The Crowd: Newport CEO honored for military reserve service

Newport Beach resident Mike Talbot, Universal Space Lines LLC president and chief executive, as a California State Military Reserve major received the California Medal of Merit presented by Col. Marc Breslow, Regional Support Command South commander. The recognition was also directed by Brig. Gen. Roland L. Candee, State Military Reserve commander.

Talbot, who has served since 2005 as a legal officer within the State Military Reserve, received the medal at a November ceremony at the Joint Forces Training Base in Los Alamitos.

"Major Talbot has provided exceptional meritorious service to National Guard members, their families and the California State Military Reserve," Breslow said. "His leadership and selfless devotion to duty enhanced operational support and ensured Guard unit readiness, enabling them to sustain the rigors associated with mobilization and deployment. ... Major Talbot's service reflects great credit upon himself, the California State Military Reserve, and the state of California."

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Ritz managing partner named Man of the Year

The Muscular Dystrophy Assn. has named restaurateur Ray Jacobi as its Man of the Year. Jacobi, managing partner of Newport's iconic Ritz Restaurant and Garden, will host a VIP underwriting dinner in his establishment Feb. 23.

The association's Gift of Hope gala in Newport Beach will follow later in the social season. To support MDA and honor Jacobi, contact Jamie Byrne (310) 398-6064 or email jbyrne@mdausa.org.

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Saks donates to local charity groups

February is the month of giving for luxury retailer Saks Fifth Avenue. The upscale America fashion house will donate 5% of all registered purchases during February to various Orange County charitable organizations, including the Children's Hospital of Orange County, Juvenile Diabetes Research Foundation, National Charity League's Newport Beach chapter and the Segerstrom Center for the Arts.

Saks has also chosen to donate 5% of online purchases made with a Saks credit card to the very worthwhile St. Jude Children's Research Hospital, which was the lifelong charitable focus of the late entertainer Danny Thomas. It's carried on today by his daughter Marlo Thomas Donahue and a very dedicated contingent of Hollywood support.

"Saks is committed to our local communities and we appreciate our customers' charitable involvement," said Saks Chairman and Chief Financial Officer Steve Sadove.

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Escalette art collection arrives at Chapman