Stories for June 2005
Thursday, June 30
City Bond Sale Hits Delay
The city of San Diego is putting a hold on $15 million in private-placement bonds due to go on sale next week for the first phase of a waterfront park located at Liberty Station in Point Loma.
PUC Reduces Charges Held Over From Energy Crisis
The California Public Utilities Commission voted June 30 to reduce proposed charges for state energy contracts to San Diego Gas & Electric Co. customers by an estimated $368 million.
Decreased Expectations Mark USD Index
An index measuring San Diego's economy declined for a fifth straight month in May, fueled by big drops in consumer confidence, a declining outlook for the national economy, and reduced linage of help-wanted ads.
Gasoline Prices Expected to Rise
The Utility Consumers' Action Network, the San Diego-based consumer watchdog, is predicting fireworks for motorists taking to the road this Fourth of July weekend at the pump, not the park.
Wednesday, June 29
Leap Returns to the Nasdaq
San Diego-based Leap Wireless International Inc. made its return to the Nasdaq on June 29.
Californians in a Mood to Travel
More Southern Californians are likely to take to the highways during the Fourth of July weekend than they did last year, and San Diego ranks high on their list of preferred destinations, according to the Automobile Club of Southern California.
Tuesday, June 28
John Walton Killed in Plane Crash
John Walton, son of Wal-Mart founder Sam Walton and a San Diego County homeowner, died June 27 in a plane crash. He was 58.
Water Authority Looks To Diversify
The San Diego County Water Authority board of directors recently approved a $1.3 billion budget for fiscal years 2006 and 2007.
Monday, June 27
Tech Startups Drawing Interest From VC Funds
The first quarter saw a handful of Orange County startups each draw more than $20 million in venture funding.
Biotech Question of the Week: Got Space?
Hundreds of San Diego-based biotechnologies will receive postcards this week with an unusual proposition: Got space?
Hotels, Eateries Wooing The Gay Visitor Market
A small niche group , the gay tourist , is gaining more attention from the hospitality industry because of its affluence and frequent travel habits.
Dark Horse Sets Pace in Race for Hollywood Park
The owner of Bay Meadows racetrack in San Mateo has emerged as the leading candidate to acquire Hollywood Park with a bid of about $275 million, according to numerous sources.
For the Record
Business Events Calendar: June 28 - July 1
Ratings Strong for Padres Despite Tough Market
While the month of June has not treated the Padres very kindly, the team's TV ratings have remained hot, generating significant advertising revenue for Channel 4 San Diego.
Opportunities Abundant for Leader of Lost Firm
Kelly Gibson has helped build Irvine's O'Neill Clothing into one of the larger surf-wear makers with an estimated $75 million in yearly sales. Now he's been handed another growth task: Lost Clothing.
Matchmaker Unites Homeowners, Media Execs
Sherri Milligan has built an business around booking mansions for reality TV shows and feature films.
Manufacturing Sector Is Up in Orange County
Manufacturing still is big in Orange County , and it's rebounding from the downturn of the early 2000s recession.
Base Closures Have Resulted in Successes
Bergstrom, Charleston, Long Beach and more: The Pentagon considers these military base conversions national models.
Wrapping Up Wrap Years, Tacone to Rely on Cone
The tale of the Tacone illustrates the difficulty of standing out in the fast-casual restaurant niche, a growing segment of the industry favored by aging baby boomers pressed for time but also wanting higher quality fare than fast-food restaurants.
Technology Offers Challenges to Radio
With more than one in five Americans between 18 and 28 owning an iPod or other portable MP3 music players, radio faces unprecedented competition from devices that allow people to function as their own program directors.
Condo Market in Full Swing in Downtown
Downtown San Diego has enjoyed a surge of condo development, with 1,000 units added during the last 12 months, 3,000 units under construction and 4,000 units planned.
Rincon Receives Favorable Ruling in Hotel Tax Spat
A federal judge has ruled in favor of the Rincon San Luiseno Band of Mission Indians in a dispute over whether the hotel on the Rincon reservation owes bed tax to the county.
Executive Profile: John Hawkins
John Hawkins, president and owner of Cloud 9 Shuttle, Inc.
Construction Defects Not The Lottery It Once Was
Construction Defects Not The Lottery It Once Was
Billion-Dollar Deliberation
Drilling down into the history and meaning of the $1.4 billion pension shortfall at San Diego city hall.
ConVis Plans Move Next Month to Smaller Digs
After losing about a third of its staff to budget cuts, the San Diego Convention & Visitors Bureau is making tracks to leave its pricey Downtown quarters for smaller, less expensive accommodations in Little Italy.
Small Business Spotlight: James Ray International
James Arthur Ray, president and chief executive officer of James Ray International.
Drug OK Adds to Halozyme's Success Story
Sorrento Valley-based Halozyme Therapeutics Inc. has launched its first approved product, Cumulase, a human-based enzyme used for preparing eggs for in vitro fertilization procedures.
New Owner for San Diego Magazine
San Diego Magazine Publishing Co., which produces the monthly
San Diego People
Key Hires and Promotions; Philanthropy; Executive Spotlight: Vicki Mullins
Small Biz Gets A Treat From Area Senator
The Treatery, an ice cream and candy store in Chula Vista, was recently selected as the Small Business of the Year for California's 40th Senate District.
San Diegan Helps Keep Air Force Plane Aloft
A recurring, 60-day tour of duty at a desert site to work on the Global Hawk military aircraft has "almost become routine" for Northrop Grumman employee Avis Anderson, 41.
Construction Journal
Contract Awards and Construction Milestones
Local Student Loan Business a Family Affair
With a June 30 deadline looming to lock in lower fixed rates on consolidated student loans, the people at Goal Financial LLC are busier than ever.
Firm Closing Big Buy, Locking With Marriott
San Clemente-based Sunstone Hotel Investors Inc. is closing its biggest buy yet, acquiring six hotels for $590 million.
Firms Turning to Outsourcing to Meet HR Needs
The complex and ever-changing world of employment law has small firms turning to experts , human resources consultants.
A Taxing Proposition to Stifle California Business
A Taxing Proposition to Stifle California Business
Business Is Booming for Forensic Accountants
As cases of corporate skulduggery are increasingly probed, forensic accountants have kept busy, whether it's uncovering white-collar fraud or double-checking the work of outside auditors.
Revamp of NTC Hailed As a Model Base Closure
Communities facing the conversion of a military base had better have sound strategy in place right off the bat, or they are likely to get "snookered," says a military base closure expert who admires the work done at San Diego's Naval Training Center.
Desal Plant Operators Ink Deal With Building Groups
Poseidon Resources Corp. and two labor groups have formed a partnership for the construction of the $270 million Carlsbad Desalination Plant.
Chargers Have Tall Plans For Mission Valley Site
The San Diego Chargers' revised plan for a new stadium along with about 6,000 housing units may turn part of Mission Valley into a neighborhood dominated by a group of high-rise condominiums.
DeMaio Group Vows Study of Candidates' Positions
If you're wondering where all the mayoral candidates stand on the city's financial issues, stay tuned. The Performance Institute is surveying the contenders to find out their positions.
Effective Leaders Will Produce Results
Question: How can I develop leaders who will grow my business?
Week in Review
Top Business News: June 17 - 23, 2005
Local Banks Bucking the National Lending Trend
While lending activity by many larger corporations has slowed nationally, the evidence from most San Diego community banks suggests the opposite trend.
Qualcomm's New Era Begins
Paul Jacobs says he's ready to take the chief executive's job at Qualcomm Inc.
Progress Report
Sales and Leases
Pension Fund Deficit Leads to Major Woes
The city of San Diego's pension fund deficit has led to investigations and financial headaches.
Friday, June 24
Avnet-Memec Deal Nears Closure
The pending acquisition of Memec, a San Diego-based distributor of semiconductors, by Avnet Inc. moved another step closer with recent approval of the deal from the European Commission.
Callaway Mulls Company Sale
Callaway Golf Co., the Carlsbad maker of clubs, announced it has received an unsolicited bid to acquire the public company from an undisclosed party.
Revenue Up, Losses Continue at e.Digital
San Diego-based e.Digital Corp. reported an annual net loss for the fiscal year ended March 31 of $2.4 million on revenues of $4.25 million.
Thursday, June 23
City Attorney Says He's Heading to Court
San Diego City Attorney Michael Aguirre on June 23 said he will be heading to San Diego Superior Court "a week from Friday," but declined to say who or what will be the subject of his action.
Wednesday, June 22
Akonix, DriveCam Get Venture Funding
Two San Diego high-tech companies recently obtained follow-on venture capital funding, Akonix Systems Inc. and DriveCam Inc.
ProfitLine Acquires FedCel
ProfitLine, a San Diego-based provider of telecom expense management services, said it acquired FedCel, a Columbus, Ohio wireless outsourcing company, for an undisclosed price.
Metabolife Building Changing Hands
Herbal supplement maker Metabolife International Inc. sold its Kearny Mesa headquarters complete with furniture and equipment for an undisclosed price to its original owner, one broker in the transaction announced.
Hospitality Program Gets a Boost
San Diego State University's Hospitality and Tourism Management Program has received a $1 million contribution from Terry Brown, the president of Atlas Hotels Inc., which owns the Town & Country Hotel in Mission Valley.
Follow-on Stock Offering Grows
BioMed Realty Trust Inc. of San Diego announced a pricing of a follow-on public offering of 13.1 million shares of common stock at $22.50 per share.
Tuesday, June 21
Chairman's RoundTable Welcomes Six
Comprised of current and former chief executive officers, the Chairman's RoundTable has added six new members.
Monday, June 20
More Than a Bump in the Road
For mechanics, this year's rains that created a lot of new potholes, and poor roads have translated into an uptick in business as motorists are visiting their auto shops more often thanks to road-related wear and tear.
Shamu and the Zoo Vs. Mickey Mouse
If dreams really do come true for San Diego's theme parks and attractions, they'll become the after-party destination for Disneyland's 50th anniversary celebration.
Somaxon Makes Big Entry Into Competitive Arena
Somaxon Pharmaceuticals Inc. has started enrolling patients in a late-stage trial to test Silenor, an experimental insomnia drug.
Out of Bankruptcy, Leap Already Turns a Profit
Leap Wireless International Inc., the San Diego-based flat-rate wireless service provider in 39 mid-sized cities, reported its first quarterly profit since emerging from Chapter 11 bankruptcy last August.
A 401(k) Is a Valuable Recruiting Tool
Question: What important information should I be aware of before setting up a 401(k) plan for the employees of my small business?
Week in Review
Top Business News: June 10 - 16, 2005
Firms Find Relief in High Court Ruling
Drug makers find relief in the Integra-Merck case, which also could enhance cash flow from venture capitalists.
Tour Operators Bringing Many Visitors to Region
Disneyland's 50th anniversary has at least one travel agency working overtime: its own.
The Accidental Operator
Bed and breakfast inns aren't typical lodging for packaged tours, but they have lured Japanese tour operators.
Broadcom Complains, Qualcomm Under Scrutiny
The federal government is in the early stage of investigating Irvine-based Broadcom Corp.'s claim that Qualcomm Inc. is importing electronics that allegedly infringe Broadcom's patents.
California Voter Chief Calls '04 S.D. Mayoral Results 'Bothersome'
California voter chief calls 2004 San Diego mayoral results 'bothersome' , Q & A; with California Secretary of State Bruce McPherson
Small Business Spotlight: Formula PR
Michael Olguin, president of Formula PR, has been steadily growing the business since its inception in 1992, opening a Los Angeles office in 2000 and a New York office in 2003.
Downey Savings Stays Course As Buyout Talk Still Swirls
Downey Savings stays the course as buyout talk still swirls.
Biogen Idec Sells Oceanside Plant For $408 Million
South San Francisco-based biotech heavyweight Genentech Inc. is buying Biogen Idec Inc.'s 500,000-square-foot manufacturing plant in Oceanside for $408 million in cash.
Staffing Agency Adds New Dose of Reality to Nursing
A new reality show planned by a San Diego nurse-staffing company hopes to find an audience while publicizing a dire shortage of qualified nurses around the country.
Correction
For June 13, 2005
For the Record
Business Events Calendar
The Job Market Continues to Grow in San Diego
Despite recent news of several companies closing or cutting back on their San Diego operations, the regional trend is toward increased hiring, say several temporary staffing firms with local offices.
Progress Report
Sales and Leases
Executive Profile: Richard N. Sinkin
Richard Sinkin's rather circuitous route to becoming a partner and co-founder of one of San Diego's most prestigious consulting, management and investment firms, appears to have paid off.
Ad Firms Find Schools Cultivating Talented Grads
Advertising and public relations agencies find San Diego-area schools are cultivating some talented graduates.
Investors Reposition Amid Uncertainty of Real Estate
Real estate investors like Monica Masuda, who form the backbone of Southern California's frenzied housing market, show tentative signs of getting out , or at least lightening up on assets deemed vulnerable to a market drop.
BIO 2005 on Local Execs' Agenda This Week
San Diego's biotech executives will be among the expected 18,000 visitors at BIO 2005, the largest annual "schmooze-and-learn fest" in the biotechnology industry, which is being held June 19-22 in Philadelphia.
Relationships Play Role in Growth of Small Firm
Relationships play a role in the growth of Impact Solutions LLC.
Catering Firms Licking Their Lips After Merger
Art Bolic Catering has merged with Peartrees Catering, Inc. in a move that will expand the company's services and reach.
Border Waits Still Costing Merchants Big Bucks
The San Diego Association of Governments estimates that long wait times result in more than eight million lost border trips per year, equating to $1.28 billion in lost revenues for San Diego County.
Qualcomm Parties With a Purpose
High-tech companies have the option of not holding software developer conferences. That could certainly cut their expenses. But that may not be the best option.
A Charm Offensive Without The Charm
A Charm Offensive Without The Charm
Local Firms Fly High With Satellite Deals
The Pentagon has placed a $61 million order with Carlsbad-based ViaSat Inc. for what it calls MIDS satellite terminals.
Geeks Find Their Calling as Roving Techies
These days, there is no shortage of "geeks" waiting to visit your home and give your system a hands-on look.
Construction Journal
Contract Awards and Construction Milestones
Despite Issues, Many Say Top ConVis Post Is A Choice Job
Despite issues, many say the top ConVis post is a choice job.
Otay Ranch's Village Finds Itself as a Star
The Otay Ranch Co.'s Village of Heritage-Village Core recently became a supermodel, and Tyra Banks was nowhere in sight.
Wedding Planners Get Feeling of 'Til Death Do Us Part'
Wedding planners get feeling of 'Til death do us part.'
Big Buy in Little Italy
Porta d'Italia, LLC has bought the 129,953-square-foot mixed-use residential apartment project, also called Porta d'Italia, for $52 million in Little Italy.
Some Habitat Protection Plans Are for the Birds
Some Habitat Protection Plans Are for the Birds
Erratic Real Estate Market a Concern
Desperate house hunters, risky financing, a dip in housing appreciation, and a stagnating office market have San Diego's real estate experts fastening their seat belts for what could be a bumpy ride ahead.
San Diego People
Key Hires and Promotions; Awards and Recognition; Executive Spotlight: Dale L. Rieger
Hotel's Manager Hopes Stars Align Over Del Mar
Tom Voss and crew are working to make the Grand Del Mar, set to open in December 2006, into San Diego's first Five-Star hotel.
Conferences Go Way Beyond a Handshake And the Exchange Of Business Cards
One of the issues facing people who produce software conferences is setting the right mix of technology and marketing.
Friday, June 17
Vote of Confidence For 'Clean & Safe'
Downtown property owners voted recently to renew and expand the Downtown San Diego Partnership Clean & Safe Program for another 10 years.
May Unemployment Dips to 3.8 Percent
San Diego's employment picture improved in May with the net gain of 5,100 jobs, causing the region's unemployment rate to decline to 3.8 percent.
Thursday, June 16
Biogen Idec Sells Oceanside Plant For $408 Million
South San Francisco-based biotech heavyweight Genentech Inc. is buying Biogen Idec Inc.'s 500,000-square-foot manufacturing plant in Oceanside for $408 million in cash.
Governor Appoints Two Locals
Scott Himelstein, 47, of San Diego has been appointed deputy secretary and chief of staff for the state's secretary of education office by Gov. Arnold Schwarzenegger.
Patriot Scientific Names New CEO
Patriot Scientific Corp., a Rancho Bernardo high-tech research firm, named David Pohl as its chairman, chief executive and president following a landmark legal settlement earlier this month.
Realty Income Hikes Dividend
Escondido-based Realty Income Corp. on June 15 announced an increase in the firm's common stock monthly dividend to 11.13 cents per share from 11.06 cents per share.
Foley & Lardner Lauded
Jody L. Root Jr., a partner in Foley & Lardner LLP's Downtown office, has been recognized by Chambers USA: America's Leading Business Lawyers as a leading health-care attorney in California.
Blackstone Sale Affects Local Wyndam Properties
Downtown's Wyndam Emerald Plaza Hotel and Escondido's Golden Door Fitness Resort and Spa are among a group of properties under contract for sale by publicly traded Wyndam International Inc. to the Blackstone Group of New York.
Wednesday, June 15
JMI Equity Closes Latest Investment Fund
JMI Equity announced the close of its fifth investment fund with $300 million in committed capital, bringing the total capital under management to about $700 million.
Job Shuffle at Time Warner Cable
The local division of Time Warner Cable recently promoted three industry veterans to executive management positions.
ConVis' Top Exec Reinders to Step Down
Reint Reinders, who has been the president and chief executive officer of the San Diego Convention & Visitors Bureau for 14 years, said he will give up his post next year.
True to Form, Apartment Sales Take a Break
San Diego apartment sales slowed in the first quarter of 2005, with declines in both the number of transactions and total units sold.
Tuesday, June 14
Royale Stock Rises
Royale Energy Inc., an independent producer of oil and natural gas with offices in Mission Valley, said June 13 it has two new wells producing in California.
HP Backtracks on Printer Decision
Hewlett-Packard Co. reversed course this week when it split its personal computer and printer divisions, putting each under the care of separate executives.
Monday, June 13
Impact Locally of Titan's L-3 Deal May Be Minimal
While the acquisition of Titan Corp. by New York-based L-3 Communications will likely result in some job loss and facility closures, the fallout locally isn't expected to be high.
Color This Marketing Agency Like an Amphibian
After nearly 20 years operating under the name Fruehling Communications, the San Diego-based marketing agency is changing its name to Red Lizard Creative.
Valley View Has Ambitious Growth Plans
The San Pasqual Band of Mission Indians wants to add 56,000 square feet to its Valley View Casino to create a gaming facility of 97,000 square feet.
SAIC Mulls Plan to Sell Public Stock
Since its founding in 1969, employee ownership has been a cornerstone of Science Applications International Corp. Yet company executives are evaluating an initial public offering to raise capital in order to grow.
Hahn's Grandson Keeps Family Tradition Going
Ernest W. Hahn is sometimes called the father of Downtown San Diego. Today, Hahn's grandson, Mark Hoekstra, is following in his footsteps.
Executive Profile: J. Brandon Black
In October, Brandon Black takes over as chief executive of Encore Capital Group, a San Diego-based public company that buys and collects defaulted consumer debt.
County Kicks Off Summer With Impressive Stats
San Diego's hotels topped the charts on the Saturday during Memorial Day weekend, according to a company that tracks occupancy rates at inns in 25 of the nation's leading tourism destinations.
Bank Profit Margins Drop Despite Positive Factors
As interest rates continue rising, one would assume that banks are doing well. Yet banks' profits went from double-digit increases in 2002 and 2003 to a mere 1.8 percent rise in 2004.
Construction Journal
Contract Awards and Construction Milestones
S.F. Firm Sets Sights on S.D. Opportunities
San Francisco-based venture capital firm Sofinnova Ventures has named Jeffrey Stein as its life science venture partner to identify investment opportunities in clinical-stage therapeutic areas in San Diego.
New Trade Opportunities A Boon to Small Biz
New Trade Opportunities A Boon to Small Biz
Former S.D. Exec Takes Over Cox Orange County
A one-time human resources manager looks to continue the growth of Cox Communications.
Business Partners
No longer a company's poor stepchild, human resources departments can help senior executives boost the bottom line.
Two Biotechs Raise $163M in VC Funding
Two San Diego-based specialty pharmaceutical firms, Verus Pharmaceuticals Inc. and Somaxon Pharmaceuticals Inc., announced they raised $163 million total in venture capital funding.
Payroll Firm Says Small Businesses Slow to Grow
Growth among small businesses has been slower than past years, according to Illinois-based SurePayroll. "It's been a tougher year for small businesses than we had hoped for," said Michael Alter, the organization's president.
Knowing When to Fire a Problem Client
Question: I am having problems with one of my clients. I'd like to not work with them anymore. How do I do that in a tactful and professional way?
Election Forecast: Part Science, Part Art
San Diego pollsters , just recovering from the wild 2004 mayoral election complete with a write-in curveball , are now prognosticating their way through what promises to be an equally entertaining exercise in democracy: a special election.
For the Record
Business Events Calendar: June 13 - 20
Firms Use Interior Design to Woo Clients
Companies are steadily embracing interior designers, forgoing the typical workplace environment of cubicles and searching for ways to make an office more inviting to clients and guests.
Firms Operating Locally Announce Paring of Staff
In a spate of layoff announcements last week that counter recent reports of a healthy, growing local economy, six companies with San Diego operations cut about 1,000 local jobs from their payrolls.
Solo Practice Not as Appealing as It Seems
The fantasy of starting your own business can be very tempting. Yet 93 percent of lawyers who participated in one poll said they would not establish a law firm , even if they had the necessary capital.
Store Sells More Than Just Things That Hold It
San Diego retailer Hold It has emerged from its four-year turnaround process fundamentally transformed.
San Diego People
Key Hires and Promotions; Awards and Recognition; Executive Spotlight: Donald H. Ankeny
First United Bank Agrees to Acquisition By MetroCorp
First United Bank, a two-office San Diego bank with $165 million in assets, agreed to be acquired by MetroCorp Bankshares Inc. of Houston.
Week in Review
Top Business News: June 3 - 9, 2005
Corrections
For June 6, 2005 and May 23, 2005.
From Deep Throat to Deep Detention: A Tale of Two Journalists
From Deep Throat to Deep Detention: A Tale of Two Journalists
HR Professionals Often Get Caught in the Middle
Human resources professionals often get caught in the middle.
Small Business Spotlight: Valiant Technologies, Inc.
When Gary Andrews used to see potholes, he was annoyed. Now he's elated. As the president and chief executive officer of Valiant Technologies, Inc., a manufacturer of commercial strength filler-adhesive, potholes mean big business.
For-Sale Signs Hang Above Four Prominent Properties
The ability to finance more for less gives new meaning to the term "seller motivated" when it comes to San Diego hotels. After a year of slumping sales, 2005 started out with a bang: Two major hotels have sold and four are reportedly on the block.
Progress Report
Sales and Leases
Amylin Looks Forward to Diabetes Conference
Amylin Pharmaceuticals Inc., which just launched two newly approved diabetes drugs, Symlin and Byetta, sees opportunity in this week's diabetes conference.
Friday, June 10
Labor Talks Break Down
Negotiations in a janitors strike of buildings in suburban San Diego broke down June 10 when a scheduled meeting between janitorial contractors and representatives from the Service Employees International Union, Local 1877, did not meet as scheduled.
Kudos for 1st Pacific Bank
1st Pacific Bank of California received a 2004 Workplace Excellence Award from Peter Barron Stark & Associates Inc., a local management consulting firm.
Thursday, June 9
Roberts Gets State Board Post
Norman Roberts, 84, of La Jolla, has been appointed by Gov. Arnold Schwarzenegger to the San Diego River Conservancy Governing Board.
Patent Litigation Over for Patriot Scientific
Patriot Scientific, a Rancho Bernardo high-tech firm that has been litigating ownership rights of a series of patents on microprocessors for the past three years, said it has settled a dispute with The TPL Group.
The Median-Priced Home Is Exclusive Territory
The California Association of Realtors announced that California's housing affordability index fell 3 percent in April.
Serwin Named Ambassador of the Year
Andy Serwin, a partner in the San Diego office of Foley & Lardner LLP, has been named the first recipient of the 2005 US SurfAid Ambassador of the Year award by SurfAid International.
First Community Buys OC Bank
First Community Bancorp, parent firm of San Diego-based First National Bank, said it signed a definitive agreement to acquire Pacific Liberty Bank of Huntington Beach.
First United Bank Agrees to Acquisition
First United Bank, a two-office San Diego bank with $165 million in assets, agreed to be acquired by MetroCorp Bankshares Inc., a Houston-based parent company of MetroBank, in a deal valued at $37.4 million.
Mexico City Flights Coming Back
When Aeromexico resumes its nonstop, twice weekly route from San Diego to Mexico City on July 7, it will become one of four airlines serving Lindbergh Field with international flights.
Wednesday, June 8
Janitors Picket in North County
A strike by some 1,400 janitors working at suburban north San Diego office buildings entered its third day June 8, with picket lines set up at several Carmel Valley offices.
'Affordable Weapon' Moving Along
San Diego-based Titan Corp. announced June 7 that it has received a $32.4 million contract modification from the Navy to take it to the next step in developing its affordable weapon system.
Encore Sees Future in Firm's Debt
Encore Capital Group, a San Diego-based buyer and collector of distressed consumer debt, said June 7 that it acquired a portfolio of charged off consumer credit card debt totaling $2.9 billion for a purchase price of $142.8 million.
Tuesday, June 7
Alpert Named to Del Mar Fair Board
San Diegan Michael Alpert has been appointed to the Del Mar Fair Board, 22nd District Agricultural Association, by Gov. Arnold Schwarzenegger.
Audio/Video Deal for Iomega
Thomson, the French company specializing in technology for the entertainment and media industries, will incorporate Iomega Corp.'s Rev drive into its Grass Valley-brand video recorders.
Sempra Declares Dividends
Sempra Energy's board of directors on June 7 declared a quarterly dividend of 29 cents per share of common stock.
Base Closure Chairman Visits Wednesday
Anthony Principi, chairman of the Defense Department's Base Realignment and Closure (BRAC) Commission, will make an official visit to Naval Base Coronado on Wednesday.
Qualcomm Names Directors
Qualcomm Inc.'s board of directors appointed Paul Jacobs and Don Cruickshank to the board.
Monday, June 6
Veterans Get Support of New Network
Veterans, like many small-business owners, often need help to improve and grow their business and are now being actively supported by local and national organizations.
Correction
For May 30, 2005.
Local Daytime Programming Gets a Boost at KNSD
KNSD-TV Channel 7/39 is once again looking to strengthen its ties with San Diego by offering more local programming.
Construction Journal
Contract Awards and Construction Milestones
Chamber Likely to Endorse for Mayor
The San Diego Regional Chamber of Commerce, concerned that the business community is being seriously jeopardized by the policies at City Hall, is expected to do something that it hasn't done in many years endorse a candidate for mayor.
Interwest Capital Corp. Acquires Historic Hotel
Interwest Capital Corp. of San Diego has obtained the deed for the historic Galleria Park Hotel in San Francisco, which it purchased out of bankruptcy in January from the San Francisco-based Kimpton Hotel & Restaurant Group, LLC.
Spending Chinese Currency on Solving North Korea's Woes
Spending Chinese Currency on Solving North Korea's Woes
For the Record
Business Events Calendar: June 7 - 13
Australian Pharma Making a Go of It Stateside
An Australian specialty pharmaceutical firm is working to gain access to U.S. capital markets and win U.S. Food and Drug Administration approval for its experimental cancer drug. Dr. Leonard Firestone, Avantogen's new chief executive, explains.
Visitors Fill Up S.D. Hotels During Holiday
Visitors fill up San Diego hotels during the Memorial Day weekend. Some predict summer will be a strong season for tourism.
Sony Unit Creates a High-Tech Notebook
It's a wireless data modem and it's usually sold separately from a laptop. Sony's Vaio unit has made it standard equipment.
SAIC's First-Quarter Profits Drop
Science Applications International Corp., a San Diego-based research and engineering company, reported operating income for the first quarter of $112 million on revenues of $1.8 billion, compared with the first quarter of 2004, when it had operating incom
Sunstone Hotel Stock Sale Gets Under Way
San Clemente-based Sunstone Hotel Investors Inc., which owns seveal San Diego County properties, said on June 1 that its 9 million-share stock sale is under way.
Hotel Broker Narrows Field
A broker seeking financing since January for a proposed 1,200-room, waterfront hotel adjacent to the San Diego Convention Center to carry the Hilton flag has reportedly narrowed the field to a handful of potential investors.
Public Biotechs See Revenues Jump Over 2003 Figures
Revenues at publicly traded biotechnology companies jumped 17 percent nationwide, while the number at locally traded biotechs climbed 20 percent, according to a global biotech report by Ernst & Young LLP.
Work on Downtown S.D. Building Finally Starts
The major redevelopment of the TR Produce Warehouse Building directly adjacent to Petco Park in Downtown San Diego is finally under way, more than two years after it was acquired.
Executive Profile: Ginger L. Graham
For Ginger L. Graham, the president and chief executive of Amylin Pharmaceuticals Inc., making two recently approved drugs a commercial success will be the next challenge.
San Diego People
Key Hires and Promotions; Awards and Recognition; Executive Spotlight: Tom Held
Investment Firm Puts Air Under Hawaiian's Wings
Hawaiian Airlines, the Aloha State's largest commercial carrier, emerged from Chapter 11 bankruptcy last week, thanks in part to Carmel Valley-based investment firm Ranch Capital LLC.
Nasdaq Adds Extra Letter to Its Spelling of Petco
The Nasdaq-traded stock of Petco Animal Supplies Inc. was recently banished to the doghouse after the company failed to file its annual 10-K report when it promised.
A Downtown Hot Spot
Local residents say take me out to the ballgame (and the Gaslamp Quarter) for a mini-vacation.
Carlsbad Considers Plan to Assess City's Hotels
The Carlsbad Convention & Visitors Bureau is on a fast track to establishing an independent source of revenue for tourism marketing.
Attorney Adds New Honor to List of Credentials
For 126 years, the national law firm of Fish & Richardson P.C. has had one female on its management committee. That changed recently with the announcement that Juanita Brooks, a principal in the firm's San Diego office, will be the second woman to join th
BofA May Make $185M Loan to Help San Diego Pay Its Bills
For a second consecutive year, San Diego will borrow money from a commercial bank to pay its bills because it cannot issue short-term bonds as it usually would.
Circuit Board Makers See Falling Prices
It's official. The printed circuit board business is slumping again.
Local Firm Acquires Historic Building
American Assets, a San Diego-based real estate investment and asset management firm, has completed the acquisition of The Landmark, a Class A office building, at One Market Street, in San Francisco's Financial District.
Week in Review
Top Business News: May 27 - June 2, 2005
North County Publication Ceases Its Operations
After nearly three years,
Tullie to Leave AMCC
Applied Micro Circuits Corp. has announced its chief operating officer, Thomas Tullie, will leave the company effective June 17.
Sequenom Taps Biotech Vet as New CEO
A familiar face is returning to San Diego's biotech community. Harry Stylli was named president and chief executive officer of San Diego-based biotechnology firm Sequenom Inc.
Many Issues To Consider With Tenants In Common
Many Issues To Consider With Tenants In Common
Small Business Spotlight: Brinks Services, Inc.
In 1979, at the age of 23, Bill Brink started Brinks Services, Inc. by simply placing an ad in a newspaper touting his service. The calls came in, and now 26 years later, Brink's business has grown to reach revenues of nearly $2 million in 2004.
Providing a Real (Estate) Vision
Real estate guru Sanford "Sandy" Goodkin has helped launch the economics division of Gafcon, Inc., where he has been granted free rein "to think outside the box."
Progress Report
Sales and Leases
Make Sure to Manage Special Events for Clients
Question: How can I get the most bang out of my client appreciation special event?
Friday, June 3
New York Firm to Buy Titan
Titan Corp., a San Diego-based defense contractor specializing in communications systems, agreed to be acquired by L-3 Communications Inc. in a deal valued at $2.65 billion, including assuming Titan's debt.
Thursday, June 2
Local Help Boosts Airline Out of Bankruptcy
Hawaiian Airlines emerged from Chapter 11 bankruptcy protection June 2, thanks in part to the funding provided by Carmel Valley-based Ranch Capital LLC, and an entity it controls, RC Aviation, which now owns 53 percent of the airline.
Chamber Likely to Endorse for Mayor
The San Diego Regional Chamber of Commerce, concerned that the business community is being seriously jeopardized by the policies at City Hall, is expected to do something that it hasn't done in many years endorse a candidate for mayor.
Farm Bureau President Named
Dave Van Ommering, a Lakeside dairyman, has been inaugurated as president of the San Diego County Farm Bureau.
New Carrier Lands at Lindbergh
Calgary, Alberta-based WestJet Airlines launched new nonstop round-trip service from Calgary International Airport to Lindbergh Field on June 2.
Wednesday, June 1
Shea Announces Candidacy
Pat Shea, a La Jolla attorney known for his role in the Orange County bankruptcy a decade ago, announced his candidacy for mayor of San Diego on June 1.
Frye Calls For Saturday Council Session
Citing the need to avoid "a looming financial, legal and moral train wreck," San Diego City Councilwoman Donna Frye called on Mayor Dick Murphy on Wednesday to convene a special Saturday session of the City Council.
Walsh Appointed to Superior Court
Timothy R. Walsh, 41, of San Diego, has been appointed to a judgeship in San Diego Superior Court by Gov. Arnold Schwarzenegger.
Regulators OK Memec Acquisition
One of the largest acquisitions involving a locally based public company passed muster with regulators from two nations recently.
Stylli Will Lead Sequenom
San Diego-based gene screening company Sequenom Inc. announced June 1 that it named biotech veteran Harry Stylli as its new president and chief executive officer.
County Sued Over Building Fees
San Diego's commercial and residential building trade associations filed suit against the county of San Diego on May 31, citing unreasonable overcharging for roads and calling the new transportation impact fee a fatal blow to retail and industrial develop