Compiled by Kelly Ryan
Costa Mesa-based Urban Decay, a cosmetics maker that’s part of duty-free retailer Falic Group, won the Best Cruelty-Free Cosmetics Line category in People for the Ethical Treatment of Animals’ fifth Annual Proggy Awards. The awards recognize animal-friendly achievements in business and culture.
Leading Hotels of the World Ltd. named The Island Hotel Newport Beach a winner in its annual Commitment to Quality Awards. The Island Hotel was among hotels selected in five international regions. Leading Hotels did anonymous inspections of accommodations, service, cuisine and special features.
James Loss was named to the Best Lawyers in America 2008 list. Loss is managing partner of Bingham McCutchen’s office in Costa Mesa. He has more than 20 years of experience in mergers, acquisitions, leveraged buyouts and public offerings. He is also co-leader of the firm’s private equity practice.
Seal Beach-based developer Olson Co. earned Leadership in Energy and Environmental Design Certification from the U.S. Green Building Council and attained a silver rating. Olson’s model homes at Orange’s Depot Walk featured green construction materials, eco-smart interiors and solar efficiencies.
Placentia-based Total Spectrum Advertising was selected a winner in the 2007 American Graphic Design Awards. Total Spectrum won for two magazine ads created for Adams Rite Manufacturing Co. The two ads, “The Bouncer” and “The Rite Attitude” were selected from more than 10,000 entries nationwide.
Cynthia Determan, district coordinator for state Sen. Tom Harman, received the Donald Award from her fellow Republican staff members. The award is given annually to one Republican legislative staffer who works for an Orange County elected official. Determan previously worked for former state Sen. Bill Morrow and Rep. David Dreier.
Lake Forest-based Accurate Background Inc. was named to the Technology Fast 500 list of Deloitte & Touche USA LLP. Deloitte included Accurate Background based on its five-year growth. Recently, the company was recognized as a Deloitte Fast 50 winner and received the Procurement Supplier Diversity Award at the JCPenney Supplier Summit. Accurate Background is a supplier of background check and security research products.
Carl Irwin was named Person of the Year at the 50+ Housing Council of Southern California’s annual Sage Awards. Carl’s career commitment to Southern California’s seniors began in 1966 as principal of Irwin & Associates. He also was a board member of the Southland Lutheran Home and Geriatric Center in Norwalk. Irwin lives in Seal Beach.
Farmers Insurance Group agent Terri Habecker of Laguna Hills completed the Career Agents Course at the University of Farmers. The five-day course enhances the professional skills of Farmers’ agents.
William G. Steiner received the Community Champion Award from the Community Foundation of Orange. Steiner has taken a leadership role in the early development and growth of the Orangewood Children’s Home. He is a former Orange County supervisor and Orange councilmember.
The OC Chapter of the American Red Cross honored the Orange County Fire Authority with the Excellence in Disaster Preparedness Award for its part in the coordination of the South County Citizens Emergency Preparedness Academy.
The Mission San Juan Capistrano Docent Society honored its top members with special awards. Marion Logan received the Honorary Award. Audrey Hart and Dorothea Purdy were given the President’s Dedication Award. Bob Spidell received the Padre’s Award for educational enrichment of the society. Wick Lobo was given the Franciscan Gracious Spirit Award. The Serra Award went to Venus Fraceschi of Laguna Niguel for her 97 tours.
Twelve volunteer literacy tutors completed a 12-hour training course at the Newport Beach Public Library. Each tutor will spend two hours a week helping other adults learn to read and write. The program trains 60 volunteer tutors annually.
