| San Diego Business Journal

Stories for November 2006

Thursday, November 30

Economic Index Nudges Downward Again

The University of San Diego Index of Leading Economic Indicators, which tracks the San Diego economy, fell one-tenth of a point between September and October. Though the decline was slight, it was the index's seventh monthly decline in a row

Major Shareholder Gets Seat on AMS Board

Advanced Marketing Services Inc., a San Diego-based distributor of books, announced it appointed a 7 percent shareholder who had threatened a proxy fight to its board of directors.

Paradise Valley Terminates Deal With Molina

Paradise Valley Hospital has terminated its contract with health plan Molina Healthcare Inc., known for administering health insurance for the working poor. According to the California Department of Managed Care, the contract was terminated by the hospita

Cal, Texas A & M; in Holiday Bowl

The two teams for this year's Pacific Life Holiday Bowl are the University of California and Texas A & M; University, after the latter team accepted an invitation Nov. 29.

Wednesday, November 29

Group Warns of Losing Chargers Franchise

A San Diego business group calling itself the Fans, Taxpayers and Business Alliance said it plans to push the issue of the Chargers' possible departure to the forefront of public debate in advance of an impending Jan. 1 deadline when the football team can

Kalypsys Receives $100M in VC Funds

Kalypsys Inc., whose lead drug candidate aims to treat metabolic disorders including obesity, has raised $100 million from venture capitalists.

Exec Search Web Site Makes Debut

A new job listing service geared to executives recently launched.

Pension Fund Suit Settled

Callan & Associates Inc., a San Francisco pension consulting firm that has been advising the city's pension fund since 1982, agreed to pay $4.5 million to settle a lawsuit brought against it by the city of San Diego for breach of contract and other allega

Association of Realtors Taps Cabot

David Cabot, corporate broker of record for Prudential California Realty, has been named president of the San Diego Association of Realtors for 2007. An installation ceremony is planned in January for Cabot, who will be replacing Charles Jolly in the post

Spectrum Aeronautical Gets FAA Nod

Aircraft manufacturer Spectrum Aeronautical LLC announced Nov. 27 that it has achieved "Organizational Designated Airworthiness Representative" status with the Federal Aviation Administration.

Sempra, Amylin on Zacks List

While making its routine choice of an overperforming stock and an underperforming stock for the day, Chicago-based Zacks Equity Research came to the same place: San Diego. Zacks analysts selected San Diego-based Sempra Energy as its "bull of the day" Nov.

SAIC Gets NATO Missile Defense Deal

Science Applications International Corp., a San Diego-based defense contractor, announced Nov. 28 it struck a $95 million contract deal with the North Atlantic Treaty Organization, to assist with one of its missile defense programs.

Council Votes to Ban Wal-Mart Supercenters

Wal-Mart opponents claimed victory this week as the San Diego City Council voted 5-3 to ban extra-large retail stores within city limits. The ban pertains to stores in excess of 90,000 square feet with more than 10 percent of their floor space devoted to

Electric Car Dealer to Open Doors

For those wondering what happened to the electric car, Electra-City Motors , a new electric car dealership , announced its grand opening will be held Dec. 2 at 738 W. Washington Ave. in Escondido.

Social Venture Partners Have $1M Goal

San Diego Social Venture Partners announced Nov. 28 the formation of the $1 million Environment Accelerator Fund, designed to help fund San Diego nonprofits in environmental research, programs and education.

Tuesday, November 28

Chamber Backs Chargers

The San Diego Regional Chamber of Commerce announced Nov. 28 that it has taken a stand on the possible construction of a new stadium and the future of the Chargers in San Diego.

Airfare to Denver Sells at a Discount

Following the lead of retailers offering deep discounts, Frontier Airlines has a two-day special from Nov. 28-29.

Poinsettia Bowl Rivals Named

The second annual San Diego County Poinsettia Bowl on Dec. 19 will feature Northern Illinois University against Texas Christian University, the bowl committee announced Nov. 28.

Peterson & Co. Merges

Peterson & Co. LLP, a local accounting firm with offices in University City, has merged with Newport Beach-based Squar Milner CPAs. The companies made the announcement Nov. 28.

Z57 Maps Out New Offerings

Real estate Internet marketing company Z57 Inc. announced the release of two new marketing tools for real estate professionals' campaigns.

Monday, November 27

Week in Review

Top Business News: Nov. 17 - 21, 2006

San Diego Doesn't Evoke Yule-Time in a Winter Wonderland

I'm not trying to sound like the Grinch here. But let's face it. 'Tis the season when we can't help being reminded that the holiday traditions we adhere to in Southern California originated in cold climates.

Correction

For Nov. 20, 2006.

MasterCard Closely Tracks Holiday Spending Patterns Right Down to the Hour

A new study released last week by MasterCard Worldwide debunks the myth that the day after Thanksgiving is the busiest shopping day of the season,at least when it comes to credit and debit card purchases.

Amylin Gets OK From European Regulators To Sell Diabetes Drug

European regulators have approved the diabetes drug Byetta for sale on the continent, the companies behind the drug announced on Nov. 21.

Lemperle Leaves Artes

Dr. Stefan Lemperle stepped down from his position as chief executive officer of Artes Medical Inc., and also gave up his seat on the company board of directors, Artes announced Nov. 27.

The Trials and Tribulations of a Political Action Committee

Academics Parallel Professionals on Suggestions for Business Success

Retired businessmen and women who volunteer as counselors at the Service Corps of Retired Executives, or Score, have firsthand insights into what the most common mistakes business owners and entrepreneurs make and how to avoid them.

Regional Roundup

Harbor View, the first mixed-use development to start construction in the city since the National City Downtown Specific Plan was initiated in 2005, is now marketing its commercial condos.

WFI Gets $36M Foreign Military Sale Contract

San Diego-based WFI announced that its wholly owned subsidiary, WFI Government Services, received a three-year fixed contract worth $36 million from the U.S. Army Aviation and Missile Command.

Employee Pension Fund May Take Private Equity Route

The governing agency for the San Diego city employee pension fund is weighing a new sort of investment.

Executive for DRI Cos. Does Award-Winning Work

Alan Ruben earned the Gary E. Bird Horizon Award at the 26th International Risk Management Institute's Construction Risk Conference.

Construction Journal

Construction Journal , Contract Awards and Construction Milestones

Retirees Share What They Know to Avoid Common Business Mistakes

One national nonprofit organization has become a popular resource for business owners to turn to for help.

Avoid the Start-of-the-Year Blues

Question: As the end of the year approaches, what should I be doing?

Sanders, Peters Present Slate

Council votes Dec. 5 on 2007 board appointments.

Retail Owners Have More Clout With Business Improvement Districts

In San Diego , a region that has set a pattern of putting small businesses first when compared to the rest of the nation , Business Improvement Districts, or BIDs, are making life easier for small businesses.

What's Here! Is Also What's in the City of Angels and Orange County

A San Diego-based publication that targets conventioneers and tourists has decided to spread its wings to the City of Angels.

Holiday 'Shoulder Season' Keeps Local Lodging Industry on Its Toes

While retailers have visions of dollar signs dancing in their heads in anticipation of a year-over-year increase in holiday traffic, hoteliers are scrambling to get heads in beds.

Westcore Properties Purchases 19-Building, $194 Million Portfolio in Colorado

San Diego-based Westcore Properties LLC has entered the Colorado real estate market with the purchase of a 19-building, 1.4 million-square-foot Class A and B office/flex portfolio for more than $194 million , its largest deal to date.

Executive Profile

When Ron Hall moved from Dallas to Southern California in 1988, everything seemed to be moving at "hyper-speed."

San Diego People

Walden Family Services has named Karny Stefan chief executive officer.

Contractors Learning to Deal With Competition for Supplies

How do you plan a project with any certainty when today's building prices might go up in smoke tomorrow?

28 Million Tourists on the Way in '07

In terms of occupancy, San Diego's lodging industry isn't likely to finish the year as the nation's No. 1 destination.

Isis Receives Patent

Carlsbad-based Isis Pharmaceuticals Inc. announced Nov. 27 that it was issued a patent related to RNA interference therapy from the U.S. Patent and Trademark Office.

National Law Firm Moves West Coast Offices to Del Mar Heights

A national law firm recently relocated its West Coast headquarters from Orange County to Del Mar Heights.

VeriSign to Buy inCode for $52M

Mountain View-based VeriSign Inc. announced Nov. 27 that it has signed a definitive agreement to acquire San Diego-based wireless business and technology consulting company inCode Wireless for $52 million.

Akesis Issues Shares

Akesis Pharmaceuticals Inc. announced Nov. 27 that it entered a securities purchase agreement and issued 5.9 million shares of common stock to certain investors to raise $3.5 million.

New Library: A Resource for Those Without Resources

Veteran VC Bill Stensrud Retiring

Bill Stensrud, a managing director of Enterprise Partners, San Diego's largest venture capital firm, said he's retiring from the firm.

Hospital's Troubles Continue While New Owner Awaits Sale

Paradise Valley Hospital's plan of correction to retain its funding for Medicare and Medicaid Services has been rejected by federal regulators for a second time.

Biotech Firms to Share Profits With Taxpayers in Pact With State

Stem cell companies that accept grants from a state-funded stem cell institute would share profits with taxpayers if the agency follows the recommendation of one of its committees.

Small Business Spotlight , JGD & Associates LLP

The power of three has been working for Dan Schreiber, David Brzezniak and William Botzum in the number-crunching world of accounting.

Solvis Group Acquires Staffing Partners in an All Cash Deal

San Diego-based Solvis Group Inc. has acquired San Diego's Staffing Partners Inc., a temporary nursing staffing agency, for an undisclosed amount.

Twelve Win Seats on Otay Mesa Chamber Board

The heated debate over the encroachment of housing on industrial land resulted in an unprecedented turnout to this year's election of the Otay Mesa Chamber of Commerce's board of directors. When the smoke cleared, most of the residential developer candida

Temecula Valley Bank Zooms Past $1 Billion at 10-Year Mark

Temecula Valley Bank, with six of its 10 offices in this county, continued its rapid growth in assets, vaulting into the $1 billion club this year, just before its 10-year anniversary next month.

Wednesday, November 22

Eight Elected to Development Advisory Committee

Downtown San Diego residents and business owners on Nov. 14-15 elected eight new members and reinstated three existing ones to the 28-seat Centre City Advisory Committee, downtown's community planning group.

Tuesday, November 21

Jack Smiles: Year-End Figures Climb

Restaurant operator and franchiser Jack in the Box Inc. announced fourth-quarter and year-end earnings for the periods ended Oct. 1. Year-end revenue was $2.8 billion compared with $2.5 billion in 2005.

Premier Wins Baldrige Award

President Bush and Commerce Secretary Carlos M. Gutierrez announced Nov. 21 that San Diego-based Premier Inc. is one of three companies to win the 2006 Malcolm Baldrige National Quality Award.

Seacoast Expands Capital Base

Seacoast Commerce Bank, based in Chula Vista with one office, said Nov. 20 it raised $6.1 million in a stock offering that nearly doubled its capital base to about $12.5 million.

Apartment Market Slows

San Diego County's apartment market continues to slow, reflecting the difference in the expectations of sellers and the requirements of buyers, according to a report released Nov. 21 by Burnham Real Estate.

Monday, November 20

Week in Review

Top Business News: Nov. 10 - 16, 2006

Construction Journal

Construction Journal , Contract awards and construction milestones

Chiropractor Rethinks Ancient Practice With Addition of Sports Medicine

James Wagner isn't complacent , and he wasn't going to let his patients be either. The 38-year-old chiropractor recently decided to make a philosophical change in his practice.

North County's Convention, Visitors Bureau CEO's Adventure a Class Act

Ever wonder where local tourism officials go on their vacations? I did. I thought it would be fun to find out where someone who makes a living touting one of the nation's top destinations goes to get away from it all.

Bay Area Company Beefs Up With Flexx Purchase

MadeToOrder, a Bay Area company that specializes in creating branded apparel and merchandise for other businesses, announced Nov. 14 that it has signed a definitive agreement to acquire Flexx Inc. of San Diego.

Progress Report

Progress Report , Sales and Leases

Aging Baby Boomers Fuel Market for Orthopedic Devices

Orthopedic medical device companies have become a booming outcropping of the decades-long development of bioscience companies in San Diego.

Nanotechnology Will Deliver Medicines Where They Need to Be

Nanotechnology will deliver medicines where they need to be, predicts ex-Biogen Idec Chairman Bill Rastetter.

Orange 21 Sees Red

Carlsbad-based Orange 21 Inc., which makes the Spy Optic glasses line, reported a net loss of $778,000, or 10 cents per diluted share, on net sales of $11.4 million in the third quarter.

All Signs Point to Success for Aarrow Advertising and Its Two Founders

For Aarrow Advertising, a privately owned startup, business is pointed in the right direction.

Devices for a Good Night's Rest Advance at Alarming Rates

Developing devices for a good night's rest advances at alarming rates.

Timeless Jaguar Rolls Out Modern XK Convertible for 2007

Mayor Says It's Time for City to Get Down to Business

The San Diego Regional Chamber of Commerce , in a precedent-setting move , endorsed Mayor Jerry Sanders' five-year plan to turn around the city's financial crisis.

Northern Virginia Defense Staffing Contractor Opens Local Office

A contracting services provider for the U.S. government is setting up shop in San Diego to serve military and government customers here. The continuing war in Iraq and related war on terrorism are creating more business for companies such as XL Associates

Port Authority Has Terminal Concerns

San Diego Unified Port District officials are testing the waters with major cruise line companies to see if there's any interest in financing a new terminal.

October Jobless Rate at 3.6 Percent

San Diego's unemployment rate dipped to 3.6 percent in October, down from 3.9 percent in September and among the lowest rates in the state.

U.S. Taps Sleeping Giant in Asia's Life Sciences Realm

Life science firms are saving up to 75 percent on projects by completing them in Asia, industry reports say. For life science companies, outsourcing and other partnerships are becoming more the rule than the exception.

Rumsfeld's Surprise Resignation Was the Revenge of the Media Nerds

Executive Profile , Giuseppe Lama

Giuseppe Lama, general manager of Estancia La Jolla Hotel & Spa, grew up in the hospitality industry. His family owned a 14-room inn above a street level restaurant that doubled as the town's social center.

New DMV Office Is In the Driver's Seat

The Department of Motor Vehicles office in San Ysidro, the newest in California, boasts a string of energy-saving technologies.

Sino-American Trade Group Fosters Partnerships

A growing life sciences trade organization has found its niche in promoting cross-Pacific partnerships.

Family-Run Hardware Store Finds a Niche in Vases, Votive Candles

Move over hammer and nail, decorative vases and votive candles are moving in on the hardware business. Griffin Ace Hardware, a small chain of family-owned shops in San Diego, has introduced a boutiquelike house and giftware section at its newest location.

Part of Valuing a Business Is Finding Out About Its Current Valuation

Question: Why is it important to know how much my business is worth at any given moment?

Letter

It's Clear Private Sector on Collision Course With Public Sector and Its Unions

Illumina, Which Makes Equipment to Uncover Variations in Human Genome, Acquires Hayward-Based Solexa in Stock Deal

San Diego's Illumina Inc. is acquiring Hayward-based Solexa Inc., in a stock-for-stock agreement, the firms announced Nov. 13.

High-End High-Rise in University Towne Center

The La Jolla Commons Office Tower is going to shake up the prime University Towne Center sub-market.

Qualcomm, Nokia Will Make Up Eventually, According to Analyst

Qualcomm Inc. and Nokia Corp.'s licensing squabbles will be resolved, although not necessarily amicably. That's according to Los Angeles-based analyst John Bucher with BMO Capital Markets.

Regional Roundup

Las Vegas is being re-created in Legoland California's Miniland USA, one brick at a time. And other news from around San Diego County.

County's Attached Home Prices Fall 4.9 Percent Since Last Year

The median price for all homes in North County declined to $545,000 in October from $557,500 in September.

Qualcomm Buys nPhase LLC

Qualcomm Inc. has acquired Chicago-based nPhase LLC.

Market for Ubroadcast Programs Could Be Larger Than MySpace, YouTube

Amateur talk and pop music jockeys will soon be taking over the Internet, thanks to local entrepreneurs, John Castiglione and Jason Sunstein, who are launching ubroadcast.com here in San Diego.

Progress Has Been Made, But Cure for Cancer Must Get on Priority List

San Diego National Makes Children the Beneficiaries of Its Celebration

One of San Diego County's most prominent banks is celebrating its silver anniversary by giving back to the community that has made it so successful.

Akamai to Buy Nine Systems

Nine Systems Corp., a San Diego maker of media management tools for Web sites, will be acquired by Akamai Technologies Inc. in a cash and stock deal valued at $163 million, according to a definitive agreement announced Nov. 20.

Small Business Spotlight , Astoundcom

What's the biggest drawback of small-business ownership? "I can't think of a single one," said Cameron Larson, president of Astoundcom, a Point Loma-based telecommunications company.

Nonprofit Profile , Mama's Kitchen

A talk with Alberto Cort & #233;s, executive director of Mama's Kitchen.

Qualcomm CEO Gets Raise; Bonus Triples to $1.7 Million

Qualcomm Inc. Chief Executive Officer Paul Jacobs will take home $1,075,000 in base salary in fiscal 2007.

Southwest Plans Reno/Tahoe Flights

Southwest Airlines will introduce new daily nonstop, round-trip service between Lindbergh Field and Reno/Tahoe International Airport beginning on March 11.

Eminent Domain Fight Not Over Yet, Say Supporters

The ability of government to take private property for public use was challenged in the Nov. 7 state election. And while current eminent domain law was upheld, many believe the fight for reform is far from over.

San Diego People

Key Hires And Promotions; Executive Spotlight: Mike Barone

Metadata in Electronic Documents OK to Use in Court, ABA Rules

Attorneys receiving electronic documents are free to use so-called "metadata" and other information embedded in those documents, the American Bar Association has ruled.

SEC Settles With the City Over Pension Scandal, But Fixes Will Be Hard to Make if Attitudes Aren't Changed

Merrill Lynch, Other Organizations Award $390K for Youth Training

Investing Pays Off, a program of Merrill Lynch's California Partnership for Economic Achievement, the Greenlining Institute and community organizations, has given grants totaling $390,000 to three local organizations that promote entrepreneurship awarenes

Friday, November 17

Bioscience Message-Maker Receives Honor

The San Diego City Council has named Nov. 19 Susan Atkins Day, in honor of the founder of the former Atkins + Associates, which was acquired last year by Porter Novelli Life Sciences, one of the five largest global public relations agencies.

S & P; Index Makes Room for CB Richard Ellis

Los Angeles-based CB Richard Ellis Group Inc., with offices in San Diego, has been added to the Standard & Poor's 500 Index, which lists leading companies in major industries in the United States.

Javo Keeps Net Loss at a Penny Per Share

Coffee- and tea-based beverage manufacturer Javo Beverage Co. Inc. announced third-quarter financial results Nov. 16. For the third quarter ended Sept. 30, net sales were $2.3 million, down from $2.7 million for the same period in 2005.

Westcore Properties Enters Colorado

Judge Puts Hold on Escondido Rental Measure

A federal judge placed a hold on the enactment of an Escondido law restricting illegal immigrants from renting within the city limits just one day before the controversial measure would have gone into effect.

Thursday, November 16

Mayor Names Bersin to Airport Authority

Alan Bersin , who made headlines here not long ago as the beleaguered superintendent of the San Diego Unified School District who was forced to resign, and subsequently took a job in mid-2005 as the state secretary of education , will soon add the San Die

Valley View Prepares for More Gamblers , and Their Cars

Valley View Casino announced Nov. 16 that it will unveil the first phase of its planned, $114 million expansion: a new 1,200-space parking garage. A ribbon-cutting ceremony for the six-story garage will take place Nov. 22 at the casino, located near Valle

Nonprofit Salutes Private Banker

Jim Cimino of Wells Fargo Bank is being honored Nov. 16 as Man of the Year by Big Brothers Big Sisters of San Diego County. He will receive the honor during a dinner at the Hyatt Regency La Jolla at Aventine.

Qualcomm Buys nPhase

Qualcomm Inc. said Nov. 16 that it has acquired Chicago-based nPhase LLC. Terms of the deal were not disclosed. The company will become part of the business unit that runs OmniTracs, Qualcomm's wireless system for tracking big-rig trucks and other mobile

WFI Gets $36M Army Task Order

San Diego-based WFI announced on Nov. 16 that its wholly owned subsidiary WFI Government Services Inc. and team members were awarded a U.S. Army task order valued at roughly $36 million. The figure includes option years.

State Panel Denies Encinitas Rental Ordinance

The California Coastal Commission, voting Nov. 14, struck down an Encinitas city ordinance seeking to prohibit new, short-term vacation rentals. The commission said in the letter that, while problems may exist with short-term rentals, the city did not est

Wednesday, November 15

Qualcomm CEO Gets Raise; Bonus Triples

Qualcomm Inc. Chief Executive Officer Paul Jacobs will take home $1,075,000 in base salary in fiscal 2007, according to a document filed with the Securities and Exchange Commission that was made public Nov. 13.

ISE Hosts Hybrid Truck Forum

San Diego-based ISE Corp. is hosting the Hybrid Truck Users Forum national meeting Nov. 14-16 at Paradise Point Resort and Spa.

Directed Electronics Sales Pass $75M

Vista-based Directed Electronics Inc. announced third-quarter earnings Nov. 14. For the quarter ended Sept. 30, net sales reached a record $75.5 million, up 23 percent from sales of $61.3 million for the same period of 2005.

American Property Management Selling Hotels

American Property Management Corp., a La Jolla-based firm that owns and manages some 50 hotels carrying various flags nationwide, recently sold one of its Hilton Garden Inns and has another on the market.

Bay Area Company Beefs Up With Flexx Purchase

Sanders: City Must Change 'Destructive' Spending Behavior

City of San Diego taxpayers won't have to fret about a tax hike for the foreseeable future, but , with the exception of public safety , they can expect to see a cutback on city services. It's all part of Mayor Jerry Sanders' five-year plan to turn around

SDSU Business School Goes Global

San Diego State University's College of Business Administration announced the creation of a new master of business administration program in global entrepreneurship.

Tuesday, November 14

Peters Re-Elected as Council President

The San Diego City Council elected Scott Peters president of the council with a unanimous vote Nov. 13. This will be Peters' second term as president.

Jmar Hovers Close to Delisting

Laser technology and X-ray imaging company Jmar Technologies Inc. announced financial results Nov. 14 and said the previous day that the company faces delisting from the Nasdaq exchange.

Slow October for Home Sales

San Diego County home sales declined by 21 percent in October, compared with last year, to almost 3,290, while median home prices dipped by 5.5 percent to $485,000.

City Settles With SEC

The U.S. Securities and Exchange Commission filed a cease and desist order against the city of San Diego on Nov. 14, which the city has summarily settled under terms accepted by the SEC.

SDG & E; Inks Solar, Geothermal Energy Deals

Energy utility San Diego Gas & Electric announced Nov. 13 that it signed contracts to purchase 120 megawatts of solar and geothermal power by 2010.

SpaceDev Revenue Ascends; Earnings Negligible

Poway-based space products and technologies company SpaceDev Inc. announced third-quarter earnings Nov. 14. For the three months ended Sept. 30, revenues were $7 million, up 213 percent from $2.2 million in the same period last year.

Monday, November 13

Ford's Cruising Into 2007 By Making Smooth-Riding SUV

Del Mar Serial Entrepreneur Works His Mojo, Launches Third Startup

Jon Carder, 28, is on his third venture. The new venture, Mojopages, is a soon-to-be-launched Web site that will allow users to write reviews and rate local movers, carpenters, nail salons, doctors, retail stores, restaurants , any business that people mi

Executive Profile , James P. Cleary

Attorney James P. Cleary has gotten up from behind his desk and stacks of papers to actively test, fully understand and enjoy the products he represents in the areas of patent law.

Illumina Will Buy Solexa

San Diego-based genetic analysis company Illumina Inc. announced the acquisition of Hayward-based Solexa Inc. for approximately $600 million in Illumina stock. The announcement came Nov. 13.

Week in Review

Top Business News: Nov. 3 - 9, 2006

Downtown Feels More Like Home With New Retail for Urban Dwellers

Downtown's skyrocketing population has new service centers within walking distance.

92-Year-Old Grah Business Moves From Downtown to Hillcrest

One of San Diego's oldest businesses, Grah Safe and Lock Inc., was forced out of downtown after spending 92 years serving the safety and security needs of its neighbors, according to its owner.

When It Comes to Marketing Dollars, Law Firms Strike Details From the Record

Local law firms spend big bucks to market themselves, hosting seminars, holding client events and pitching the news media on their big wins in court. Yet, exactly how much firms spend on retaining old clients and luring new ones is not a figure anyone is

Building Complex Projects Takes Unconventional Wisdom

Designers and developers of mixed-use projects with various retail, residential and office components can get creative with overcoming challenges unique to blended construction.

New Shopping Centers Dressed Up in Vibrant Colors, Timeless Designs

On a grand scale, shopping center developers and designers are moving away from a traditional anchor tenant format to vertical and horizontal mixed-use projects.

Preserving Industrial Lands Critical for the Regional Economy

City Attorney's Battle Over Pension Benefits Foreshadows National Crisis Looming on the Horizon

New Ad Club President to Grow Membership With Workshops

In the advertising world, the favorite locations in the U.S. market are Los Angeles and New York City. The San Diego Ad Club, under new leadership, is ready to break that stereotype.

San Diego People

Key Hires and Promotions; Executive Spotlight: Brett Hanley

Corrections & Clarification

For Oct. 23, 2006 and Nov. 6, 2006.

Historic North Chapel at Liberty Station Gets Extreme Makeover

The historic North Chapel in Point Loma was scheduled to be rededicated Nov. 9 following a $1.3 million remodel by La Jolla-based C.W. Clark Inc.

Nonprofit Profile , Social Advocates for Youth

A talk with Michael Carr, executive director of Social Advocates for Youth, or SAY.

Two Barneys Are Better Than One in Insurance Industry, National Underwriter Says

Increasing Natural Gas Supply Crucial to Economic Health Of Seniors, Consumers, Working Families

Real Estate Downturn To Be Short-Lived, Predicts One Speaker At Trends Conference

Infrastructure and the volatile real estate market were topics of the Real Estate Trends 2007 Conference.

Progress Report

Progress Report , Sales and Leases

Small Business Spotlight , Salon of Art Inc.

Concetta Antico-Pizzinat's mother told her that she was destined to be an artist and a teacher. What her mother failed to mention was that there'd be a little detour along the way.

Architect Gets Respect in Tough Profession

Architecture is a harsh mistress. So says Norman Barrett, senior project architect for San Diego-based Smith Consulting Architects.

First Dental First to Gain License for Health Care Discount Cards

Regulators hope the decision will serve as a model in a controversial niche.

UCSD, Cal Western Team Up to Offer Master's Degree Program in Health Law

Recognizing the need for a college program in the health care and law industries, UC San Diego and the California Western School of Law in San Diego have launched a master's degree program in health law.

GA Drone Kept Watch Over Huge Wildfire

A General Atomics unmanned aircraft conducted surveillance high over Riverside County for fire officials during the Esperanza fire last month.

Transit Centers the Ticket, Says Former HUD Official Cisneros

Just how San Diego's transit system stacks up with the rest of the country seems to be a matter of perspective.

Qualcomm Announces Motorola Deal, New Chips

Qualcomm Inc. announced Nov. 13 that it would expand its relationship with handset-maker Motorola Inc. in providing third-generation chips for Motorola phones.

Net Loss for SYS in the Quarter

San Diego-based defense contractor SYS Technologies announced financial results for the first quarter of fiscal 2007. For the three months ended Sept. 29, revenues were $16.2 million, up $3.1 million from the same period in fiscal 2006.

San Marcos' Submarina to Make the Dive Into National Sandwich Market

Jeff Warfield is using skills he picked up as a Navy flight engineer to help lead his family's retail sandwich chain into battle.

Law Students Get Dose of Reality, Working for $60 Per Week South of the Border

Reality TV shows have featured aspiring pop stars, survivors, and the biggest losers on amazing races around the world. Now, several area law students have embarked on their own reality documentary show to reveal issues of globalization.

Construction Journal

Construction Journal , Contract awards and construction milestones

Who Wants to Be a Millionaire? Not Developer Nathan Moeder

When Nathan L. Moeder was a student at the University of San Diego, he had a goal , to reform the country's ailing health care system. But by the time he graduated in 1998, he decided to get real.

Isis Sees Stock Climb on Cholesterol News

Isis Pharmaceuticals Inc.'s stock jumped 20 percent Nov. 13 on news that one of its drugs significantly lowered bad cholesterol after only five weeks.

Stutz Artiano Creates Land Use and Real Estate Law Practice, Names Group Chief

With the same level of competitiveness and fervor as drafting professional athletes for coveted positions, local law firms continuously recruit and change up the players.

Get to Know Your Customers Well to Make Marketing Campaigns More Meaningful

Question: How do I know if my advertising is going to be effective?

Commercial Space Now on the Market at La Boheme

Commercial space in a brand-new, mixed-use project with a Spanish look is ready for purchasing on the outskirts of downtown San Diego. La Boheme is located on 30th Street in North Park.

Letter

Port Returns to Its Roots: Ships, Not Real Estate Development

Small Biz How To

Question: How do I know if my advertising is going to be effective?

Regional Roundup

Visitors are lapping up a special tour package that includes surfing lessons for their dogs. And other news from around San Diego County.

Stratagene Concludes Five Years of Feuding With $16 Million Deal

Carlsbad-based Invitrogen Corp. was recently awarded $16.2 million, ending a five-year patent dispute against La Jolla-based Stratagene Inc.

Friday, November 10

InfoSonics Has Record Sales, Yet Net Income Declines

InfoSonics Corp., a San Diego-based distributor of wireless phone handsets and related gear, saw record net sales in the third quarter, the company announced Nov. 9. However, it also saw third-quarter earnings decline year over year.

Unisys Has 2008 Goal for Border Tech Initiative

Blue Bell, Pa.-based Unisys Corp. will be working with a Boeing Co.-led team to supply U.S. Customs and Border Protection with integrated information technology designed to curb illegal immigration , a project that will inevitably end up at the border sou

WFI Reports Net Loss

WFI, a system engineering company specializing in wired and wireless networks, reported a net loss of $900,000, or 1 cent per share, on revenues of $84.3 million during the quarter ended Sept. 30.

SAIC to Acquire Applied Marine

San Diego's SAIC Inc. announced Nov. 9 that it will acquire Applied Marine Technology Inc. Terms of the deal were not disclosed. The Virginia-based company provides engineering and system integration services to the military and private industry.

Irwin Jacobs to Be Salk Institute Chairman

Qualcomm Inc. founder and Chairman Irwin M. Jacobs has been tapped to become the next chairman of the Salk Institute for Biological Studies, effective immediately.

North County Home Prices Mellow

The median price for all homes in North County , single-family detached and single-family attached , declined from $557,500 in September to $545,000 in October, according to the monthly report of the North San Diego County Association of Realtors. The ass

Index Shows Economy Losing Vigor

The University of San Diego's index of leading economic indicators points to a "significant" slowdown in early 2007. The university released its index for September on Nov. 10.

Thursday, November 9

Japan May Investigate Qualcomm

The Japan Fair Trade Commission notified a Qualcomm subsidiary, Qualcomm Japan, that the commission might investigate the subsidiary's licensing and chip business practices.

Surplus of Attached Homes Seen

Average net sales of all new homes continued to slow in San Diego in the third quarter , reaching the lowest level since 1999 , but the average price of detached homes held strong, with only a 2 percent reduction.

Analyst: Qualcomm Will Make Up With Nokia

Qualcomm Inc. and Nokia Corp.'s licensing squabbles will be resolved, although not necessarily amicably. That's according to Los Angeles-based analyst John Bucher with BMO Capital Markets.

Manchester Group Feels Both Uncertainty and Optimism, Exec Says

The clock continues to count down the minutes to when the Navy and the Manchester Financial Group must enter into a lease agreement over redevelopment of the Navy Broadway Complex.

Laub Tapped for Planning Commission

San Diego Mayor Jerry Sanders has nominated Stephen M. Laub for appointment to the city's Planning Commission, subject to City Council approval.

Wednesday, November 8

SAIC Closes AETC Acquisition

Defense contractor SAIC Inc. announced the completed acquisition of San Diego-based AETC Inc. on Nov. 8. Terms of the acquisition were not disclosed. AETC's 46 employees will move into SAIC's research, development, test and evaluation group.

Miramar Airport Proposal Dealt a Defeat

San Diego County voters rejected Proposition A, an advisory measure that asked whether San Diego should pursue a new international airport at Marine Corps Air Station Miramar.

Carlsbad Evenly Divided on Land-Use Measures

Unofficial results of the Nov. 7 election have Carlsbad's Proposition D narrowly passing and Proposition E too close to call. Both issues grapple with the use of 307 acres east of Interstate 5 in Carlsbad, currently in agricultural use as strawberry field

Correction

The San Diego Business Journal erred in reporting that Proposition T, the Tri-City Healthcare District bond issue, was a winner with 64 percent of the vote in the Nov. 7 election. It needs a two-thirds majority, and as of Nov. 8, all ballots are not yet c

Tax Charge Weighs Heavily on Dot Hill

Quarterly net loss at Carlsbad-based Dot Hill Systems Corp. plummeted to $60.1 million, or $1.34 per diluted share, compared with the third-quarter 2005 net loss of $1.3 million, or 3 cents per diluted share.

Bonds Won't Be a Cure-All, Speaker Says

The $43 billion public works bond package approved by California voters Nov. 7 will go a long way toward fixing the state's ailing infrastructure , but it's only a start.

Proposition 86 Fails; Would Have Changed the Business of Hospitals

The statewide Proposition 86, which could have raised $2 billion annually for health care, failed with roughly 52 percent of voters opposed in the Nov. 7 election.

Proposition C Passes in San Diego, Outsources City Work

San Diego city voters approved Proposition C on Nov. 7, amending the city's charter to allow the city to accept bids on services from nonpublic sources.

Tri-City Hospital Bond Struggling

Voters in the Tri-City Healthcare District appear to have rejected a $596 million bond issue for a second time. But with 200,000 ballots still to count in San Diego County, the measure, which is 2.1 percent short of approval, could still have a chance.

Proposition B Wins; Voters Want to Review Pension Benefits

With the passage of Proposition B on Nov. 7, voter approval is required before pension benefits for San Diego city employees can be raised.

Tuesday, November 7

SAIC Gets Aircraft Operations Work

NASA's Johnson Space Center in Houston has awarded a three-year, $19.8 million aircraft operations systems support contract to San Diego-based SAIC Inc.

GA Drone Kept Watch Over Wildfire

A General Atomics unmanned aircraft conducted surveillance high over Riverside County for fire officials during the Esperanza fire last month.

Leap Wireless Revenue Up 25 Percent

Wireless service provider Leap Wireless International Inc. announced third-quarter financial results Nov. 7. Revenues for the three months ended Sept. 30 were $287.5 million, up 25 percent from revenues of $230.5 million in the same period of 2005.

Monday, November 6

Good Design Sends a Message About a Company's Image

San Diego companies spend a considerable amount of time and money establishing their own brand identity , or corporate image , that often is lost in the design of an office or building space.

Retailers Better Watch Out, Better Not Cry, the Holiday Season Is Comin' to Town

Retailers can expect better returns this holiday shopping season as opposed to last, but not much better, according to a new forecast report.

Progress Report

Sales and Leases

Regional Roundup

The first phase of the $5.3 million Oceanside Museum of Art expansion now under way will feature a new two-story building designed by Frederick Fisher. And other news from around San Diego County.

State Weighs New Enterprise Zone

Portions of the cities of San Diego, Chula Vista and National City were conditionally designated as an enterprise zone by Gov. Arnold Schwarzenegger on Nov. 3, one of 23 named statewide.

A Sharp Move: Barona Contributes $1M to Hospital

The Barona Band of Mission Indians donated $1 million to Sharp Grossmont Hospital in support of the facility's expansion of its cardiac and endovascular services.

Inovio Biomedical Corp. Bouncing Back From Shaky Past, Facing Critical Year

If Avtar Dhillon has his way, history won't repeat itself.

Construction Journal

Contract Awards and Construction Milestones.

Destruction Rules to Provide Protection From 'E-Discovery' in Lawsuits

In the wake of the U.S. District Court sentencing of several Enron Corp. executives, the question of how to comply with legal obligations regarding the retention and destruction of office documents is pressing on local businesses.

Nonprofit Profile , Human Development Foundation

A talk with Marjorie Fox, president/chief executive officer of the Human Development Foundation.

Week in Review

Top Business News: Oct. 27 - Nov. 2, 2006

Accredited Home Lenders' Income Slides

Sub-prime mortgage company Accredited Home Lenders Holding Co. announced third-quarter financial results Nov. 6. Revenues for the quarter ended Sept. 30 dropped to $114.3 million compared with revenues for the third quarter of 2005 of $151.8 million.

Quality Financial Advisers Can Help Succession Plans Succeed

Question: How can I create a seamless succession plan for my business?

Chargers Tight End Joins Fashionable Fianc & #233;e in Opening 'Closet' Boutique

A San Diego Charger and his fianc & #233;e are inviting people to join them in the closet , Elizabeth's Closet that is.

Carlsbad's Tourism District Not Hitting Its Main Target, Official Says

If San Diego's hotels are looking to Carlsbad as an example of how to generate a private stream of tourism marketing funds, they may want to look elsewhere.

San Diego People

Key Hires And Promotions; Executive Spotlight: Billy Crotty

Micro-Credit Boosting Fortunes Of Poorest Entrepreneurs at Home and Abroad

Micro-credit, which gained a higher profile when this year's Nobel Peace Prize went to a Bangladesh economist, is alive and well in San Diego County.

Retreating to Kinder, Gentler Ways of Designing Interiors for Model Homes

Edgy and urban or warm and fuzzy: Which one are you?

March Groundbreaking Scheduled for Senior Condominiums in La Mesa

Seniors will be able to take a peek this month at a model of the upscale assisted-living facility planned in La Mesa by the San Diego-based Health Care Group.

Region Would Start Rolling Down Runway With Passage of Prop. A

Executive Profile , Naser Partovi

Naser Partovi, chief executive officer of Sky MobileMedia Inc.

U.S. Corporate Attorneys Convene Locally for Industry Updates

With more than 2,000 U.S. lawyers attending, the Association of Corporate Counsel's 2006 annual meeting in San Diego was one of the largest gatherings of in-house counsel this year.

Nanogen Posts Loss, Vows to Cut Costs

San Diego-based medical diagnostics developer Nanogen Inc. announced financial results for the third quarter Nov. 1.

Small Business Spotlight , J Public Relations

Like the cast of "Sex and the City," the "girls" behind J Public Relations are arguably among San Diego's most trend-savvy professionals. They also happen to be very good at running their own business.

Corrections & Clarification

For the Oct. 9 and Oct. 30 issues.

Kimmel Cancer Center Opening State-of-the-Art Complex, Adding Scientists

Sidney Kimmel Cancer Center's $24 million research complex has been completed and scientists are expected to begin moving into the building this week.

Pacific Western Bank Claims Title of San Diego's Largest Community Bank

First Community Bancorp, the bank holding company that rolled its First National Bank subsidiary into another subsidiary bank last month, is claiming a new title: the largest San Diego-based community bank.

U-T Offers Retirement Incentives as Circulation Drops

Further proof that the big city daily newspaper business is suffering in the wake of growing Internet use, the San Diego Union-Tribune is offering buyout options to 67 of its most longtime employees.

Rising Aviation Fuel Prices in 2006 Can't Keep the Leisure Travelers Down

Higher priced fuel between the first and third quarters, which prompted the airlines to hold capacity in check and increase fares in general, could mean that tourism, which had been predicted to increase statewide this year, will merely be flat compared t

As WebSideStory Grows, So Do Expenses

Web analytics and digital marketing company WebSideStory Inc. announced third-quarter financial results Nov. 6. Revenues for the three months ended Sept. 30 were $17.4 million, up from $11.3 million for the same period of 2005.

Sibling Doctors Launch Plymouth Health, Purchase Alvarado Hospital

Tenet Healthcare signed an agreement to sell Alvarado Hospital Medical Center for $36.5 million to Plymouth Health, a company formed by two brother doctors specifically to purchase the hospital.

Qualcomm Measures Costs of Nokia Flap

Qualcomm's future revenues could take a hit in the range of $66 million to $99 million, according to the company's financial statements. That is, if an ongoing quarrel between Qualcomm Inc. and Nokia Corp. over licensing agreements pertaining to Qualcomm'

Building Industry Announces 2006 SAM Award-Winners

San Diego's real estate market might be softening and construction costs climbing, but builders and architects across the region had a lot to celebrate at the 2006 SAM Awards last month at the San Diego Marriott Hotel and Marina.

Despite Hedge Fund Losses, Pension Gains About 15 Percent for the Year

San Diego County's employee pension fund, under scrutiny since it lost millions in a failed hedge fund, grew by about $1 billion in the past year, helping to decrease the amount of its total future debt, or unfunded liability, by $200 million, according t

Voters to Return to the Polling Booth When the Polling Booth Is Returned to the Voters

International Bad Boy Kim Jong Il Should Be Among the Least of Our Worries

DivX Founder, CEO Greenhall Sets Big Goal for New Public Company

DivX Inc. founder and Chief Executive Officer Jordan Greenhall isn't shy about setting the bar high.

On the Waterfront

Looking out a porthole window in his executive offices at the Tenth Avenue Marine Terminal, Ron Popham says he enjoys watching the cargo ships that arrive to dock on a daily basis.

Friday, November 3

Copley Looks to Trim Staff Through Buyout

On the heels of announcing that it may sell all but one of its nine daily newspapers, Copley Press Inc. and its flagship publication, the San Diego Union-Tribune, offered buyout options to 67 of the U-T's most loyal employees.

Schwarzenegger Announces Court Appointment

Gov. Arnold Schwarzenegger announced the appointment Nov. 3 of Gonzalo Curiel to the San Diego Superior Court.

Avanir Offers $15M in Stock

Avanir Pharmaceuticals announced Nov. 3 that it entered into agreements with institutional investors to offer $15 million in stock.

Realty Income Revenue, Earnings Increase

Real estate investment trust Realty Income Corp. announced third-quarter earnings Nov. 3. Revenue for the third quarter ended Sept. 30 was up 21 percent to $59.3 million from $48.9 million for the same quarter of 2005.

Sanders Names Four to Housing Commission

Mayor Jerry Sanders on Nov. 2 announced the appointment of Khadija Basir, and reappointments of Jennifer Adams-Brooks, Tony Yip and Alice Tumminia to the San Diego Housing Commission, subject to City Council approval.

ViaSat Revenue Orbits Higher

Satellite communications products company ViaSat Inc. announced earnings for the second quarter of the company's fiscal year 2007 on Nov. 2. For the three months ended Sept. 29, revenues were $131.5 million compared with revenues of $104.1 million for the

Thursday, November 2

Economic Slowdown Expected to Last Through 2007

San Diego's economy is humming but a slowdown that began last year continued into this year, and the economy won't pick up again until 2008. That is according to a 2007 economic forecast released by the San Diego Regional Chamber of Commerce.

Submarina Announces Expansion Plans

The time has come for Submarina to cowboy-up. The San Marcos-based franchise company announced Nov. 2 that a deal has been reached to develop as many as 110 new Submarina locations in the greater Houston area within the next 10 years.

Paradise Valley Hospital Changes Hands

Prime Healthcare Services Inc. has signed an agreement to purchase National City's Paradise Valley Hospital for an undisclosed amount. The 301-bed hospital has been owned by Roseville-based nonprofit Adventist Health for more than 100 years.

ViaSat Connects Turkish Air Force

ViaSat Inc., a Carlsbad-based maker of satellite products, said it was awarded a contract for 194 air combat terminals for the Turkish air force. Combined with about $48.2 million in contracts awarded in July and September, the total value of the contract

Landmark National Bank Slims Down

Landmark National Bank, based in Solana Beach and with two offices, reported net income of $711,000 for the nine months ended Sept. 30, compared to $82,000 for the like period of 2005.

Overland Storage CEO Leaves

Overland Storage Inc., a San Diego maker of data storage backup systems, said its board of directors replaced Chief Executive Officer Christopher Calisi on Nov. 2 and installed its chairman, Scott McClendon, as interim CEO.

Qualcomm Has $7.5B Year

San Diego-based chip-maker Qualcomm Inc. announced fourth-quarter and year-end earnings Nov. 2. Revenues for the quarter ended Sept. 24 were $1.3 billion compared with $1 billion for the same period in 2005. For the year ended Sept. 24, revenue was $7.5 b

Earnings Up, Revenue Flat at Sempra

Utilities holding company Sempra Energy announced its third-quarter earnings Nov. 2. Net income for the quarter ended Sept. 30 was $653 million, nearly triple from $221 million for the like period in 2005.

Wednesday, November 1

Padres Raise Ticket Prices

Love going to the opening game of the Padres' baseball season? It'll cost you more next year.

Nanogen Posts Loss, Vows to Cut Costs

San Diego-based medical diagnostics developer Nanogen Inc. announced financial results for the third quarter Nov. 1. Revenues for the third quarter ended Sept. 30 were $7.5 million, more than double revenues of $3.2 million for the same period of 2005.

Document Sciences Makes 2 Cents Per Share

Document Sciences Corp., a Carlsbad company that licenses its Web-based communications technology, announced financial results for the third quarter Nov. 1.

Callaway Golf Turns in Loss

Callaway Golf Co., a Carlsbad-based maker of golf gear and clothing, reported a third-quarter loss of $11.9 million, or 18 cents per diluted share, on net sales of $193.8 million.

Rubio's Earnings Lose Some of Their Fire

Rubio's Restaurants Inc. announced financial results for the third quarter Nov. 1. For the quarter ended Sept. 24, revenues were up to $38.8 million from $36.5 million for the same period last year. Net income for the quarter was $600,000, down from $828,