| San Diego Business Journal

Stories for November 2005

Wednesday, November 30

Report Tallies Cost of Living

A new report by the Center for Policy Initiatives, a local nonprofit think tank, provides data about the escalating price of living in San Diego.

Champion-Cain Resigns From Board

Gina Champion-Cain, appointed to the Centre City Development Corp. board on June 29, is resigning due to a potential conflict of interest.

Ronne Froman, recently tapped as Mayor-elect Jerry Sanders' chief operating officer, was appointed by the San Diego City Council as city manager through the end of this year. Sanders recently introduced other members of his team.

Tuesday, November 29

Acquisition on Tap for SeraCare

Oceanside-based SeraCare Life Sciences, Inc. announced Nov. 29 that it plans to acquire certain assets of Serologicals Corp. for $3.7 million plus the assumption of liabilities.

Medical Equipment Maker Heads to S.D.

A private company that makes positron emission tomography scanners is relocating its headquarters to San Diego.

Colliers Grows By Acquisition

Colliers Macaulay Nicolls Inc., a real estate services company with offices in San Diego, announced it has closed a deal to buy a majority stake in the Los Angeles-area commercial real estate firm of Colliers Seeley International, Inc.

Monday, November 28

Construction Journal

Contract Awards and Construction Milestones.

For the Record

Business Events Calendar: Nov. 29 - Dec. 5

Fast-Growing Firms Borrow to Grow More

Despite an environment of rising interest rates, many fast-growing companies have no trouble finding agreeable loan rates, according to a recent survey.

Credit Union's Success Only Part of Story

San Diego County Credit Union passed $3 billion in total assets during the past quarter, more than every other credit union and commercial bank based here except for one.

Small Business Spotlight: HERAE, LLC

Jim Ribelin, founder and John Fessler, chief executive officer of HERAE, LLC.

Cunningham Resigns

With tears in his eyes, Rep. Randy "Duke" Cunningham resigned his office Nov. 28, after pleading guilty to receiving $2.4 million in bribes from defense contractors.

Becoming Global-Proof in a Flat World

Border Officials Book Hearing on Otay II Port of Entry Plan

U.S. and Mexican officials will come together in a community forum next month to discuss the proposed Otay II Port of Entry.

Small Business Help Line

Question: What is a professional relationship in rapport and how long does it take to create one?

USD Has Blueprint for Graduate School Success

The Thanksgiving House Project brings the business community and USD graduate students together.

Peters Makes Council Appointments

The San Diego City Council named Councilman Tony Young as president pro tem in one of several votes on committee assignments Nov. 28.

Lawmakers Consider Possibility of Two Tribes Gaming on One Site

Federal legislation , now in its draft form , would make things easier for one American Indian band to invite another band to operate a casino on its reservation.

Firm Courting Overland Decides to Back Away

Overland Storage, a San Diego-based maker of data storage products, is probably breathing a bit easier these days on the news that its unwanted suitor has given up its quest to buy the company.

Hilton Price: $91.2 Million

LaSalle Hotel Properties has stated that it is acquiring the 357-room Hilton San Diego Resort for $91.2 million.

Accrediting Agency Under Fire for Sale Of Patient Data

A hospital accrediting agency considered the industry's gold standard is backing away from a controversial plan to sell hospital and patient data to insurance companies.

Creating Harmonious Relationships Through Rapport

Question: What is a professional relationship in rapport and how long does it take to create one?

Kitty Hawk's Replacement Won't Come From S.D.

A Navy aircraft carrier will head to Japan in 2008, with the move possibly impacting the San Diego area.

Week in Review

Top Business News: November 18 - 23, 2005

Progress Report

Sales and Leases.

Black Friday Crowd Went to Web, Too

People not only gravitated to the shopping malls on Nov. 25, the Friday after Thanksgiving. They flocked increasingly to e-commerce sites.

Let the Holiday Festivities Begin

Event planners, florists, caterers, entertainers and numerous other small businesses pick up the pace during the holiday season.

That Boom You Hear Is Coming From S. County

The labor force in San Diego's South County is growing twice as fast as the region as a whole , creating an economic opportunity for new industries and the higher paying jobs that come with them.

Sex Ed Takes on New Meaning in the Workplace

Starting Jan. 1, certain California businesses must provide their supervisors with two hours of sexual harassment training every two years.

Proxy: American Technology Corp.

American Technology Corp.

New, Larger Jetta Doesn't Drive With the Old Spunk

High Costs Stifling Region's Potential

Anti-business policies, the high cost of living, the need for a new airport , and a new attitude in Sacramento , are among the challenges facing San Diego. But the forecast for 2006 has some bright spots.

Visit Doctor for Stem Cell Therapy? It May Happen

Chris Calhoun believes it won't be uncommon one day for patients to walk into a doctor's office for stem cell therapy and in a matter of a couple of hours, walk out ready to return to the daily grind.

Segway Gives Visitors a New Look At Coronado

There's a new way to tour San Diego's scenic waterfronts , aboard a Segway Human Transporter, courtesy of Norm Funk, one of Coronado's newest small business owners.

North County Home Prices Take a Slight Hit

The real estate bubble might not be bursting in San Diego, but one survey says single-family detached and single-family attached home prices in North County dipped to $555,000, from $565,000 in September.

Chinese Banks Find Acquisition Opportunities

Two Chinese American banks in California are locked in a bidding war to buy a small financial institution in New York, part of a scramble to increase market share and buy up small banks with niches in growing Chinese communities.

San Diego People

Key Hires and Promotions; Awards and Recognition; Philanthropy; Executive Spotlight: Bill Koska

Corrections

For Nov. 21, 2005.

Careful, Boys and Girls; You're in Chinatown Now

New SAIC Exec Has Ties to Titan

Mark Sopp, former chief financial officer and treasurer at Titan Corp., joins Science Applications International Corp. as CFO and executive vice president.

SDSU Officials Balk at Playboy 'Party' Ranking

SDSU officials balk at Playboy 'Party' Rating

Landmark Bank CEO Steps Down

Longtime local banker Ron Carlson retired as chairman and chief executive officer of Solana Beach-based Landmark National Bank, and was replaced by Rick Mandlebaum as CEO, the bank announced.

Executive Profile: Sandra Marshall

Sandra Marshall, the chief executive officer of EyeTracking Inc., has developed an algorithm that measures how hard people are thinking by observing tiny fluctuations in their pupils' dilation.

Wednesday, November 23

AMCC Now Calls Sunnyvale Home

Applied Micro Circuits Corp., a maker of high-speed microchips used in telecommunications networks, said it has moved its corporate offices from Sorrento Mesa to Sunnyvale.

Ewell Headed to Santa Monica

San Diego City Manager Lamont Ewell, 52, announced his resignation on Nov. 23 to become Santa Monica's city manager.

Bowl Match-Up: Navy, Colorado State

The football teams of the U.S. Naval Academy and Colorado State University were named as the competitors for the inaugural San Diego County Credit Union Poinsettia Bowl on Dec. 22 at Qualcomm Stadium.

Court Rules CCDC Violated Brown Act

The Centre City Development Corp., which oversees redevelopment in Downtown San Diego, violated the Brown Act by meeting in closed session with legal counsel to discuss eminent domain litigation.

Petco Revises Forecast

Petco Animal Supplies Inc., the San Diego-based pet retail chain, reported third quarter net income of $13.1 million on revenue of $492.3 million.

Tuesday, November 22

Peters Will Be Council President

The San Diego City Council on Nov. 22 unanimously elected 1st District Councilman Scott Peters as its president, just as the city is gearing up for a few big changes.

Landmark Bank CEO Retires

Longtime local banker Ron Carlson retired as chairman and CEO of Landmark National Bank in a move that was announced Nov. 22, but took effect Nov. 16.

City Vows Action On Debtors

Debtors might not be locked in stocks on the village green anymore, but San Diego City Attorney Michael Aguirre has instituted a 21st century version the Web site.

State Sues Sempra a Second Time

Sempra Energy faced a second lawsuit from California Attorney General Bill Lockyer within the space of a week.

Monday, November 21

Take Steps to Ensure Profitable Relationships

Question: How do relationships affect your profit margin?

Internet Sell a Real Deal for Online Sellers

Online commerce can be confusing and intimidating for the less-than-savvy computer user. Enter Internet Sell, a new Vista store at 3295 Business Park Drive.

Small Business Help Line

Question: How do relationships affect your profit margin?

Energy Costs Prompt Eateries To Brace for a Pricey Winter

With natural gas prices expected to approach the highs they hit during the state's 2000-01 energy crisis, Edwin L. Hom, food and beverage manager at Taste of Szechuan, worries about the potential impact on his monthly bill.

Construction Journal

Contract Awards and Construction Milestones

Outdated Voting Systems Still Cause Concern

Small Business Spotlight: School of Healing Arts

Seymour Koblin, owner-founder, School of Healing Arts.

For the Record

Business Events Calendar: Nov. 22 - 28

Project Ushers in New Era for Condos and Hotels

The Diegan, billed as San Diego's first "condo hotel," officially broke ground Nov. 10 on Fifth Avenue at the northern end of the Gaslamp Quarter.

Azteca America Joins Crowded Hispanic TV Market

ABC affiliate KGTV Channel 10 and its parent company, McGraw-Hill, announced Nov. 15 that it purchased Azteca America San Diego for an undisclosed price.

San Diego People

Key Hires and Promotions; Awards and Recognition; Philanthropy; Executive Spotlight: David Schull

Hotel Redevelopment Not Your Typical Hobby

Simon Andrews, who teamed up with his brother, Ruben, to purchase and renovate a 1920s building that now houses the 54-room Hotel Occidental in San Diego's Uptown, says they're not typical developers.

Progress Report

Sales and Leases

Asset-Based Loans Offer Firms Flexibility to Grow

SMS Technologies, a San Diego-based contract electronics manufacturer, has revenues that should reach $68 million this year, yet the growing company doesn't have a conventional bank loan.

Week in Review

Top Business News: November 11 - 17, 2005

City Attorney on Board With Hotel Room-Tax Plan

A sometimes contentious city attorney who recently threw cold water on a proposal for a tourism business improvement district that could help market San Diego as a destination appears to have changed his tune.

Downtown San Diego Getting More Retail Space

Downtown San Diego's retail market is "hot and getting hotter," according to Burnham Real Estate's most recent report.

Southwest Tops SBA's Small-Biz Loan List

The latest numbers released by the U.S. Small Business Administration are generally cause for crowing by lenders that made the most loans during the last fiscal year.

Executive Profile: Kevin Carroll

Kevin Carroll, executive director for the local chapter of AeA, says the tech wreck wasn't all bad. "In a lot of ways, it made the industry much stronger," he said.

As Holidays Near, Lots of Money Will Be Left on the Table

Although analysts are projecting a modest 5 percent to 6 percent gain in holiday sales this season, retailers are worried that high gas prices and higher interest rates will affect consumer buying habits.

Horton Hears a Cha-Ching!

Downtown San Diego seems to have gone full circle, with retailers clamoring to get a piece of this hip, happening place.

Military Cuts in D.C. Likely to Cause Ripples Locally

With the Pentagon signaling that budget cuts are coming, some local defense contractors are nervous.

Breaking the Cycle of Abuse And Poverty

Proxy

Immune Response Corp.

LG Mobile Plants Its Roots in New S.D. Facility

LG Mobile Phones has expanded its San Diego-based U.S. headquarters, opening a new 38,000-square-foot building Nov. 14.

Merry X-Ray Grows By Acquisition

San Diego-based Merry X-Ray Corp. announced Nov. 21 that it acquired Mentor, Ohio-based SourceOne Healthcare Technologies, Inc.

Area Dailies Report Drop in Circulation Numbers

San Diego print journalists beware. County residents appear to be losing at least some interest in daily newspapers.

Protests Cause Center to Rethink Planner Pact

The San Diego Convention Center Corp. has backed away from a plan to give a destination management firm a "preferred" status in exchange for a fee following a firestorm of protest.

Builders Find the South Is Rising Again

National City, Chula Vista and its neighbors seem to be enjoying a major renaissance these days. One executive calls the region "one of the most viable areas in the county."

S.D. Biotech's Shareholders Question Firm's Candor on Drug

Some stockholders of Avanir Pharmaceuticals, Inc. are questioning the forthrightness of the company's management.

McDonald's Impact On County: $95 Million Per Year

An economic study commissioned by McDonald's found the county's 122 restaurants collectively spend $95.4 million on payroll, benefits, supplies and services.

Friday, November 18

Unemployment Creeps Upward

San Diego's unemployment rate increased to 4.4 percent in October, up from 4.2 percent in September, according to the latest report from the state's Employment Development Department.

Bank's Income Edges Higher

San Diego National Bank reported net income of $10.6 million for the third quarter.

HP Fourth Quarter Profit Falls

Palo Alto-based Hewlett Packard Co. reported net earnings of $416 million on sales of $22.9 billion for the quarter ended Oct. 31.

TEC Members Celebrate Feat

Two local companies that are members of TEC International, the San Diego-based organization aimed at helping chief executive officers, landed on this year's Inc. magazine list of 500 fastest growing private companies.

Thursday, November 17

Private Sector Beckons Port Official

Kevin Arner has resigned his position as the director of maritime trade development for the San Diego Unified Port District to accept a job with Oakland-based Matson Navigation Co.

Bank to Sell Casino Services Unit

Borrego Springs Bank, a $112 million asset bank owned by the Viejas Band of Kumeyaay Indians, said it has agreed to sell its Indian Gaming Services to Cash Systems Inc., based in Las Vegas, for $12 million in cash and stock.

SpaceDev Proposal Aims High

Poway-based SpaceDev took the wraps off a concept for a six-passenger space vehicle and reported a new Air Force contract.

State Sues Sempra

State Attorney General Bill Lockyer has sued Sempra Energy Trading, alleging the Sempra subsidiary manipulated wholesale electricity prices during the 2000-01 energy crisis.

Wednesday, November 16

Ericsson Funds University Chair

Ericsson, the $16 billion telecommunications company based in Sweden, has endowed a professorship at UC San Diego.

Ground Broken on Workforce Housing

Paradise Walk billed as the first partnership in San Diego between a developer and a major employer to provide workforce housing broke ground Nov. 15 at 8th Street and Arcadia Place in National City.

City Offers De La Fuente Settlement

The city of San Diego is offering to settle a long-standing legal battle with Roque De La Fuente for $50 million that would include the settlement of two pending lawsuits.

Big Macs Make $95M Impact

An economic study commissioned by McDonald's owners found the county's 122 restaurants collectively spend $95.4 million on payroll, benefits, supplies and services.

New Trolley Work Goes to Parsons

Parsons Corp., a Pasadena-based engineering firm with an office in San Diego, will conduct preliminary studies for a San Diego Trolley extension from Old Town to UC San Diego and University City.

Tuesday, November 15

Median Home Price at $513,000

The median home price in San Diego County broke the half-million-dollar ceiling in October, rising from a September price of $498,000 to $513,000.

National Acclaim For Gen-Probe

President Bush has named San Diego's Gen-Probe, Inc. a winner of the National Medal of Technology the nation's highest honor for technological innovation.

KGTV Unveils Spanish Programming Plans

San Diego's ABC affiliate KGTV Channel 10 will attempt to tap into the region's Spanish-speaking market with Azteca America.

Harbor Island Sheraton Part of $4B Deal

Host Marriott Corp. announced Nov. 14 that it will acquire 38 luxury and upscale hotels, including the 1,044-room Sheraton San Diego Hotel & Marina on Harbor Island.

Monday, November 14

Creating aWi-Fi Wonderland

Venture Capitalists Find Biotechs Worth the Risk

Startup drug development companies in San Diego that attracted the most money from investors in the third quarter are pursuing a wide array of cures.

Attorney Examines 'High Conflict Personalities'

"No one has analyzed the cost to business of high-conflict people," said William A. Eddy, a San Diego attorney, mediator and clinical social worker who has written a new book devoted to such personalities.

Small Business Help Line

Question: How do you build trust with clients?

Emerald Plaza Sold

Emerald Plaza, a 364,000-square-foot Class A office tower in Downtown San Diego, has been sold by Triple Net Properties, LLC, of Santa Ana, to RREEF for more than $123 million.

Technology Made Here Helps Ward Off Cruise Ship Attackers

A cruise ship attacked by pirates off the East African coast escaped the incursion with the help of technology invented in San Diego.

SoCal Company Battles Rivals Tooth and Nail

Realys Inc. has been making nail files in Huntington Beach for 20 years. These days, making anything in California is costly. But the big challenge is China.

City Officials Confirm Mission Bay Hotel Sale

The sale of one of the city's major waterfront hotels , the 357-room Hilton San Diego Resort on Mission Bay , is apparently nearing completion.

Sempra's Business on the Line as Trial Over Energy Crisis Begins

The economic future of Sempra Energy, the region's largest energy provider and a major San Diego employer, could hinge on a jury's choice of adjectives.

For the Record

Business Events Calendar: Nov. 15 - 21

Cultivate the Trust Factor With Clients

Question: How do you build trust with clients?

Patriot Ends Year With $10 Million Licensing Agreement With Intel

Patriot Scientific Corp., a San Diego-based firm that owns technology patents for a variety of microprocessors, said in its most recent quarterly financial report that it has entered into a $10 million licensing agreement with Intel Corp.

Taking a Cannon Shot at the Local News

Executive Profile: Anton Zajac

Few embody the spirit of the American dream more than Slovakia-born Anton Zajac, the founder, president and chief executive officer of Eset, LLC.

Executives' Support Helps S.D. Firms SCORE

Counselors to America's small business provide advice for companies.

$20M Center Breaks Ground in Southeast S.D.

The $20.5 million Joe and Vi Jacobs Community Center will be the centerpiece of Market Creek Plaza, the commercial and cultural center at Market Street and Euclid Avenue.

Construction Journal

Contract Awards and Construction Milestones

SYS Finds Logic In Acquisition

SYS Technologies Inc. has acquired Logic Innovations, Inc., a local firm that provides technology that speeds the delivery of digital files, for $4 million in cash and SYS stock.

Small Business Spotlight: NetResults Technology Group, Inc.

Todd Wexler, president, NetResults Technology Group, Inc.

Company Hits New Benchmark With Bosa Deal

Poway-based Benchmark Landscape Inc. will get the opportunity to work on the Electra residential tower's fifth-floor courtyard, as the company received the project's landscaping contract, which is worth about $200,000.

Tri-City Staff Joins State's Largest Nurses Union

Nearly 700 nurses at the Tri-City Medical Center in Oceanside unionized this month, the California Nurses Association announced recently.

California Teacher Stats Just Aren't Adding Up

Employees Likely to Be Kept By Metabolife Buyer

Ideasphere, Inc., the New York nutritional supplement company that acquired most of the assets of Metabolife International this month for a 50 percent discount from its original purchase price, said it will close Metabolife's manufacturing plant and distr

Week in Review

Top Business News: November 4 - 10, 2005

Ford's SUV Revamp Has Explorer Blazing New Trails

San Diego People

Key Hires and Promotions; Awards and Recognition; Executive Spotlight: Thomas Carter

Proxy

Neurocrine Biosciences, Inc.

Business Sends First Memo to New Mayor

San Diego's newly elected mayor will not only be expected to clean up the financial mess at City Hall, but be able to think and act globally as well, according to the wish list of some of San Diego's business and industry leaders.

Convention Center Mum on Event Planner Firm

Several destination management companies asked by the San Diego Convention Center Corp. to submit initial proposals , basically a show of interest , to be a "preferred" vendor in exchange for a commission protested the plan by banding together to abstain

Firm's Owner Not Crying Now Over Spilled Drinks

Small-business owner Michelle Zafiropoulos is living proof that inspiration in business can come from unexpected places, including an embarrassing backyard mishap usually reserved for sitcoms.

Dynamic Duo Making Mark on Jeans World

Welcome to the frenetic and quite unlikely world of Chip and Pepper, who run Vernon-based L.A. Lab Inc., a jeans maker and retailer whose visibility within the local fashion community far eclipses its annual sales.

Qualcomm Now a Sellout for Chargers' Home Games in 2005

Chargers fans who cannot afford or prefer not to attend pro football games in person can breathe easier with news that the team has sold out its remaining four home games, which allows the games to be televised locally.

Trying to Build a Head of Steam

Closed for decades, the binational rail line between Downtown San Diego and Imperial County has carried a modest amount of freight this year.

Fitness Franchise Is Flexing Its Muscle With 30 New Stores

Max Muscle, a national franchise company that sells vitamins and other performance enhancers, announced plans this month to open 30 to 40 new stores in the San Diego area within the next three years.

UCSD Considers Altering Clinical Trial Procedures

UC San Diego's program that oversees protection of humans in clinical trials is facing a decision that could affect how fast and easily some drugs get on the market.

Unions Plan to Make Push at Large Hotel Projects

The possibility of organizing workers at two proposed hotels has prompted one labor leader to forecast increased unionization in the county's hospitality industry.

Progress Report

Sales and Leases

Action-Minded

Some of San Diego County's healthiest small businesses make their money from the sporting life.

Who's Hu? He's a Man on the Move Worldwide

State Post for NTDStichler Exec

Jon Baker, 50, of San Diego has been appointed to the California Architects Board by Gov. Arnold Schwarzenegger.

Friday, November 11

Halozyme Reports Loss

Halozyme Therapeutics, Inc. announced its net loss increased slightly to $3.7 million in the third quarter of 2005 from $3.3 million for the same period in 2004.

Thursday, November 10

SYS Finds Logic in Acquisition

SYS Technologies Inc. said Nov. 9 it acquired Logic Innovations, Inc., a local firm that provides technology that speeds the delivery of digital files, for $4 million in cash and SYS stock.

Zucchet Acquitted on Seven Charges

Former San Diego City Councilman Michael Zucchet, who represented the 2nd District until his resignation in July, was acquitted on Nov. 10 of seven wire fraud and extortion charges in U.S. District Court.

Leap Shares Rise on Earnings News

Leap Wireless International Inc. reported a net loss of $7.6 million on revenue of $20.5 million for its third quarter ended Sept. 30.

Law Pays Well in San Diego Market

San Diego's legal salaries are about 15 percent higher than the national average, according to the San Diego office of the Robert Half staffing services company.

Wednesday, November 9

Government Move Draws Supplement Maker's Ire

A local dietary supplement company says it will file a lawsuit against the Food and Drug Administration following the agency's denial of a marketing claim.

Clark Gets VA Earthquake Safety Work

A contract valued at more than $52.2 million has been awarded by the U.S. Veterans' Affairs Department for work on seismic upgrades at the Veterans' Affairs Medical Center in San Diego.

Sanders Wins San Diego Mayor's Race

Jerry Sanders, former San Diego police chief, will be the city's new mayor come December, winning more than 53 percent of the vote to San Diego City Councilwoman Donna Frye's 46 percent in a special election Nov. 8.

Tuesday, November 8

Passenger Count Rises at Lindbergh

Lindbergh Field saw an 8.7 percent year-over-year increase in passengers during September, according to the most recent summary of airport operations by the San Diego County Regional Airport Authority.

Region Ranks Best on Real Estate Study

San Diego rose to the top of PricewaterhouseCoopers' and Urban Land Institute's 2006 Emerging Trends in Real Estate study, billed as "the most predictive forecast" for the real estate market.

Airline's New Stop: the Courthouse

The parent company of a low-fare startup airline that served Lindbergh Field for about five months this year Independence Air announced Nov. 7 that it filed for Chapter 11 bankruptcy.

Powell, Fiorina to Offer Perspective

At its annual convention Nov. 9-11 at the San Diego Convention Center, the Commercial Finance Association hired a trio of high-powered speakers, including former Secretary of State Colin Powell.

Monday, November 7

No. 7 , David Copley

David Copley

Smart Growth Fund Levels Local Housing Costs

San Diego's push for smart growth and urban infill projects got a huge shot in the arm with the closing of a $90 million equity fund intended to spur construction of about a half-billion dollars in affordable housing.

For the Record

Business Events Calendar: Nov. 8 - 14

Downtown Hotel Puts Emphasis on Artwork

Guests who stay at the U.S. Grant Hotel, once its renovation is completed, may buy original pieces of modern art right off the walls of their room, if they so desire.

No. 20 , Walter J. Zable

Walter J. Zable

No. 25 , Richard Heckmann

Richard Heckmann

Sempra Earnings Dip as Energy Firm Boosts Reserves

Sempra Energy's third-quarter 2005 earnings slipped to $221 million (86 cents per diluted share), down $10 million from 2004, the company announced Nov. 2.

Fund-Raising Groups Receive Honors for Efforts

The San Diego chapter of the Association of Fundraising Professionals will honor two organizations and six people at a luncheon Wednesday.

Deal Puts Defense Firms Under One Contract Roof

Deal puts defense firms under one contract roof.

No. 16 , Gerald Parsky

Gerald Parsky

Executive Profile: Sue Major

Sue Major is obviously not afraid of big projects. With partner Stacey Davenport, Major is in the middle of establishing her own business. Then there is that unusual home-improvement project.

Training Program Targets Evacuees

Manpower San Diego and the San Diego Workforce Partnership are managing a job training program aimed at helping Hurricane Katrina evacuees living in the area.

Small Business Help Line

Question: How can I handle low-level sexual harassment situations before they become full-fledged policy violations?

Welcome to the Club: Local Billionaires List Adds 3 New Names

Buying Now, Paying Later Skews the Holiday Picture

Progress Report

Sales and Leases

No. 11 , William Lerach

William Lerach

Fuel Supply Challenges Await as Government Idles

Economists Gaze Into Crystal Ball for '06 Forecast

Thanks to a still-expanding housing market, the economies of both San Diego and California have done well this year, though next year may be a different story.

No. 19 , Richard Sulpizio

Richard Sulpizio

Officials Eye Sun To Clear Health Records Cloud

Regional medical officials say access to health care could greatly improve if the medical community commits $1.2 million to install a central electronic health record system.

No. 4 , Sidney Frank

Sidney Frank

No. 21 , Robert Price

Robert Price

San Diego People

Key Hires and Promotions; Awards and Recognition; Philanthropy; Hurricane Katrina Donations and Fund Raising; Executive Spotlight: Scott Cook

For the Record, Half of Home's List Price Will Do

A local residential real estate record may be broken soon. A 10,700-square-foot beachfront home in Del Mar is being listed for $50 million.

From Nuclear Power to Predator, Business Soars For General Atomics

From nuclear power to Predator, business soars for General Atomics.

McMillin Capital Closes Third Fund

McMillin Capital, part of the Corky McMillin Cos., said it recently closed a third real estate private equity fund that totals $47.6 million.

No. 23 , Robert Beyster

Robert Beyster

No. 24 , Jenny Craig

Jenny Craig

Companies Warned to Plan for the Flu Season

Telecommuting, encouraging sick employees to go home and subsidizing flu vaccinations might be the answer to combating the flu for businesses across the country.

Gaylord CEO Says Event Center in Chula Vista Would Boost S.D. Tourism

The top executive of a major entertainment entity looking to build a massive hotel and convention center on Chula Vista's waterfront says he's confident that such a project will boost tourism in the county.

No. 8 , Audrey Geisel

Audrey Geisel

Going Back Into the Heart of Darkness

Construction Journal

Contract Awards and Construction Milestones

RSM to Keep Staff Following Deal

RSM McGladrey said its acquisition of American Express Tax and Business Services completed in August should not result in any layoffs at the purchased firm.

Veterans Find New Path To the American Dream

Joseph Lewis is one of several San Diegans to enter the small business community after receiving an honorable discharge from the military thanks to VetFran, a national incentives program.

No. 10 , John J. Moores

John J. Moores

No. 22 , Masood Tayebi

Masood Tayebi

Proxy , Novatel Wireless, Inc.

Novatel Wireless, Inc.

San Diego Foundation Provides Anonymous Path to Philanthropy

San Diego Foundation provides anonymous path to philanthropy.

WealthTV Takes Unique Approach to Rich, Famous

San Diego-based WealthTV takes a unique approach to the rich and famous.

No. 6 , Ted Waitt

Ted Waitt

No. 13 , Sol Price

Sol Price

No. 2 , Charles Brandes

Charles Brandes

No. 9 , Katherine B. Loker

Katherine B. Loker

No. 18 , Paul Jacobs

Paul Jacobs

San Diego Billionaires Club Grows to Seven

After weeks of research, the

Qualcomm Goes After Nokia

San Diego-based Qualcomm Inc. and a subsidiary have sued Nokia Corp., alleging patent infringement violations of the companies' second-generation cell phone technologies.

Port Officials Insist They Think Outside The Box Literally

Port district officials are thinking outside the box, literally, trying to lure shippers sending non-containerized goods and produce. Their efforts seem to be working.

No. 14 , Robert Sarver

Robert Sarver

Wealth Spread Across Various San Diego Industries

San Diego's economy, once dependent on tourism and defense, has diversified into several moneymaking sectors, generating lofty paychecks for the region's business leaders.

No. 5 , Irwin M. Jacobs

Irwin M. Jacobs

Downtown Weighs in on Graham

Nancy Graham, the CCDC's new president and chief operating officer, will be ushering in a new era for Downtown San Diego.

Set, Follow, Enforce Sex Harassment Policy

Question: How can I handle low-level sexual harassment situations before they become full-fledged policy violations?

No. 12 , Andrew Viterbi

Andrew Viterbi

No. 15 , Martin Wygod

Martin Wygod

Week in Review

Top Business News: October 28 - November 3, 2005

No. 3 , Margaret Cargill

Margaret Cargill

Office Market Approaches 2M Square Feet Absorbed

San Diego's office market was surging during the third quarter, with leasing activity that included 633,000 square feet of space absorbed.

Public Relations Pros Honor Industry's Best Locally

Public relations pros honor industry's best locally.

No. 1 , Ernest Rady

Ernest Rady

Small Business Spotlight: Health Dimensions, LLC

Rodell Jackson, owner and director, Health Dimensions, LLC.

No. 17 , Conrad Prebys

Conrad Prebys

Seacoast Fills President Spot With Banking Vet

Seacoast Commerce Bank fills the president's spot with a banking veteran.

Amylin's Drug Byetta Misses Mark

Amylin Pharmaceuticals, Inc. reported that its diabetes drug Byetta, which analysts have projected to be a multibillion-dollar-a-year "blockbuster" status drug, fell behind sales predicted by analysts.

Qualcomm Ends Fiscal Year on a Positive Note

Qualcomm Inc. closed the its 2005 fiscal year with $2.1 billion in net income, a 25 percent increase from 2004, fueled by worldwide sales of high-speed cell phones.

Friday, November 4

Charlotte Russe Wraps Up Another Year

Apparel retailer Charlotte Russe Holding, Inc. reported net income of $6.1 million on net sales of $179.9 million during the quarter ended Sept. 24.

Thursday, November 3

Report Anticipates High-Speed Rail

A state agency has approved a preliminary environmental study for a proposed, 700-mile high-speed rail line from the San Francisco Bay Area to San Diego.

ViaSat Revenues, Earnings Rise

ViaSat Inc., the Carlsbad-based maker of satellite and wireless equipment, reported net income of $6 million on revenues of $104.1 million for its second quarter ended Sept. 30.

City Has Stadium Negotiator

San Diego has hired a legal consultant, Paul Jacobs, as part of a negotiating team to talk with the San Diego Chargers regarding the football team's proposal for a new stadium in Mission Valley.

Olympus Pumps Money Into Cytori

San Diego-based Cytori Therapeutics has scored a multimillion-dollar contract with Japan-based high-tech company Olympus Corp.

ProFlowers Parent Nips Net Loss

Provide Commerce Inc., the San Diego-based parent firm of ProFlowers.com, reported a net loss of $23,000 on revenue of $26.8 million for its first quarter that ended Sept. 30.

Billing Question Heats Council Session

City Attorney Michael Aguirre pressed hired auditing specialists from Kroll Inc. on Nov. 1 to provide more detailed billing records.

Procopio Called Tops in Trademarks

San Diego-based law firm Procopio, Cory, Hargreaves & Savitch LLP has been named the top San Diego trademark law firm by Trademark Insider, a quarterly publication that tracks the trademark industry in the United States.

Wednesday, November 2

RSM Needs All Hands on Deck

RSM McGladrey said its acquisition of American Express Tax and Business Services, completed in August, should not result in any layoffs at the purchased firm.

Earnings Lower, Outlook Up at Sempra

Sempra Energy's third-quarter earnings slipped to $221 million (86 cents per diluted share), down $10 million from a year ago, the company announced Nov. 2.

'Smart Growth' Investment Fund Unveiled

Public and private agencies have established a fund to provide housing for middle-income households and community-revitalizing commercial projects in urban neighborhoods across San Diego County.

Qualcomm Nets $2B for Year

Qualcomm Inc. reported net income of $538 million on revenue of $1.56 billion during its fourth quarter, which ended Sept. 25.