Newsletter: TimesOC: Losing ‘Sunny’: For 2 decades, a young woman’s brutal slaying remained a mystery

Good morning. It’s Wednesday, Jan. 10. Here’s what’s been happening around O.C.:

Top story

Losing ‘Sunny’: Two decades after a young woman’s brutal slaying, those left behind still try to cope

Reporter Hannah Fry spent months researching a 20-year-old cold-case killing that claimed a Costa Mesa college student. Her four-part series, “Losing ‘Sunny,’” zeroes in on DNA analysis, undercover police work and other events that helped identify a previously unknown suspect and the challenges of bringing him to justice. Daily Pilot

Around the county

O.C. quits program that exemplified its tough stance on illegal immigration

As 2017 drew to a close, Orange County Sheriff Sandra Hutchens ended her agency’s participation in a federal-local immigration enforcement program that allowed Orange County deputies to act as immigration agents in its jail. Los Angeles Times

Politics

Everything you need to know about the suddenly wide-open race for Rep. Royce’s seat

The surprise decision by Rep. Ed Royce (R-Fullerton) on Monday to opt for retirement instead of a long, contentious reelection campaign means his 39th Congressional District is getting a new look from Democrats eager to regain control of the House of Representatives. Los Angeles Times

Conservative super PAC opens fifth office in O.C. battleground district

The Congressional Leadership Fund, the super PAC hoping to defend vulnerable GOP members in the midterm, is setting up shop in a fifth California district. The group recently added Rep. Mimi Walters (R-Irvine) to its program. Los Angeles Times

Business & real estate

She’s the date farmer from Newport Beach

Fueled by enthusiasm and a love for nature, a Newport Beach mother of three decided to become a farmer. Joan Smith, 49, is the founder and farmer of Rancho Meladuco date farm. Daily Pilot

Silicone wedding bands find a niche among athletes, firefighters and law enforcement

It’s a reasonably simple story, says a founder of silicone wedding and commitment rings. KC Holiday and friend Ted Baker founded Santa Ana-based QALO (pronounced kay-lo), a company producing rings designed to be worn by individuals whose lifestyles make it impractical to wear a gold or diamond ring at all times. TimesOC

Food

Cooking up healthy recipes at a children’s cancer hospital

MaxLove’s culinary medicine program, a research-based program known as Fierce Foods Academy, offers monthly cooking classes for pediatric cancer patients and is hosted by some of Orange County’s biggest chefs, who present simple snack recipes, teach basic kitchen techniques and sometimes even stage mock cooking show competitions to engage the kids. TimesOC

Patriarch of Wahoo’s Fish Taco family has a tale of hard work and good fortune

You no doubt have heard of Wahoo’s Fish Taco, but have you heard of Mr. Lee? Without Mr. Lee, Wahoo’s, the well-known Mexican food chain, would simply not exist. TimesOC

Life & arts

‘Shakespeare in Love’ will tell its romantic tale at South Coast Repertory

“Shakespeare in Love” was adapted for the stage by Lee Hall and will make its way to the Segerstrom Stage at South Coast Repertory Jan. 13 to Feb. 10 under the expertise of artistic director Marc Masterson. TimesOC

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