Stories for March 2019
Sunday, March 31
HCAP Partners Invests in San Diego Lab Testing Company Confirm Biosciences
HCAP Partners invested in Confirm Biosciences, a growing lab testing company in San Diego.
NBC 7 and Telemundo 20 Appoint New President
Todd Mokhtari will replace Dick Kelley, who is retiring, as president and general manager of NBC 7 and Telemundo 20 in San Diego, according to a press release.
Wireless Specialist Inseego Improves On Its Net Loss
Inseego Corp., the electronics specialist formerly known as Novatel Wireless, reported a GAAP net loss of $8.1 million, or 12 cents per diluted share, on revenue of $202.5 million during 2018.
Conditions Bring Optimistic View of 2019 Office Sales
Look for San Diego County office sales to perk up for the rest of 2019 after slumping in 2018, according to the real estate tracking firm Yardi Matrix.
Business Calendar for Week of April 1, 2019
Business events scheduled in the county.
SD 500: Zeynep Ilgaz
Born in Turkey, Zeynep Ilgaz and her husband came to San Diego in 1998 to earn their master’s degrees, and they founded Confirm BioSciences in 2008.
SD 500: Robert J. Welch
Robert Welch Jr. is descended from a long line of tribal leaders and is following in his mother’s footsteps as chairman of the Viejas Band of Kumeyaay Indians.
SD 500: William “Bob” R. Grande
Bob Grande launched Quality Controlled Manufacturing, a precision machining company, from his garage in 1978.
Movie Production Will Have Several Starring Roles
Options For All announced that in partnership with Joey Travolta’s film company, Inclusion Films, the team is preparing to direct Travolta’s first feature film in 12 years, “Carol of the Bells.” The film is intended to disrupt mistaken myths about adults with unique developmental abilities and characteristics.
Rotary Groups Help Bring Art and Artistic Expression to Young Lives
The Rotary Club of San Diego Foundation, in cooperation with San Diego Rotary announced an award of $50,000 in grants to two arts organization. A Reason To Survive, or ARTS and David’s Harp Foundation will both receive $25,000 to support their programs.
Coronado Takes the Crown for February Rents
Apartment owners in Coronado raked in more monthly rent per apartment than anywhere else in San Diego County in February, according to a report from an apartment listing company.
Home of th Week: Southern California Luxury
The ultimate Southern California luxury lifestyle awaits from this brand new, Modern Masterpiece in The Muirlands, where superlative design, exceptional finishes and an open-concept floor plan accentuate its absolutely awe-inspiring ocean, canyon & sunset views.
Museum, Cultural Center Earn National Recognition
The Institute of Museum and Library Services announced that The New Children’s Museum and the Barona Cultural Center were among 30 finalists nationwide for its 2019 National Medal for Museum and Library Service.
Leichtag Adds Two New Board Members to Foundation
The Leichtag Foundation welcomed two new board members, Angelica Berrie and Charlene Seidle, to its board of directors. Berrie is president of The Russell Berrie Foundation, a former co-chair of the Jewish Funders Network and one of North America’s most prominent Jewish philanthropists.
Turning Point Therapeutics Planning $100M IPO
FINANCE: Platform Tackles Enzyme Mutations That Hinder Cancer Treatments
Drugmaker Turning Point Therapeutics — taking aim at drug-resistant cancers — recently filed paperwork calling for a $100 million initial public offering.
New CEO Appointed at Epic Sciences
Lloyd Sanders, previously with Myriad Genetics, has joined Epic Sciences as CEO.
Cannabis Products Co. Acquired By Canadian Company
SDC, a San Diego-based cannabis consumer product goods company, has been acquired for $27 million by Next Green Wave, headquartered in Canada. According to a news release, the company has been rebranded as WeareSDC and, as part of the transaction all members of the SDC team will lead the Next Green Wave extraction and manufacturing unit.
Looking for Something New?
Even when it comes to stationary bikes, the San Diego scene is not standing still. We check in on some newcomers around the county including a great place to work up a hunger and a great place to feed that need.
Miami Firm Acquires Marriott Mission Valley
The 353-room San Diego Marriott Mission Valley has been acquired by Miami, Florida-based Driftwood Acquisitions and Development for $85.7 million. Driftwood, a privately held investment firm, plans to develop a second hotel on the same site to open in 2021, according to a news release.
Target Sets Up Shop
Small Concept Store Took Steps To Find a Fit in Community
Standard Target stores are usually about 130,000 square feet in size. But, when the company’s executives saw a relatively smaller building in North Park, formerly known as Wang’s North Park Restaurant, they knew a reduced Target would be the right fit for the urban neighborhood.
Qualcomm and Apple Each Get a Court Victory
TECH: Who Will Be Big Winner Remains to Be Seen
In a highly-anticipated final ruling March 26, the U.S. International Trade Commission struck down a patent case Qualcomm Inc. had brought against Apple Inc. The full commission ruled that Qualcomm’s patent for a battery-saving technology was invalid, ending a key case for the San Diego-based chipmaker in its extended legal battle with Apple Inc.
Bank and Its Employees Back Community With $4M in Grants
Wells Fargo announced that the company donated nearly $3.8 million through 292 grants to local nonprofits, schools and community organizations in 2018 to help the communities and people of San Diego and Imperial counties.
Savills Studley Changes Name to Savills
Savills Studley real estate brokerage has changed its name, dropping Studley to be known simply as Savills throughout North America.
Thursday, March 28
Biolinq Raises $4.75M in Extended Series A
Biolinq hauled in another $4.75 million to bring its series A round to $15 million, the glucose monitoring company announced March 28.
Guild Mortgage Sets Records in 2018
Guild Mortgage, the independent lender based in Kearny Mesa, reported record results for 2018. Total loan volume for the year was $16.53 billion.
Prefab Home Startup Lands $14M, Moves to San Diego
Dvele, a company that designs, fabricates and builds homes, landed $14 million in funding from Crescent Real Estate.
Wednesday, March 27
Location of New Library Brought Construction Challenges
ARCHITECTURE: Architects Tapped Craftsman Style
A $21.1 million new Mission Hills-Hillcrest Harley & Bessie Knox Library is both homage to the past and a warning for the future.
Kyriba to Become San Diego’s Next Unicorn with $160M Investment
A planned $160 million investment from private equity firm Bridgepoint Capital would boost Kyriba's valuation to $1.2 billion.
San Diego Venture Group Names 33 Cool Companies
The San Diego Venture Group named its pick of 33 Cool Companies to watch in 2019.
Special Report: Funding Journey Starts With Getting Your Foot in the Door
INVESTMENT: Seismic Did Its Homework and Obtained Introductions
Raising a funding round for a startup isn’t easy. Doug Winter should know. He’s raised four since he founded Seismic in 2011.
Northrop Grumman Gets $245M Order for Roadside Bomb Jammers
The U.S. Navy said March 22 that it exercised an option worth $245 million to buy more signal jammers known as JCREW. Northrop Grumman Corp. builds the electronics, which U.S. troops use to foil roadside bombs.
GA Tests System That Could Propel Underwater Vehicles
General Atomics’ Electromagnetic Systems unit reported in early March that it successfully demonstrated an aluminum power system for an unmanned underwater vehicle.
SD 500: Steven Jones
SD 500 recap: Steven Jones founded Jones & Associates Consulting in 1993 and has become a leading authority nationally on diversity and inclusion within organizations.
SD 500: Robert “Brick” Nelson
SD 500 recap: Brick Nelson is Northrop Grumman’s senior executive for the San Diego region, representing all business activities and the primary company interface with peer industry partners and business leaders in the region.
Tuesday, March 26
ITC Rejects Qualcomm Patent in Final Decision
The International Trade Commission ruled that one of Qualcomm's patents was invalid, bringing the two-year-old case to a close.
ITC Judge Finds Apple Violated Qualcomm Patent, Recommends Ban of Some iPhones
ITC Judge MaryJoan McNamara recommended an import ban of iPhones that violated Qualcomm's patent, but the final decision is still up to the full commission.
Silvergate Bank Sees the Ups and Downs of Cryptocurrency
BANKING: The Cryptocurrency Policy Is Drawing Customers
San Diego-based Silvergate Bank brought on new customers at the end of 2018, but saw its digital deposits decrease quarter-over-quarter. The crypto-friendly bank filed for an IPO last November, with a price target of $50 million.
VA Signs $148M Lease on Kearny Mesa Property
The Department of Veterans Affairs signed a 20-year, $148 million lease on an approximately 100,000-square-foot building in Kearny Mesa, which it will convert into a VA outpatient clinic — billed as the only clinic of its kind in Southern California.
I.B. Complex Brings $9.7 Million
Pacific Crest Apartments sold.
Coffee Co. Cultivates Direct Trade Ties
RETAIL: Owner Makes Deals With Farmers, Also Does Own Roasting
It was a conversation with a very candid customer in the early 1990s that set Jeff Taylor, president and co-owner of Bird Rock Coffee Roasters Inc., out to find the best coffee in the world.
SD 500: Cindy Gompper-Graves
SD 500 recap Cindy Gompper-Graves has been president and CEO of the South County Economic Development Council since 2003, after leading economic development efforts for San Diego County as the manager of its Trade and Business Development Office.
SD 500: Joe Shemirani
SD 500 recap: Joe Shemirani’s family-owned Barons Market began in 1992, and in 2019 they will open stores in Otay Mesa and Menifee, bringing their total to nine outlets.
Monday, March 25
Engine Co. Acquisition Adds Key Component to Kratos UAV Program
AEROSPACE: Kratos Buying 80.1% of Co. With Option to Buy the Rest
Kratos Defense and Security Solutions Inc. continues to develop its unmanned aircraft business, as shown by its recent acquisition of a company that makes small jet engines in February, and the first flight of a drone in March.
Qualcomm Ventures Leads $18M Round in Industrial IoT Company
Qualcomm Ventures led an $18 million round in CyberX, one of many recent investments the San Diego company has made in industrial IoT companies.
Turning Point Therapeutics Seeks $100 Million in IPO
Cancer drugmaker Turning Point Therapeutics recently filed paperwork calling for a $100 million initial public offering.
Platform to Reduce False Positive Alerts
SECURITY: Multiple Patents Are Part of Security Solution
Maintaining network security is hard to do when you face a barrage of unnecessary alerts. That’s what MixMode CEO John Keister found out when he began asking prospective clients about their biggest pain points in security.
Axos, MWABank Transaction Receives Federal Approval
San Diego-based Axos Bank said earlier this month that it received federal regulatory approval to take on the deposits of MWABank, which amount to $173 million. Axos Financial Inc. (NYSE: AX) originally announced its plan to take on MWABank in December.
New CEO Appointed at Epic Sciences
Lloyd Sanders, previously with Myriad Genetics, has joined Epic Sciences as CEO.
Marriott Mission Valley Acquired by Miami-Based Investment Firm
Built in 1988, the Marriott Mission Valley hotel’s common areas were renovated in 2017.
SD 500: Perry Dealy
Perry Dealy’s company has led major local developments, and he also served as the top supervisor on projects by Douglas Manchester including the Manchester Grand Hyatt San Diego and Grand Del Mar Resort.
SD 500: Roxana Velasquez
SD 500 recap: Roxana Velasquez in 2010 became the first woman to be executive director of the museum.
Sunday, March 24
Special Report: Profitable Ventures
Outside Investors Are Discovering the Early-Stage Opportunities in Local Startups
After several back-and-forth flights to San Francisco, Seismic CEO Doug Winter finally landed his company’s first investment. The San Diego software startup raised $4.5 million from early-stage venture capital firm Jackson Square Ventures.
Cellular Treatments for Diabetes Get $80M
BIOTECH: ViaCyte Built Up IP, Absorbed Rivals
In 1998, researchers derived stem cells from human embryos for the first time. With the advance came the hope of curing Type 1 diabetes.
Beta Wealth Group Launches New Institutional Investment Division
San Diego-based Beta Wealth Group launched Beta Asset Management on Friday.
SD 500: Jay Flatley
SD 500 recap: Jay Flatley is among the few CEOs who have successfully guided a life science company through landmark product development, commercialization and large-scale growth.
CalPrivate Bank Names Board Member
CalPrivate Bank and its holding company, Private Bancorp of America, announced on March 22 that it has named Brett Lawrence to its board of directors.
Oceanside Apartments Sold For Nearly $3M
Complex has 12 apartments
SD 500: Eric M. DeMarco
SD 500 recap: Eric DeMarco has helped transform a once-struggling wireless company into a highly competitive player in the national defense industry.
North Park Apartment Complex Sold For Nearly $2.9M
Complex has 15 apartments
Business Events Calendar for Week of March 25, 2019
Business events scheduled in the county.
ScaleMatrix Acquires Arizona Micro Data Center Company
ScaleMatrix, a San Diego-based company that offers high-density data centers, acquired Arizona-based Instant Data Centers on March 19. Instant Data Centers builds micro data centers for edge computing, which involves processing data as close as possible to the end user. The companies did not disclose the terms of the deal.
Viasat Prices $600M Senior Secured Notes
FINANCE: Proceeds to Pay Off Credit Facility Debt, And for General Purposes
Viasat Inc. is selling $600 million in senior secured notes due 2027 to institutional buyers, after originally planning for a $500 million bond issue, the company said March 21.
High-Rise Coronado Condominiums Give You a Top-Notch View
A distinctive feature of Coronado’s skyline for more than 40 years, the Coronado Shores high-rise condominium towers, adjacent to the iconic Hotel del Coronado, occupy some of California’s most prized beachfront settings.
Local Apartment Rent Increases Were Out of Fast Lane in February
San Diego apartment rents in February grew at the slowest rate in six years, according to a report from a national property management and real estate software company.
Startup Comma.ai Moves Its Headquarters to San Diego
TECH: Rising Tech Scene and Lower Cost of Living Draws Co.
Comma.ai, a startup developing driver assistance systems for everyday vehicles, has moved its headquarters from San Francisco to San Diego.
French Pharmaceutical Giant Partners with CureMatch
BIOTECH: Local Co. Gains Global Reach In Sales, Marketing
CureMatch, a San Diego-based software startup that helps oncologists identify treatment options for patients, recently landed a big corporate partner.
San Diego Co. Sees Increasing Demand for CBD Products
CV Sciences is cashing in on rising demand for cannabidiol, or CBD.
PhaseBio Stock Jumps Following Good Results in Early-Stage Clinical Trials
PHARMA: Drug Used to Reverse Antiplatelet Activity
PhaseBio’s stock jumped March 18 after the company’s lead drug candidate showed promise in an early-stage clinical study.
Miracle Babies Delivers Emotional, Financial Support to Families
Breakfast at Tiffany’s raised $60,000 for Miracle Babies at the five-year anniversary of the Miracle Circle Auxiliary recently at La Valencia Hotel in La Jolla.
SDBJ Insider: Padres Can Toast 50 Years With Swingin’ Friar
The San Diego Padres will commemorate 50 years in the city this year.
Big Games Bring $75M
The San Diego County Credit Union Holiday Bowl generated a huge economic impact in the county in 2018, according to a report prepared by San Diego State University Center for Hospitality and Tourism Research.
Association of Corporate Counsel Recognizes Lifetime Achievement
The San Diego Association of Corporate Counsel hosted its 18th annual gala, the Black & White Ball, at the Marriott Marquis hotel. Five-hundred in-house counsel and business leaders attended the spectacular “Old Hollywood” themed event.
Parking Changes May Boost Infill Projects
BUILDING: Developers Applaud End of Regulation
Tim Foley, a San Diego developer who specializes in building infill apartment projects in the city’s urban neighborhoods, said he’ll likely be able to build more apartments for less money thanks to a new law that eases parking requirements.
Garners Give $2M to Back Moores Cancer Center’s Work
Pharmaceutical leader Cam Garner and his wife Wanda, a cancer workshop facilitator and philanthropic fundraiser, are longtime supporters of medical research and treatment efforts at Moores Cancer Center at UC San Diego Health. Recently, the couple gave $2 million to establish the Garner Family Chancellor’s Endowed Chair in Blood and Marrow Transplant to support excellence in research, teaching and clinical care at UC San Diego Health in the field of blood cancers in general, and blood and marrow transplant (BMT) in particular.
VAPA Foundation Strives to Promote Access to the Arts
The Visual and Performing Arts Foundation, or VAPA, hosted its Inaugural Spotlight fundraising event recently at the University Club Atop Symphony Towers. One hundred arts supporters attended the event to raise funds to enhance the quality and access to arts education for San Diego Unified School District students.
Golf Classic Helps Give Kids A Chance for Fresh Start
Local nonprofit Fresh Start Surgical Gifts hosted its 27th Annual Celebrity Golf Classic recently at Fairbanks Ranch Country Club. The event raised $215,000, surpassing its fundraising goal of $200,000, and was hosted by Alfonso Ribeiro, best known for his role in “Fresh Prince of Bel Air” and “America’s Funniest Home Videos.”
Urban Solace Restaurants Shut Down
Chef and owner Matt Gordon announced earlier this month on Facebook that Urban Solace restaurant, in North Park, and Solace & Moonlight Lounge, in Encinitas, will close their doors.
Facilities, Food and Setting Give Event Space Selling Points
HOSPITALITY: Having Venue and Catering Changes Price Dynamic
When chef Nick Brune noticed a void in the San Diego event space market, he decided to expand his organic food catering business, Eco Caters, and open up private venues of his own.
Military Construction May Wait for Border Wall
San Diego County has its share of military construction projects that might take a back seat to construction of a wall on the U.S.-Mexico border.
Thursday, March 21
Former NuVasive, GreatCall Executives Launch New San Diego Health Company
Former NuVasive CEO Gregory Lucier, GreatCall CFO Brian Berning and Chicago private equity firm GTCR are teaming up to start a new life sciences company in San Diego.
Carlsbad Digital Gift Card Startup Bitmo Raises $3 Million
Bitmo, a Carlsbad startup that allows users to exchange digital gift cards, raised $3 million in funding.
WD-40 Names Director
WD-40 Co. announced on March 19 that it named Anne G. Saunders to its board of directors, bringing the number of directors up to 10.
SDC Cannabis Company Acquired by Canada’s Next Green Wave
According to a press release, SDC has been rebranded as WeareSDC and, as part of the transaction, all members of the SDC team will immediately become the head of the Next Green Wave extraction and manufacturing unit.
Sharp HealthCare Wins Hearst Prize for Palliative Care Program
A Sharp HealthCare program that delivers palliative care at home captured the 2019 Hearst Prize.
SD 500: Mary Walshok
SD 500 recap:Mary Walshok oversees a budget of more than $45 million and staff of 200 that educates and trains more than 80,000 adults per year.
SD 500: Jim Someck
SD 500 recap: Jimbo Someck started his natural foods grocery store in North Park in 1984, and his emphasis on locally sourced and organic produce have earned a loyal following.
JLL Takes Coworking Space For Satellite Office in Carlsbad
The commercial real estate firm JLL is expanding in San Diego County, opening satellite offices in Carlsbad.
Wednesday, March 20
Cal State Trustees Name New President for CSU San Marcos
Trustees of the California State University system named Ellen Neufeldt the next president of Cal State University San Marcos. The university announced the appointment March 20.
Rent Drives Self-Driving Car Startup Comma.ai to San Diego
Comma.ai, a San Francisco company developing driver assistance systems, recently moved to San Diego.
Second Generation Keeps Eateries Current
DINING: Restaurant Group Sees Revenue of $8M – $12M
Well before San Diego’s Little Italy became a hotspot in the early 2000s, Joe Busalacchi, founder and president of Busalacchi Restaurants, saw its potential.
Kensington Commons Sold For Nearly $22.7M
Project has 34 apartments.
North Park Mixed-Use Complex Sold For $5.7M
Complex includes 10 apartments and 1,820 square feet of commercial space
SD 500: James A. Floros
SD 500 recap: Jim Floros has been president and CEO of the Jacobs & Cushman San Diego Food Bank since 2012.
‘Navy Mayor’ Takes Command Friday
The U.S. Navy has named Rear Adm. Bette Bolivar as commander, Navy Region Southwest. In her role she will oversee shore bases in California and five Western states. Bolivar will relieve Rear Adm. Yancy Lindsey in ceremonies March 22 at Naval Base Coronado.
SD 500: John D. Frager
SD 500 recap: John Frager is an executive managing director for CBRE, a global commercial real estate and investment services firm, leading the company’s San Diego and Baja, Mexico business
Global Hawk Makes Rare Landing Before Public
At 13 hours and 3,075 nautical miles, it was a relatively short flight for a U.S. Air Force Global Hawk unmanned aircraft.
San Diego Voted 7th Worst City for First-Time Home Buyers
The ranking for the best and worst metro cities for first-time home buyers list by Bankrate, which looked at the 50 largest metro areas, was based on affordability, culture, housing market tightness, job market and safety, among other measures.
Tuesday, March 19
CureMetrix’s Mammogram Software Wins FDA Approval
CureMetrix got the U.S. Food and Drug Administration’s blessing to market software that flags which mammograms raise suspicions of breast cancer.
ScaleMatrix Acquires Arizona Micro Data Center Company
San Diego-based ScaleMatrix acquired Instant Data Centers, a company that builds micro data centers for edge computing.
Special Report: Flight to Industrial Fuels Renovation Market in I-15 Corridor
PROPERTY: Key Updates, Amenities Are Alternatives to New Building
A 37-year-old Scripps Ranch industrial building has been gutted, renovated and put back on the block in what some real estate brokers said is a market that’s exceptionally tight but among the most desirable in the region for industrial space.
Erickson-Hall Makes Employee Ownership The Foundation of Its Succession Plan
Workers at Erickson-Hall Construction Co. based in Escondido will eventually own the company under a plan put in place by the company’s founders, David Erickson and Michael Hall.
SD 500: Magda Marquet
SD 500 recap: Magda Marquet is one of the architects of the local life science sector. She and her husband, Francois Ferre, co-founded Althea Technologies, which they built into the region’s largest contract manufacturer before selling it in 2014.
Some Military Construction May Wait for Border Wall
San Diego County has its share of military construction projects that might take a back seat to construction of a wall on the U.S.-Mexico border.
Viasat Plans $500M Bond Issue
Viasat Inc. said March 19 that it plans to sell $500 million in senior secured notes due 2027 through a private placement.
Special Report: Increases Expected in 2019 Construction Costs
BUILDING: Tariffs, Demand for Materials Likely to Boost Prices
A year ago, construction costs were rising so fast with fear of tariffs so shaking the industry that some contractors started stockpiling materials. That’s over, with many San Diego County contractors predicting a slow but steady rise in costs through the end of 2019.
SD 500: Bradley H. Feldmann
SD 500 recap: Bradley Feldmann leads a global technology solutions and services company in defense, security and transportation.
Cities Consider CCAs As Part of Energy Plans
ENERGY: They Would Take Energy Buying Role From SDG&E
Big changes may be in store for the way San Diego County businesses and residents get their electrical power, as local governments consider taking over the role of buying and selling electricity from the region’s investor-owned utility, San Diego Gas & Electric.
Monday, March 18
Porsche Dealership Design Is Detour From Carlsbad’s Criteria
Building a new Porsche dealership in Carlsbad for came with some special challenges for Dempsey Construction.
Wastewater Treatment Startup Wins $200,000 at San Diego Angel Conference
AquaCycl, a startup that created wastewater treatment systems that use bacteria, won $200,000 at the San Diego Angel Conference.
PhaseBio Shares Rise on Clinical Study Data
PhaseBio’s stock jumped March 18 after the San Diego-based company’s lead drug candidate showed promise in an early-stage clinical study.
SD 500: David F. Hale
SD 500 recap: David Hale is CEO of Hale BioPharma Ventures LLC, a private company focused on the formation and development of biotechnology, specialty pharma, diagnostic and medical device companies.
Sempra LNG Names Officers
Sempra LNG, a subsidiary of San Diego-based Sempra Energy, announced on March 18 that it named Justin Bird president, and Lisa Glatch chief operating officer. The two will develop Sempra’s liquefied natural gas export business.
Grandesign, San Diego-Based Ad Agency, Acquired by UK Media Company
According to a press release, UK’s Talon, an out-of-home media company, recently acquired the advertising and experiential agency and will change all of Grandesign’s traditional offices to the Talon name.
Three San Diego Breweries Make Top Producing Craft Breweries List
Stone Brewing Co. entered the Brewers Association annual list of the top 50 producing craft brewing companies in the U.s. at No. 9, Karl Strauss Brewing Co. came in at No. 40 and Modern Times Beer took the No. 45 spot.
SD 500: Nikia Clarke
SD 500 recap: San Diego Regional Edc/World Trade Center San Diego Since 2017, Nikia Clarke has served as vice president of economic development for the San Diego Regional Economic Development Corp.
Life Sciences Leasing Activity Finished Strong in Q4 of 2018
For San Diego life sciences the fourth quarter of 2018 was the strongest of the year from a leasing perspective.
Sunday, March 17
Defense Budget Likely to Deliver for San Diego
ECONOMY: Ships, UAVs and Electronics On Pentagon’s Wish List
A draft Pentagon spending plan issued March 12 offers much to San Diego defense contractors, including publicly traded giants that build military ships and aircraft.
San Diego Jury Rules Apple Violated Qualcomm’s Patents
Qualcomm won a patent case against Apple on Friday.
U.S. District Judge Rules Qualcomm Owes Apple $1B in Rebates
A preliminary ruling ahead of an upcoming trial in San Diego indicates that Qualcomm may have to pay Apple nearly $1 billion in rebates.
Good Distribution and Bad Hangovers Help Magic Bullet With Sales
Admittedly, Joe Edwards and Didi Edwards enjoy a good libation. But, like most drinkers, they don’t care for the hangover that can follow the morning after.
With Xcerra on Board, Cohu Reports Record Revenues
Cohu Inc., a maker of equipment for semiconductor factories, reported record annual net sales of $451.8 million in 2018 following the acquisition of a similar equipment maker. The Poway company’s net loss for the year was $32.1 million.
SD 500: Cathy Gonzales
Cathy Gonzales was promoted to managing partner of KPMG’s San Diego office in 2018.
Cooking Skills, Consulting Prowess Serve His Customers
As a child growing up in Montreal, Canada, chef and restaurateur Ken Irvine aspired to be a tuna fisherman.
Business Events Calendar for March 18, 2019
Business events scheduled in the county.
SD 500: Sunita Cooke
SD 500 recap: Longtime community college educator and administrator Sunita Cooke has led the MiraCosta Community College District for nearly four years.
RF Industries Buying Vista Company
RF Industries Ltd. said March 11 that it agreed to acquire the business and assets of C Enterprises LP of Vista. Terms of the deal were not disclosed.
SDBJ Indiser: National Security Interests May Help Qualcomm, Again
Qualcomm Inc.’s got a lot of legal balls in the air. And, an arm of the U.S. government may help settle one of the key cases, in which a defeat could be a big blow to the San Diego chipmaker’s patent licensing business.
GA Contract Aims to Get Carrier Launch System Up to Speed
The U.S. Navy recently issued two contracts to support General Atomics’ advanced aircraft carrier launch system, which is going on the new-style Gerald Ford-class carriers.
Charlotte Russe Going Out Of Business
San Diego-based Charlotte Russe is officially going out of business and closing all stores across 44 states and Puerto Rico.
First California-Grown Coffee Tasting At Bird Rock Coffee Roasters
In partnership with Frinj Coffee, San Diego-based Bird Rock Coffee Roasters held a tasting of the first California-grown coffee in San Diego earlier this month. The varietal, a certified organic Cuicateco which scored a 92 from Coffee Review, was available in limited supply, according to a news release, and coffee roasters have plans to provide more beans in coming months.
Midway Foundation Helps Military Families
The USS Midway Foundation announced that it awarded $10,000 to the San Diego Center for Children. The donation helps further implement the center’s Empowered Families program to better respond to the needs of families with a child suffering from a mental, emotional, or behavioral disorder.
San Diego Grantmakers Appoints New CEO
After an extensive nationwide search, San Diego Grantmakers announced the appointment of its new President and CEO Debbie McKeon.
Workforce Partnership Funding Helps Pioneering Program
San Diego Workforce Partnership won a $1.2 million philanthropic funding contest by national nonprofit Strada Education Network. The funding increases access and diversity in tech through income share agreements, or ISAs, a student loan alternative by which a student agrees to pay a small proportion of their income for a set period of time.
Grant Seeks To Share the Park Experience
The Southwest Airlines Heart of the Community program, in partnership with Project for Public Spaces, announced that it awarded a national grant to the Balboa Park Conservancy.
Friday, March 15
Turtle Beach to Buy German Firm
Rancho Bernardo-based gaming peripheral maker Turtle Beach Corp. said March 14 that it agreed to acquire Roccat, a German maker of PC gaming accessories. Separately the business announced it almost doubled its revenue for the year.
Thursday, March 14
San Diego Angel Conference Helps First-Time Investors
More than 20 participants took a shot at angel investing for the first time at the first San Diego Angel Conference.
Potential Blockbuster Drug Could Bring Windfall to Scripps
Scripps Research stands to gain a royalty windfall from a drug candidate that slows brain atrophy in patients with multiple sclerosis.
Cubic Acquires Nuvotronics for $64M
Cubic Corp. said March 14 that it acquired electronics maker Nuvotronics of Durham, North Carolina for $64 million cash. Nuvotronics produces microfabricated radio frequency products, primarily for the military satellite and electronic warfare markets. There are commercial applications for the products as well.
Ambrx Takes in $10M Upfront for Drug Discovery Partnership
Ambrx’s platforms have netted $10 million upfront in a collaboration with BeiGene Ltd.
SD 500: Shelley Lyford
SD 500 recap: Shelley Lyford leads West Health, a collection of organizations focused on seniors and aging, developed under philanthropists Gary and Mary West.
San Diego Foundation Names New President and CEO
Previously, Stuart worked as chief development & membership officer of San Diego Zoo Global, president of the foundation of San Diego Zoo Global
San Diego Therapy Platform Teams up with USD
eTherapyFinder and USD launched an initiative to help five California parishes with mental health training.
Big Games: SDCCU Holiday Bowl, Notre Dame-Navy Game Bring $75M Economic Impact
The Dec. 31 SDCCU Holiday Bowl game created a record impact...
Escondido Valley Center Sold For $24.9M
Center tenants include AKDI grocery, HomeGoods, and Staples
SD 500: Cam Garner
SD 500 recap: Cam Garner is one of the builders of the local life science sector and has worked in diagnostics, devices and pharmaceuticals.
Vista Village Shopping Center Sold
Center is in downtown Vista
San Diego Developer Building Nevada Business Park
Complex will have four buildings
Wednesday, March 13
For Kilroy, One Paseo Was Transformative Journey
PROPERTY: CEO Made Leadership Changes, Created An Experiential Setting
Lawsuits didn’t stop it. A referendum didn’t stop it. Not even the worst economic slowdown since the Great Depression stopped it.
S.D. County Bar Association Appoints New Executive Director
Jill Epstein was selected following a five-month national search.
Developer Goes Extra Mile With House in Tow for Apartment Project
San Diego developer Tim Foley turned what could have been a simple North Park apartment development into one with many moving parts, including a 2,300 square-foot house that had to be relocated.
Biotech Investors Look For Red Flags and Green
Do you bet on the jockey or the horse? That question kicked off a Feb. 27 investor panel at Biocom’s 9th Annual Global Life Science Partnering Conference. The query gets at whether investors prioritize a biotech’s science or the management team.
SD 500: Dale Yahnke
In 1991, Dale Yahnke co-founded Dowling & Yahnke, an independent, fee-only, registered investment advisory firm that provides comprehensive portfolio management and retirement planning.
Urban Solace Restaurants to Shut Down
Urban Solace, located on 30th street, opened in 2006 and Solace & Moonlight Lounge, launched in 2011
SD 500: Tina Nova
SD 500 recap: Tina Nova is currently the president and CEO of a new molecular diagnostics company in San Diego.
What’s Cooking In Oceanside?
Dining: Foodie Scene Expands In Affordable, Welcoming Town
A hospitality renaissance of sorts kicked off in Oceanside with the opening of places like Harney Sushi, 333 Pacific and Flying Pig Pub & Kitchen starting around 2011.
Living With Parents May Be (Long) Path to Homeownership
Moving back home with mom and dad might be the fastest way for someone to save enough money to make a down payment on a home, according to Zillow Group, a real estate monitoring service.
Tuesday, March 12
SDBJ INSIDER: Athena Leader Builds Alliance, Support Network
Athena CEO Holly Smithson is continuing to raise the organization’s profile beyond San Diego County. Late last year Athena announced a collaboration with the United Nations Global Compact to promote gender equality.
From Feeding to Fermentation, Food Waste Finds Second Course
FOOD: Needy Get Meals; Co. Working on Eco Friendly Vodka
Call it what you will: “Hedonistic Sustainability,” the “Circular Economy” — San Diego businesses and nonprofits are panning for gold in the area’s food waste stream as well as innovating new solutions to old problems such as hunger and protecting the environment.
Neurocrine’s Rare Disease Drug Generates Positive Clinical Data
Interim clinical trial results were positive for a Neurocrine drug aimed at a rare genetic disorder affecting the adrenal glands, the company reported March 12.
North County Printers Merge
Zuza and Golden State Graphics, two commercial printers based in North County, announced in March that the two companies merged effective Jan. 1. The two owners of Zuza and the single owner of Golden State each have one-third interests in the new company, called Zuza LLC.
SD 500: Mick Farrell
As CEO for ResMed since 2013, Mick Farrell has led the company into a new data-driven, diagnostic era, establishing the company as a world leader in digital health with more than 8 million patients in its connected health ecosystem and more than 2.5 billion nights of medical sleep apnea and chronic obstructive pulmonary disease data.
SD 500: Ruth Westreich
Ruth Westreich became the president of her family endeavor, the Westreich Foundation, in 2002.
CureMatch Partners with French Pharma Giant
CureMatch launched a partnership with Servier Group, the second largest pharmaceutical company in France.
First California-Grown Coffee Tasting at Bird Rock Coffee Roasters
The varietal, a certified organic Cuicateco which scored a 92 from Coffee Review earlier this month, was available in limited supply, according to a press release, with plans to provide more beans in coming months.
Monday, March 11
Zingle Wants Hotels to Get The Message on Customer Service
A long wait for coffee sparked the idea behind Ford Blakely’s business messaging company, Zingle. Blakely, who was working as CPA, was in line at a coffee shop in Del Mar.
Growth Brings Kyriba To a San Diego HQ
TECH: Fintech Leaves NYC, Sees Good Hiring Climate in S.D.
Kyriba, a fast-growing software company that helps finance executives manage their companies’ assets, is scouting out new headquarters in the UTC area. The company announced in February that it would shift its HQ from New York City’s financial district back to San Diego, where it has a 120-person office just off of Towne Center Drive.
RF Industries to Buy Vista Company
RF Industries Ltd. said March 11 that it agreed to acquire the business and assets of C Enterprises LP of Vista. Terms of the deal were not disclosed. The acquisition is expected to close by the end of the week.
Hera Labs CEO Silvia Mah to Head Up Connect
San Diego Angel investor and Hera Labs CEO Silvia Mah will serve as the new president of Connect.
Student Housing Complex Sold For $92.5M
Complex has 260 apartments.
SD 500: Susan Salka
Susan Salka is CEO, president and director of the nation’s largest health care staffing company, AMN Healthcare, and now splits her time between San Diego and AMN’s burgeoning presence in Dallas.
Florida Turbine Technologies Sellers Put Kratos Shares on Market
The majority of shares will come from the Shirley C. Brostmeyer Revocable Trust and Joseph D. Brostmeyer Revocable Trust. The Brostmeyers are engineers and cofounders of Florida Turbine Technologies, which Kratos bought for a combination of cash and stock.
SD 500: Arsalun Tafazoli
Arsalun Tafazoli has reshaped San Diego’s culinary scene with his edgy architectural designs and unconventional, unapologetic menus at more than a dozen eateries and bars.
Sanford Burnham Prebys Appoints 2 Trustees
Sanford Burnham Prebys Medical Discovery Institute recently appointed two new board trustees: Matt Browne and David Szekeres.
Sunday, March 10
Casino Renovations Are Game Changers
GAMING: Sector Moves Its Focus to Resort-Style Amenities
In the last few years, casinos in and around San Diego County have collectively invested north of $1 billion to revamp and/or expand their properties. According to tribal representatives and experts in the gaming industry, this is all in an effort to evolve from mono-dimensional gaming facilities to multi-dimensional, full-service resort models in order to better serve already-established guests and potentially gain new ones.
AbacusNext CEO Pursues Professional Services Sectors
Though AbacusNext has been around since 1983, the San Diego-based software company has seen startup-like growth in the last five years. When CEO Alessandra Lezama joined the family-owned company in 2013, AbacusNext was a $5 million company with 29 employees building case management software for legal clients.
ResMed Acquires HB Healthcare
San Diego-based ResMed, maker of cloud-connected sleep and respiratory care devices, has acquired South Korean company HB Healthcare for an undisclosed amount.
Charlotte Russe Is Going Out of Business
According to a press release, a U.S. Bankruptcy Court judge approved an order naming SB360 Capital Partners as agents of the liquidation.
Qualcomm Seeking $31M in Damages in Apple Patent Case
Qualcomm is seeking $31 million in damages from Apple in a patent case in San Diego.
SD 500: Dawn Barry
As president of LunaDNA, Dawn Barry runs the first genomic and medical research database owned by its community of data donors.
SD 500: Delinda Forsythe
DeLinda Forsythe is founder and CEO of Innovative Commercial Environments, a contract furniture company she started in 2006 in a spare bedroom as a single mom looking to help send her son to college.
Company and Grocery Chain Make Meals Happen for Those in Need
Jewish Family Service of San Diego received more than 1,490 pounds of fresh chicken from Jimbo’s…Naturally! and Smart Chicken to share with food insecure families, older adults and military personnel in San Diego County.
Sempra and Its Employees Help Rescue Mission Reach Those in Need
The San Diego Rescue Mission received a $45,150 gift from Sempra Energy.
Chelsea Clinton, Clinton Foundation Part of Support System for Foster Youth
Just in Time for Foster Youth in partnership with the Clinton Foundation and The San Diego Foundation, hosted Chelsea Clinton recently, during one of JIT’s mentoring program sessions, “Coach Approach,” where Clinton spoke with JIT and transitioning foster youth.
Grant to New Children’s Museum Recognizes the Power of Play
National Endowment for the Arts acting Chairman Mary Anne Carter has approved more than $27 million in grants as part of the Arts Endowment’s first major funding announcement for fiscal year 2019.
Pet Food Drive Highlights Role That Animals Play in the Lives of Many
Veterinary Specialty Hospital’s seventh annual Holiday Pet Food Drive donated 8,310 pounds of pet food to the San Diego Food Bank, which translated into more than 11,000 meals to hungry companion animals across San Diego County. More than 170 pounds plus cash to purchase more was collected.
Barnhart-Reese Get the Jobs Done
Barnhart-Reese Construction based in Rancho Bernardo has recently finished several projects, including $6.6 million in renovation work on two buildings at Naval Base San Diego.
Industrial and Office Rents Hitting Record Highs
Rental rates for office and industrial property in San Diego County have risen above the peak set just prior to the Great Recession, according to JLL, a commercial real estate firm.
Downtown Condo’s Highlights Make It a Standout Property
In boom times and bust, the somewhat rocky metamorphosis of downtown San Diego from a commercial district to a dynamic and diverse place to live and work is remarkable.
Ad Astra Taking Applications
Ad Astra opened applications for it’s third cohort of female-led startups.
Map to State’s Culinary Stars Will Be in Michelin Guide
Michelin and Visit California have teamed up for a one-of-a-kind Michelin Guide expansion: the Michelin Guide California 2019.
Erasca Brings in Big Series A
Erasca, founded on the bold goal of developing a new generation of oncology drugs, raised an additional $22 million as part of a Series A round.
Friday, March 8
Analysts See Pluses in Gossamer Bio’s Six-Drug Pipeline, Stock
Two analyst teams who recently started covering Gossamer Bio see a promising future for the San Diego biotech.
Thursday, March 7
Achates Power to Develop Range-Extender Engine for Hybrids
With a new, $2 million Department of Energy grant in hand, Achates Power plans to create a highly efficient opposed-piston engine for hybrid vehicles. The University of Michigan and Nissan are partners in the project to build a single-cylinder opposed-piston (OP) engine.
San Diego EMS Software Provider Sold to Massachusetts Company
San Diego-based Golden Hour Data Systems sold to Zoll Medical on March 4.
SD 500: Borre Winckel
Borre Winckel became the president and CEO of the Building Industry Association in 2008.
Oncternal Therapeutics Merges with GTx
San Diego-based Oncternal Therapeutics entered into a merger agreement with Tennessee’s GTx, it was announced March 7.
SD 500: Debra Rosen
Debra Rosen came to the North San Diego Business Chamber in 2009. Since then, the chamber has received a five-star accreditation from the U.S. Chamber of Commerce, the only organization to receive this distinction in San Diego County, and one of 10 accredited chambers in California.
Restaurant Group Stays Hands On
Food: GBOD to Expand On Its Successful Concepts
Although Raymond Davoudi, founder of GBOD Hospitality Group, grew up in the food service business, he learned the hard way that familiarity doesn’t necessarily breed success.
Unmanned Aircraft Ground Control Just Got Easier
General Atomics Aeronautical Systems Inc. publicly announced ;the next piece of technology that will command its advanced MQ-9B remotely piloted aircraft.
Bird Rock Coffee Roasters Signs Distribution Deals
San Diego-based Bird Rock Coffee Roasters has signed two distribution deals that will bring its coffee products to multiple Southern California grocery stores and draft pubs for the first time.
Wednesday, March 6
Apple Boosts Planned Headcount for San Diego Campus
Apple announced plans to increase its planned San Diego campus to 1,200 jobs.
Sunroad Delivering on Live-Work Balance
PROPERTY: New Apartments, Class A Renovation Set for Site
The final pieces of the Spectrum development that has redefined a central part of Kearny Mesa are about to fall into place.
Erasca Raises $22M in Series A Extension
Erasca, founded on the bold goal of developing a new generation of oncology drugs, raised an additional $22 million as part of a series A round.
Air Travelers Using Key Connection With Cross Border Xpress
At the U.S.-Mexico border, Cross Border Xpress, also known as the CBX bridge, is helping those traveling through Tijuana International Airport (TIJ) seamlessly enter and exit the United States.
SD 500: Brian Malarkey
Celebrity chef Brian Malarkey is adding two new restaurants to his impressive list of successes – Herb & Sea and Animae are expected to open in 2019.
First Flight for Kratos Drone
According to a press release, the aircraft completed 76 minutes of air time during the first flight.
SD 500: Kimberly J. Becker
Kimberly Becker in 2017 was named CEO of the San Diego Regional Airport Authority.
Space Micro Technology Onboard For Israel’s Moon Mission
Israel’s attempt to put a lander on the moon has a local tie.
Renovation to Add to Downtown’s Quality Residential
An East Village apartment building that was used as student housing for Thomas Jefferson Law School has been sold for $46.6 million.
Dexcom Restructuring to Result in 350 Layoffs
Dexcom will lay off 350 workers largely in San Diego and Arizona as part of a restructuring, a move disclosed along with fourth quarter earnings that showed strong topline growth.
Michelin to Include San Diego Restaurants in Michelin Guide California 2019
According to a press release, the new Michelin guide, the first to cover an entire state, will include restaurants in San Diego, as well as Los Angeles, Orange County and Santa Barbara.
Tuesday, March 5
Seven Finalists Named for San Diego Angel Conference
A new pitch event aimed at creating more angel investors in San Diego named seven startup finalists.
Matter Real Estate to Try Its Luck And Skill With Las Vegas Development
Las Vegas has been picked for a $400 million development project by the San Diego-based Matter Real Estate Group, not that the company is ignoring its hometown.
Platform for Robots, New Chips Take Center Stage in Barcelona
Amid a flurry of announcements at Mobile World Congress for connected cars, laptops and factories, Qualcomm Inc. unveiled a new platform specifically designed for robotics. In a first for the company, Qualcomm (NYSE: QCOM) built a set of hardware and software tools to help manufacturers develop everything from consumer robots to industrial robots, dubbed the Qualcomm Robotics RB3 Platform.
Ionis and Spinout Strike $150M Deal With Novartis
Carlsbad-based Ionis Pharmaceuticals has landed yet another big payout.
FDA Commissioner to Depart
Scott Gottlieb, the commissioner of the U.S. Food and Drug Administration announced his resignation March 5.
Navy Puts Kratos Target to Work
The U.S. Navy reported on Feb. 28 that its BQM-177A target drone built by Kratos Defense and Security Solutions Inc. was ready for war games. In Navy lingo, it achieved initial operational capability.Separately on March 5, Kratos (Nasdaq: KTOS) said it recently received $11.2 million in multiple unmanned systems contract awards.
Special Report: Coworking Competition Likely to Lead to More Consolidation
PROPERTY: Providers Find Value in Having More People, Scale and Size
After running his coworking business for four years, Jay Chernikoff saw an opportunity to grow. He sold his two-location company, DeskHub, to Santa Monica-based Cross Campus in January.
Escondido Office Building Sold For About $2.6M
Building is fully leased
Vista Vacant Land Sold For $2.1M
Site approved for 57 single-family homes
SD 500: Susie Harborth
Susie Harborth is general partner and CFO of BioInnovation Capital, an early stage life sciences venture firm that hosts its portfolio companies in its lab space.
SD 500: Peter Callstrom
Peter Callstrom has led one of the nation’s top workforce programs since 2012.
Monday, March 4
Southwest Airlines to Announce Flights from San Diego to Hawaii in Coming Weeks
Southwest Airlines plans to announce flights from San Diego to Hawaii. It will begin service from Oakland to Honolulu on March 17 followed by a flight from Oakland to Kahului Airport on April 7.
Big-Box Space Makes Cut for Repurposing
RETAIL: Smaller Spaces Meet Still Strong Retail Demand
Big-box retail spaces that once were home to such retail giants as Sears and Toys R Us are proving to be a hot commodity in San Diego County.
All Agree on One Thing, Jack Needs to Make More Money
DINING: $1.5 Million in Average Sales Per Store Lags Top Competitors
On the hunt for a buyer in 2019, Jack in the Box Inc. is working to resolve the challenges and contradictions of the year gone past.
Qualcomm Takes Apple to Court Over Patents
Qualcomm's patent trial against Apple began March 4 in San Diego.
Two Escondido Apartment Complexes Sold For $8.2M
Complexes have 39 apartments
SD 500: Susie Baumann
Susie Baumann began her career in her family’s restaurant business when she was 12 and stepped in full time after college when her father, Tom Ham, died unexpectedly.
California Life Sciences Association Expands Board
The California Life Sciences Association added three new board members, it was announced this week.
Escondido Medical Office Building Sold
Building is on the Palomar Medical Center Escondido campus
Vista Apartment Complex Sold For Nearly $4.8M
Complex is being renovated
SD 500: Tim Penick
Tim Penick and his brother Marc have built the family-owned T.B. Penick and Sons Inc. into one of the nation’s top construction companies.
La Meas Retail Building Sold For $2.3M
Building is former home to Fountain's Aquarium
Around The Valleys
News and notes from the greater San Fernando Valley
Sunday, March 3
Security Firm Buys Verimatrix for $138M
San Diego-based video security company Verimatrix sold to a French software firm for over $138 million.
Special Report: Coworking Thinks Big
Large Companies Find Flexible Office Space Gives Them a More Nimble Presence to Test Markets
Bobby Brannigan’s commute is shorter than most. Every morning, he takes an electric scooter to his company’s offices in Downtown Works, a colorful, multistory coworking space in the heart of San Diego.
BIOTECH: Expanding Genetic Alphabet Could Help in Cancer Fight
A drug approved in the 1990s boosts cancer-killing cells. But it can also wreak havoc on the immune system.
New President of Solar Turbines Is a Familiar Face
Caterpillar Inc. has named Tom Pellette president of its Solar Turbines subsidiary, effective March 1. He replaces Pablo Koziner, who has a new assignment within the company.
FDA Sends Back Adamis’ Drug Application
The U.S. Food and Drug Administration recently declined to approve Adamis Pharmaceuticals’ alternative to the erectile dysfunction drug cialis.
New Name May Bring Course Change at Harrow Health
San Diego’s Imprimis Pharmaceuticals — known for compounded drugs at the center of a legal challenge — has changed its name. That follows the company folding in several drug development subsidiaries.
Mesa View Plaza Sold For $39.1M
High demand for industrial space in Kearny Mesa
RAF Pacifica Buys Two Carlsbad Properties For $36.3M
Buildings underwent significant improvements
SD 500: Trindl Reeves
Trindl Reeves serves on the firm’s management committee and the national strategic leadership team.
SD 500: Cody J. Martinez
Cody J. Martinez is chairman of the Sycuan Band of Kumeyaay Nation.
Business Calendar for Week of March 4, 2019
Business events scheduled in the county.
Empowered Families Program Meets Needs of Multiple Family Members
The Thomas C. Ackerman Foundation has awarded $15,000 to the San Diego Center for Children which will be used to support the center’s Empowered Families program to better respond to the needs of families with a child suffering from mental, emotional, or behavioral challenges.
SDBJ Insider: San Diego Is Well Represented On Top Givers’ List
Two San Diego individuals and two couples have made The Chronicle of Philanthropy’s 2018 top 50 givers’ list, including two of the founders of Qualcomm Inc.
Tennis Fest Serves as Fundraiser for Build A Miracle
San Diego-based April Bisharat, founder of Love 15 Tennis and a former professional tennis player, hosted a fundraising “tennis fest and clinic” to benefit her tennis student 15-year-old Daniella Benitez’s, Build A Miracle team house. The event raised $2,000 toward Benitez’s goal.
Home of the Month: The Perfect Form
Nothing is visible from the street but an iron gate that opens to a long, curving drive that leads to the far side of the property. A welcoming, stone-clad, clean-lined porte-cochère frames the entrance.
Guild Writes the Big Checks For Three Local Groups
San Diego-based Guild Mortgage announced that it raised more than $300,000 for three local charities. The company recently donated $100,000 each to the Monarch School, Urban Corps of San Diego County and Home Start. The donation was on behalf of the Guild Giving Foundation, which hosted its second annual charity golf tournament and dinner social last fall at the Rancho Bernardo Inn. The event raised nearly $500,000 in its first two years.
New Space Will Make Group An Even Bigger Help
Reality Changers, a San Diego-based nonprofit that provides youth from disadvantaged backgrounds with the academic support, financial assistance, and leadership training to become college graduates, announced that after 10 years of setting up and taking down shared space for its programs, it moved its entire operation to the fourth floor of its current building. It went from a 3,000-square-foot-office to nearly 15,000 square feet fully dedicated to its programs and operations.
Tandem Names Sheridan New CEO
After mounting a comeback in 2018, Tandem Diabetes Care will have a new CEO in 2019.
Dexcom Restructuring to Result in 350 Layoffs
Dexcom will lay off 350 workers largely in San Diego and Arizona as part of a restructuring, a move disclosed along with fourth quarter earnings that showed strong topline growth.
San Diego Digital Health Accelerator Nex Cubed Names First Cohort
A new startup accelerator in San Diego welcomed its first cohort of startups in February. Seven companies from across the U.S. were picked for Nex Cubed’s first Digital Healthcare Accelerator, which accepts biotech and health care companies with a software component.
Grant Helps Make Wellness Courtyard A Part of Institute’s Addiction Healing
The McAlister Institute announced that it received an $11,195 grant from Las Patronas to fund a wellness courtyard at the organization’s Kiva Learning Center for Women and Children.
Friday, March 1
East County Land Acquired For Townhome Development
Site is near El Cajon
