San Diego Business Journal articles from January 2009

San Diego Business Journal archives from January 2009

Sunny outlook: solar electricity provider hails long-term, energy-sharing contracts as industry milestone.(Clean Power Systems)
January 5, 2009... [ILLUSTRATION OMITTED] Even under mostly gray economic skies, the sun is shining on one industry in particular: solar energy. And Clean Power Systems is basking in the glow of this rapidly expanding technology sector. Since its...

SeaWorld must ride out economic storm: credit market makes possible sale unlikely.(THEME PARKS)(Anheuser-Busch InBev)(SeaWorld San Diego)
January 5, 2009... The stormy economy will likely keep SeaWorld San Diego under the umbrella of Anheuser-Busch InBev, at least until conditions improve, analysts say. It's been nearly two months since InBev, Europe's largest brewer, bought SeaWorld's parent...

Realty firms splitting away from old commission models: for a flat fee, agent can keep entire commission.(Dream Design Realty )
January 5, 2009... Drew Burks, owner of Dream Design Realty, is using an alternative commission model between brokers and agents. He has established a $6,000 flat fee to allow licensed real estate agents to sell under his broker's license and keep all of the...

Law firm courts biotech startups for booster shot.
January 5, 2009... Small paper signs tacked outside doorways hint of new occupants at the Carmel Valley law firm of Pillsbury Winthrop Shaw and Pittman. But the latest tenants to share space within the glassy confines of Suite 300 don't pay rent. They aren't...

Law firm saves kids' holiday fun.(SDBJ INSIDER)(Frank Motors Inc.'s advertising campaigns)
January 5, 2009... A couple of surprises on the local radio dial. The always entertaining Mark Larson, who's been a fixture for years, most recently with San Diego AM 1700 in the morning drive time slot, departs the airwaves after his Dec. 30 show. Progressive...

Homebuilder files bankruptcy.(Barratt American Inc.)
January 5, 2009... One of the county's largest homebuilders, Carlsbad-based Barratt American and three of its subsidiaries, filed for Chapter 11 bankruptcy protection on Dec. 24. U.S. Bankruptcy Court documents indicate that Barratt American owes more than...

Attention to detail sends staffing firm's revenues soaring: Conde Group clients include NASA, Nissan, Qualcomm, Toyota.(Company overview)
January 5, 2009... Karen Conde has staying power. While working as a corporate executive in 2002, Conde, now 51, was involved in an automobile accident that badly injured another woman. A lawsuit followed. The experience sent her into a depression. Then...

Ex-juvenile delinquent becomes mastermind in legal affairs: attorney who once ran from the law works on big deals for Mintz Levin.(Eddie Rodriguez )(Occupation overview)
January 5, 2009... Eddie Rodriguez used to spend his time avoiding the law. Today, his life revolves around it. As a corporate attorney at Mintz Levin Cohn Ferris Glovsky and Popeo in San Diego, Rodriguez spends his days counseling wireless technology and...

Kratos ties knot with Digital Fusion.(Kratos Defense & Security Solutions )(Brief article)
January 5, 2009... Kratos Defense & Security Solutions said Dec. 24 that it completed its merger with Digital Fusion. Under the deal, all shares of Alabama-based Digital Fusion's common stock have been converted to 1.7933 shares of Kratos stock. The...

Home but not alone: locals bolstering business at area theme parks.
January 5, 2009... It's the upside of the downside: While the hotel business has taken a nose dive, local amusement parks are expected to log 2008 attendance that is flat or down slightly from 2007. According to the latest statistics from the San Diego...

Partnership helps Omega cruise into rising revenues.(Omega Industrial Marine)(Pacific Community Ventures)
January 5, 2009... A National City marine maintenance firm is bucking the downsizing trend, recently hiring 10 new workers. Omega Industrial Marine expanded this year thanks in part to advice it obtained from Pacific Community Ventures, a nonprofit entity...

Roll 'em! CineForm's digital editing tool is a big hit in Hollywood.(David Taylor)
January 5, 2009... The founder of a Solana Beach startup that provides film editing software to Hollywood has come up with a template for surviving hard times. Streamline costs while generating revenue with licensing deals, partnerships and retail sales. ...

The 2009 real estate market is about to 'reset'.(REAL ESTATE)
January 5, 2009... Prediction is an elusive thing. No one knows what the New Year will bring. Just one year ago most economists were projecting that our economy was in a temporary setback and would be corrected shortly. Many took exception to the very...

SBA partner scores with small-business classes.(21 percent of small-business owners believe economic conditions are getting better)(Small Business Administration)
January 5, 2009... Despite the shaky economy, 21 percent of small-business owners nationwide polled in December believe conditions are getting better, up from 15 percent in November, according to Discover Card's monthly national survey Small Business Watch. ...

As losses mount, Temecula Valley Bancorp downsizes.(FINANCE)
January 5, 2009... After it gave the boot to its chairman, CEO and president, Steve Wacknitz, last month, Temecula Valley Bancorp replaced him with three executives, but Wacknitz still has a seat on the board. In a Dec. 23 announcement naming Neil Cleveland...

SDNB's parent loses big.(FINANCE)
January 5, 2009... SDNB's Parent Loses Big: FBOP, the holding company to eight banks, including San Diego National Bank, reported a $937 million write-down on the value of securities it holds, according to its most recent third-quarter results. The call report it...

NYSE suspends Imperial Capital Stock: Imperial Capital Bancorp.(FINANCE)(New York Stock Exchange Inc)(Brief article)
January 5, 2009... NYSE Suspends Imperial Capital Stock: Imperial Capital Bancorp said in a securities filing that the New York Stock Exchange suspended trading of its common stock Dec. 29 because the market capitalization failed to break NYSE's threshold of...

Union Bank of California changed its name to Union Bank N.A.(Small Change)
January 5, 2009... Union Bank of California changed its name to Union Bank N.A., the latter words referring to national association Send any finance news to Mike Allen via e-mail at mallen@sdbj.com. He can be reached at 858-277-6359.

Security Business Bank of San Diego.(Small Change)(acquires Amerillum, Shea Stokes Roberts & Wagner, and Spangler Realty)(Brief article)
January 5, 2009... Security Business Bank of San Diego acquired several new clients, including Amerillum, Shea Stokes Roberts & Wagner, and Spangler Realty Send any finance news to Mike Allen via e-mail at mallen@sdbj.com. He can be reached at 858-277-6359.

Torrey Pines Bank.(Small Change)(honored as top lender)(Brief article)
January 5, 2009... Torrey Pines Bank was honored for the fourth consecutive year as a top SBA lender by CDC Small Business Finance. Send any finance news to Mike Allen via e-mail at mallen@sdbj.com. He can be reached at 858-277-6359.

International Stem Cell using new funding to retire debt.(BIOTECH)(Brief article)
January 5, 2009... International Stem Cell, an Oceanside-based company that derives human stem cell lines from unfertilized human eggs, said Dec. 30 that it received the first $1 million of $5 million in private equity financing. The remainder, to be funded...

Engineering a plan: Genomatica.(BIOTECH)(Brief article)
January 5, 2009... Engineering A Plan: Genomatica, a privately held San Diego-based chemical company, is forming an engineering advisory council to guide it through large-scale production. Genomatica demonstrated in September that it could genetically modify...

Seeking approval.(BIOTECH)(Medistem filed an application to get license from United States. Food and Drug Administration)(Brief article)
January 5, 2009... Seeking Approval: Medistem, a publicly traded adult stem cell company with offices in San Diego, filed an application seeking FDA approval to test stem cells derived from menstrual blood in humans. The company will study the cells to...

Legend Films, PassmoreLab revive 'Night of the Living Dead'.(TECHNOLOGY)
January 5, 2009... Two San Diego production companies, Legend Films and PassmoreLab, are teaming up to convert the cult classic "Night of the Living Dead" into 3-D. The project marks the first time a full-length feature film has been converted, according to...

And the winners are.(TECHNOLOGY)(Sport Technologies, General Atomics and Avaak)
January 5, 2009... And The Winners Are: Connect. a nonprofit technology and life sciences accelerator, recently bestowed its 21st annual Most Innovative New Products Awards to nine companies. The 2008 winners were chosen among 100 candidates. This round...

Looking to do more with less.
January 5, 2009... Although for-profit businesses seem to be slowly sinking in the midst of a recession, rising unemployment rates and government bailout plans, local nonprofits are staying afloat by finding new ways to breathe life into their sails. "We are...

Advertising vehicle goes on the block.(CORONADO)(Ron Chapman of Coronado Brewing to sell his flatbed truck)(Brief article)
January 5, 2009... The current state of the economy is weighing heavily on an island restaurateur's budget for maintaining his two classic Ford trucks. So one has to go. Ron Chapman, who owns Coronado Brewing and Tent City Restaurant, plans to sell his 1930...

Developer lands $9m for housing, retail project.(SAN MARCOS)(National Community Renaissance)(Brief article)
January 5, 2009... National Community Renaissance, a nonprofit developer, received a $9 million bridge loan from the city's Redevelopment Agency recently to build a 100-unit affordable housing project. The Rancho Cucamonga-based developer wants to buy and...

Center offers Goodwill toward workers.(VISTA)(Goodwill Industries of San Diego)(Brief article)
January 5, 2009... Goodwill Industries of San Diego County has relocated its local store to larger quarters at 1056 E. Vista Way. The location features a retail store, as well as donation and employment centers. Donations will be accepted at the former site...

A first for everything, even 2009 biz mixers.(ESCONDIDO)(Chamber of Commerce)(Conference news)(Brief article)
January 5, 2009... The Chamber of Commerce plans to hold its first after-hours business mixer of the year on Jan. 8. The event is set to start at 5 p.m. at Harrah's Rincon Casino & Resort, 777 Harrah's Rincon Way, near Valley Center. For more information,...

Chamber ceremony scheduled for Jan. 9.(SANTEE)(Brief article)
January 5, 2009... The Chamber of Commerce plans to hold its annual membership meeting and installation ceremony Jan. 9 at Carlton Oaks Country Club, 9200 Inwood Drive. The event begins at 5:30 p.m. with a reception and dinner starts at 6. Registration...

Learn how to break business records.(EL CAJON)(Brief article)
January 5, 2009... On Jan. 16, Jeffrey Czajka plans to present "How to Break Records" in business at a breakfast event sponsored by the San Diego East County Chamber of Commerce. Czajka is an instructor at Wisconsin-based Freedom Personal Development, which...

ICE looks to heat up furniture market.(CARLSBAD)(Innovative Commercial Environments)(DFS Flooring)(Financial report)(Brief article)
January 5, 2009... Innovative Commercial Environments and DFS Flooring began sharing showroom space in December at the new Palomar Forum Business Park. Located at 3132 Tiger Run Court, Suite 103, the 2,000-square-foot showroom offers full-service contract...

Shop states solid case for green designation.(CHULA VISTA)(Chula Vista Auto Body)(Brief article)
January 5, 2009... Chula Vista Auto Body says it recently became certified by the state as a green business, a designation achieved by using environmentally friendly products and recycling a large amount of the materials it uses, including scrap metal, tires,...

Holiday display lights up cash register.(DEL MAR)(Brief article)
January 5, 2009... The Holiday of Lights, sponsored in part by Ralphs and the San Diego County Credit Union, reported increases in revenues and attendance compared with the 2007 event. Revenues were up 22 percent and attendance climbed 13 percent as of late...

Burn Institute: James A. Floros, executive director/CEO.(NONPROFIT profile)(Occupation overview)
January 5, 2009... [ILLUSTRATION OMITTED] ORGANIZATION Mission of organization: To prevent burn injuries and deaths through fire and burn prevention education: provide burn survivor support to those suffering from severe burn injuries: and support burn...

Janet Deering.(EXECUTIVE profile)(Deering Banjo)(Occupation overview)
January 5, 2009... [ILLUSTRATION OMITTED] Janet Deering is president of Spring Valley-based Deering Banjo, which has been making banjos for 30 years. BUSINESS PHILOSOPHY Essential business philosophy: Always deliver more than you promise. Best...

Woe is retail.(Brief article)
January 5, 2009... [ILLUSTRATION OMITTED] Retail analyst George Whalin of Carlsbad says the outlook for the area's retail industry is bleak for 2009. 'We're just coming off what is probably the worst three months ever in retail, both in the county and across...

Video production companies: ranked by 2008 video production gross revenue.(Statistical table)(Company rankings)
January 5, 2009... VIDEO PRODUCTION COMPANIES Ranked by 2008 video production gross revenue Gross revenue: ...

Legal notice.
January 5, 2009... FICTITIOUS BUSINESS NAME STATEMENT File No. 2008-035690 FICTITIOUS BUSINESS NAME: The Giving Door 7986 Laurelridge Rd. San Diego,CA San Diego 92120 THIS BUSINESS IS HEREBY REGISTERED BY THE FOLLOWING: Abundance...

San Diego public stocks.(MARKET place)(Statistical table)
January 5, 2009... Index Watch Net % Index 12/29/08 12/23/08 Change Change San Diego Business Journal 1183.40 1189.79 -6.39 -0.54% Index Dow...

Apartment vacancy rates expected to languish.(REAL ESTATE)(Marcus & Milliehap Real Estate Investment Brokerage Co.)(Cushman & Wakefield Inc.)
January 5, 2009... Two local commercial brokerage offices reported mixed reviews for the San Diego apartment market. Marcus & Millichap Real Estate Investment Services and Cushman & Wakefield released third quarter reports that reflected an increase in sales...

Market Creek rewards residents who invested in neighborhood project.(REAL ESTATE)(Brief article)
January 5, 2009... Returns On Plaza Investment: Residents who believed in their neighborhood were rewarded. Several hundred residents in the Diamond neighborhood in Southeast San Diego who invested in Market Creek Plaza on Euclid Avenue recently received a...

Gold certification for green design: the new $16.2 million Hunter Industries headquarters in San Marcos recently achieved gold LEED certification by the U.S. Green Building Council.(REAL ESTATE)
January 5, 2009... Gold Certification For Green Design: The new $16.2 million Hunter Industries headquarters in San Marcos recently achieved gold LEED certification by the U.S. Green Building Council. Gold certification is the second highest honor for green and...

Challenged Athletes Foundation has purchased a 14,000-square-foot office building at 9591 Waples St. in San Diego for $1.66 million.(SALES)(Brief article)
January 5, 2009... Challenged Athletes Foundation has purchased a 14,000-square-foot office building at 9591 Waples St. in San Diego for $1.66 million. The foundation acquired the two-story Class B building at a public auction in downtown San Diego. The building...

Sony and Eli Ben-Moshe have purchased a 4,800-square-foot retail building at 4871 Newport Ave. in San Diego from Wells Fargo Bank for $1,125,000.(SALES)(Brief article)
January 5, 2009... Sony and Eli Ben-Moshe have purchased a 4,800-square-foot retail building at 4871 Newport Ave. in San Diego from Wells Fargo Bank for $1,125,000. Located in the Ocean Beach commercial district, the vacant, free-standing building was previously...

Joseph M. and Teri N. Snider have bought a 2,000-square-foot commercial/office condominium in the new Pacific Beach Sands project at 926 Hornblend St. in Pacific Beach.(SALES)(Brief article)
January 5, 2009... Joseph M. and Teri N. Snider have bought a 2,000-square-foot commercial/office condominium in the new Pacific Beach Sands project at 926 Hornblend St. in Pacific Beach. The sale included three contiguous units for a dental office. The sale...

LB/VCC-Otay Mesa has sold 2,000 square feet of industrial space at 1529 Santiago Ridge Way in San Diego to Julian Gallardo for $375,000.(SALES)(Brief article)
January 5, 2009... LB/VCC-Otay Mesa has sold 2,000 square feet of industrial space at 1529 Santiago Ridge Way in San Diego to Julian Gallardo for $375,000. Phillip Linton, Darren Mullins and Erik Parker of Grubb & EllisIBRE Commercial represented the seller, and...

Northern Lights Properties has purchased a 3,000-square-foot office condominium for an undisclosed price.(SALES)(Brief article)
January 5, 2009... Northern Lights Properties has purchased a 3,000-square-foot office condominium for an undisclosed price. Two Northern Lights affiliated companies, Interpreters Unlimited and Ally Medical Staffing, plan to occupy Unit 203 at 11189-11199...

Ortho Mattress has leased a free-standing, 4,500-square-foot pad building in the Twin Peaks Plaza Shopping Center at 14843 Pomerado Road in Poway.(LEASES)(Brief article)
January 5, 2009... Ortho Mattress has leased a free-standing, 4,500-square-foot pad building in the Twin Peaks Plaza Shopping Center at 14843 Pomerado Road in Poway. The five-year lease is valued at $862,400. Reg Kobzi of CB Richard Ellis represented the lessor,...

Shaw Mortgage, dba The Natural Touch and The Patio Source, has signed a 36-month lease for $470,616 for 24,000 square feet of industrial space at 9755 Distribution Ave. in San Diego.(LEASES)(Westcore Properties)(Brief article)
January 5, 2009... Shaw Mortgage, dba The Natural Touch and The Patio Source, has signed a 36-month lease for $470,616 for 24,000 square feet of industrial space at 9755 Distribution Ave. in San Diego. The space will be for general office use, warehousing and...

Rafael and Elizabeth Parra of Learning is Fun Preschool have leased 2,400 square feet of retail space at 610 N. Redondo Drive in Oceanside from RJ Land.(LEASES)(Brief article)
January 5, 2009... Rafael and Elizabeth Parra of Learning is Fun Preschool have leased 2,400 square feet of retail space at 610 N. Redondo Drive in Oceanside from RJ Land. The 10-year lease is valued at $419,712. Matt Shope of CB Richard Ellis represented the...

R.W. Smith has signed a 14-month, $412,463 lease for 34,000 square feet of industrial space at 9115 Activity Road in San Diego.(LEASES)(R.W. Smith and Co.)(Brief article)
January 5, 2009... R.W. Smith has signed a 14-month, $412,463 lease for 34,000 square feet of industrial space at 9115 Activity Road in San Diego. Brad Tecca and Brett Ward of Grubb & EllisIBRE Commercial represented the lessor, American Realty Advisors, and...

Beckman Properties has leased 2,800 square feet of office space to Trace 3 at 505 Lomas Santa Fe Drive in Solana Beach.(LEASES)(Brief article)
January 5, 2009... Beckman Properties has leased 2,800 square feet of office space to Trace 3 at 505 Lomas Santa Fe Drive in Solana Beach. The 40-month lease is valued at $396,022. Joe Anderson and Stacey Looney of Grubb & EllisIBRE Commercial represented the...

Kendall Family Trust of 1992 has leased 10,000 square feet of industrial space to DRTS Products at 7979 Stromesa Court in San Diego.(LEASES)(Brief article)
January 5, 2009... Kendall Family Trust of 1992 has leased 10,000 square feet of industrial space to DRTS Products at 7979 Stromesa Court in San Diego. The 44-month lease is valued at $390,862. Bill Haines of Grubb & EllisIBRE Commercial represented the lessor,...

Copy Shoppe Printing has leased 2,500 square feet of office/warehouse space at 2573 Market St. in San Diego from Tiger Central Development.(LEASES)(Colliers International)(Brief article)
January 5, 2009... Copy Shoppe Printing has leased 2,500 square feet of office/warehouse space at 2573 Market St. in San Diego from Tiger Central Development. The property is leased for five years at $163,531 and will be used for a printing company. Dan Bierbach...

Massage has leased 960 square feet of retail space from Ridgeway Bradford Partnership at 510 Hacienda Drive in Vista.(LEASES)(Brief article)
January 5, 2009... Massage has leased 960 square feet of retail space from Ridgeway Bradford Partnership at 510 Hacienda Drive in Vista. The 24-month lease is valued at $50,279. Bruce Schiff and Phil Lyons of Grubb & EllisIBRE Commercial represented the lessor...

Hana Holistic Healing Center has leased 1,000 square feet of retail space in Felicita Village at 330 W. Felicita Ave. in Escondido from Felicita Village Shopping Center.(LEASES)(Brief article)
January 5, 2009... Hana Holistic Healing Center has leased 1,000 square feet of retail space in Felicita Village at 330 W. Felicita Ave. in Escondido from Felicita Village Shopping Center. The property, leased for three years at $43,864, will be used for a yoga...

Contract Office Solutions has leased 2,400 square feet of industrial space at 767 Anita St. in Chula Vista from Hamann.(LEASES)
January 5, 2009... Contract Office Solutions has leased 2,400 square feet of industrial space at 767 Anita St. in Chula Vista from Hamann. The property, leased for two years at $41,020, will be used for warehousing and distribution of office furniture. Rudy...

Paralan has subleased 1,600 square feet of office space at 4655 Ruffner St. in San Diego for 18 months to Karl Krumme for $26,730.(LEASES)(Brief article)
January 5, 2009... Paralan has subleased 1,600 square feet of office space at 4655 Ruffner St. in San Diego for 18 months to Karl Krumme for $26,730. Brendon Daly of Lee & Associates represented the sublessor and sublessee.

The San Diego Philatelic Library has leased 600 square feet of retail space in Felicita Village at 330 W. Felicita Ave. in Escondido from Felicita Village Shopping Center.(LEASES)(Brief article)
January 5, 2009... The San Diego Philatelic Library has leased 600 square feet of retail space in Felicita Village at 330 W. Felicita Ave. in Escondido from Felicita Village Shopping Center. The property, leased for two years at $15,418, will be used for a...

Jitterbug has signed a 60-month lease for 23,000 square feet of office space in the Carlsbad Corporate Center at 1950 Camino Vida Roble in Carlsbad.(LEASES)(Brief article)
January 5, 2009... Jitterbug has signed a 60-month lease for 23,000 square feet of office space in the Carlsbad Corporate Center at 1950 Camino Vida Roble in Carlsbad. Financial terms were not disclosed. Joe Anderson and Dennis Visser of Grubb & EllisIBRE...

$8.2m industrial park opening in Otay Mesa.(PROGRESS REPORT)(Hamann Construction Co.)(Brief article)
January 5, 2009... Design and construction work have been completed for Britannia Industrial Park, Phase I, according to Ware Malcomb. The estimated construction cost on the project is $8.2 million. Kearny Real Estate developed the five-building industrial...

University Pacific Centre's retrofit project is nearly complete.(PROGRESS REPORT)(Brief article)
January 5, 2009... University Pacific Centre's retrofit project is nearly complete. Estimated to cost $1 million, the project includes replacing and upgrading the building's heating, ventilation and air-conditioning systems with energy-efficient equipment. ...

Bilbro Construction has completed Class A tenant improvements for Santarus, a specialty pharmaceutical company, at 3811 Valley Center Drive in Del Mar Heights.(PROGRESS REPORT)(Brief article)
January 5, 2009... Bilbro Construction has completed Class A tenant improvements for Santarus, a specialty pharmaceutical company, at 3811 Valley Center Drive in Del Mar Heights. The project was completed in 12 weeks. Work included high-end improvements to...

Torrey Pines Bank.(BANKING AND FINANCE)(appointments of Todd Scott and Brenda Shelley)(Brief article)
January 5, 2009... Torrey Pines Bank has hired Todd Scott and Brenda Shelley, who will both serve as vice president/relationship manager in North County. Scott was previously president of Commercial Capital Lending, where he was responsible for operations and...

The American Association for the Advancement of Science has awarded the distinction of fellow to five UC San Diego faculty members.(EDUCATION)(Darwin Berg, Webster K. Cavenee, William Fenical)(Brief article)
January 5, 2009... The American Association for the Advancement of Science has awarded the distinction of fellow to five UC San Diego faculty members. Darwin Berg, professor of biology, was honored for distinguished contributions to the field of molecular and...

San Diego Superior Court.(GOVERNMENT AND NONPROFIT)(appointment of Gregory Pollack )(Brief article)
January 5, 2009... Gov. Arnold Schwarzenegger has appointed Gregory Pollack a judgeship in the San Diego Superior Court. Pollack is an equity partner in Higgs, Fletcher & Mack and was previously a shareholder at McInnis, Fitzgerald, Rees, Sharkey & McIntyre for...

Downtown YMCA.(GOVERNMENT AND NONPROFIT)(Young Men's Christian Associations appointed Kristopher S. Young)(Brief article)
January 5, 2009... The Downtown YMCA has elected Kristopher S. Young of Higgs, Fletcher & Mack to serve on its board of directors. Young practices in the areas of bankruptcy and reorganization, business litigation and criminal law. He is a graduate of Cal State...

Centre City Advisory Committee.(GOVERNMENT AND NONPROFIT)(appointment of Michael J. Kinkelaar)(Brief article)
January 5, 2009... The Centre City Advisory Committee has elected Michael J. Kinkelaar of Procopio, Cory, Hargreaves & Savitch as a member. Kinkelaar is the leader of Procopio's mergers and acquisitions, and securities practice groups. He will assist the...

AHA Solutions.(HEALTH CARE)(American Hospital Association appointed Vic Buzachero)(Brief article)
January 5, 2009... Vic Buzachero, senior vice president of human resources for Scripps Health, has been elected board chairman of AHA Solutions, a subsidiary of the American Hospital Association. Buzachero has more than 25 years of experience in human resources...

Dick's Last Resort.(HOSPITALITY)(appointment of Melissa Reifer )(Brief article)
January 5, 2009... Dick's Last Resort has added Melissa Reifer to its management staff at its downtown location. Reifer has six years of professional experience in the hospitality industry, in addition to growing up working in her family's restaurant.

Dakota Grill & Spirits.(HOSPITALITY)
January 5, 2009... Dakota Grill & Spirits has named Carrie Richards general manager. Richards worked at Dussini Mediterranean Bistro since 2004. She will oversee all restaurant operations.

Jack in the Box.(HOSPITALITY)(appointment of David L. Goebei )(Brief article)
January 5, 2009... David L. Goebei has been elected to serve on Jack in the Box's board of directors. He has 35 years' experience in the retail, food service and hospitality industries.

Morrison & Foerster.(LAW)(appointment of Anders T. Aannestad and James J. Mullen III )(Brief article)
January 5, 2009... Anders T. Aannestad and James J. Mullen III have been elected to the partnership at Morrison & Foerster. Aannestad specializes in patent litigation and counseling with a focus in the biotechnology industry. Mullen's practice focuses on patents...

San Diego County Bar Association.(LAW)(appointment of Jessica Klarer )(Brief article)
January 5, 2009... The San Diego County Bar Association's Young/New Lawyers Division has elected Jessica Klarer as secretary. She will serve a two-year term and is an associate of Casey Gerry. Klarer has been with the firm for three years and focuses her practice...

Brown Law Group.(LAW)(appointment of Farzeen Essa )(Brief article)
January 5, 2009... Farzeen Essa has joined Brown Law Group from Procopio, Cory, Hargreaves & Savitch. She graduated with honors from the University of North Carolina and California Western School of Law.

Brickfish.(MEDIA AND MARKETING)(appointment of Nichole Goodyear )(Brief article)
January 5, 2009... Brickfish has named Nichole Goodyear president and CEO. She is a co-founder of the marketing firm, which serves advertising clients targeting audiences of online social networking.

Scott Kaufmann.(TECHNOLOGY)
January 5, 2009... Scott Kaufmann has joined The I.T. Pros as director of managed services. Kaufmann has more than 10 years of experience in systems engineering and management.

Bill Garrett.(EXECUTIVE SPOTLIGHT)(Brief article)
January 5, 2009... [ILLUSTRATION OMITTED] The Grossmont-Cuyamaca Community College District Governing Board has re-elected Bill Garrett as board president. Garrett's areas of focus include the proper use of bond money and continued development of student...

Ed Muscat.(EXECUTIVE profile)(All-Ett Billfolds)
January 5, 2009... [ILLUSTRATION OMITTED] Ed Muscat is president of All-Ett Billfolds, which manufactures specially crafted, ultra-thin wallets. Using patented designs, the company touts a healthy alternative to thick wallets that could cause chiropractic...

Major chamber event to showcase firms.(OCEANSIDE)(Brief article)
January 5, 2009... The Chamber of Commerce plans to present its annual North County Business Showcase on March 11 at the Del Mar Fairgrounds. The chamber anticipates thousands of attendees and has room for 250 exhibitors. It is one of the chamber's largest...

Chamber seminar to address critical issue.(POWAY)(Chambers of commerce)(Conference news)(Brief article)
January 5, 2009... "Does Your Business Need Money?" The question is the topic of the next Chamber of Commerce luncheon seminar, set for 11:45 a.m. Jan. 8 at 12255 Parkway Center Drive. The chamber's next mixer is scheduled for 5:30 p.m. Jan. 29 at Breathe...

Chamber to hand out awards at Feb. 20 gala.(CARLSBAD)(Brief article)
January 5, 2009... The Chamber of Commerce plans to hold its annual business awards dinner at 6 p.m. Feb. 20 at the Four Seasons Resort Aviara. The theme of the event, "Business in Bloom," focuses on the growth of the city's industries. More than 600 people...