’s a month-long marathon. Finally, after weeks of ballot curing and counting, the results are in, and California Republicans have much to be excited about. Six years ago, the Republican Party was the third largest political party in California, behind Democrats and No Party Preference. Today, voters increasingly show that they are with Republicans in support of commonsense solutions to California’s many problems.

President Donald Trump’s victory was not only a national mandate for his conservative agenda, but he moved the needle to the right even in deep-blue California. When all votes were counted, President Trump performed better in 78 percent of California counties than he did in 2020. At the same time, his opponent, California Democrat Kamala Harris, underperformed Joe Biden’s 2020 results in 57 of 58 counties.

Not only that, but President Trump flipped 10 counties entirely over Harris. Fresno, Merced, Riverside, San Bernardino, San Joaquin and Stanislaus counties voted this year for a Republican presidential nominee for the first time since 2004. Imperial County backed a Republican for the first time since 1988.

Much has been made at the national level about President Trump’s success with Latino voters in the election. California Latinos make up around 40 percent of the state’s population, and early data suggests this critical demographic likely helped President Trump in California too. Among the counties that flipped to red, Imperial, Merced and Riverside counties have majority-Latino populations. 

At the state level, California Republicans found huge success. Not only did Republicans protect every incumbent in the state legislature, but we also picked up three seats – two in the Assembly and one in the Senate. This is the first time California Republicans picked up seats in both chambers during a presidential election since 1980, the same year Americans sent a California Republican to the White House. And it happened in districts where Democrats have voter registration advantages, including double-digit advantages in both Assembly pickups.

The party’s nine new legislative members also reflect the diversity of the Golden State. A majority of the new members are women, and two thirds are from either Hispanic or AAPI backgrounds. They also include the two youngest members of the California legislature from either party.

California Republicans’ victories continued with ballot initiatives – an area where the party’s track record has only gotten better in recent years. In 2020, voters sided with the California Republican Party on seven of the 11 ballot initiatives in which we took a position. In 2022, voters were with the CAGOP on two thirds of the ballot initiatives. This year, voters were with the CAGOP on eight out of nine ballot initiatives in which we took a position, or an astounding 89 percent. Voters are saying loudly and clearly that when they get a direct say on different policies, they are with Republicans instead of Democrats.

Much of this year’s success would not have been possible without the hard work of the California Republican Party, our candidates, our partner committees and our outstanding volunteers. Together, we prioritized voter registration across the state, adding more than 928,000 new Republicans to the voter rolls since 2019. We recruited nearly 95,000 volunteers who helped us contact voters and get out the vote for the Republican ticket, including harvesting nearly 35,000 ballots. 

After the election, we cured more than 3,500 ballots across our targeted districts to help voters whose ballots had been rejected. We built the largest Republican election integrity operation in state history made up of staff, volunteers and attorneys who monitored the election count to ensure it was safe and secure. The party’s efforts were sophisticated and robust, and we have many victories today to show for it.

Unfortunately, the election was not without its heartbreaking losses. Despite reelecting some of the most heavily targeted congressional Republicans in the entire country, we lost three seats. These were never going to be easy to defend, with massive sums of money being poured in by Democrats, and voter registration advantages that, though showing improvement for Republicans, still heavily favored Democrats. The three seats lost have shifted between Republican and Democrat control in recent election cycles, and while we came up short this year, they remain winnable for Republicans with hard work and strong candidates in the years ahead.

The 2024 election should not only serve as a wake-up call for national Democrats whose radical agenda was soundly rejected by voters, but for California Democrats specifically. Voters rejected their ideas at the ballot box. Voters chipped away at Democrats’ supermajorities in the state legislature. And voters across the country kept a far-left California Democrat out of the White House. Republicans’ California comeback continues, and Democrats should be on notice.

Jessica Millan Patterson is chairwoman of the California Republican Party.

​ Orange County Register 

Police say suspect in UnitedHealthcare CEO killing wasn’t a client of the insurer

• December 13, 2024

NEW YORK (AP) — The man charged with killing UnitedHealthcare CEO Brian Thompson was not a client of the medical insurer and may have targeted it because of its size and influence, a senior police official said Thursday.

NYPD Chief of Detectives Joseph Kenny told NBC New York in an interview Thursday that investigators have uncovered evidence that Luigi Mangione had prior knowledge UnitedHealthcare was holding its annual investor conference in New York City.

Mangione also mentioned the company in a note found in his possession when he was detained by police in Pennsylvania.

“We have no indication that he was ever a client of United Healthcare, but he does make mention that it is the fifth largest corporation in America, which would make it the largest healthcare organization in America. So that’s possibly why he targeted that that company,” said Kenny.

UnitedHealthcare is in the top 20 largest U.S. companies by market capitalization but is not the fifth largest. It is the largest U.S. health insurer.

Mangione remains jailed without bail in Pennsylvania, where he was arrested Monday after being spotted at a McDonald’s in the city of Altoona, about 230 miles (about 370 kilometers) west of New York City. His lawyer there, Thomas Dickey, has said Mangione intends to plead not guilty. Dickey also said he has yet to see evidence decisively linking his client to the crime.

Mangione’s arrest came five days after the caught-on-camera killing of Thompson outside a Manhattan hotel.

Police say the shooter waited outside the hotel, where the health insurer was holding its investor conference, early on the morning of Dec. 4. He approached Thompson from behind and shot him before fleeing on a bicycle through Central Park.

Mangione is fighting attempts to extradite him back to New York so that he can face a murder charge in Thompson’s killing. A hearing has been scheduled for Dec. 30.

The 26-year-old, who police say was found with a “ ghost gun ” matching shell casings found at the site of the shooting, is charged in Pennsylvania with possession of an unlicensed firearm, forgery and providing false identification to police.

Mangione is an Ivy League graduate from a prominent Maryland real estate family. In posts on social media, Mangione wrote about experiencing severe chronic back pain before undergoing a spinal fusion surgery in 2023. Afterward, he posted that the operation had been a success and that his pain had improved and mobility returned. He urged others to consider the same type of surgery.

On Wednesday, police said investigators are looking at his writings about his health problems and his criticism of corporate America and the U.S. health care system.

Kenny said in the NBC interview that Mangione’s family reported him missing to San Francisco authorities in November.

​ Orange County Register 

3 men to face murder trial for killing tourist at Fashion Island, judge rules

• December 13, 2024

Three men accused of carrying out a brazen, mid-day robbery at Fashion Island in Newport Beach that ended with a 68-year-old New Zealand woman being run over and killed by a getaway driver will all face trial on special circumstances murder charges, an Orange County Superior Court Judge ruled on Thursday, Dec. 12.

The ruling following two days of testimony by law enforcement during a preliminary hearing held in a Santa Ana courtroom clears the way for a jury trial for Leroy McCrary, Malachi Darnell and Jaden Cunningham, three alleged members of a robbery crew from Los Angeles County who are accused of killing Patricia McKay during the commission of a robbery.

A defense attorney representing McCrary — the driver — denied that he intended to run over McKay, while attorneys for Cunningham — who prosecutors allege dragged McKay into the roadway in the midst of the robbery — and Darnell — who is accused of firing gunshots at a good Samaritan who tried to intervene — argued that the two other men were not directly responsible for McKay’s death.

Testimony from more than a half-dozen law enforcement officers — bolstered by several security videos from the shopping center — painted a chaotic scene for a robbery that lasted less than a minute and a half.

McKay and her husband, Douglas, were standing on a sidewalk in front of a Barnes & Noble around 3:30 p.m. on Tuesday, July 2 waiting for family members to pick them up when a white Toyota Camry with no license plates pulled up to the curb.

Two masked men wearing hoodies — identified by prosecutors as Darnell and Cunningham — quickly exited the Camry and tried to force the husband to give them his Rolex watch. The husband later told officers and investigators that one of the robbers — prosecutors say Darnell — pressed a gun into his face and said, “I will shoot you!”

When the robbers couldn’t get the Rolex from the husband, they turned their attention to the wife. In the course of the robbers trying to get bags away from Patricia McKay, security footage showed her being knocked to the ground — in Senior Deputy District Attorney Mark Birney’s description like a “rag doll flung into the street” — and ending up in front of the Camry.

The husband told officers that he stood over his wife, trying to get the driver’s attention and hit the hood of the Camry while telling them to “Stop!” Prosecutors say McCrary ignored the husband and drove off, running over Patricia McKay and dragging her body for around 30 yards.

The Camry drove off so abruptly that one of the robbers — prosecutors say Cunningham — wasn’t able to jump inside. A good Samaritan tried to stop him from running after the Camry, but had to hit the ground when he heard bullets that prosecutors allege had been fired by Darnell “zing” past his head.

All three men were arrested after a police pursuit that stretched over multiple freeways and countless surface streets. At least one of the men made seemingly incriminating comments to investigators, according to testimony during the preliminary hearing,

“Did he describe himself as being the driver at the time Mrs. McCabe was run over?” the prosecutor asked in reference to McCrary.

“Yes,” Newport Beach Police Det. Michael Fletcher responded.

Birney, the prosecutor, argued that all three men were “major participants who acted with reckless disregard.” Darnell and Cunningham teamed up to attack much older victims, the prosecutor argued, while McCrary ignored the husband’s warnings and ran over the wife.

McCrary’s attorney, David Hammond, argued that McCrary didn’t know that the woman was on the ground in front of the Camry due to the chaotic scene and shadows on the roadway.

Darnell’s attorney, Joel Garson, told the judge that Darnell did not kill McKay and was firing gunshots to scare, not kill, the good Samaritan.

Cunningham’s attorney, Ray Chen, argued that Cunningham during the robbery used only enough force to take the McKays’ property. The struggle between the wife and Cunningham over her purse and shopping bags and the husband running up and grabbing Cunningham in order to protect his wife was what led to the confrontation ending up in the roadway in front of the Camry, the defense attorney added.

The standard of proof for a preliminary hearing — probable cause — is a lower burden for prosecutors than the “beyond a reasonable doubt” standard for an actual criminal trial.

Judge Gregory Jones ruled that all three men can stand trial as charged. The men are also facing attempted robbery charges and a sentencing enhancement for causing the death of a person 65 or older, among other charges.

Due to the special circumstances murder charges, prosecutors will have to decide at some point prior to trial whether to pursue life without the possibility of parole or the death penalty. The county’s top prosecutor — DA Todd Spitzer — ultimately makes that decision, generally after internal discussions with his senior prosecutors and advisors and input from the defense attorneys.

​ Orange County Register 

Kia debuts 3 new electrified models that take style and performance to the next level

• December 13, 2024

Kia America stole the spotlight at the recent LA Auto Show with a mainstage press conference that was a strategic revelation of Kia’s advancements in electric, hybrid and plug-in hybrid vehicles. The automaker debuted three new electrified models with major upgrades in performance, innovation and design:

• The long-awaited 2026 EV9 GT, with 501 horsepower
• The 2025 Kia EV6, with more power and extended driving range
• The reimagined 2026 Sportage, including hybrid and plug-in hybrid powertrains, with a sleek look and tech-loaded interior

James Bell, head of corporate communications for Kia America, shared that Kia also announced two big moves that will strengthen the company’s position in the U.S. market and improve EV affordability and convenience for consumers:

• Starting in the first half of 2025, all Kia EV9s will be equipped with the new North American Charging Standard port, allowing buyers to access DC fast chargers with NACS charging connectors, including Tesla Superchargers. The change will bring the number of charging stations available to EV9 drivers to 35,000, nearly double the current amount, according to Bell.
• Kia is shifting production of the EV6 and EV9 from South Korea to its U.S. plant in West Point, Georgia — a $217 million investment that will make the cars eligible for a $7,500 federal tax credit. Under the current rules, vehicles must have their final assembly in North America to qualify. The future of the federal tax credit is murky under the new administration, but the drive toward electrification is unlikely to slow.

“Kia’s commitment to becoming a leader in sustainable mobility remains firm,” Bell said.

Ed Kim, president and chief analyst at AutoPacific Inc., an automotive marketing research and consulting firm, noted that the brand’s diverse lineup of 10 electrified vehicles already sets it apart in the marketplace.

“Few brands offer such a variety of electrified options at such a wide variety of price points and vehicle segments,” Kim said. “From the Kia Niro Hybrid, starting at about $27,000, all the way to the luxurious and tech-packed EV9 GT-Line, Kia offers nearly unmatched choice for shoppers looking for sustainable transportation.”

2026 EV9 GT

At the auto show, Eric Watson, vice president of sales for Kia America, said the 2026 Kia EV9 GT is “an example of how fast we can go as we take the brand to the next level.”

Watson pointed out that the engineering of the EV9 GT brings serious high-performance goods to the dual-motor, three-row SUV crossover, including:

• 501 hp, which is 122 hp more than the current Kia EV9 GT-Line
• 0-60 mph acceleration in 4.3 seconds
• Upgraded electronics and suspension controls
• Larger front brakes with GT calipers
• Green button performance mode. A green GT button on the steering wheel optimizes the steering, brake feel, and acceleration. The sportier calibrations include stiffer shock absorber damping through the electronic suspension. The Virtual Gear Shift can simulate the shift points of an automatic transmission.
• A suede-trimmed cabin with deeply bolstered front sport seats, green accents, and embossed logos

The 2026 Kia EV9 GT is expected in dealerships toward the latter half of 2025. Pricing will be announced closer to the launch date.

2025 EV6 and EV6 GT

The refreshed EV6 and EV6 GT features some key upgrades in style and performance and is already drawing praise from EV enthusiasts like Wayne Gerdes, an electric vehicle and hypermiling expert at cleanmpg.com.

“Great looks, even better utility, reasonably priced, 319 miles of range in RWD trim, and its charge rate is near the top of the EV universe,” Gerdes said. “What more could you ask for?”

The updates include:

• Up to 319 miles of driving range with the top 84kW battery
• Power increases to 225 hp with 258 foot-pounds of torque
• A connected car navigation cockpit with dual curved 12.3-inch displays powered by a next-generation infotainment system
• Star Map lighting at the rear 3D taillights and wing-shaped rear bumper
• A more premium interior environment with a redesigned device charging pad and D-shaped steering wheel
• Steering with hands-on detection when using Level II semiautonomous drive system

The GT trim adds even more features:

• Launch mode raises power from 601 hp to 641 hp, and torque increases from 545 lb.-ft to 568 lb.-ft.
• Ultrafast 800-volt charging system
• A virtual gearshift that uses visuals, engine-sound effects and tactile sensations to simulate shifts

2026 Sportage HEV and PHEV

As Kia’s longest-running nameplate, the Sportage undergoes its most significant change since the fifth-generation model launched almost three years ago. The refreshed Sportage, available in hybrid and plug-in hybrid variants, is expected to be on sale in the second quarter of 2025.

Modifications include a bolder vertical grille with Star Map lighting and amber daytime running lights. The rear bumper was updated to show a wider stance. And the X-Line Hybrid will come with 19-inch black alloy wheels.

Inside, the new design emphasizes distinct “living spaces” for driver and passenger. The driver’s position has a two-spoke leather-wrapped steering wheel, and there are other modern high-tech elements with soft materials, including synthetic leather upholstery.

Additional updated features include:

• Standard smart key entry with push-button start
• Panoramic dual 12.3-inch displays for a connected car navigation cockpit
• Standard wireless Apple CarPlay and Android Auto, and over-the-air updates
• More powerful turbocharged engines: 231-hp Sportage Hybrid and 268-hp Plug-in Hybrid
• Advanced Driver Assist System suite now includes available Forward Collision Avoidance Assist with Direct Oncoming Detection and Avoidance, next-level
• Highway Drive Assist, and front-side-rear parking distance warnings

Learn more about Kia’s electrified lineup at kia.com.

About the author

Mark Maynard has been writing about cars, their people and products for 30 years. Find him at MaynardsGarage.com.

The news and editorial staffs of Southern California News Group and The San Diego Union-Tribune had no role in this post’s preparation.

​ Orange County Register 

Heading north for the winter? Prepare your EV with these tips

• December 13, 2024

Last winter’s television reports of EV drivers waiting in long lines at crowded public charging stations drew a line in the snow for many electric-vehicle intenders. Why would drivers in the North and Northeast subject themselves to such frigid range anxiety for a vehicle they might not be able to use year-round?

In truth, electric vehicles have excellent year-round capability — when the driver is prepared.

New research from AAA reveals that when temperatures dip to 20 degrees Fahrenheit, and the HVAC system is used to heat the inside of the vehicle, the average driving range of an EV decreases by 41 percent. Likewise, when temps heat up to 95 degrees and air-conditioning is used, the driving range is reduced by 17 percent.

With proper preparation, charging, and maintenance, your EV will endure the winter season and well beyond. Consider the following tips for a better winter EV experience.

Defeating range anxiety

EV range is not an absolute metric, and winter can have the shortest range, writes Judie Nuskey at Automotive Fleet, a website that provides news, insights, and strategies for commercial fleet management. Nuskey is the director of operations at Advanced Driver Training Services.

“Weather, hills, climate temperature, cargo, passenger, aerodynamics, and speed traffic have dramatic impacts on EV range,” Nuskey said in the report.

She said that getting your EV ready for winter is crucial to maximize its safety, performance and longevity. “Just like an internal combustion engine (ICE) vehicle, taking a proactive approach to prepare your vehicle for harsh weather makes all the difference.”

Although seasonal maintenance is a similar concept, the actual steps to winterize an electric vehicle may differ from an ICE in ways that might have yet to be anticipated.

Braving the cold battery

An EV battery has an ideal operating temperature of around 68 to 100 degrees (20-40 degrees Celsius), Nuskey said. “Depending on the vehicle model, those warmer temperatures can be difficult to achieve in winter. If the temperature is lower than this, it will affect charging speed and range, and your vehicle won’t go as far. Daily driving and charging behaviors must be adjusted in winter months.” Nuskey makes the following suggestions:

• Disable folding side mirrors: Water from melting snow and ice can work into mirrors and freeze. In freezing temperatures, the mirrors can freeze in a closed position. In trying to break free, it is possible to burn out the motors.
• Clear the glass and wipers: In harsh climates, take care that the wiper blades are not frozen or adhere to the windshield. Remove ice from the windshield before using the wipers. Ice has sharp edges that can damage the rubber on the blades. Install quality windshield wipers to aid in snow and ice removal.
• Clear the trunk lid before opening: Do not keep the ice scraper or brush in the trunk. When opening the trunk, snow and ice could fall into the trunk above the battery’s location, adding moisture when melted.
• Monitor tire pressure: Colder temperatures cause the air level in the tires to contract and the pressure to fall, decreasing the car’s efficiency. Proper air pressure can extend the battery life by 3 to 7 percent.

Maximizing cold-weather driving range

Winter temperatures will reduce an EV’s usual driving range. Consider these suggestions to help maximize mileage.

Reduce regenerative brake force

EVs use regenerative braking to recoup kinetic energy as the vehicle slows to a stop. The electric motor acts as a generator, converting the kinetic energy into electrical energy, which is then stored in the battery. The force of most regenerative systems can be adjusted for more or less energy recuperation.

In winter driving, set the regenerative braking force to the lowest setting. When letting off the accelerator, the vehicle will begin to decelerate. Strong regenerative braking could be too aggressive in icy conditions and cause an EV to lose traction and slide.

Precondition the cabin

Set the preconditioning mode to warm the interior of the vehicle, which does not draw from the battery. Most electric vehicles can be programmed to begin preconditioning at a set time to ensure the vehicle is ready for a scheduled departure.

Driving range can be extended by remote starting the vehicle for approximately 30 minutes before unplugging it from the power source.

Use Economy Mode

Eco Mode limits the power to the motor and transmission responsiveness, which depletes battery life. Operating in this low-energy mode can benefit during icy weather conditions because the car will accelerate more slowly and prevent the tires from spinning.

Plan to use seat warmers and a heated steering wheel. These features use less energy and provide targeted heat, giving more battery to travel. Also, turn down the cabin heater if it is a standard radiant system, which does take from battery reserves.

Some electric vehicles have a heat pump to warm the cabin. The heat pump functions somewhat like an air conditioner in reverse and does not draw electrical power from the battery pack. Heat pumps absorb the excess heat generated by the EV’s battery and drivetrain to improve the car’s efficiency, range, and driving experience. A heat pump also helps maintain optimal battery temperature and real-world range.

Keep it covered

Like ICE vehicles, EVs run better when safeguarded from lower temperatures. Whenever possible, park your EV in a garage or keep the car covered when exposed to the elements. Protecting the EV will help keep the battery charged longer.

Maintain a charge on the EV battery

Plug in your electric vehicle when parked for extended periods or overnight in freezing conditions. When the vehicle is plugged in, the vehicle’s battery temperature is kept above freezing temperatures to help optimize battery performance. This function occurs whether or not the vehicle is actively charging while plugged in.

Keep in mind cold temperatures will negatively affect a battery’s performance and limit its ability to accept a charge. Many EVs limit the charging voltage when the battery is cold to protect the high-voltage battery. Regular charge speed will return when the battery has warmed up.

Plan ahead

Stay one step ahead before you travel and plan out when your vehicle will need the most charge. If you need to leave in the morning when the temperature is below 40 degrees overnight, set the charge so that it finishes as close as possible to your departure time instead of charging the night before.

Planning a road trip should include frequent and redundant charging station waypoints to ensure a smooth driving experience even in unpredictable weather conditions.

Protect outdoor chargers

EV chargers installed outdoors must be protected from freezing. Charging connectors are designed to be waterproof, but heavy snow can cause them to freeze. You can help prevent freezing by using a magnetic EV charging inlet connector cover. When finished charging, always hang the charger connector according to the manufacturer’s recommendations when not in use.

SOURCES: pseg.com/EV; Automotive-Fleet.com ; info.oregon.aaa.com

Mark Maynard has been writing about cars, their people, and products for 30 years. Find him at MaynardsGarage.com.

The news and editorial staffs of Southern California News Group and The San Diego Union-Tribune had no role in this post’s preparation.

​ Orange County Register 

Ducks’ Trevor Zegras out about 6 weeks after surgery on torn meniscus

• December 12, 2024

Ducks forward Trevor Zegras will miss approximately six weeks of action due to a torn meniscus sustained in a Dec. 4 loss to Vegas, the club announced Thursday.

On one hand, his diagnosis was on the lighter end in terms of potential severity, but on the other, there is a deepening trend of injuries to a young player recently considered a cornerstone.

Zegras, 23, led the team in points in 2022-23, his second straight season pacing the Ducks in assists. It was a promising start to the career of 2019’s ninth overall draft pick, and one that made him one of the faces of the NHL.

Entering the 2023-24 season, Zegras began training camp without a contract and ultimately signed a three-year, $17.25 million extension well into the preseason. The term of his deal didn’t quite signify a full commitment from player nor team, and in the two campaigns since Zegras has been hampered by injuries.

Last season, Zegras developed a groin injury that he attempted to play through before ultimately missing a month and a half. He returned to notch three goals and five points in seven games before breaking his ankle in Nashville.

In all, Zegras missed 51 games after appearing in 154 of a possible 162 contests in two prior campaigns.

This year, Zegras played both wing and center while occupying a prominent role on the power play. Though his 10 points in 24 games underwhelmed on a team pressed for offense, his commitment to his all-around game was more apparent while his playful exuberance remained present.

The Ducks got another creative young star and recent lottery pick, Leo Carlsson, back on the ice in Wednesday’s 5-1 slaughtering by the Ottawa Senators. The Ducks entered their game in Toronto on Thursday tied for the fewest goals in the NHL.

​ Orange County Register 

Janet Hilbert, co-founder of California art museum at Chapman University, remembered for her passion

• December 12, 2024

Janet Hilbert had a passion for the landscape art that captured California’s diverse scenery – but it was the people in the artwork she was drawn to the most.

Hilbert, who died on Dec. 7 at age 83 at her home in Newport Beach, is being remembered for her contribution to the art community, as a thoughtful philanthropist who alongside her husband, Mark, dedicated her life to educating people about California scenic art.

Janet and Mark Hilbert co-founded the Hilbert Museum of California Art at Chapman University a decade ago. Earlier this year the museum celebrated a massive expansion, tripling its floor space to now house 26 galleries and more than 5,000 art pieces, many from the couple’s personal collection.

“I think her legacy is going to live on as long as this museum lives, which I think will be a very long time,” said Mary Platt, director of the Hilbert Museum located in Old Towne Orange. “We’re going to miss her physical presence, but her spirit will linger on in these galleries forever.”

The museum’s collection mostly draws from the California Scene Painting movement from the 1920s through 1970s. The Hilbert Collection includes oils, watercolors and sketches of scenes found throughout the Golden State – rural and urban scenes, coastal views, farms, ranches, freeways and landscapes.

The art form is based on scenes of everyday life: people working in the cities or on ranches, enjoying sailboats or the beach.

“Things we do as Californians,” Platt explained.

Chapman University President Daniele C. Struppa said Hilbert, who many called Jan, leaves behind a “profound legacy that has deeply touched our university and the broader community.”

“Jan was a remarkable individual whose passion for the arts and education left an indelible mark on all who had the privilege of knowing her,” he said in a statement. “Beyond her professional achievements, Jan was known for her effervescent aura which could be felt whenever she entered a room … Jan’s warmth, generosity and unwavering commitment to the values she held dear will always remain inspiring and uplifting to us all.”

It was in a small consignment shop in Palm Springs in 1992 where the couple first stumbled upon an eye-catching California scene watercolor, choosing it to decorate their newly purchased home – a fateful piece of inexpensive decor that would spark their appreciation for artwork depicting the Golden State, and later a philanthropic spirit to share the passion with others.

Though they liked that first California landscape scene they purchased, Hilbert suggested to her husband they get another with people in it, so they went back and bought one, a simple depiction of a man walking down a road.

They were so enthralled with the art style, they began researching and purchasing more pieces, eventually amassing a collection now considered one of the most comprehensive and prolific to spotlight California scenic art.

Hilbert earned her master’s degree from USC and for 36 years was a professor of business at Santa Ana College.

“Education was always very, very important to her,” said Platt.

Initially, the couple thought to open their own museum with their collection, but then decided to partner with a college. Chapman University was the first they approached, quickly impressed with the outdoor art already displayed around the campus.

In November 2014, Chapman University announced it had received from the Hilberts a major gift of California art valued at more than $7 million, in addition to $3 million from the couple toward establishing a museum on campus.

The Hilbert Museum of California Art opened in 2016, free to the public.

The expansion into the building next door completed earlier this year took the museum’s footprint from 7,000 square feet to 22,000 square feet, the two buildings joined by the Janet Hilbert Arts Courtyard where a singular live oak serves as an “an expression of Jan’s enduring love for this place and its landscape.”

Platt described Hilbert as a “gentle, elegant and extremely intelligent woman.”

She was a beacon of light, her kindness, passion and dedication leaving a lasting impact, Struppa said.

“In honor of her memory, let us continue to celebrate the arts and the educational values she so passionately championed,” he said. “Her legacy will forever be a part of Chapman University.”

Hilbert is survived by husband Mark, three children and six grandchildren.

In lieu of flowers, charitable donations can be made in her memory to the Hilbert Museum of California Art at Chapman University and Mariners Church at the Orange County Rescue Mission.

​ Orange County Register 

Discover Premium Kitchen and Outdoor Solutions at Azzari Design Center

• December 12, 2024

When it comes to creating a home that inspires, the right appliances and designs can make all the difference. At Azzari Design Center, we are proud to showcase world-class brands like Viking, AGA, La Cornue, and Lynx, offering unparalleled options for kitchens, bathrooms, and outdoor spaces. With the opening of our new Aliso Viejo showroom, we’ve made it easier than ever for Southern California homeowners and contractors to find the perfect solutions for their projects.

Kitchen Excellence with Viking and Beyond

The kitchen is the heart of the home, and Azzari Design Center ensures you’ll find everything you need to create a space that is both functional and beautiful.

Viking Appliances

Known for their professional-grade performance and timeless design, Viking appliances are a favorite among home chefs and design enthusiasts. At our showroom, explore their full range:

• Viking 3 Series: An accessible entry point into Viking’s quality, perfect for homeowners upgrading their kitchens.
• Viking 5 Series: Designed for passionate cooks, combining sleek design with advanced functionality.
• Viking 7 Series: For those who demand top-tier performance and luxurious craftsmanship in their kitchens.

La Cornue: The Art of French Craftsmanship

Experience the elegance of La Cornue’s bespoke ranges, which seamlessly blend artistry and technology. From its customizable finishes to its impeccable performance, La Cornue is a statement piece for any luxury kitchen.

AGA: Timeless Tradition

AGA cookers are celebrated for their iconic design and multi-functional cooking capabilities. Whether you’re baking, roasting, or simply adding a touch of charm to your kitchen, AGA offers unmatched versatility.

Elevate Your Outdoor Living with Lynx

Transform your outdoor space into an entertainer’s dream with Lynx’s outdoor kitchens and grills. Known for their durability and precision, Lynx products are perfect for California’s year-round outdoor lifestyle. Highlights include:

• Built-in Grills: Designed for powerful and consistent cooking, Lynx grills set the standard for outdoor entertaining.
• Outdoor Refrigeration: Keep your beverages and ingredients perfectly chilled with Lynx’s reliable outdoor refrigerators.
• Pizza Ovens: Bring restaurant-quality pizza to your backyard with Lynx’s innovative pizza ovens.

Azzari Design Center: Your Appliances & BBQ Destination

At Azzari Design Center, we go beyond offering appliances—we are proud to have highly experienced sales people that can help select appliances, bbq and more that tailor to your needs and desires.

Whether you’re updating your home’s style or starting from scratch, our showrooms are designed to inspire.

Visit Us Today

Whether you’re planning a complete kitchen remodel, upgrading your outdoor entertaining space, or refreshing your bathroom, Azzari Design Center is your trusted partner in bringing your vision to life. Visit us at our Anaheim or Aliso Viejo showroom to explore our curated collections and start designing the home you’ve always wanted.

 Website: www.azzaridesign.com Instagram: @azzaridesigncenterPhone: (949) 202-0333

​ Orange County Register