OC NEWS

After a long break from the ice, Sasha Cohen surprised onlookers with a strong enough showing at the US Figure Skating Championships to compete for one of two spots on the 2010 US Olympic team.  Several southland skaters made appearances at the Championships.  WHOLE STORY

Several children and teens have been reported playing in the swift moving storm drains and rivers during these storms.  Officials are asking that everyone stay away from the rushing water as they are dangerous and unpredictable.  One 14-year old has been rescued while another is still missing, though fire officials believe the reports of a second teen in the water could be a hoax.  WHOLE STORY

Startling findings by federal investigators could mean UCI Medical Center’s Medicare funding is at risk.  The inspection found several risks, from improper storage and use of drugs to alleged neglect for patients in need of immediate care. Then interim and newly permanent chief executive, Terry A. Belmont has been working with the staff to find solutions for the hospital’s on-going issues.  WHOLE STORY

Boost Mobile of Irvine hopes to kick-start exposure for their wireless products with a 30-second commercial in the Super Bowl broadcast.  Reportedly costing nearly 3-million dollars, the commercial will parody the 1985 music video, the “Super Bowl Shuffle” and reunite several of the original “performers” from the popular song.  WHOLE STORY

WEEKEND PICKS

LAST CHANCE!!  La Habra’s Children’s Museum ‘s Rainforest Ramble exhibit takes kids on “a wild and steamy rainforest adventure.” This exhibit closes on Sunday. MORE INFORMATION

Also in it’s last weekend, Discovery Science Center’s “Let’s Play Railway!” exhibit boasts a giant replica of BRIO’s famous wooden toy Engine, Cattle Wagon and Caboose.  MORE INFORMATION

The radiant Kelli O’Hara has become one of Broadway’s brightest stars with rave performances in The Light in the Piazza, The Pajama Game and the highly acclaimed revival of South Pacific. She will be performing in the intimate Samueli theater at the Orange County Performing Arts Center this weekend.  MORE INFORMATION and VIDEO OF KELLI

HAITI

Delaney DeCinces, her siblings and friends thought they could really help people in Haiti by having a bake sale.  And, help them they did!  Five girls, along with their moms, made cupcakes, brownies and cookies and made $97.00 for relief efforts.  Along the way, Delaney’s dad, Tim DeCinces decided that if his daughters could help, so could he.  DeCinces, owner of the Beach Pit BBQ restaurants, donated all of his profits from Thursday’s sales to Haiti.  WHOLE STORY

There are many organizations providing invaluable service and support to Haiti in the continuing efforts following the devastating earthquake last week.  For some, contributing to relief without religious ties is more comfortable.  The Richard Dawkins Foundation for Reason and Science is providing this opportunity.  MORE INFORMATION