Stories for June 2019
Sunday, June 30
QDOBA Named Best Fast Casual Restaurant by USA TODAY Voters
According to a press release, the vote is made by people from across the United States.
Netradyne on Path to Gather 2.7M Miles Of U.S. Road Data
Specialist Looking for Insight on Trouble Spots
Netradyne has its eyes on the road.
Startup Cos. Should Know the Perils of Plastic
FUNDING: Bootstrapping Recommended; Credit Cards Bring Additional Risks
Startups may turn to credit cards as a fast source of cash early on in their operations.
ZeaKal Picks Up $10M In Funding; VC Firm To Get 8.7% Stake
Company to Expand Its Trials to Include Cannabis and Hemp
ZeaKal Inc., a startup developing technology to increase the photosynthetic capacity of crops, recently raised a little more green.
Apartment Complex Sells for $14.2 Million
A Chula Vista apartment complex has been sold for $14.2 million.
County to Negotiate On Hospital Solutions for New Psychiatric Care
$14 Million Proposal For Tri-City Facility Is Dropped
San Diego hospitals lose millions annually in psychiatric services. Against that backdrop, where do their financial obligations in behavioral health begin and end?
Golden Hill Apartments Bring $3.7 Million
Overlooking downtown San Diego, the mansion at 2470 B St. was built in 1898 by Quayle Architects and was the home of the late state Sen. Leroy Wright...
Sudberry Sees Need For Mixed-Use In Scripps Ranch
Sudberry Sees Need For Mixed-Use In Scripps Ranch
Sudberry Properties is doing something different in Scripps Ranch — building apartments.
Pacific Keeps Building Client List With Law Firms
Construction Co. Knows the Technology And Tastes of Practices
Pacific Building Group recently finished building offices for five law firms and the new look the company created is far from the book-lined stuffy offices of old.
S.D. Firm Serves as Advisor in $11.4M Sale
A commercial real estate investment firm based in San Diego — SENTRE — served as an advisor in the $11.4 million sale of a Tustin industrial building near John Wayne Airport.
Friday, June 28
It Is Often a Tearful Goodbye When Your Home Sells
It Is Often a Tearful Goodbye When Your Home Sells
In what has to be one of the more unusual surveys of the housing market, the home listing service Zillow reported in June that more than a third of people selling their homes cry when they do it, and millennials and parents cry the most.
Thursday, June 27
CureMatch Hires First CTO
CureMatch, a San Diego startup that matches matches cancer treatments with patients, hired its first CFO and CTO.
Aira Sees Time Is Right to Scale, Names New CEO
CEO Randall Has Experience Scaling Early-Stage Companies
Aira Tech Corp., a San Diego startup that uses agents to help blind and low-vision users navigate their surroundings, tapped a new CEO with a history at several big-name tech firms.
County to Negotiate On Solutions for New Psychiatric Care
$14 Million Proposal For Tri-City Facility Is Dropped
San Diego hospitals lose millions annually in psychiatric services. Against that backdrop, where do their financial obligations in behavioral health begin and end?
NASSCO Launch Is a Big Deal for Shipyard
SHIPPING: First Ship of Two Is Part of $511M Contract With Matson
General Dynamics NASSCO launched a newly built commercial container ship June 15 with much fanfare.
Teradata Leadership Plots Change To Subscription Model
CLOUD: Relocation, Hiring and Adapting All Part of New Plan
Charged with leading Teradata through the biggest turnaround in its history, new CEO Oliver Ratzesberger took to the stage on June 13.
Viasat, Arianespace Modify Launch Deal
New Model Launch Vehicle Will Carry Satellite to Space
Viasat Inc. announced on June 17 that when it comes time to launch its constellation of ViaSat-3 satellites, it will use a new model of rocket from Arianespace.
Wednesday, June 26
Clark Construction Picked As Developer of SDSU Mission Valley Site
Clark also building new SDSU stadium
Mirati Therapeutics Charts $203M Stock Offering
Mirati Therapeutics plans to raise to $203.7 million in a public stock offering, the company announced June 25.
VC Dollars Drive California IPOs
San Diego has seen three companies go public this year, according to a report by Ernst & Young.
San Diego International First Airport in U.S. to Install Energy Storage System
According to a press release, the 2 MW/4 MWH ENGIE GridSynergy Storage system will “reduce energy charges during peak demand which equate to approximately 40 percent of the airport’s monthly electricity costs.”
Tuesday, June 25
Rooftop Venues Have Star Qualities
From Museums to Bars, The Returns Can Be High For Those at the Top
When the team behind 10 Barrel Brewing Co. began contemplating the design of their 10,000 square foot East Village space a little over two years ago, one of the first thoughts that crossed their minds was to incorporate an often untapped and underused aspect of the city’s buildings: the rooftop.
Climate, Conditions and Culture Right For S.D. Festival Scene
ENTERTAINMENT: Tourism Marketing District Backs Events; 3-Day Festival Set for November
“We expect to sell this thing out.” That’s what Ernie Hahn, co-founder of San Diego’s Wonderfront Music & Arts Festival (and general manager at Pechanga Arena), answered.
Extension Programs Embraced By Cos.
WORKFORCE: Goal Is to Create Well-Rounded Leaders
For more than three decades, San Diego’s science and engineering companies have relied heavily on two University of California, San Diego Extension programs to help their managers develop business and leadership skills.
Conatus Pharmaceuticals to Restructure, Lay off Employees
Liver drug developer Conatus Pharmaceuticals will cut its staff by 40% and explore “strategic alternatives,” the company said June 24.
Pacific Beach Apartments Sold For $7M
Complex has 19 apartments
Hillcrest Apartments Sold For Nearly $3.5M
Complex has 14 apartments
Murrieta Property Sold For $2.7M
Property was partially developed
Dinsmore Hires New Litigation Partner Christopher Lyon for San Diego Office
Christopher Lyon is the firm’s third litigation partner in San Diego, according to a press release.
Monday, June 24
UK Agency Asks Illumina and Pacific to Address Its Concerns
Failure of Merging Cos to Comply Would Result In a More In-Depth Analysis
A U.K. competition watchdog said on June 18 that Illumina’s planned $1.2 billion acquisition of Pacific Biosciences raises anti-competitive concerns, at a minimum delaying the deal.
Vera Bradley Acquires 75% Stake in Pura Vida
According to a news release, the purchase price is $75 million in cash and up to $22.5 million in incremental earnout.
Cannabis VC Invests $10M in San Diego Startup Working to Increase Crop Yields
Canopy Rivers Inc. invested in ZeaKal, a San Diego startup developing technology to make plants more photosynthetic.
Oska Wellness Takes in $5.5M Seed Round
Oska Wellness — maker of a portable device that’s pitched as a drug-free alternative for pain management – raised $5.5 million in seed funding.
Orchids and Onions Program Is Designed To Start a Conversation
Architecture, Design Debates Put Spotlight On the Built Environment
Anyone can nominate a project as a stinker or a gem. The deadline is July 6.
Q1 of 2019 Saw an Apartment Sales Boom
Sales of $5M and More Showed Fivefold Increase From Like Quarter of 2018
Apartment sales likely to remain strong through the rest of the year.
Sunday, June 23
San Francisco Firm Expanding San Diego Portfolio
Firm owns several San Diego office buildings
NTConsult Selects San Diego as U.S. HQ, Hiring for Senior Roles
Co. Sees Those Leaders as Better Suited for Pursuing Biotech, Fintech and Medtech
A Brazilian software firm opened a new headquarters in San Diego. NTConsult, which has roughly 200 full-time employees between Brazil, Peru, Uruguay and the U.S., is building an executive team out of its new offices in Sorrento Valley.
Teradata Hires Chief Revenue Officer
Teradata hired former Cisco sales executive Scott Brown to head up the company's global sales.
Chula Vista Industrial Center Sold For $25.7M
Two buildings included in sale.
Beaming Wellness Merges with San Francisco-Based Project Juice
According to a press release, while both restaurants will operate separately for now, the merger makes the combined businesses California’s largest organic and plant-based quick-serve company.
Co. Takes Rare Opportunity to Buy Kearny Mesa Land
Cubic Sells to Consolidate Its Campus; Buyer Is Not Revealing Its Plans
21-acre property sold for $35 million.
Office Building Sells for $8.8 Million
Equinevest Capital bought two-story building at 2035 Corte del Nogal.
Office Towers Sell for $525M
American Assets Trusts Inc. buy a pair of UTC office towers.
Apartment Complex Sells for $3.3 Million
AJX Homes LLC buys 23 unit apartment complex.
Kura Gets Promising Results in Mid-Stage Clinical Trial
Co. Expects to Close $100M Public Offering to Support Oncology Therapeutic
Kura Oncology’s lead drug generated promising results in mid-stage clinical trial, the company recently said.
Kratos, Air Force Put Drone to Test
Aircraft Reportedly Costs A Few Million Dollars
The unmanned tactical aircraft called the Valkyrie from Kratos Defense and Security Solutions Inc. passed another milestone on June 11, making a 71-minute test flight.
Apartment Complex Brings $3.5 Million
The 12,598 square foot building, at 9859 Dale Ave., was sold to Robert P. Fraas.
Uber Planning Food Delivery By Drones This Summer
San Diego’s Juniper & Ivy Will Have Burger on Menu
Food delivery in San Diego will no longer be limited to couriers in vehicles or on motor bikes. The drones are coming.
Jack in the Box Announces Refinancing Transactions
Jack in the Box Inc. announced on June 17 that some of its subsidiaries will complete a refinancing of its existing senior credit facility with a new, $1.45 billion securitized financing facility.
Cubic Data Security Gets NSA’s Approval
Employees Craft Electronics to Transmit Classified Flight Data
The National Security Agency has said that a Cubic Corp. electronics package called Engage is acceptable for transferring classified data.
Addison ‘Honored’ To Receive Michelin Star
William Bradley Takes Only Star Given in the County
San Diego restaurant, Addison, recipient of Michelin star.
Startup Designs Car Alarm That Has a Sensitive Side
Plan Is to Out-Tech, Outprice Competition; Co. Taps Crowdfunding
One moment on a road trip inspired car enthusiast Marko Mandaric to found his startup, Bmmpr. He and his wife were driving to Seattle, and stopped briefly at a grocery store.
Firm Opens REIT Option to Average Investors
Feeling nervous about the stock market? You don’t stay up late enough to take advantage of offers to buy gold on late night television commercials?
Kroger Deal Expands CV Sciences’ Retail Presence
CV’s CEO Says Deal Will Boost Acceptance Of CBD Products
CBD is no longer relegated to coffee shops and health food stores.
Jack Announces Refinancing Transactions
San Diego-Based Chain Plans to Sell Bonds
Jack in the Box Inc. announces a new $1.45 billion securitized financing facility.
Office Building Sold For $10.4 Million
Former Mission Federal Credit Union headquarters sold for $10.4 million.
Thursday, June 20
Acutus Medical Lands $170M Financing
Acutus Medical – maker of 3-D imaging technology for heart procedures – on June 20 netted $170 million.
Element Biosciences Emerges with $15M Round
Element Biosciences, another San Diego startup led by ex-Illumina talent, raised $15 million in a series A round.
San Diego Company Lands Deal with Walmart Through Open Call Initiative
According to a release, because of the on-the-spot deals, select Walmart stores will begin carrying products by Iron Fist in coming months.
Converted Mansion Sold For $3.7M
Property was converted to apartments
Curriculum Promoting Social Harmony Expands With Gift
EDUCATION: Local Banker’s Big Donation Pays Dividends at School
Since receiving a landmark $100 million gift from philanthropist and La Jolla resident T. Denny Sanford in 2018, San Diego-based National University System has continued to grow its Sanford Harmony program both locally and globally.
Cubic to Provide Advanced Data Link To F-35 Lightning II
Northrop Grumman Builds Electronics in Separate Effort
The space for electronics inside a Lightning II fighter aircraft is at a premium.
As Times Change, Universities Fine-Tune MBA Programs
Online or in Person? Local Programs Straddle Line
Universities stand conventional thinking on its head. It’s what they do.
Civic San Diego Likely to Slide Into Consulting Role
DEVELOPMENT: Project Approvals to Move to City Development Services Dept.
Give us a chance, is what city planning officials are asking as they present plans to take over the downtown planning and permitting duties that have been handled by Civic San Diego — the independent agency created in 2012 to oversee downtown development.
Wednesday, June 19
San Diego Firm Advises On $11.4M Orange County Sale
Site is near John Wayne Airport
UK Agency Says Illumina-Pacific Biosciences Deal Raises Concerns
A U.K. competition watchdog said on June 18 that Illumina’s planned $1.2 billion acquisition of Pacific Biosciences raises anti-competitive concerns, at a minimum delaying the deal.
Report: Qualcomm, Intel Lobby Against Huawei Ban
U.S. chipmakers, including Qualcomm and Intel, are lobbying against a ban on sales to Chinese electronics company Huawei.
Arcturus Nets $30M in Expanded Collaboration with Ultragenyx
Ultragenyx paid San Diego’s Arcturus Therapeutics $6 million in cash and is poised to invest $24 million in the company following an expanded research agreement.
NeuraLace Medical Closes $3.85 Million Seed Round
BIOTECH: Pain Relief Device Uses Magnetic Field
NeuraLace Medical, the medical device startup that won last year’s Quick Pitch competition, recently closed on a $3 million seed funding round.
Chula Vista Apartments Sold For $14.2M
Complex has 55 apartments
MappBio Awarded $16.5 Million For Work on Ebola-Like Viruses
BIOTECH: Antibody Was Isolated in Lab
MappBio — a once-little known San Diego biotech that captured worldwide interest with experimental drugs for Ebola and other viruses — landed another big contract.
The Cado Pop-Up Set to Open Late June
Originally scheduled to launch last year, tickets are now available for The Cado starting June 27 through September 22, according to its website.
Aira Hires Former Facebook Exec as New CEO
Aira, a startup that uses agents to help blind and low-vision people navigate their surroundings, named a new CEO.
Tech Startups Tackle Mental Health Care
HEALTH CARE: Reimbursement Codes Open Door for Revenue
The mental health system is often called broken or fragmented. That’s created an opening for San Diego tech companies.
Executive Q & A: Masters In Business
The decision to pursue an MBA is a big one. The San Diego Business Journal recently spoke with three university administrators about master of business administration programs, and how to evaluate the merits of competing MBA programs. Read on for their thoughts:
North Park Draws Apartment Developers
PROPERTY: Food, Nightlife Scene Help Fill the Rentals
Developers are turning their attention to North Park in hopes of drawing renters who want an urban lifestyle with a funky touch but eschew the more hectic downtown lifestyle.
Tuesday, June 18
Chuze Fitness Brings In $59M in 2018
SPORT: Hospitality, Tiered Pricing System Pay Off
For Cory Brightwell, CEO of the San Diego-based Chuze Fitness chain, with seven locations locally and 26 throughout the Southwest, what has kept the company steadily growing the past 11 years has been one thing: its focus on the guest experience.
Three San Diego Startups Chosen for Smart City Challenge
Three San Diego startups were picked as winners for the Ignite - SCALE - San Diego challenge.
Zovio Inc. Announces Expected Layoffs in WARN Filing
Formerly known as Bridgepoint Education, Zovio Inc. could lay off up to 248 employees.
Sempra Declares Dividends for Common, Preferred Stock
Sempra Energy, the San Diego energy services company, announced a dividend of 96.75 cents per share, payable July 15 to shareholders of record on July 5.
International Smoke Sees Right Ingredients For S.D. Location
New Eatery Appreciates Foodie Reputation, Access to Quality Foods
Ayesha Curry isn’t letting recent bad publicity — or her husband, NBA Golden State Warriors’ Stephen Curry’s highly-anticipated NBA Finals run — distract her from growing her booming food business.
Carlsbad Office Building Sold For $9M
Building was 72 percent leased
Casa de Oro Apartments Sold For $3.5M
Building has 16 apartments
Developers Cater to Millennials’ Tastes For Good Reasons
Downtown and North Park Projects Focus on Younger Set
San Diego developers who focus what they build on so-called millennials are right on target when it comes reaching the biggest market.
Two Industrial Buildings Bring $24.4M
Brandywine Distribution Center at 1670 and 1690 Brandywine Ave was sold by Stos Partners.
Medical Office Building Sells for $4 Million
A Chula Vista medical office building has been sold for $4 million.
Stos Partners Sells Building for $9.1M
Stos Partners based in San Diego has sold a San Dimas office building for nearly $9.1 million.
HFF Secures Financing for Apartment Deals
The San Diego offices of HFF secured financing for the sale and renovation of two Los Angeles apartment buildings for an undisclosed price.
Apartment Complex Brings $2 Million
A Normal Heights apartment building has been sold for nearly $2 million.
Jack in the Box Inc. Announces Refinancing Transactions
According a news release, the senior credit facility is comprised of an outstanding term loan of $315 million and revolving credit facility of $739.4 million.
Monday, June 17
Illumina Prevails in Patent Lawsuit Against Ariosa Diagnostics
A U.K. court today ruled that Roche subsidiary Ariosa Diagnostics infringed on an Illumina prenatal testing patent, the latest in the legal saga between the two companies.
Former Mission Federal Building Sold For $10.4M
Building is in Sorrento Mesa
Apartment Complex Sold For Nearly $3.3M
Complex has 23 apartments
Viasat Plans to Scan the Heavens From a Post in the Outback
Australian Government is Part Of Multimillion-Dollar Deal
Viasat Inc. is planning a multimillion-dollar infrastructure project.
Real Estate Deals: June 17, 2019
New properties sold. A Normal Heights apartment building has been sold for nearly $2 million.
Facing a Physical Problem, She Made It Her Business to Tackle It
RETAIL: Co-Founders Create Treatments For UTIs
Jenna Ryan co-founded Uqora with her fiancé in 2017. She had hoped to find a better solution for a common problem, the frequent urinary tract infections that had disrupted her life.
Children’s Museum Is First of Its Kind to Win National Medal
The New Children’s Museum has won the 2019 National Medal for Museum and Library Service, the nation’s highest honor given to libraries and museums.
Sundt Foundation Continues Constructive Role in the Community
Sundt Cos. Inc., through its Sundt Foundation awarded a total of $17,000 in grants to six local nonprofits during its second-quarter disbursements.
Philanthropist’s Support of Scripps Earns Recognition
Scripps Health announced that more than 240 people attended the 14th Annual Distinguished Achievement Awards, presented by Circle of Life 100...
Pathfinder’s Projects Are Being Built All Around County
Company Partners To Build Creekside Apartments in Vista
San Diego’s Pathfinder Partners has just finished construction of Creekside Apartments adjacent to the Vista Village shopping center in Vista and has nearly finished a second Vista apartment project at Melrose Drive and Breeze Hill Road.
Sunday, June 16
CV Sciences Inks Distribution Deal with Kroger
CV Sciences’ CBD oil will be sold in 945 Kroger-owned stores across 17 states, it was recently announced.
United Technologies, Raytheon Merger to Touch San Diego
Diverse Lines of Business Would Join Up in Mid-2020
A sizable aerospace and defense industry merger announced earlier in June will affect San Diego County.
Navy Awards Michael Baker International Up to $99M in Work
The U.S. Navy awarded the San Diego office of Michael Baker International Inc. a five-year contract for civil engineering services. The indefinite delivery, indefinite quantity deal has a ceiling price of $99 million.
El Cajon Apartments Sold For Nearly $13M
Complex has 56 apartments
Synthorx, Equillium And Turning Point Discuss IPOs
Investors Said Going Public Would Bring Increase in Investments
For biotechs, what’s the path to an initial public offering like? The CEOs of San Diego companies that took the IPO plunge weighed in on this question and others during a recent Biocom panel.
Ionis Appoints Joan Herman to its Board
Joan Herman was recently named to the board of Carlsbad’s Ionis Pharmaceuticals.
ReFresh, One Digital Compete at Global Innovation Challenge
Companies Encouraged To Find Ways to Make Social Impact
Two local finalists competed at the University of San Diego’s Fowler Global Innovation Challenge recently.
Promising Results Boost Share Price of La Jolla Pharma
No New Treatments for Targeted Condition in More Than a Decade
La Jolla Pharmaceutical’s stock recently jumped after its drug candidate for regulating iron overload showed promise in preliminary clinical trial results.
USD Faculty to Travel To Mexico to Teach Leadership Program
First Time USD Degree To Be Offered Outside The United States
The University of San Diego School of Business has teamed up with Centro de Ensenanza Tecnica y Superior (CETYS) to offer CETYS University graduate students the opportunity to obtain the USD Master of Science in Global Leadership degree in conjunction with an MBA from CETYS at their campus in Mexicali, Baja California, Mexico.
Escondido Brewing Wins One for The Veterans
Escondido Brewing Co. won the First Annual Brewdown Beer Competition last weekend, donating the $5,000 donation prize to local nonprofit Wounded Warrior Homes.
Sudberry Building Business Park On 50 Acre Site
Company Plans To Develop the Project in Stages
Sudberry Properties has started construction of a 409,500 square-foot business park in Chula Vista that will include a mix of commercial and industrial projects.
Reverse Merger To Support Co.’s Cancer Candidates
Oncternal Retains CEO, Will Remain In San Diego
On the heels of auspicious clinical trial results, San Diego-based Oncternal Therapeutics completed a reverse merger with Tennessee’s GTx, it was announced June 10.
Battle of the Beers Reveals Some Strong Local Breweries
State Fair Beer Competition Provides Chance to Standout
The local craft beer scene may be oversaturated. But, the good news is that just means there are plenty of really good San Diego-brewed offerings to choose from.
Bunker Labs And Others Support Veteran-Owned Companies
Local Companies Get Network of Support and Space at WeWork
After serving in the U.S. Army for 12 years, Yolanda Clarke struck out to start her own business.
Voyager Space’s Software May Lead To Better Hardware
Company's Platform Integrates Stages of Design
Darren Charrier and Faris Hamdi had interplanetary ambitions when the two founded Voyager Space Technologies. Both undergraduate students studying aerospace engineering at UC San Diego, the two had sought to create a robotic spacecraft that could extend the life of dying satellites.
Friday, June 14
Defense Company Increases Its Space at Summit Pointe
Breaking Ground On Second Industrial Building Planned
TrellisWare Technologies has expanded its presence along the I-15 corridor.
April Home Sales Are Up 11.4% From March
S.D. Ranked Fifth For Having Priced People Out of Market
CoreLogic reports an uptick in home prices and the number of homes on the market in San Diego County.
Airport Innovation Lab Opens Third Round of Cohorts
A new incubator at the San Diego International Airport is seeking applicants for its third cohort.
New Club at Petco Is More Open to Game Experience
Walls Fold Aside to Open Up Onto the Ballpark
New look for Petco Park's VIP club thanks to an extensive makeover by BNBuilders and Carrier Johnson + Culture.
Uber to Begin Delivering Food by Drones This Summer
Uber will begin delivering food via drone this summer.
Thursday, June 13
Report: Apple Looks to Acquire Intel’s Modem Business
Apple is looking to acquire Intel's modem business, according to a report by the Information.
Float Business Complements Yoga Studio
Poway Biz Covers Mind, Body With Its Offerings
For years, when Lillian Markowitz went for her float therapy sessions, she noticed she just couldn’t get out of her own head.
Vical to Merge With Colo.-Based Brickell Biotech
Co.to Operate as Brickell, Focus on Skin Conditions
After pulling the plug on a herpes vaccine program, San Diego-based Vical is set to merge with Colorado’s Brickell Biotech in an all-stock deal.
Fashion Valley TopShop Store to Close, Pending Buyer
The closing may come as early as Jun 19, 2019. As a result, 43 employees, including 24 sales personnel, will be terminated.
SD 500: Chris White
White Labs’ yeast is used by many brewers around the world, and its analytical testing and consulting services are a favorite of winemakers, distillers and kombucha brewers.
SD 500: Holly Smithson
Holly Smithson leads a professional association dedicated to advancing women in the STEM workforce through leadership development, community investment and market research.
At 50, Jazzercise Still In Great Shape
SDBJ INSIDER
If sitting behind that desk all day has given you that famous body by cubicle, come shake off the cobwebs while experiencing an amazing and inspiring business story.
Cubic Corp. Rolls Out New Tech Under Manhattan’s Streets
Kearny Mesa Company Executes on Its $540M Deal
Talk about a tough environment for rolling out new technology. Cubic Corp. introduced its next-generation fare collection technology on the subway beneath Lexington Avenue in New York City on May 31.
Wednesday, June 12
America Assets Trust Acquires La Jolla Commons
Purchase price was $525 million.
Life Sciences Employment Shows Strong Growth
Average Wage Is $115,000; Economic Impact Put at $39B
Employment in San Diego’s life sciences industry increased 12.5% from 2013 to 2018, states a new report.
Chosen’s Choice Is a Fruitful One for the Food Company
FOOD: Avocado-Centric Fare Powers Strong Growth
For Gabriel Perez Krieb, CEO of San Diego-based Chosen Foods, it was a no-brainer to step in and acquire parts of the avocado oil company as soon as that became an option…. twice.
Gordon Biersch Brewery Restaurants to Close Mission Valley Location
Approximately 79 employees, including 12 hosts and 26 servers, will be terminated as a result.
RF Industries Reports $1.1M in Quarterly Net Income
RF Industries Ltd. — a maker of telecommunications cables, connectors and related electronic equipment — reported net income of $1.06 million, or 11 cents per diluted share, on net sales of $13.6 million during its second quarter, which ended on April 30.
SD 500: Jim Vargas
Appointed president and CEO in 2015, “Deacon Jim” brings more than 30 years of management and human resources experience to Father Joe’s Villages.
Six San Diego Breweries Voted No.1 in 2019 California Beer Competition
The judging took place earlier this month and included only beers brewed and available for sale in California.
Tuesday, June 11
Evofem Closes $80M in Financing for Contraceptive Gel
After securing $30 million in a private stock placement in April, Evofem on June 10 closed a second tranche of $50 million.
EvoNexus Partners with Rady School of Management for New Fintech Incubator
EvoNexus is launching a new fintech incubator with the Rady School of Management, Franklin Templeton and the Royal Bank of Canada.
Semiconductor Startup Atlazo Raises $3.4M Led by Tech Coast Angels
Atlazo, a company that makes semiconductors for health devices and wearables, closed a $3.4 million seed round.
RF Industries Names Board Member
Sherry Cefali has been appointed to the board of San Diego-based RF Industries Ltd., the publicly traded business that specializes in electronic interconnect products.
Retail Considers Its Options, Including Residential
Property: Vista Center Sees Opportunity In ‘Built-In Customer Base’
One of North County’s largest shopping centers — Vista’s North County Square — is planning to add residential to its mix in what’s becoming a growing trend.
SD 500: Elizabeth Schott
Elizabeth Schott is CEO of nonprofit microlender Accion. She joined the organization in 2004, bringing more than 15 years of project and organizational development, strategic marketing and public relations experience to the organization.
SD 500: Radm Christian “Boris” Becker
Rear Adm. Christian “Boris” Becker in March 2017 assumed command of SPAWAR, where he leads a global workforce of 10,500 civilian and military personnel who design, develop and deploy advanced communications and information capabilities.
Monday, June 10
USD and Mexico-Based CETYS University to Offer Dual Graduate Degrees
This marks the first time a USD degree is offered and granted outside of United States soil, according to a press release.
UC San Diego Health Opens Primary Care Facility in Encinitas
UC San Diego Health opened an Encinitas facility as part of a bid to expand beyond hospital walls.
Find Your Weaknesses Before Any Bad Actors Do
CYBER: Businesses Must Assess the Danger And Their Ability to Deal With It
Thwarting cybercrime starts with risk assessment. One of the most important ways that businesses can protect themselves against cybercrime to is perform a thorough risk assessment, according to cybersecurity experts.
Sustainable Chemicals Company Genomatica Makes First Acquisition
Genomatica acquired Renewable Energy Group's life sciences division on June 6.
Interim Dean Named at SDSU’s Fowler College of Business
Bruce Reinig has been appointed acting and interim dean of the Fowler College of Business at San Diego State University, effective June 1.
SD 500: Kevin Bradshaw
Kevan Bradshaw is the leader of the PricewaterhouseCoopers assurance practice in San Diego. He has been with the company for 29 years, and became managing partner in 2013.
SD 500: Sara Katz
Sara Katz founded her public affairs firm in 1986 and has grown it to more than 40 employees and offices in Los Angeles and San Francisco.
Executive Q & A: James Skeen Jr.
I’m a founding board member of the Cyber Center of Excellence.[The nonprofit organization was created to support the growth of the cyber industry in San Diego, and to promote cybersecurity in the community]. I was made aware of the Citizens Academy.
Understanding the Cyberthreat
Partnership is Truing to Take the Target Off the Backs of Businesses
The Federal Bureau of Investigation wants San Diego businesses to know about the threats posed by cybercrime, and what they can do to defend against hackers, phishing attacks, malware and other types of online dangers.
Scripps’ Spinoff Gala Puts $2.5M Into Cancer Fight
Scripps’ 28th Annual Spinoff Gala held recently raised $2.5 million to benefit Scripps MD Anderson Cancer Center. Nearly 300 people attended the event at the Hyatt Regency La Jolla at Aventine, which featured Evan Ruggiero, a tap dancer who lost a leg to bone cancer.
Scripps’ Spinoff Gala Puts $2.5M Into Cancer Fight
Scripps’ 28th Annual Spinoff Gala held recently raised $2.5 million to benefit Scripps MD Anderson Cancer Center. Nearly 300 people attended the event at the Hyatt Regency La Jolla at Aventine, which featured Evan Ruggiero, a tap dancer who lost a leg to bone cancer.
Escondido Company’s Respiratory Aid Gets More Federal Funding
Medical Devices: Kaer Biotherapeutics Receives SBIR Grant
Escondido-based Kaer Biotherapeutics received a $300,000 federal grant to help it develop medical technology that could potentially help premature babies and adults with respiratory problems.
Games Over: ANOC Event Cancels on S.D.
Lack of Sponsorships For Group’s Inaugural Event Cited
After winning a three-year bidding war against other U.S. cities and seven countries to host the inaugural Association of National Olympic Committees (ANOC) World Beach Games this year, San Diego will no longer host the 2019 event.
Kyriba
Don’t Be Rushed; Focus On Obtaining Good Investors
Jean-Luc Robert founded Kyriba in 2004, after seeing a need for better tools for companies to track their cash flow. The company spun out of French firm XRT, and moved its headquarters to San Diego, where it is growing its local 120-person workforce.
Seismic Software
Be Selective; Raise Funds Before You Need Them
Seismic Founder and CEO Doug Winter closed on $100 million in funding for his company in December. With the additional funds, the company has been preparing to go public, including hiring a chief financial officer who helped take ServiceNow public.
AttackIQ’s $17.6M Series B Will Keep It On the Offensive
SECURITY: It Plans to Hire This Year, Sees IPO in Its Future
Energy companies, health records companies, and other tech-heavy industries are keeping a closer eye on security. And with good reason: A failure in the electric grid or a banking system could be disastrous. But how do they ensure the dozens of systems they employ are working properly?
Community Leader Champions Grant for UC San Diego Program
Community leader Elaine Galinson directed $5 million in grants to continue momentum of UC San Diego’s student program in partnership with National Conflict Resolution Center.
Inhibrx Raises $40M; Files for $75M IPO
The $40M Would Convert Into Shares At 90% of IPO Price
La Jolla-based Inhibrx is prepping for a public debut. Two weeks after raising $40 million, the company in early June filed for an initial public offering to advance three cancer drugs in clinical trials — and other preclinical programs, including an antibiotic.
Foundation Raises More Funds to Bring Lifesaving Care To Pets
The Foundation for Animal Care and Education, FACE, hosted its Bags & Baubles silent auction for the ninth consecutive year to raise funds and awareness for local pets in need of lifesaving veterinary care.
Navy’s New Name For Its Old Town Base Is NAVWAR
Cyber Command’s Local Economic Impact Is $1.77B
The U.S. Navy changed the name of its information technology command in Old Town on June 3. The SPAWAR name is gone.
Pentagon Spends On Services for Navy, Marines
Funds Go Toward Unmanned Aircraft, Ship Repair and IT
The following are selected defense contracts awarded to San Diego County companies during late May. The U.S. Department of Defense releases a digest of contract awards daily at 5 p.m. Eastern Daylight Time.
Salk Professor Elected to National Academy of Sciences
The National Academy of Sciences recently announced that Salk Institute for Biological Studies professor Edward Callaway is one of 100 new members and 25 foreign associates to be elected to the NAS in recognition of their distinguished and continuing achievements in original research.
Success Is in the Cards for Charity Striving to Help Children
St. Germaine Children’s Charity announced record-breaking results for its “Cards to Honor Mothers & Fathers” fundraiser. The nonprofit increased its gross proceeds to more than $9,200 (funds that go directly to fight child abuse).
FTD Bankruptcy Puts ProFlowers in Hands Of Private Equity Firm
P.E. Firm to Buy ProFlowers for $95M; 167 Face Layoffs
ProFlowers, headquartered in San Diego, will close its local facility and lay off 167 employees, according to a WARN filing with the Employment Development Department (EDD).
Blockchain Startup XY Cuts Staff by Half
Startup: As of March, Company Had 85 Full-Time Employees
The Persistent Company, a San Diego-based startup developing Bluetooth beacons on a blockchain network, cut more than 40 employees last week.
Tealium
Let the Team Figure Out the Course; Keep In Mind It’s a Marathon
Tealium CEO Jeff Lunsford brought together a cadre of former WebSideStory executives when he set off to build Tealium eight years ago. The software startup builds customer data platforms, which allow companies to manage marketing data from a host of different sources.
Sunday, June 9
San Diego Hospitals Challenged by Jump in ER Use
ER Visits Rose 18% from 2012 to 2017, posing financial and operational difficulties
In 2013, Scripps Mercy Hospital’s emergency department doubled in size after a multiphase revamp. Six years later, Scripps officials said demand caught up.
Chula Vista Industrial Buildings Sold For $24.4M
Buildings comprise the Brandywine Distribution Center
A $900M Bond Is Proposed for Housing
HOUSING: Veterans, Homeless As Well as Others to Be Housed
More new affordable housing projects have popped up throughout San Diego County over the past two years, with more on the way. Even so, the need is so overwhelming that barely a dent has been made, with waiting lists topping 100...
Business Climate Stability May Be Rocked by Tariff
TRADE: Preparation Is Difficult; Long-Term Damage Is Likely
Two days after this article was written, the evening of June 8, the U.S. and Mexico struck a trade deal that would put potential tariffs on hold. The countries would revisit the deal after 90 days. Mexico's Congress would need to ratify another portion of the deal, President Donald Trump said on Monday, June 10.
Tech Coast Angels Accepting Applications for Quick Pitch
Applications for Tech Coast Angels' annual pitch competition are due on October 29.
La Jolla Pharmaceutical Surges on Interim Clinical Trial Data
La Jolla Pharmaceutical’s drug candidate for regulating iron overload showed promise in interim clinical trial data, sending the company’s stock soaring.
Stos Partners Sells Office Building For Nearly $9.1M
Building is in San Dimas
SD 500: John Sarkisian
John Sarkisian is a partner in Motion Ventures, a hyper-focused fund targeting sports and active lifestyle companies, which was founded in 2017.
Thursday, June 6
San Diego Regional EDC Program Plans to Create Jobs at Small Businesses
The San Diego Regional EDC plans to create 50,000 quality jobs at small businesses by 2030.
PCI Pharma Services to Open Third San Diego Site
Philadelphia-based PCI Pharma Services will open a third San Diego site, the company recently announced.
San Diego Team Arranges Financing For Los Angeles Apartments
Apartments are in Sherman Oaks neighborhood.
Tijuana Nurtures and Taps Tech Talent
Workforce: Costs, Benefits and Enthusiasm Draw Startups
After working for San Diego-based software firm ArkusNexus for two years, Lonnie McRorey and Jesus Romero set out to start their own company. They founded Framework Science in 2017 in a tiny office in Tijuana.
Jack’s Leader Faces Old, New Challenges With Decision Not to Sell
DINING:
Lenny Comma, CEO of San Diego-based Jack in the Box Inc., isn’t one for gossip. He won’t talk extensively about the NFA, or the National Jack in the Box Franchisee Association, which has called for the replacement of Comma multiple times in the last few months following a vote of “no confidence."
Tocagen Confident in Clinical Trial for Cancer Drug
Pharma: Analyst Says Main Targets Must Be Hit
Tocagen recently reported that a clinical trial of its brain cancer drug candidate will continue after an interim analysis. Afterward,its stock fell sharply, but company analysts were still mostly optimistic that the San Diego drug maker will deliver.
Innovative or Old Hat? Realtors Describe Newcomer as Both
HOUSING: Zillow Service Lets Home Sellers Move Quickly
An online real estate tracking company based in Seattle is starting a digital service to sell homes in San Diego County and other select cities.
Company Puts Beach in Most People’s Reach
Product Gives Wheelchairs Access Through the Sand
A San Diego entrepreneur is developing a solution to help adaptive surfers and other outdoors enthusiasts navigate bumpy surfaces, where wheelchairs often sink. Kelly Twichel, an occupational therapist, founded Access Trax last February.
Wednesday, June 5
Settleman to Head Pfizer’s Oncology R&D Out of La Jolla site
Jeff Settleman on June 5 was named Pfizer’s group head of oncology and research development.
Blockchain Startup XY Cuts Staff by Half
XY reduced its headcount by more than 40 employees last week, in an effort to focus the company.
Escondido Company’s Respiratory Aid Gets More Federal Funding
Escondido-based Kaer Biotherapeutics received a $300,000 federal grant to help it develop medical technology that could potentially help premature babies and adults with respiratory problems.
Venture Funded Software Firm Names CTO
ESUB Construction Software named Angelina Hendricks its chief technology officer. The hire follows on the heels of the announcement that eSUB raised $12 million in venture funding.
SD 500: Trever F. Acers
Trever Acers founded Objective Capital Partners in 2011, drawing from his more than 15 years of experience in finance, business management and acquisitions.
Qdoba Officially Moves into Amp&rsand Office Building
According to press release, Qdoba's new offices are located in the Amp&rsand office complex, the former San Diego Union Tribune building, and will be dubbed the “Qdoba Flavor Central.”
Exec Q&A: Caitlin Wege, Tech Coast Angels
New Fund Seen as Increasing Diversity of Membership
Local angel investor Caitlin Wege was named the incoming president of Tech Coast Angels — San Diego. The angel investment group has seen membership grow in the last year, and is already on pace to beat last year’s investment levels, having invested $7 million as of May.
Seaport Part of Builder’s Amazing Journey
BUILDING: From Refugee Camp to Gafcon Role, He Embraces Challenges
Canh Tran knew he wanted a career in construction from the time when a seventh-grade teacher told him he’d done a good job on a drafting project. “I was drawing and he would come up next to me and say, ‘you’re pretty good,’” Tran said.
Tuesday, June 4
Inhibrx Files for Nearly $75M IPO
La Jolla-based Inhibrx on June 3 filed for a $74.75 million initial public offering to advance three cancer drugs in clinical trials and other programs.
Otay Mesa Industrial Buildings Sold For $33M
Buildings are within the Siempre Viva Business Park
SD 500: Caroline Winn
Caroline Winn became COO in 2017; previously she was chief energy delivery officer.
ProFlowers to Close San Diego Facility, Lay-Off 167 Local Employees
The announcement preceded a press release by FTD Companies Inc., parent company to ProFlowers, stating it is filing for bankruptcy protection.
Chula Vista Medical Building Sold For $4M
Center is adjacent to Sharp HealthCare
Brown and Caldwell Opens Downtown Office
Company's offices are at 450 B St.
Normal Heights Apartments Sold For Nearly $2M
Building has nine apartments.
Monday, June 3
Navy Renames IT Command
The U.S. Navy information technology command based in Old Town will now be known as Naval Information Warfare Systems Command, or NAVWARSYSCOM.
San Diego Angel Conference Participants Make Three More Investments
Finalists for the San Diego Angel Conference received investments after
Accelerator Aims For Positive Economic Impact
Cohort Is Open to a Wide Variety of Companies
Connect All @ the Jacobs Center, a new business accelerator in the Diamond neighborhoods, welcomed 13 startups for its first cohort. The program was formed last year as a partnership between Connect and the Jacobs Center for Neighborhood Innovation, in an effort to support new businesses in a historically underserved neighborhood.
SD 500: Adam Stettner
Adam Stettner is founder and CEO of Reliant Funding, which provides financing for small- to medium-size businesses.
Leadership Test Is on Menu at Jack in the Box
Jack in the Box CEO Lenny Comma must have had dreams of driving up to a fast-food window and the cashier asking if he wants strategic alternatives with that burger. Well, things have sorted out at San Diego-based Jack in the Box.
Apartment Complex Sold For Nearly $2.1M
Complex has 12 apartments.
Sunday, June 2
Tower 16 Capital Partners Buys Colton Apartments for $63M
Complex has 352 apartments
ANOC World Beach Games Won’t Take Place in San Diego
According to a news release, ANOC has decided to relocate to a new host city that can provide "the best possible environment for NOC’s and their athletes.”
San Ysidro Health Moving Toward Acquiring Mountain Health
San Ysidro Health has taken steps to acquire Mountain Health, another nonprofit that provides health care services to low-income San Diegans.
Startup Making Smart Car Alarms Moves into New Office in East Village
Bmmpr, a startup that makes smart car alarms, is moving into a new headquarters at the I.D.E.A. District in East Village.
SD 500: Patty Maysent
Patty Maysent oversees more than 7,500 team members and budgeting in excess of $1.7 billion.
Construction Software Co., eSUB, Raises $12 Million
software: Funding Is $20M+
Wendy Rogers weathered industry skepticism and the Great Recession in building her software-as-a-service company, eSUB Construction Software Inc. San Diego-based startup eSUB Construction Software raised $12 million in a Series B funding round on May 29.