Karen Pearlman
Reporter
Recent Stories
Ensuring and Insuring an Equality Mindset
Click2bind Aims To Make Insurance More Accessible
With nearly 25 years in the insurance business as an underwriter, team manager and producer, Arthur Hopkins said people call him “the insurance encyclopedia.”
Inspiring Purpose-Driven Social Impact
Events: 2022 Cause Conference Coming in September
Purpose-driven business leaders and nonprofits, impact investors, philanthropists and social enterprises will connect later this year at the 2022 Cause Conference, seeking to collaborate about some of the biggest challenges facing the San Diego region.
Putting the “Real” in Realtor
Tamara Zyhylij Has Been Ready for Real Estate For Decades
Tamara Zyhylij’s father was 9 years old when he arrived at Ellis Island in New York City’s harbor with his mother and stepfather.
B. Austin Consulting Educates, Protects LGBTQ+ Employers, Employees
Firm Still Keeps Veterans in Sight
Black, lesbian and a disabled middle-aged American combat Veteran, local CEO Bridgette Austin doesn’t mince words about just how things have gone for her on the unique path she’s traveled. “My life has been phenomenal!”
Cruising to Success
COVID-19 Pandemic Served to Build Adam Martindale’s Business
Perhaps no business sector was harder hit during the COVID-19 pandemic than the cruise and travel industry.
New Board Chair Takes Gavel at San Diego Regional EDC
NONPROFITS: Jennie Brooks of Booz Allen Hamilton Succeeds Julian Parra
Jennie Brooks, senior vice president at information technology consultants Booz Allen Hamilton has been named the new Board Chair at the San Diego Regional Economic Development Corporation.
AEC: Calculating Assistance for Businesses since 2005
A Company That Holds Itself Accountable
During Dale Peronteau ’s life as an entrepreneur and small business owner, he has been through a handful of major events that could have been career-enders.
Classy Looks at the State of Philanthropy
NONPROFITS: Report Breaks Down Best Practices
Feeding San Diego, a hunger-relief charity and food bank serving San Diego County through a variety of direct-to-client and partner agency programs, depends on outside donations in its mission to help end hunger.
CBX Opens New $100M Passenger Facility
TRAVEL: Binational Screening Site Cuts Wait Times
A new, privately owned screening facility recently opened at the General Abelardo L. Rodriguez Airport (also known as the Tijuana International Airport) has major cross-border significance, local leaders say.
Gossip Grill: The Go-To Place for LGBTQ+ Community
Where ‘Welcome Home Beautiful’ is More Than a Motto
Moe Girton is the owner and general manager of Gossip Grill, the successful women-forward bar, restaurant and nightclub in Hillcrest.
Walking the Walk, Talking the Talk
Milo Shapiro Teaches Others How to be Heard
Improvisational theater is an art form that isn’t for everyone, but local San Diego business owner Milo Shapiro has turned improv into a successful career for more than two decades.
Lemon Grove Company Focuses on Tech Challenges
The Computer Admin Finds Solutions with Managed IT Services
The orange-rimmed eyeglass frames with googly eyes in its company logo has a nerdy Clark Kent vibe, but don’t let the fun look fool you. The Computer Admin acts far more like Superman.
San Diego’s ‘Prints Charming’
Consolidated Concepts Focused on Commercial Printing, Promotional Products
Walking in his maternal grandfather’s footsteps was not the plan Todd Cazin had in mind for his career, but for more than 20 years, the San Diego native has partly “copied” what has worked for his family’s nearly 70-year-old company.
Great Ecology Recognized as Wetlands Hero
ESG: Ecological Consulting Firm Gets National Award
New York native-turned-La Jolla resident Mark Laska, president, founder and CEO of Great Ecology, a leading ecological consulting firm based in San Diego, was honored at the Environmental Law Institute’s 33rd National Wetlands Awards last month.
24 Area Water Agencies to Collect Over $90M
LEGAL: San Diego County Water Authority Wins Rate Case
Two dozen members of the San Diego County Water Authority, a wholesale water supplier in the county, will be collecting more than $10 million as part of a successful litigation against the Metropolitan Water District of Southern California.
Pride in the Public Sector
Consulting Company Cultivates Diversity in Utilities Field
Few companies felt more seen, heard and validated than San Diego’s Pride Resource Partners when earlier this year the California Public Utilities Commission opened the doors for greater opportunities for lesbian-, gay-, bisexual- and transgender-owned businesses.
A Beachfront Renaissance in North County
TOURISM: ‘Smart’ Tourism Fuels Growth in Oceanside
After more than a decade of repair and rebuilding, Oceanside officials say their beachfront renaissance is finally shifting into high gear. And the city’s travel-based economy shows it – growing by nearly 70% in the past year even amid the pandemic.
San Diego Regional Economic Development Corporation Has New Board Chair
Jennie Brooks of Booz Allen Hamilton Takes Over for BofA’s Julian Parra
Jennie Brooks, senior vice president at information technology consultants Booz Allen Hamilton (NYSE: BAH), has been named the new Board Chair at the San Diego Regional Economic Development Corporation.
Taylor Guitars Picks Andy Powers
MANUFACTURING: Master Designer Takes Helm at Employee-Owned Firm
Andy Powers, head of guitar development at Taylor Guitars, has been promoted to president and CEO of the El Cajon-based company.
Illumina Supports Early STEM Education
BIOTECH: Firm’s DNA Sequencing Display Debuts at JA’s BizTown
Illumina, a San Diego stalwart since 1998, now has a high-profile presence at the McGrath Family JA BizTown in the Grantville community.
San Diego Gets Its Pride On
EVENTS: Honoring LGBTQ+ Community
Pride month has arrived, and the San Diego lesbian, gay, bisexual and transgender community – and its allies – are ready for it. San Diego is joining communities around the globe in June to celebrate and honor all things LGBTQ+.
If Your Pet Could Talk
START-UPS: Del Mar-based Fluent Pet Helps Animals, Humans Converse
For pet parents who have always wished their furry friends could have conversations together, it might be time to “paws” for a moment and consider one local entrepreneur’s innovation.
Elevating Event Planning
MIHO Experience is More Than Catering
A friendship forged in the food world over a decade ago has blossomed into an innovative and successful catering company that plans and designs upscale events around San Diego County.
Passions Percolate at Deja Brew
Lounge Mixes Asian, Hispanic Cultures in Coffee and More
Vannak Seang met Mariana Covarrubias in the mid 2010s when both were attending classes and working toward their culinary arts degrees at the Art Institute of California - San Diego.
Taylor Guitars Names New CEO
Andy Powers, head of guitar development at Taylor Guitars, has been promoted to president and CEO of the El Cajon-based company.
Violet-colored Desserts Make for a Bright Future
All Things Ube Find Success Using Purple Yam
The purple yam and a recipe using it that was handed down by her father, a native of the Philippines, has turned into a success story for San Diego baker Daphne Daung.
Cold-pressed Juices Quench Thirst of Fans in San Diego
It’s All Healthy at a R3FRESHing Spot in Kearny Mesa
When Joe Kao’s grandfather, David, was diagnosed with Parkinson’s disease in his late 60s, Kao’s mother, Sharon, pulled out all the stops to ensure that her father’s physical health was as well as could be.
The Authentic Taste of Guam – in San Diego
Smack’n Guamanian Grill Pays Homage to Founder’s Family
The offerings at one of the only restaurants in San Diego offering Chamorro food – the ethnic, authentic taste of Guam – may indeed be good enough to make you smack your lips.
Helix Water District Helps Customers Avoid Price Spikes
UTILITIES: East County Water Provider Renews Contract with Calpine
Helix Water District recently renewed its electricity purchasing contract with San Diego-based Calpine Energy Solutions, helping the district lock in prices for its more than 275,000 customers in East County through the end of 2030.
Tofu House Menu As Varied as its Customers
Soybean Curd is Not Just for Vegetarians
Although there are several plant-based items on its menu, and its name brings for many an immediate connection to vegan food, Tofu House is not a vegetarian restaurant.
Developing Some Art and Sole
SMALL BUSINESS: Young Entrepreneur Part of Major Sneaker Launch
Creating a sneaker for a major company has been a goal of San Diego native Ben Gass for several years.
Making the Link to Technology More Fun
Robolink Drones, Robots Get Kids Ready for the Workforce
Hansol Hong said when he was a young boy growing up in South Korea, he wasn’t exposed to the kind of STEM (Science Technology Engineering and Mathematics) learning that he wished he had been – learning that was also fun.
Training for Body and Mind
Martial Arts Academy Helps Students with Coordination, Focus and Self-Esteem
Driving along Miramar Road after he was laid off from his job of nearly three years at Qualcomm a little more than 25 years ago, Tom Thai wasn’t sure what the future would hold. But as he headed home from Sorrento Valley on that day in March 1996, Thai had to pass the martial arts studio.
California Cuisine and Much More at InsideOUT
Catering to Hillcrest’s ‘In’ and ‘Out’ Crowd
Native San Diegan Paris Quion, who started her career in the Hillcrest LGBTQ community as an entertainer and volunteer, is now general manager of one of the area’s top restaurants.
Comic Book Store Stays ‘Super’ Busy with Loyal Customer Base
Comickaze’s Sells Hot Commodities
When the COVID-19 pandemic threatened the livelihood of myriad businesses throughout San Diego County in early 2020, locals came to the rescue of one of San Diego’s iconic comic book stores.
Tea for More Than Just Two
PARU Tea Brews Up Special Blends in Point Loma as Well as La Jolla
If you’re a fan of beverages that go beyond merely offering hydration, and you like the idea of sustainable practices, local business owners Amy Truong and Lani Gobaleza just may be – and have – your cup of tea.
The San Diego Foundation Rallies to Support Working Parents
NONPROFITS: Taking A Closer Look at San Diego’s Childcare Needs
Two reports commissioned by local nonprofit The San Diego Foundation and shared in April shed light on a continuing challenge for working parents: How to best navigate in an era in which the affordability and availability of childcare in San Diego County is a growing challenge.
American Soju’s Sojourn Hits Restart Button
A Spirited Comeback for Local Korean Vodka
For those who enjoy vodka, but not the lasting effects it sometimes brings, North County resident Marc Song has some good news for you: After a couple of years on COVID-19 hiatus, Song’s 2016 creation American Soju is finding its way back into markets across Southern California.
Business Travel, Conventions Revving Back Up
TOURISM: Nearly 4M Passengers Fly into San Diego in Q1
While leisure travel has rebounded strongly in 2022, local tourism officials say business travel and convention business is also starting to perk up. But a full recovery may still be two to three years away.
Deuce Aiming for No. 1
RETAIL: Athletic Gear Firm Calling Some Shots in NBA
While they may have come up short in fulfilling their gridiron dreams, best friends and business partners Gary Hughes and Tom Malloy have made impressive strides in the world of sports fashion.
Cross Street: Where Chicken Meets Beer in San Diego
RESTAURANTS: Business ‘A Labor of Love’ for Old Friends
Best friends going into the restaurant business together can be a recipe for disaster. But that has not been the case for Tommy Nguyen and Wilson To, co-founders of local restaurant Cross Street Chicken and Beer, which has three locations around San Diego.
New NIL Program Debuts at SDSU
SPORTS: Local Businesses Encouraged to Partner with Student-Athletes
If you think you may have seen San Diego State men’s soccer captain and defender Kyle Colonna in advertisements for a sports nutrition company or SDSU softball first baseman/catcher Alexis Otero promoting a line of athletic clothing, you aren’t mistaken.
French-Vietnamese Taste Combo Hooks Patrons at Kingfisher
RESTAURANTS: Phan Sisters Create Food Fusion
At first glance, it might seem odd that Kingfisher Cocktail Bar & Eatery, a restaurant that opened in January in Golden Hill, marries the culinary styles of two quite diverse countries, partnering ingredients favored by chefs from France and those from Vietnam.
Choice Superfood Bar and Juicery Keeps Growing
RESTAURANTS: Founder Publishes New Cookbook
The idea of eating food that is good for the body, good for the mind and good for the planet is not lost on local restaurateur Nastasha McKeon.
Padres Unveil Sweet New Suites at Petco Park
SPORTS: Upgrade a Hit with Baseball Fans
The executive leaders with the San Diego Padres have upgraded the team’s luxury suites at Petco Park and continue to support San Diego County-based food and beverage partners, clearly demonstrating that the only professional sports team in town is in touch with the local business community.
San Diego Zoo Names New Executive Director
TOURISM: Erika Kohler, Former Interim ED, Gets Nod
As a child growing up in Macomb in west central Illinois, Erika Kohler was moved by the compassionate actions of a local man who was part of a second family to her.
‘Smart’ Businesses Progressing Toward Inclusivity
REPORT: Employers Must Focus on ‘Inclusive’ Economic Development
To stay competitive in the global marketplace, San Diego County businesses, educators and other stakeholders in the region need to step up and look at ways to stay on top of hiring needs of the future - and that means a push toward more inclusive development.
Port Tenants Association Changes Name
NONPROFITS: Rebrands as 'San Diego Working Waterfront'
The San Diego Port Tenants Association has changed its name to San Diego Working Waterfront, and on April 21 unveiled a new logo that honors its roots and the people engaged in the myriad businesses on the waterfront.
Bolstering Productivity Platform
SOFTWARE: ClickUp Buys Slapdash
With the use of workplace productivity software steadily on the rise, ClickUp announced last week (April 26) that it has acquired Slapdash, a small but mighty SaaS firm with five employees working remotely from San Francisco, Toronto and London.
City of San Diego Hires New Planning Director
GOVERNMENT: Heidi Vonblum to Guide Long-Term Growth Plan
Heidi Vonblum knows firsthand how important housing that fits a family’s need can be – and the necessity of nearby public parks. The city of San Diego’s newly hired planning director and her three young children live in a 1,000-square-foot home – without a backyard – in urban San Diego.
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