| San Diego Business Journal

Stories for December 2005

Friday, December 30

Gas Prices Continue Their Fall

Southern California gas prices continued downward for the 13th consecutive week, but at a continued slower pace, indicating that the decreases may soon end, said the Automobile Club of Southern California.

Thursday, December 29

SeraCare Faces Lawsuit, Delisting

Oceanside-based SeraCare Life Sciences, Inc. is being sued by one of the nation's top shareholder litigators and faces delisting from the Nasdaq stock exchange.

Wednesday, December 28

Stratton Named Emergency Services Chief

The county has replaced the medical director of its emergency services program, citing his other job as a "potential conflict of interest."

NRG To Run 14 Power Plants

Princeton, N.J.-based NRG Energy, Inc. will assume complete ownership of the Encina power plant in Carlsbad and 13 other plants in the San Diego area under a deal announced Dec. 27.

Housing Starts Fall in November

November housing starts in San Diego County dipped by 28.8 percent from the previous November.

Campo Wind Farm in Business

San Diego Gas & Electric Co. is receiving electricity from the Kumeyaay Wind project on the Campo Indian Reservation, the facility's business backers announced Dec. 28.

Tuesday, December 27

High-Rises to Change Hands

Major Southern California commercial landlord Arden Realty was acquired by a division of General Electric Co. for $3.2 billion in a deal that includes several prime Downtown San Diego high-rises.

Billabong Buys Nixon

Nixon Inc., an Encinitas-based manufacturer of watches aimed at the surf and skate crowd, was acquired by Billabong International Ltd., the Australian surf gear firm, for at least $73 million.

San Diego Ranks Lower as New Year's Getaway

San Diego fell from sixth to 10th place among preferred spots to ring in the new year, according to a ranking by a leading online travel agency.

Thursday, December 22

Otay Retail Center Breaks Ground

Ground has been broken this week on a new retail center that developers hope will serve the more than 11 million people who cross the Otay Mesa border with Mexico each year.

Maxim Shareholders OK EpiCept Deal

New Jersey-based EpiCept Corp. is looking toward January to finalize its acquisition of San Diego-based Maxim Pharmaceuticals, Inc.

Chalker Picks Up State Appointment

John Chalker, managing director for San Diego-based LM Capital Group, LLC, was appointed to the California Transportation Commission by Gov. Arnold Schwarzenegger.

SBA Names New S.D. Director Almost

Ruben Garcia has been chosen to succeed longtime district director George Chandler as head of San Diego's U.S. Small Business Administration office.

Wednesday, December 21

Hansen to Lead East County Chamber

Mike Hansen, director of asset services and general manager of Grossmont shopping center with CB Richard Ellis in San Diego, has been appointed the 2006 chairman of the San Diego East County Chamber of Commerce.

Real Estate Firm Puts Emphasis on 'Estate'

Prudential California Realty has formed a division focusing on architecturally unique homes.

Law Firm Partner Named UC Regent

Stephen L. Schreiner, a partner in the San Diego law firm of Solomon Ward Seidenwurm & Smith, LLP, has been appointed to the University of California Board of Regents.

Air Canada Returns to Lindbergh

Air Canada launched new daily nonstop service to and from Vancouver International Airport in Vancouver, British Columbia, on Dec. 17.

Rubio's Chief Steps Down

With the resignation of Sheri Miksa, Ralph Rubio is back in his old job: chief executive of the fish-taco eateries that bear his name.

Tuesday, December 20

Connect Honor Goes to Zable

Walter J. Zable, who founded Cubic Corp. in 1951 and still works there at 90 years old, was named to Connect's Entrepreneur Hall of Fame on Dec. 20.

Nasdaq Spot for Cytori

Cytori Therapeutics, a San Diego biotech company known for its therapies using stem cells derived from fat tissue, began trading on the Nasdaq stock exchange Dec. 19.

Aguirre Fined $9,000

The city of San Diego Ethics Commission on Dec. 19 announced that it has approved a settlement agreement with City Attorney Michael Aguirre involving campaign violations.

Monday, December 19

Innovative Companies Get a Nod From Connect

The winners of San Diego's 18th annual Most Innovative New Product awards were announced Dec. 9, and include businesses working to treat obesity, boost TV clarity and create safe latex.

Stingaree's Opening Night Proved to Be A Gamble

Converting an 87-year-old brick warehouse into a posh, ultra-hip nightspot in a matter of four months would ultimately take its toll on James Brennan, draining both his emotions and his wallet. Yet the Stingaree opened on time.

Week in Review

Top Business News: December 9 - 15, 2005

City Owes Chargers, Arbitrator Rules

The city of San Diego was thrown for a $1.5 million loss in a lease dispute with the San Diego Chargers over the loss of seating at Qualcomm Stadium.

An Uphill Battle

People gather in Stan Ferdyn's office every week because the long-haul trucking industry has a problem. There is a shortage of drivers.

Small Business Spotlight: San Diego Wine Co.

As owner of the San Diego Wine Co., Matt Francke likens his business to an adult candy store where the customers are always happy and the workday is fun.

Navy Fleet in Flux; Nassco Has Plenty of Work

National Steel and Shipbuilding Co. stands poised to capitalize on U.S. Navy plans to reverse years of declining shipbuilding by increasing the fleet's size.

S.D. Companies Team Up to Present Health Fair

Eight health and beauty companies announce a health fair and makeover contest; University of California nurses negotiate what they are calling their best contract in 20 years.

Completion of SR-56 Helps Business Corridor

Communities surrounding state Route 56 are slowly, yet surely, becoming a new core business hub in San Diego County.

Lemon Grove Plans to Be Pedestrian Friendly

The San Diego Trolley stop in the heart of Lemon Grove will be key to remaking the tiny city's downtown during the next 15 years.

Progress Report

Sales and Leases

Bankers Show Their Thanks to Region's Service Members

Spurred by the loss of an employee's Marine Corps son in Iraq, Vineyard Bank decided to do something to show its appreciation for the sacrifices members of the military are making there.

Office Buildings Take Sick Time as Workers Sniffle On

Constant sneezing and sniffling are among symptoms collectively known as "sick building syndrome," a term coined as early as the 1970s for discomfort that stems from being in a building with poor indoor air quality.

Firms Feel Slighted in Seeking Federal Contracts

Some federal contracts earmarked for small businesses are making their way into the hands of larger firms, prompting several small-business owners in San Diego to ask why.

Small Business Help Line

Question: How can I establish credibility and prove to prospective clients I can do what I say?

Sequenom Pens Deal With GeneSeek

San Diego's Sequenom, Inc. announced Dec. 19 that Lincoln, Neb.-based GeneSeek, Inc. will use Sequenom's genetic analysis system to genotype cattle.

Metabolife Fined $600,000

Metabolife International has been fined $600,000 and ordered to serve three years' probation stemming from the company's guilty plea to a federal indictment in October.

Construction Journal

Contract Awards and Construction Milestones

S.D. Schools Participate in Worldwide Program

Local universities are beginning to play a more significant role in fostering the global economy, with funding from the U.S. Department of State.

Proxy: InfoSonics Corp.

InfoSonics Corp.

Being Aboard a Carrier Is an Arresting Experience

San Diego People

Key Hires and Promotions; Awards and Recognition; Philanthropy; Executive Spotlight: Igor Pereira

East Asian Summit Puts China in the Spotlight

Robertson Looks To Turn Gray Area Into Gold

At 38, Michael Robertson embodies the risks and rewards of the online music industry.

Executive Profile: Rhonda Welch-Scalco

Rhonda Welch-Scalco balances the demands of getting a doctorate and serving as chairwoman of the Barona Band of Mission Indians.

Revitalization Easing Its Way Into North Park

North Park could evolve into "one of the best communities" in San Diego, according to one local developer, while another predicts that the mere presence of a Starbucks is a sure sign of bullish times ahead.

Light Rail Key to Region's Future

Move to Idaho Helps Buck Thrive

It has been one year since Buck Knives halted production in El Cajon and headed north to a new factory in the Idaho panhandle. And so far, things have gone well for the manufacturer.

For the Record

Business Events Calendar: Dec. 20 - 23, 2005

New Steakhouse Positions Itself in the East Village

After some deliberation, executives with the Palm Restaurant chain stake out a space in the East Village.

Firms Making a Big Deal About Local Market

Lots of big deals are coming out of San Diego's real estate community these days.

Show Statistics to Prove Your Worth

Question: How can I establish credibility and prove to prospective clients I can do what I say?

Hackers Find Small Firms An Inviting New Target

Small businesses everywhere, beware: Computer hackers are focusing their efforts on you, according to the latest installment of the Symantec Internet Security Threat Report.

Friday, December 16

Ralphs Faces Federal Charges

The Ralphs supermarket chain faces federal charges stemming from allegations that it broke labor laws by hiring workers under false names during the longest grocery store strike in Southern California's history.

SAIC Completes a $2B Quarter

Science Applications International Corp., the diversified technology and defense company, reported net income of $91 million on revenue of $2 billion for the quarter ended Oct. 31.

Another Acquisition for Bank

First Community Bancorp, the Rancho Santa Fe-based parent company to First National Bank, agreed to purchase Foothill Independent Bank based in Glendora for an aggregate price of $238 million in stock and cash.

Jobless Rate Down to 4.2 Percent

Unemployment in San Diego during November dropped to 4.2 percent from the preceding month's 4.4 percent.

Thursday, December 15

Law Firms See Strength in Numbers

Eighteen minority law firms in the United States, including San Diego, have banded together to form a business alliance to better serve corporations and seek new businesses.

Professor's Economic Index Slides

An index measuring San Diego's overall economic health dropped for the third consecutive month, but the declines were not significant or cause for great concern, according to the University of San Diego economics professor who compiles the data.

CCDC Officers Named

The Centre City Development Corp. board on Dec. 14 elected Jennifer LeSar as chair.

Wednesday, December 14

Phase II Results Boost Arena Stock

San Diego-based Arena Pharmaceuticals, Inc. saw its stock soar almost 21 percent Dec. 13 after the company announced positive clinical results for its obesity drug.

Sanders Names More Associates

San Diego Mayor Jerry Sanders on Dec. 13 added two more people to his new administration: Jay Goldstone and Rich Haas.

Tuesday, December 13

Birkmeyer Appointed to Bench

Laura J. Birkmeyer, a Democrat from San Diego, has been appointed to a judgeship in the San Diego Superior Court by Gov. Arnold Schwarzenegger.

Phoenix Exec Gets Analyst Post

The San Diego City Council appointed Andrea Tevlin, deputy city manager for Phoenix, as San Diego's first independent budget analyst on Dec. 12.

Monday, December 12

Small Business Spotlight: Skinsational Skin & Body Spa

Joyce Carboni, president of Skinsational Skin & Body Spa in Carlsbad

Week in Review

Top Business News: December 2 - 8, 2005

Builders Get a Fresh Look at Downtown Retail Opportunities

A study scheduled for release this week may give Downtown San Diego developers an inside track when it comes to retail opportunities in some of the area's booming neighborhoods.

Travelers Turn to Web to Book Trips, Survey Says

Managers book online to cut down on the cost of travel.

Duke's First and Last Surrender

Millions of Poinsettias Get Their Start Locally

A surprising number of poinsettias , the flower most closely tied with the notion of a winter wonderland , get their start here in sunny San Diego.

For the Record

Business Events Calendar: Dec. 13 - 19, 2005

Mazda3's 5-Door Touring a Middle-Class Workhorse

Annual Bonuses to Be Bountiful as Year-End Nears

A random survey of several industries shows the tradition of a Christmas bonus is alive and well, with some sectors feeling particularly cheerful.

Geary Interactive Makes a Move Into the Big Apple

San Diego-based Geary Interactive announced the opening of a New York City office, bringing its number of offices nationwide to three.

FDA Grants Marketing Approval to Gen-Probe

The Food and Drug Administration granted marketing approval to Gen-Probe, Inc. recently for the nation's first approved blood test for West Nile virus.

A Bank With an Eye for Wealth

A new bank organizing in San Diego aims to serve not just the wealthy, but also the super-wealthy.

Firms Warm to Notion of More Canadian Trade

It's the first time the Canadian Consulate has held a tech trade mission, as the office re-establishes itself here after a 10-year absence.

Energy Drink Rolls Out to Retailers

Who's Your Daddy Inc. announced Dec. 13 that it has reached a $290,000 distribution deal with Circle K.

Fruits of College District's Bond Measure Blossoming

The Grossmont-Cuya & #173;maca Community College District in El Cajon has been mining large chunks of Proposition R, the $207 million local bond measure approved in 2002.

Converting Into a Controversy

The once red-hot condo conversion market in San Diego is now heating up in court, while builders report a definite cooling trend as investors become increasingly skittish about jumping into the fray.

San Diego People

Key Hires and Promotions; Awards and Recognition; Philanthropy; Executive Spotlight: Robert Richley

Can't Always Get What You Want? Some Can

Los Angeles firm provides luxury travel and concierge service.

Offering an Alternative to Unbridled Casino Growth

Rep's Departure Could Cost San Diego Contractors

Randy "Duke" Cunningham's resignation will cost the former congressman at least $1.8 million. But experts say his departure from an influential congressional subcommittee could cost the San Diego defense industry millions more.

Navy's Newest Class of Ships Headed to S.D.

The Navy announced plans to base the USS Freedom in San Diego. It's the first of a new class of ships to have a home port.

CCDC Chairman Resigns

Now without a chairman with the resignation of Hal Sadler, directors of the Centre City Development Corp. will elect officers during its Dec. 14 meeting.

Sky-High Prices

Airfares and hotel stays, which have gone up in price nationwide, are expected to continue to climb in the coming year , which is good news for San Diego's $6 billion annual tourist trade.

Local Rep's Betrayal Runs Deep

SoCal Feels a Bit Bearish on Biz in the State

A survey suggests Southern California small-business owners are feeling just a little more pessimistic than their counterparts in the northern and central portions of the state.

Executive Profile: William T. Ostrem

William T. Ostrem is a patient man, and the trait serves him well. He has developed one of the largest master-planned communities in San Diego County.

Construction Journal

Contract Awards and Construction Milestones

San Diego Shrimping Company Is Sold to Mexican Seafood Firms

Ocean Garden Products, a San Diego distributor of shrimp and other seafood that is owned by Mexico's import-export bank, was sold in an auction process to a group of Mexican shrimp producers for about $25 million.

The Godmother of the Gaslamp

Ingrid Croce reflects on 20 years in Downtown, the family's music, prospects for expansion and tracking down her new cookbook.

MIT Forum and Connect Team Up

San Diego's MIT Enterprise Forum has formed an alliance with Connect, the two tech-centered organizations have announced.

Kintera Continues to Struggle as Provide Commerce Moves On

The announced sale of ProFlowers.com's parent contrasts with the unspectacular performance of Kintera, Inc., another local Internet firm that held its initial public offering at the same time.

Proxy , Provide Commerce, Inc.

Provide Commerce, Inc.

Road Warriors, Take Heed: IRS Sets Mileage Rates

The Internal Revenue Service has issued its 2006 optional standard mileage rates, used to calculate the deductible costs of operating an automobile for business, charitable, medical or moving purposes.

Students Set to Graduate From Binational Program

Students in the only binational master's degree curriculum available in the United States and Mexico will be completing the first such program next month.

Progress Report

Sales and Leases

Friday, December 9

City Owes Chargers, Arbitrator Rules

The city of San Diego was thrown for a $1.5 million loss in a lease dispute with the San Diego Chargers over the loss of seating at Qualcomm Stadium.

Qualcomm Raises Forecast

Wireless technology company Qualcomm Inc. increased its forecast for the first quarter of fiscal 2006, which ends Dec. 25.

Mathis to Chair Transit Board

The Metropolitan Transit System board on Dec. 8 chose Harry Mathis to succeed Leon Williams as the agency's chairman.

Thursday, December 8

Court Officer, Commissioners Named

Michael M. Roddy has been named executive officer of the San Diego Superior Court following a nationwide search.

AmNet Shareholders OK Wachovia Deal

Shareholders of AmNet Mortgage Inc., a San Diego-based mortgage bank, approved the sale of the company to Charlotte, N.C.-based Wachovia Corp. in a special meeting Dec. 8.

Cruise Ships Converge on Downtown

The San Diego Unified Port District is anticipating an unusually high amount of traffic on Harbor Drive on Saturday, Dec. 10, when three large cruise ships enter the harbor.

Wednesday, December 7

MIT Forum and Connect Team Up

San Diego's MIT Enterprise Forum has formed an alliance with Connect, the two tech-centered organizations have announced.

Viejas Partnership May Develop Hotels, Cruise Terminal

The San Diego Unified Port District will enter into negotiations with Federal Viejas LLC to build two new high-end hotels, a new cruise ship terminal and parking facilities Downtown.

Felsinger to Lead Sempra

Donald E. Felsinger will serve as Sempra Energy's new chairman and CEO, the company said Dec. 7.

Tuesday, December 6

Seafood Distributor Back in Private Hands

Ocean Garden Products, Inc., a San Diego-based distributor of shrimp and other seafood, was sold by its owner, Mexico's import-export bank, to a partnership of three Mexican food companies in a deal valued at about $25 million.

Hopefuls Line Up for Congressional Seat

The 50th Congressional District continues to attract comers since Randy "Duke" Cunningham resigned. California Highway Patrol Sgt. Jeff Newsome, a San Diego native, on Dec. 5 announced plans to file for candidacy later this month.

Sempra Declares Dividend

Directors of Sempra Energy declared a quarterly dividend of 29 cents per share of common stock, the company announced Dec. 6.

Monday, December 5

Merger Mania

It's been an active year for mergers and acquisitions , and not only for large companies. Small businesses see the business case just as well.

Progress Report

Sales and leases

Work-Force Housing Is Paradise Found

A National City hospital is a model for work-force housing. Yet a lack of land could inhibit others from following suit.

Rising Tide of Cable Costs Needs to Be Stopped

A Timeline of Cunningham's Collapse

A Timeline of Cunningham's collapse

San Diego People

Key Hires and Promotions; Awards and Recognition; Philanthropy; Executive Profile: Ron Lack

Week in Review

Top Business News: November 25 - December 1, 2005

Small Business Help Line

Question: How does branding apply to a small business, and what does it mean for me?

Trial Lawyers Give the Gift of Asbestos Lawsuits

Mall Offers Unique Look at Local Homes For the Holidays

Although retail profits flourish during the holiday season, sales in many other industries do not. But there may be a new way for industries typically stalled during the holiday season to cash in on the yuletide buying frenzy.

Liberty Station Business District Is Taking Shape

Construction , and leasing activity , is coming along on two new buildings in Liberty Station's Office District, part of the mega-mixed-use project now under way on the grounds of the former Naval Training Center in Point Loma.

Turnaround for Aguirre

San Diego City Attorney Michael Aguirre , heartened by a Superior Court judge's decision Dec. 2 , said he intends to take "personal control" of a suit he filed this year against eight former city pension board members.

SAIC Finds New Exec Across Town at Titan Corp.

Science Applications International Corp., a San Diego-based company that employs 43,000 worldwide, has hired a new chief financial officer away from another large local defense contractor.

FDA Approves Halozyme Drug

The Food and Drug Administration approved Hylenex, a drug developed by San Diego-based Halozyme Therapeutics, Inc., on Dec. 5.

This Spa Package Travels the Extra Mile

Kidnappers normally are sentenced to hard time in the state prison for their actions, but one small business in San Diego is hoping to garner high praise for its "criminal" mischief.

Proxy , Natural Alternatives International

Natural Alternatives International

Ripe for the Picking: ProFlowers and Affiliates To Be Acquired

Provide Commerce Inc., the San Diego-based holding company of Proflowers.com and several other Web retailing sites, entered into a definitive agreement Dec. 5 to be acquired by Liberty Media Corp. of Colorado.

Oregon, Oklahoma in Holiday Bowl

This year's matchup for the Pacific Life Holiday Bowl promises to be one of the best ever with the University of Oregon (10-1) from the Pacific-10 Conference playing the University of Oklahoma (7-4) from the Big 12 Conference.

Construction Journal

Contract awards and construction milestones.

Tech Coast Angels Eyes Its Top Year Since 2000

The Tech Coast Angels investor group is on track to post its biggest year since 2000.

Merger Activity in Area Might Have Topped Out

Several well-known consumer brands were bought or sold by Los Angeles-area companies recently, including Claim Jumper Restaurants and Rampage Clothing Co., as merger activity continued at a relatively healthy pace.

Feds Fuzzy on Answers to HIPAA Concerns

The Office of Civil Rights is keeping mum on plans to respond to hospital industry concerns that a major accrediting body could be violating patient privacy.

Acquisition Spree Fuels Growth at Powerwave

Growth at Santa Ana-based Powerwave Technologies Inc. has come through aggressive buying. The deals, including the recent buy of part of Del Mar-based Remec, Inc., have helped stabilize prices by cutting the number of competitors.

Letters

Avanir Coverage Is Off-Balance; No Love Lost for Lamont Ewell

Roque De La Fuente Cases Make for Busy Docket

Roque De La Fuente cases make for a busy docket.

Mini Cooper Still a Winner, With a Few Alterations

Military Turns to Hollywood to Boost Recruitment

Military turns to Hollywood to boost recruitment.

AT & T-SBC; Deal Expected to Have Local Biz Impact

A recently approved merger between SBC and AT & T; is expected to have minimal impact on existing residential customers, but that's not the case for the telecom company's business clients.

Rep's Conviction Shines Light on Defense Practices

The collapse of Randy "Duke" Cunningham's political career started with the pocketing of a defense contractor's personal check , No. 1039.

Diegan, Hard Rock Roll With Investors

About a year ago, the word "condotel" entered the local real estate lexicon as news surfaced that the concept was soon to debut here.

Statewide Bond Plan Targets Freeways, Ports

Southern California ports, freeways, rail lines, water supplies and even affordable housing projects could get a boost from a multi-billion-dollar infrastructure bond now being crafted in Sacramento for June's statewide ballot.

Executive Profile: Mike Jensen

While a college student, Mike Jensen did a six-month internship as a construction cost consultant. From there a career bloomed, and he never turned his attention elsewhere.

Temecula's Old West Moseys Into Wireless Age

Officials in Temecula are on the front edge of a trend that's spreading across the country: free government-provided wireless Internet service.

Branding Isn't Just for Ad Campaigns

Question: How does branding apply to a small business, and what does it mean for me?

For the Record

Business Events Calendar: Dec. 6 - 12

Wachovia Begins Westward Push

It's the fourth-largest lender in the nation, yet Wachovia Corp. doesn't have much name recognition in this area. That's likely to change early next year.

Drug Approval Rate Is Down From Past Figures

The number of new drugs approved by the Food and Drug Administration this year has dropped significantly in the last year.

Sanders Sworn in as San Diego Mayor

Jerry Sanders was sworn in as San Diego mayor at the Dec. 5 City Council meeting.

New Media Is a Game That Moves As You Play

Succession Plan in Place at Landmark National

While the retirement of Ron Carlson at Landmark National Bank may have appeared sudden to some, it was something that had been planned for a while, said recently appointed CEO Rick Mandlebaum.

Fast-Growing Firms Borrow To Grow More

Despite an environment of rising interest rates, many fast-growing companies have no trouble finding agreeable loan rates, according to a recent survey.

Group Convinces S.D. Nurses to Work in Nevada

An organization called Recruiting Nevada aims to draw nurses from San Diego into Nevada in a major way.

Small Business Spotlight: Aussie Pet Mobile North County

The scariest and most rewarding business decisions are often one in the same. Just ask Chuck Black, who quit a successful 30-year career in corporate retail management to pursue small-business ownership.

Colliers Grows By Acquisition

Colliers Macaulay Nicolls Inc., a real estate services company with offices in San Diego, announced it has closed a deal to buy a majority stake in the Los Angeles-area commercial real estate firm of Colliers Seeley International, Inc.

Friday, December 2

Road Warriors, Take Heed: IRS Sets Mileage Rates

Casino/Hotel Groundbreaking Set

The Jamul Indian Village has announced it will break ground on its Jamul-area casino and resort Dec. 10.