Alzheimer’s Outfit Ponders Split; El Sol’s Star

The Insider has picked up on rumblings that the board of directors of the Alzheimer’s Association of Orange County is taking a hard look at whether to stay with the Chicago-based national organization or become independent. Stay tuned on this one, which could be the start of a trend … St. Joseph Health System’s Jim Watson likely has a busier holiday season ahead than most of us, based on the glimpse into his personal life he gave while accepting one of five General Counsel of the Year awards recently bestowed by the Business Journal (see profiles of honorees on pages 1, 4, 5, 6 and 8). Watson told the crowd of more than 400 that he wouldn’t be on the podium if it weren’t for his Jewish mother, Sandy—and that he wouldn’t be Catholic if it weren’t for his wife, Debbie … OC retailers look to be busier, too, based on their recent results. The 33 largest shopping centers here—a group featured as one of three lists in this week’s issue, among the final entries before we print the annual Book of Lists later this month—combined for an 8.6% increase in sales for the 12 months through June, nearing the $8 billion mark on revenue (see related story, page 1; list, page 20) … Put local auto dealers firmly in the trend of hot sales. The top 40 here racked up $5.3 billion in sales, up 5.9% from a year earlier (see related story, this page; list, page 16) … A rising star of OC’s retail scene drew a standing ovation during the National Philanthropy Day luncheon at Hotel Irvine, where 12-year-old fashion maven Anika Ortiz told the crowd that her goals were “to continue public speaking, start my own nonprofit, write a book, start an on-line boutique and start my own jewelry line.” The remarkably poised seventh grader of El Sol Academy in Santa Ana was honored for combating domestic violence. She started Anika’s Pink Closet at the Mariposa Women & Family Center in Orange to memoralize an older sister who was murdered. The pop-up boutique attracts more than 100 people the last Saturday of each month, with proceeds going to Mariposa’s domestic violence programs. Anika also teaches a monthly class on self-esteem to young girls. “What defines us is how well we rise after falling—and when in doubt, just add glitter,” she said, bringing the crowd of 800-plus to its feet … South Coast Mitsubishi in Costa Mesa got a lot of airtime with the branded caps and apparel worn by Santa Ana’s own Ronny Rios and his handlers on the undercard of the highly anticipated Canelo-Cotto pay-per-view card in Las Vegas on Nov. 21. Rios is a featherweight who got back on track and improved to 25-1 with a win on points over previously unbeaten Jayson Velez. HBO sold an estimated 900,000 PPVs at $60 to $70 apiece … Separated at birth?: Robert Follman, CEO of Santa Ana-based Markall Inc. (top), and actor Donald Sutherland. The Insider gives Follman the edge on grooming.