Blog

Excellence in Journalism Day
08.29.14
Interested in quality journalism and need a day of inspiration to learn more about the craft? You can attend the Excellence in Journalism Day at Chapman University in Orange on Saturday, Sept. 6. It’s a free conference organized by the Orange County Press Club thanks to generous grants and donations.
Eleven Pulitzer Prize winners, two Emmy-winning broadcasters and two New York Time best-selling nonfiction authors will provide inspiration and share their skills during a day of workshops.
The conference begins at 9 a.m. in Memorial Hall, with attendees dispersing about 9:20 a.m. for breakout sessions in Argyros Forum.
You can choose among five breakouts each hour, starting at 9:30 a.m., 10:30 a.m., 11:30 a.m. 2 p.m. and 3 p.m. Lunch is on your own from 11:30 a.m.- 2p.m., with great choices in nearby Olde Town Orange.
You can RSVP to attend by emailing ocpressclub@orangecountypressclub.com.
Featured presenters include:
Claudia Rowe, education solutions reporter, The Seattle Times
Gustavo Arellano, editor, OC Weekly, author, commentator
Charles Apple, Focus Page editor, Orange County Register
Norberto Santana Jr., editor-in-chief, Voice of OC
Keith Esparros, investigative reporter, KNBC/4, Los Angeles
Don Bartletti, Los Angeles Times photographer, Pulitzer Prize winner
Michele Gile, Orange County bureau chief, KCBS/2,KCAL/9
James V. Grimaldi, The Wall Street Journal, Pulitzer Prize winner
Susan Kelleher, The Seattle Times, Pulitzer Prize winner
David Hasemyer, freelance investigative journalist/InsideCliimate.com, Pulitzer Prize winner
Michele Nicolosi, The Orange County Register, Pulitzer Prize winner
Martin Dugard, nonfiction author of three New York Times best-sellers with Bill O’Reilly
Amy DePaul, nonfiction author, UCI literary journalism program
Caitlin Rother, nonfiction author, UC San Diego Extension
Ruben Vives, Los Angeles Times, Pulitzer Prize winner
Abigail Goldman, LA Times, Pulitzer Prize winner
Gary Metzker, Chapman University, Pulitzer Prize winner
Joe Little, multimedia journalist, KGTV/10, San Diego, Emmy winner
Gary Reynolds, senior director of production operations, ESPN
Rob Curley, editor, Orange County Register
Kim Christensen, Los Angeles Times, two-time Pulitzer Prize winner
Jeff Gottlieb, Los Angeles Times, Pulitzer Prize winner
Terry Wimmer, University of Arizona journalism professor, Pulitzer Prize winner
Martin J. Smith, editor, Orange Coast Magazine, nonfiction author
Samantha Dunn, writing coach, author, journalist, freelancer
Chapman University is at One University Drive, in Orange.
Blog

Michael O’Connor’s Emmy Style Lab 2014
08.28.14
By Sue Facter
Hollywood awards season is not complete without a visit from New York based jewelry aficionado, Michael O’Connor. The style guru hosted his annual Emmy Style Lab at the L’Ermitage Hotel where he showcased the latest in bling for celebrities, nominees and stylists to rule on the Emmy red carpet. This is an invitation and appointment-only event.
The former QVC style director says that color is the key, even for diamonds. “Celebrities are choosing to reinvent classic designs with modern shapes and patterns.” (We spotted chocolate diamonds!)
For 48 hours pre-Emmys from dawn till dusk, he hosts a constant flow of well-heeled guests. And we’re not talking Louboutins. When Greer’s OC stopped in, Kate Flannery (“The Office”) was on her way out, after selecting a pair of drop leaf earrings by Kallati worth $15K with 2.6 carats pave set with diamonds. Another Kate (Linder, “Young and Restless”) called his private line. Kate Mulgrew (“Orange is the New Black”) was drawn to Leo Diamond stiletto style drop earrings with 13.65 carats by Leo Schachter worth $200,000.
O’Connor’s warm personality, sense of humor and knowledgeable tidbits makes everyone comfy as he shows a pre-pick necklace for an actress du jour. “This is not a done-deal because you know how that works. But I am almost certain that a very important person will be wearing this necklace on Emmy night.”
Whether it’s vintage Hollywood glam or a modern version, O’Connor (who has worked many carpet for Reelz TV and other shows) knows how to pair personality with pendant. He never forgets the men, especially the “Mad Men” appeal. Seah Watches & Jewelry launched The Astronomer timepiece, the only watch in the world that comes with the Greek Zodiac signs that replace the hours.
“Takat is reinventing Hollywood glam with an 108 carat Columbian Emerald cut necklace featuring 72 carats of diamonds priced at three million.” He says Sofia Verega was born to wear this.
Designer Kara Ross from Diamonds with a Story Collection designed parts of broken sidewalk concrete with diamonds to create a statement ring priced at $2,130. He thinks it would be perfect for Heidi Klum.
Other designers included Bellarri, Brenda Smith, Dena Kemp, Leeza Braun, Mastoloni, Susan Eisen Fine Jewelry, and Vahan Jewelry.
Follow Greer on Pinterest
from the blog
- 06.24.25 – Luxury Designer Pop-Up in Tustin: Up to 90% Off Now Through June 29
- 06.24.25 – Where to Celebrate the Fourth of July in Orange County
- 06.23.25 – New Chapter for Sushi Ii: Acclaimed Chefs Join MICHELIN-Recognized Kitchen
- 06.18.25 – Tender Greens Unveils Seasonal Summer Menu Inspired by Local Harvests
- 06.17.25 – Strickland’s Ice Cream Marks One Year in Costa Mesa
- 06.15.25 – Catalina Museum for Art & History Presents Work by Sonia Romero
- 06.14.25 – RJB Restaurant Group Expands Parlor and Olea Footprints
- 06.14.25 – Jan’s Health Bar Expands to San Diego, Introduces New Smoothies and Summer Menu Favorites
- 06.11.25 – Taste of Japan Brings Food, Culture and Entertainment to Anaheim GardenWalk
- 06.09.25 – Topside Roof Deck Launches Sunday Brunch Club
- 06.09.25 – Ninth Annual Newport Beach Wooden Boat Festival to Celebrate Stories of the Sea
- 06.09.25 – Anaheim Hills Festival to Host Bubble Poppin’ Fun Event June 14
- 06.08.25 – Father’s Day Weekend at The Ranch: Steak, Lobster, Bourbon
- 06.03.25 – VEA Newport Beach Partners with Orlebar Brown for Stylish June Pop-Up
- 06.02.25 – Coming Soon: Miami City Ballet’s Swan Lake June 20–22 at Segerstrom Hall
- 06.02.25 – Open Studios at Cannery Artist Collective This Weekend
- 06.01.25 – Celebrate Juneteenth at Musco Center
- 05.30.25 – Newport Beach TV Fest Awards ‘Landman’ Outstanding Drama
- 05.25.25 – Beckman Arts and Science Family Festival Returns to Segerstrom Center
- 05.25.25 – Woody’s Wharf Marks 60 Years with Music and Giving
More Daily Doses
- 06.25.25 – Where to Watch Fourth of July Fireworks in Orange County
- 06.22.25 – Surf & Sand, Laguna Beach Unveils Property-wide Transformation
- 06.17.25 – RELISH Food, Wine and Spirits Experience Debuts in Newport Beach June 27-29
- 06.15.25 – Sweetgreen Welcomes 5th O.C. Restaurant To Laguna Niguel
- 06.15.25 – Casa de Onda Brings Modern Mexican Fusion and Coastal Cool to Triangle Square
- 06.10.25 – Step inside California Kinship at Langson IMCA
- 06.09.25 – E-Commerce Favorite Dressin Launches First OC Store
- 06.03.25 – Hilbert Museum and Pageant of the Masters Partner for 2025 Celebration of California Art
- 06.02.25 – Anaheim’s World Taste Serves Up Culture and Cuisine
- 06.02.25 – Cirque du Soleil’s ECHO in Laguna Hills – Free Kids Tickets This Week
- 05.26.25 – Chef Jason Yamaguchi to Debut Konpa Nikkei in Corona del Mar This Summer
- 05.25.25 – Lido House Launches ‘La Dolce Vita’ – A Taste of Europe in Newport Beach
- 05.21.25 – A Catalina Day Trip: Ocean Views, Island History, and Memorable Stops
- 05.20.25 – Pendry Newport Beach Kicks Off Summer with New Experiences
- 05.15.25 – Cinq à Sept Opens First California Boutique at Fashion Island
- 05.14.25 – Meet Atome Bakery: Sourdough Without the Stress
- 05.14.25 – Newport Beach TV Fest Launches June 5-8, 2025
- 05.11.25 – Cozy Earth Opens Flagship Store in Corona del Mar
- 05.09.25 – Celebrate Mother’s Day at Wild Strawberry Café in Newport Beach
- 05.08.25 – Mom-Worthy Dining in Orange County