San Diego Business Journal articles from February 2009

San Diego Business Journal archives from February 2009

Silvergate Bank: shifts in growth mode: cease and desist order lifted, charter changed.
February 2, 2009... After shrinking in the face of what it presciently viewed as an overheated housing market, Silvergate Bank is shifting gears, seeking to make loans and grow in size. In December, the $300 million bank received two pieces of good news....

Packaged deals: Sandag projects good to go once stimulus bill is law.
February 2, 2009... The San Diego Association of Governments, the region's planning agency, is ready to award millions of dollars in preapproved projects once President Obama signs the $819 billion stimulus package everyone's waiting for. "The good news is...

Sharp preparing for closure of Point Loma nursing facility.(Sharp HealthCare )
February 2, 2009... In the next few weeks, Sharp HealthCare will transfer or discharge the last remaining patients at Point Loma's Sharp Cabrillo Skilled Nursing Center as Dart of plans to shut down the facility by the time its lease expires April 3. The...

Too many rooms at the inn? Nation's hotels suffer, but county's properties to prevail.
February 2, 2009... Too many hotel rooms. Too few occupants. According to a forecast by PKF Hospitality Research, the slumping economy and an oversupply of hotel rooms could result in a 10 percent decline in revenue from hotel guest rooms nationwide this year....

We are the center of the universe.(SDBJ INSIDER)(San Diego 1700 AM)(briefs)
February 2, 2009... Out and about, or here, there and everywhere... The last time we checked in, radio talk show impresario Mark Larson was trying to settle his contractual dispute with San Diego 1700 AM. Management abruptly terminated his early morning program a...

Some credit unions hurt by losses.
February 2, 2009... When it comes to lending, credit unions run a tight ship. For example, they shunned subprime mortgage lending, which caused banks to rack up record losses. Yet, while the economy declined last year, even high-performing institutions found...

Hotel Indigo operator planning a summer opening.
February 2, 2009... As recently as two years ago, another boutique hotel under construction in downtown's Gaslamp Quarter would have been, well, just another boutique hotel under construction. Downtown sports at least seven, including the Hotel Solamar, Hard...

Booming businesses.(BATTLING THE BUST)
February 2, 2009... Empty storefronts tell a grim tale of retail demise, with "for lease" signs cropping up on buildings countywide. Retailers accustomed to earning 40 percent of annual sales during the holiday season noticed a 4.4 percent decline nationwide...

Security mythology.(Ask the EXPERTS)
February 2, 2009... Perhaps the biggest myth about security is security. This goes well beyond computers, but fundamentally, there is no security, there is risk management. If you stay in airplanes and never get into a car you are far less likely to die in an...

Souplantation parent 'in great place to be' now.(BATTLING THE BUST)
February 2, 2009... As consumers adjust spending to their recession-era budgets, dinner out is taking a different tone. Before it was fancy drinks and steak. Now it's a trip through the salad bar at Souplantation. But even with people going back for seconds...

Ex-Navy pilot crafts career in brewery business: Airdale's four varieties log robust sales at 25 area establishments.(BATTLING THE BUST)(Airdale Brewing)
February 2, 2009... Despite the downturn, Airdale Brewing in Miramar has taken flight with soaring sales. "I was looking for a safer career," says Tony Clarke, 31, founder and managing partner. "I am an engineer by education and a pilot by career." ...

Basic recipe used for pizzeria's growth: in difficult times, customers want fun.(BATTLING THE BUST)(Basic Urban Kitchen + Bar)
February 2, 2009... Restaurateur Jon Mangini has found a recipe for success in a recession. Basic Urban Kitchen + Bar, which Mangini opened in a 6,000-square-foot converted warehouse near Petco Park in April 2006, had sales of $1.2 million in its first eight...

Fitness clubs shaping up for healthy profitability: gyms beef up services to draw new members.(BATTLING THE BUST)
February 2, 2009... Investments, stocks, mutual funds and housing prices may be down, but bench presses, crunches and curls are still up. Fitness centers such as 24 Hour Fitness, Lava Sport & Fitness and FIT Athletic Club find that despite the economy, they...

Democratic policies trigger gun sales: firearms in short supply as purchases double within the past year.(BATTLING THE BUST)
February 2, 2009... A changing of the presidential guard in the U.S. Capital has triggered a spike in gun sales in anticipation of a possible ban on buying firearms. Marc Halcon, president of the California Association of Firearms Retailers and owner of...

Changing market draws agents back to residential real estate.
February 2, 2009... With home prices down and distressed sales up, industry professionals have been forced to adapt to a changing market. Last year's median home price in San Diego County dropped 24.4 percent to $360,000, due in large part to the continuing...

Requests for commercial property reassessments expected to jump.
February 2, 2009... Owners who purchased their properties during the real estate bubble may be able to receive relief on their property taxes. But first, they must file for reassessments with the County Assessor's office by May 30. Last year, 81,000...

Chargers not bolting to L.A.--at least not this year: team would have to pay $53m to leave in 2010 or $26m in 2011.(Wasserman Media Group)(San Diego Chargers)
February 2, 2009... The San Diego Chargers is telling fans they should be concerned about the team's future in San Diego, but not because of a recent agreement with a Los Angeles marketing firm. "If you're a Chargers fan, this marketing agreement shouldn't...

FDIC sends cease and desist order to Discovery Bank.(FINANCE)(Federal Deposit Insurance Corp.)
February 2, 2009... San Marcos-based Discovery Bank held 10.6 percent of its assets in capital as of Dec. 31, meeting the 10 percent minimum to be called well-capitalized. But it still couldn't avoid getting hit with a cease and desist order from the Federal...

Security business reports loan growth: some banks may be hoarding cash, but not at Security Business Bancorp, where total loans were up 17.7 percent in 2008.(FINANCE)(Security Business Bank revenue report)(Financial report)(Brief article)
February 2, 2009... Security Business Reports Loan Growth: Some banks may be hoarding cash, but not at Security Business Bancorp, where total loans were up 17.7 percent in 2008. The downtown San Diego lender reported a net loss of $40,000 in the fourth...

Coronado First Grows: three-year-old Coronado First Bank reported a net loss of $534,000 for 2008 compared with a net loss of $602,000 for 2007.(FINANCE)(Coronado First Bank revenue report)(Financial report)(Brief article)
February 2, 2009... Coronado First Grows: Three-year-old Coronado First Bank reported a net loss of $534,000 for 2008 compared with a net loss of $602,000 for 2007. CEO Bruce Ives says the loss was a direct result of compressed net interest margins caused by...

PacWest Bancorp takes paper loss: because it wrote off the good will accumulated from acquisitions earlier this decade, PacWest Bancorp reported a net loss for 2008 of $728 million, compared with a net profit of $90.3 million in 2007.(FINANCE)
February 2, 2009... PacWest Bancorp Takes Paper Loss: Because it wrote off the good will accumulated from acquisitions earlier this decade, PacWest Bancorp reported a net loss for 2008 of $728 million, compared with a net profit of $90.3 million in 2007. The $4.5...

Seacoast Commerce Bank.(Small Change)
February 2, 2009... Small Change: Seacoast Commerce Bank in Chula Vista reported a net loss for 2008 of $1.6 million, compared with a net loss of $3.6 million in 2007. Total assets increased 21 percent to $81 million, while loans grew 5 percent to $61 million....

Following the closure of 1st Centennial Bank on Jan. 23, its office in Escondido is now in the hands of First California Bank, based in Westlake Village.(Small Change)(Brief article)
February 2, 2009... Following the closure of 1st Centennial Bank on Jan. 23, its office in Escondido is now in the hands of First California Bank, based in Westlake Village. The failed Redlands bank had about $800 million in assets. Send news about local...

The Federal Reserve Board named 10 new members to its Consumer Advisory Council last month.(Small Change)(Brief article)
February 2, 2009... The Federal Reserve Board named 10 new members to its Consumer Advisory Council last month, including San Diegan Jim Park, president of the Asian Real Estate Association of America. Send news about local financial services companies to Mike...

California Coast Credit Union says that since it implemented an auto loan modification program, it's helped 600 members.(Small Change)(Brief article)
February 2, 2009... California Coast Credit Union says that since it implemented an auto loan modification program, it's helped 600 members. Most loan payments were reduced by $100 to half the current payment by extending the term of the loan. Send news about...

Bio-Matrix signs pact to bank stem cells in new facility.(BIOTECH)(NeoCells and AdultCells)(Bio-Matrix Scientific Group)(Brief article)
February 2, 2009... San Diego-based Bio-Matrix Scientific Group, a publicly held maker of disposable instruments for plastic surgeons, is branching into the stem cell storage business. The company said Jan. 28 that it signed its first contract, with publicly...

Infringement charge: SkinMedica, a privately held Carlsbad-based company that sells dermatology products, filed a lawsuit Jan. 22 against San Diego-based Histogen, seeking unspecified damages and an injunction against the company.(BIOTECH)(Brief article)
February 2, 2009... Infringement Charge: SkinMedica, a privately held Carlsbad-based company that sells dermatology products, filed a lawsuit Jan. 22 against San Diego-based Histogen, seeking unspecified damages and an injunction against the company. The...

Anthology hosts Woodstock opener and other soulful acts.(TOURISM)
February 2, 2009... For those who weren't old enough or couldn't afford the fare and didn't want to hitchhike, the Woodstock Festival--the opening act, anyway--came to San Diego recently. Forty years after Richie Havens opened the landmark concert billed as...

A toast to Family Winemakers' first Del Mar Fairgrounds tasting.(TOURISM)(Brief article)
February 2, 2009... Wine Tasting: Family Winemakers of California, an association of table wine producers, has scheduled its first ever tasting in the Activity Center at the Del Mar Fairgrounds on March 15. The event is open to the public. Tickets are $40 in...

Largest employers.(Table)
February 2, 2009... LARGEST EMPLOYERS Ranked by number of local employees as of Jan. 1, 2009 Company Telephone Rank Address Fax (last year) Web site(s) ...

Toyota dealership races to add sports network.(ESCONDIDO)(Toyota Motor Manufacturing Kentucky Inc.)(Brief article)
February 2, 2009... Toyota Escondido is looking to steer more business its way by adding a Sports Network program. "The Sports Network will offer employee-type discounts on new and pre-owned vehicles, as well as parts and service at Toyota Escondido," said...

Businesses to paint town red at Chamber dinner.(CARLSBAD)(Chamber of Commerce)(Brief article)
February 2, 2009... Celebrated marine life artist Robert Wyland is scheduled to be the featured guest and paint on-site at the Chamber of Commerce's annual Business Awards Dinner at 6 p.m. on Feb. 20 at the Four Seasons Resort Aviara, 7100 Four Seasons Point. ...

Health center opens with sense of urgency.(CHULA VISTA)(South Bay Family Health and Urgent Care Center )(Brief article)
February 2, 2009... The South Bay Family Health and Urgent Care Center has opened at 340 Fourth Ave. The latest clinic under the management of San Ysidro Health Center has 12 staffers, including two full-time doctors. It is the first urgent care facility for...

Two minutes might be enough to improve sales.(EL CAJON)
February 2, 2009... Commercial insurance agency and brokerage Colony West is set to host a speed networking event from 6 to 7:30 p.m. Feb. 12 at Hoffer's Cigar Bar, 8282 La Mesa Blvd. Business owners and other professionals are encouraged to attend. The event...

It takes a village to raise a street fair.(LA MESA)
February 2, 2009... The La Mesa Village Merchants Association is seeking sponsors for the Antique Street Faire. The daylong event, fashioned after traditional Midwest flea markets, takes place March 29 along La Mesa Boulevard. It features more than 100...

Resident hopes plan for club goes swimmingly.(SAN MARCOS)(Brief article)
February 2, 2009... A resident of the San Elijo Hills community has pitched an idea to build a resort-style swim club there in place of a dropped proposal for a sports club. The city last year approved a conditional-use permit by developer John Fleming for a...

Hotel looks to ascend list of choice boutiques.(SAN DIEGO)(Choice Hotels International)(Brief article)
February 2, 2009... The Porto Vista Hotel & Suites, a 209-room boutique in Little Italy, is now part of the Ascend Collection, which markets independent hotels under the banner of Choice Hotels International. Launched late last year, the Ascend Collection...

AARP works to make season less taxing.(CHULA VISTA)(American Association of Retired Persons)(Brief article)
February 2, 2009... Two of the city's libraries are hosting free personal income tax assistance sessions on selected days from Feb. 2 to April 15. Volunteers from AARP are offering the service at the Civic Center branch from 10 a.m. to 2 p.m. Tuesdays and...

1906 Lodge to spring onto scene in spring.(CORONADO)(Brief article)
February 2, 2009... A development project has just increased public parking on the island--a particularly scarce commodity in its neighborhood near the post office. As part of the process of converting a 103-year-old boardinghouse to a hotel, the developers...

Fairgrounds puts naming rights up for sale.(DEL MAR)(Brief article)
February 2, 2009... The Del Mar Fairgrounds is seeking a business partner to pay for naming rights of the 346-acre facility, which attracts 3 million visitors to 300 events annually, including the San Diego County Fair and Thoroughbred horse racing. The...

Athletic Center earns win in legal battle.(NATIONAL CITY)(Brief article)
February 2, 2009... A community athletic center and boxing gym is still fighting its blighted image. The California Court of Appeals on Jan. 22 reversed a lower court's ruling to throw out the challenge by the nonprofit Community Youth Athletic Center to fight...

Spa opening its house to celebrate 1st anniversary.(IMPERIAL BEACH)(D'ames Day Spa)(Brief article)
February 2, 2009... D'ames Day Spa is marking its first anniversary with an open house from 5 to 7 p.m. Feb. 12. Christine LaPausky owns the business at 704 Seacoast Drive. Refreshments will be served. RSVP to 619-575-7047.

Sequenom acquires Biotech: Sequenom.(BIOTECH)(Brief article)
February 2, 2009... Sequenom Acquires Biotech: Sequenom, the genetic analysis company that stakes a claim as San Diego's best-performing stock of 2008, added Michigan-based biotech SensiGen to its growing list of acquisitions Jan. 26. The deal, valued at $8.7...

Largest private companies.(Table)
February 2, 2009... LARGEST PRIVATE COMPANIES Headquarters located in San Diego County; ranked by 2008 revenue Company Telephone Rank Address Fax (last year)...

Walden Family Services/Walden Family Services Foundation: Karny Stefan, chief executive officer.(NONPROFIT prolife)(Company overview)
February 2, 2009... [ILLUSTRATION OMITTED] ORGANIZATION Mission of organization: Supporting the lives of children and families through lasting relationships and ensuring that children in the foster care system are able to live with loving, stable families...

Legal notice.
February 2, 2009... File No. 2008-039177 FICTITIOUS BUSINESS NAME: All Star International 12250 El Camino Real, Suite 300 San Diego, CA San Diego 92130 12250 El Camino Real, Suite 300 San Diego, CA San Diego 92130 THIS BUSINESS IS...

San Diego public stocks.(MARKET place)(Statistical table)
February 2, 2009... Index Watch Net % Index 1/27/09 1/20/00 Change Change San Diego Business Journal Index 1248.3 1187.67 60.63 5.10% Dow Jones Industrial...

General contractors merge to increase versatility.(REAL ESTATE)(DBC Construction)(TSA Contracting)(Brief article)
February 2, 2009... Two San Diego-based general contractors, DBC Construction and TSA Contracting, have merged and are operating as TSA Contracting. The businesses made the announcement Jan. 26, but did not disclose financial terms of the deal. DBC is a...

$2M project completed: work on the North Park Pediatric Clinic and Development Center in Hillcrest, a Family Health Centers of San Diego medical office building, was completed last month, according to Ware Malcomb's local office.(REAL ESTATE)(Brief article)
February 2, 2009... $2M Project Completed: Work on the North Park Pediatric Clinic and Development Center in Hillcrest, a Family Health Centers of San Diego medical office building, was completed last month, according to Ware Malcomb's local office. Ware...

Prudential gets cookin'.(REAL ESTATE)(appointment of Jon Cook in Prudential California Realty)(Brief article)
February 2, 2009... Prudential Gets Cookin': Residential real estate veteran Jon Cook was named president and CEO of Prudential California Realty, an affiliate of Berkshire Hathaway. He was previously Prudential's executive vice president and general manager. ...

Ledcor grows: Ledcor Construction, which has its U.S. headquarters in San Diego, has opened an Irvine office to serve Orange County and parts of Los Angeles.(REAL ESTATE)(Brief article)
February 2, 2009... Ledcor Grows: Ledcor Construction, which has its U.S. headquarters in San Diego, has opened an Irvine office to serve Orange County and parts of Los Angeles. Based in Vancouver, British Columbia, Canada, the general contractor specializes...

More homes sold.(REAL ESTATE)(Brief article)
February 2, 2009... More Homes Sold: The San Diego Association of Realtors, a trade group with 10,000 members, says that while sales volume and median sales prices were down, its monthly reports show sales increased 19 percent for detached homes and 9 percent for...

Bilbro Construction lands more work at La Jolla School.(PROGRESS REPORT)(Brief article)
February 2, 2009... A $3.5 million construction project has begun on a new kindergarten facility and lower school science complex at La Jolla Country Day School in La Jolla. The school has completed $30.3 million worth of projects at the campus in the last...

Construction is nearly complete at the SeaWorld Human Resources and Security Building in San Diego.(PROGRESS REPORT)(Brief article)
February 2, 2009... Construction is nearly complete at the SeaWorld Human Resources and Security Building in San Diego. Jeff Katz Architecture designed the 10,000-square-foot building; Darlene Walter served as the representative for SeaWorld. Good & Roberts...

Renovations to the common areas of a building at 11099 N. Torrey Pines Road in La Jolla are complete.(PROGRESS REPORT)(Brief article)
February 2, 2009... Renovations to the common areas of a building at 11099 N. Torrey Pines Road in La Jolla are complete. The two-story structure, which includes new seating, features upgrades to the main lobby, restrooms and elevators. Amicus Therapeutics...

The 133,000-square-foot manufacturing and industrial space at 12400 Stowe Drive in Poway was sold for $15 million.(SALES)(Brief article)
February 2, 2009... The 133,000-square-foot manufacturing and industrial space at 12400 Stowe Drive in Poway was sold for $15 million. DEI purchased the building and 2.59 acres of land from Hunter Douglas. Additionally, the space was leased for $6.6 million for...

RRN Mesa Rim bought an office building at 10110 Mesa Rim Road in Miramar from LBA/MET Partners I-Co. IV for $5 million.(SALES)(Brief article)
February 2, 2009... RRN Mesa Rim bought an office building at 10110 Mesa Rim Road in Miramar from LBA/MET Partners I-Co. IV for $5 million. The 27,500-square-foot building will be transformed into a rock-climbing facility, which will include raising the roof about...

Pelican Cove Apartments in Oceanside was sold for $4.6 million in cash.(SALES)(Brief article)
February 2, 2009... Pelican Cove Apartments in Oceanside was sold for $4.6 million in cash. Located at 707-09 Eaton St., the 24-unit complex has 22,000 rentable square feet, including mostly two-bedroom units with garages. Ray Adams of Grubb & EllisIBRE...

Michael and Vivian Contreras purchased the 57-unit Silver Oak Apartments complex from Provident Savings Bank for $4.5 million.(SALES)(Brief article)
February 2, 2009... Michael and Vivian Contreras purchased the 57-unit Silver Oak Apartments complex from Provident Savings Bank for $4.5 million. Located at 945 Estes St. in El Cajon, the apartments range from 728 to 858 square feet of living space. Merrick...

The retail space at 7836-7838 Herschel Ave. in La Jolla was sold for $2.5 million.(SALES)(Brief article)
February 2, 2009... The retail space at 7836-7838 Herschel Ave. in La Jolla was sold for $2.5 million. The 6,000 square feet of space will be remodeled by the new owner. The current tenant, Toys Etc., will remain in the building. Mike Slattery of Grubb &...

Ortho Mattress leased 3,200 square feet of retail space at Arbor Center.(LEASES)(Brief article)
February 2, 2009... Ortho Mattress leased 3,200 square feet of retail space at Arbor Center. Located at 1403 Encinitas Blvd., the property is being leased for 60 months for $700,954. Dave Hagglund of CB Richard Ellis represented the lessee and Aaron Hill of...

Ogden's One Hour Cleaners renewed its lease at 13573 Poway Road in Poway from Azure Creekside.(LEASES)(Brief article)
February 2, 2009... Ogden's One Hour Cleaners renewed its lease at 13573 Poway Road in Poway from Azure Creekside. The five-year lease is valued at $419,540 for 2,000 square feet. The lessee represented itself. John Jennings and Kam Walton of Cushman &...

Jenny Craig renewed its lease on 2,000 square feet of retail space at 7510 Hazard Center Drive in Suites 601 and 603 of the Hazard Center promenade in Mission Valley.(LEASES)(Brief article)
February 2, 2009... Jenny Craig renewed its lease on 2,000 square feet of retail space at 7510 Hazard Center Drive in Suites 601 and 603 of the Hazard Center promenade in Mission Valley. The 60-month lease is valued at $290,160. The lessee represented itself...

Subway renewed its lease on 1,200 square feet of retail space at 13350 Camino del Sur in San Diego.(LEASES)(Brief article)
February 2, 2009... Subway renewed its lease on 1,200 square feet of retail space at 13350 Camino del Sur in San Diego. The lease was renewed for five years with a value of $259,935. The lessee represented itself. John Jennings and Kam Walton of Cushman &...

Mephisto leased 1,200 square feet of retail space in Beachwalk Plaza at 437 S. Highway 101 in Solana Beach.(LEASES)(Brief article)
February 2, 2009... Mephisto leased 1,200 square feet of retail space in Beachwalk Plaza at 437 S. Highway 101 in Solana Beach. The property is leased for five years at $234,432 and will be used as a shoe store. The lessee represented itself, and Rob Ippolito...

D'Gonzalez, a Mexican eatery, leased 1,250 square feet of retail space at 2368 Roll Drive in San Diego near the international border in Otay Mesa.(LEASES)(Brief article)
February 2, 2009... D'Gonzalez, a Mexican eatery, leased 1,250 square feet of retail space at 2368 Roll Drive in San Diego near the international border in Otay Mesa. The 52-month lease is valued at $120,736. Joseph Yetter, Regan Tully and Brian Jinings...

Wayne Clark and Carla Campbell-Clark renewed their lease on 600 square feet of office space at 7720 El Camino Real in Carlsbad.(LEASES)(Brief article)
February 2, 2009... Wayne Clark and Carla Campbell-Clark renewed their lease on 600 square feet of office space at 7720 El Camino Real in Carlsbad. The five-year lease is valued at $86,580 and the property will continue to be used for a CPA firm. The lessee...

Five leases were signed at Liberty Station Marketplace, leaving only one vacancy on the property.(LEASES)(Brief article)
February 2, 2009... Five leases were signed at Liberty Station Marketplace, leaving only one vacancy on the property. Engineering firm Hankins and Anderson leased 6,000 square feet for 63 months. Farmers Insurance signed a five-year lease for a...

Hayes & Associates.(BANKING AND FINANCE)(appointment of Kara Hayes Smith)(Brief article)
February 2, 2009... Hayes & Associates has named Kara Hayes Smith a partner. She earned her certified financial planner distinction in 2008 and completed her certification at Boston University. She has five years of experience in financial planning and is a...

Wells Academic Solutions.(EDUCATION)(appointment of Virginia Lob)(Brief article)
February 2, 2009... Wells Academic Solutions has named Virginia Lob executive director of assessment and curriculum. She will lead the elementary program. Most recently, she taught graduate courses in education at San Diego State University, the University of San...

Grossmont-Cuyamaca Community College District.(EDUCATION)(appointment of Cindy Miles chancellor)(Brief article)
February 2, 2009... Grossmont-Cuyamaca Community College District has appointed Cindy Miles chancellor, effective March 1. Miles will replace Omero Suarez, who is retiring after holding the job for 10 years.

The San Diego Regional Chamber of Commerce.(GOVERNMENT AND NONPROFIT)(appointments of Benjamin Haddad and Thomas Wornham)(Brief article)
February 2, 2009... The San Diego Regional Chamber of Commerce has named Benjamin Haddad its 2009 chairman and Thomas Wornham vice chairman. Haddad, a partner with the California Strategies public affairs and public relations firm, is former senior vice president...

The March of Dimes.(GOVERNMENT AND NONPROFIT)(March of Dimes Birth Defects Foundation appoints Frederick Johnson)(Brief article)
February 2, 2009... The March of Dimes has appointed Frederick Johnson of Sharp Rees-Stealy to serve on its board of directors. He serves as the hospital's medical director for the southern region of San Diego. Additionally, he is a member of the Sharp Mary Birch...

The San Diego Bankruptcy Forum.(GOVERNMENT AND NONPROFIT)(appointment of Christopher Hawkins)(Brief article)
February 2, 2009... The San Diego Bankruptcy Forum has sworn in Christopher Hawkins to serve as president. He has been a member of the forum for seven years and is of counsel at Sullivan Hill Lewin Rez & Engel. His practice focuses on commercial insolvency and...

Seltzer Caplan McMahon Vitek.(LAW)(appointments)(Brief article)
February 2, 2009... David Lichtenstein, Andrea Myers and James Thompson have joined Seltzer Caplan McMahon Vitek as associates. Lichtenstein will focus his practice in the area of general civil litigation and received his law degree from the University of Iowa...

Procopio, Cory, Hargreaves & Savitch.(LAW)(appointments)(Brief article)
February 2, 2009... Procopio, Cory, Hargreaves & Savitch has elected Gregory Barnes, Lisel Ferguson, Evelyn Heidelberg, Samuel Lee and John Schimmer partners. Barnes works in the areas of construction litigation, surety law and real estate. He previously served as...

Grubb & Ellis/BRE Commercial.(REAL ESTATE)(appointment of Brent Rivard and Jay Boyle )(Brief article)
February 2, 2009... Grubb & Ellis|BRE Commercial has appointed Brent Rivard and Jay Boyle to its Financial Advisory Services Group. Rivard serves as Grubb & Ellis' chief financial and chief operating officer and will support the advisory team. Boyle will be...

Fashion Furniture Rental.(RETAIL)(promotion of Diane Nason)(Brief article)
February 2, 2009... Fashion Furniture Rental has promoted Diane Nason to president from vice president of operations. She has 11 years of industry experience and is a graduate of U.S. International University.

SkillStorm.(STAFFING)(promotion of Jim Jackson )(Brief article)
February 2, 2009... SkillStorm has promoted Jim Jackson to chief operating officer. Jackson has 35 years' experience in industries such as information technology, aerospace and energy. His primary focus will be on improving SkillStorm's efficiency.

TechFlow.(TECHNOLOGY)(appointment of Christopher Pohle)(Brief article)
February 2, 2009... TechFlow has hired Christopher Pohle as chief technology officer. Pohle has a decade of military and government contractor experience. He will be responsible for technical leadership.

Maryann Cone.(EXECUTIVE SPOTLIGHT)(Sharp Grossmont Hospital)(Brief article)
February 2, 2009... [ILLUSTRATION OMITTED] Sharp Grossmont Hospital has promoted Maryann Cone to chief operating officer. In this newly created position, Cone will oversee operations in the hospital's patient, ancillary and clinical services. She has been...

Dick Palmer.(EXECUTIVE profile)
February 2, 2009... [ILLUSTRATION OMITTED] Dick Palmer is CEO of General Mortgage, a local mortgage company. BUSINESS PHILOSOPHY Essential business philosophy: Develop enthusiastically satisfied customers and contribute positively to them, our...

SDSU scholarship program created for future teachers.(KUDOS/GIVING)(San Diego State University)(Brief article)
February 2, 2009... Costco Wholesale CEO Jim Sinegal has created a new endowed scholarship at San Diego State University. The Janet Sinegal Scholarship was created to honor Sinegal's wife and is in addition to the Jim and Janet Sinegal Scholarship established in...

The San Diego County Women's Hail of Fame announced the inductees for its annual induction ceremony.(KUDOS/GIVING)(Brief article)
February 2, 2009... The San Diego County Women's Hail of Fame announced the inductees for its annual induction ceremony. Those selected are Joan Arrington Craigwell, Charlotte Baker, Kate Yavenditti, Marisa Ugarte, Edith Dabbs, Li-Rong Lilly Cheng and Monique...