Stories for June 2012

Friday, June 29

Simi Valley Hospital Recognized for Excellence

Simi Valley Hospital received three awards in the 2012 PRC National Excellence in Healthcare awards program.

ValueClick Sharer Rise After Earnings Guidance

ValueClick, the Westlake Village online advertising company, said this week it expects second-quarter revenue to come in at the high end of its previously announced guidance of $155 million to $160 million.

Thursday, June 28

Valley Hospitals and Clinics Hail Supreme Court Decision

Valley hospital and insurance executives greeted today’s Supreme Court decision on the Affordable Care Act with relief coupled with caution.

San Fernando Develops Campaign to Keep J.C. Penney

The city of San Fernando has organized a campaign to prevent the closure of the J.C. Penney in San Fernando.

Qualstar Board to Stay in Place

A special election by shareholders of Qualstar Corp. fell short in replacing the board of directors of the financially struggling company.

Wednesday, June 27

Princess Prepares to Set Sail in Japan

Carnival Corporation & plc, parent company of Valencia-based Princess Cruises, officially announced the opening of its new Carnival Japan office today, launching the Princess brand into the growing Japanese market.

Production Starts on Lightweight Aircraft Windows

PPG Aerospace has started full-scale production of a lightweight plastic material used for windows on a Gulfstream business jet.

Burbank Names New Public Information Officer

The City of Burbank has hired a veteran broadcast journalist as its new public information officer.

Tuesday, June 26

ValueClick Shares Slide on Downgrade

Shares of ValueClic, the Westlake Village-based Internet advertising company, fell to their lowest level in almost a year today after an analyst at Piper Jaffray Cos. downgraded the stock over concerns that Internet ad buying is shifting to online exchanges.

Local Boys & Girls Club to Announces New Location

The Boys and Girls Clubs of Conejo and Las Virgenes announced the opening of a new Club in Agoura Hills.

Amgen Launches Chemo Awareness Campaign

Amgen today launched an awareness campaign about chemotherapy for cancer patients and their caregivers featuring Emmy-nominated actress and breast cancer survivor Maura Tierney.

Flat Fourth Quarter for AeroVironment

Net income remained flat in the fourth quarter when compared to a year ago for unmanned aircraft and electric charging station manufacturer AeroVironment Inc.

Monday, June 25

Standards Group Choose National Testing Systems as Exclusive Partner

National Technical Systems Inc. of Calabasas has been chosen by a national standards group as its exclusive testing and certification lab partner.

Munchkin Launches Annual Munchkin Bunch Program

Last week North Hills-based Munchkin Inc. announced the launch of its second annual Munchkin Bunch program.

Dole Announces Cook-Off Winner

Westlake Village-based Dole Food Company announced the winner of its annual grilling competition, the Dole California Cook-Off.

New Medical Tenants Snag Space in Thousand Oaks

PROPERTY: Leases may help to spur downtown foot traffic, new developement.

PROPERTY: New medical tenants in Thousand Oaks may help spur foot traffic

Summer Tourist Attractions to Boost Valley Economy

EDITOR COLUMN: From the Newsroom Column by Editor Jaclyn Giovis

MGA to Launch New Toy Brand

Van Nuys firm rolls out Novi Stars dolls, apparel and accessories.

TOYS: MGA Entertainment partners with tween retailer on new brand launch

Burbank Makeup Studio Faces Future with Optimism

BEAUTY: Heaven’s Makeup Bar ramps up marketing efforts.

BEAUTY: New Burbank makeup studio aims to gain exposure and generate clients

Hotel Mandates to Increase Tourism?

VICA COLUMN: Catching the local business issues that fall through the cracks

Glendale Adventist Forms Foundation to Hire Doctors

CARE: Two Glendale practices with 15 doctors are first to join the new program.

HOSPITAL: Glendale Adventist’s new foundation allows for doctor acquisitions

New Dealerships Are Cruising Into Valley Auto Malls

Cars: Audi, Mini Cooper, Bentley and Rolls Royce to bring significant sales tax revenue.

AUTO: New dealerships cruise into Valley auto malls.

Border Protection

MANUFACTURING: Palmdale firm Delta Scientific expands production line to include guard booths.

MANUFACTURING: Delta Scientific expands offerings to include guard booths

UCLA Health System Gains Foothold in Valley Region

HEALTH CARE: Five medical offices to open.

HEALTH CARE: UCLA Health Systems plans to enter theValley market.

Lancaster Offers Kiosks to Downtown Businesses

InSite Development is planning to lease up to 20 retail units along Lancaster Boulevard.

KIOSK: Lancaster offers kiosks to new and existing businesses looking for exposure

Dole Finds New Niche with Fro-Yo

The fruit company is partnering with TCBY on new yogurt flavors.

FOOD: Dole joins forces with yogurt company TCBY on fruity new flavors

CLU Enters Design Contest

Students create product for disabled individuals.

EDUCATION: Cal Lutheran students invent a product for disabled individuals

Tutor Perini Tackles Tunnel

BUILD: Firm begins $1.4 billion project in Seattle.

CONSTRUCTION: Tutor Perini breaks ground on massive tunnel project in Seattle.

Santa Clarita Firm Relocates

JOBS: Morton brings 300 workers to Lancaster.

AEROSPACE: Morton Manufacturing moves to Lancaster, bringing some 300 jobs.

Dressed to Ride

Helmet House has worked to keep bikers safe and stylish for more than 40 years.

ENTREPRENEUR: Helmet House makes and distributes motorcycle helmets

Secret Sauce

After 20 years of business, Wood Ranch BBQ & Grill aims to offer customers great-tasting food, top-notch service and consistency as it expands its footprint.

PROFILE: Ofer Shemtov and Eric Anders of Wood Ranch BBQ & Grill

Law Firm Grows into New Westlake Village Office

Law: Workers’ compensation business keeps Floyd, Skeren & Kelly in expansion mode.

LAW: Rising workers’ compensation claims helps local law firm expand

MOVE OVER, GIPPER

Disney Opens Archives for ‘Treasures’ Exhibit at Reagan Library

EXHIBIT: Ronald Reagan Library to host Disney’s display of artifacts this summer

TRANSFORMATION

3D ride lures crowds to Universal Studios

TRANSFORMERS: Universal Studios’ Transformer ride is a hit with visitors

Sport Chalet’s Future Includes New Store, Revamps

RETAIL: After a rough year, the company aims to roll out ‘next generation’ store format.

SHOP: Sport Chalet plans new Downtown location and revamps on existing stores

Start Your Engines

Disney’s new ‘Cars Land’ likely to boost attendance

DISNEY: ‘Cars Land’ aims to revitalize Disney’s California Adventure park

Premier America Makes Changes at Telesis Branches

Finance: Premier America has expanded hours, services as federal agency handles loans.

BANKING: Premier America implements changes at former Telesis branches

Valley’s Nursing Homes Cope with Declining Funding

HEALTH: Occupancy high as homes deal with funding cuts, and aim to offer individual care.

LIST STORY: Valley nursing homes cope with decline in state funding

Van Nuys Airport Project Requires Runway Closure

PLANES: Main runway to shut down for 10 days and 26 nights for repairs.

AVIATION: Van Nuys Airport to close runway for reconstruction project

San Fernando Seeks Solution to J.C. Penney Closure

RETAIL: Property owner hopes the department store will rethink decision to shut down.

RETAIL: San Fernando community seeks solution to J.C. Penney closure

Extended Family Helps a Van Nuys Preschool Teacher

SUPPORT: Valley nonprofit assisted single mom to buy food and clothing for her children.

GIVING: This regular feature focuses on philanthropic activities by Valley-area companies and businesspeople

Engineering Firm First Tenant for Media Town Spaces

RELOCATE: Sherman Oaks business exchanging high rise views for open environment.

REAL ESTATE: Arc Engineering relocates to Media Town Spaces in Burbank

Leapfrog Group Hospital Safety Scores Offer Surprises

STUDY: Nine Valley hospitals earn top scores, but safety improvements are still needed.

HEALTH CARE: Valley hospitals are graded on safety procedures

Around the Valleys

AROUND THE VALLEYS: News and notes from around the greater San Fernando Valley area

Super Parks

Theme Parks Invest Millions in New Thrills

TOURISM: Theme parks reinvest in business to increase attendance.

Thursday, June 21

SpaRitual Now Sold on Spalook.com

Van Nuys-based SpaRitual has been added to online retailer spalook.com’s roster of vendors.

Westlake Village Homebuilder Buys Assets of N.C Builder

The Ryland Group, Inc. today announced that it has entered into an agreement to acquire the Charlotte and Raleigh. N.C. operations and assets of Timberstone Homes, which will provide the Westlake Village homebuilder 870 new lots and homes for future sales.

Morton Manufacturing Moving to Lancaster

Aerospace fastener manufacturer Morton Manufacturing is moving to Lancaster from the Santa Clarita Valley, bringing 300 jobs to the city and stimulating the Antelope Valley economy while potentially hurting the economic landscape in Santa Clarita.

Wednesday, June 20

Investors Vote on Changing Qualstar Board

Investors in Qualstar Corp. met June 20 for a special meeting to vote on bringing in a new board of directors to turn around the financially struggling company.

On Assignment CEO is E&Y Entrepreneur of the Year Winner

On Assignment Inc. CEO Peter T. Dameris received the Ernst & Young’s Entrepreneur Of The Year 2012 Award for service organizations based in the Los Angeles region.

Guitar Center Announces Winner of Talent Competition

Westlake Village-based retailer Guitar Center Inc. announced the winner of its annual “Your Next Record” competition: Emmanuel Ruiz aka Manny X from Providence, RI.

Tuesday, June 19

Salem Communications Joins Russell 3000 Index

Salem Communications Corp. joins the Russell 3000 Index this month, joining other companies with strong market capitalization.

Nestlé’s Juicy Juice Partners With Feeding America

Nestlé USA brand Nestlé Juicy Juice announced its partnership with nonprofit organization Feeding America and television personality Samantha Harris on a campaign to alleviate childhood hunger this summer.

Antelope Valley Hospital Prepares to Begin Work on New Cardiovascular and Neurological Centers

Antelope Valley Hospital began a new phase of its $32 million renovation yesterday, closing its west entryway in preparation for construction on its new cardiovascular and neurological center of excellence.

Monday, June 18

Simi Valley Firm Expands to Asia Market

XYPRO Technology Corporation, a Simi Valley-based provider of security software and services for HP NonStop server environments, announced its expansion into the Asia Pacific market.

Ryland Homes Builds Four New Communities, Volunteers with Habitat for Humanity

Ryland Homes of Westlake Village plans to build four new housing communities in the Indianapolis area. One of the nation’s top home builders with nearly $1 billion in revenues, Ryland said the new projects represent the continued, “unprecedented” growth of Ryland Homes in Indianapolis this year.

Theater Chain Chooses Cinedigm for Management Software

Cinedigm Digital Cinema Corp. will supply software to a British movie theater chain to automate and manage the chain’s operations.

Friday, June 15

Teledyne in Space Imaging Agreement with NASA

A subsidiary of Teledyne Technologies Inc. reached an agreement with NASA to provide a platform for collecting images of earth from the International Space Station.

Munchkin Introduces New Products to Promote Healthy Eating Habits

Munchkin Inc., a North Hills-based designer and manufacturer of infant and toddler products, announced the launch of its Balanced Meal-themed plate and placemat.

Glendale Adventist Medical Center Debuts Integrated Care with Physicians

Glendale Adventist Medical Center today launched a new division—the Adventist Health Physicians Network, a statewide medical foundation which will be able to acquire physicians’ practices.

Thursday, June 14

Guilty Plea in Valley Tax Fraud Case

A Valley Village tax return preparer pleaded guilty to defrauding the Internal Revenue Service of $1.5 million by filing more than 200 false returns.

Kaiser Permanente to Open Third Location in Thousand Oaks

Kaiser Permanente is adding a third medical office building in Thousand Oaks with a lease signed for about 11,0000 square feet of space located at 322 East Thousand Oaks Blvd.

Cal Lutheran Named Semifinalists for Design Competition

Cal Lutheran University students are semifinalists for a design contest at the Rehabilitation Engineering & Assistive Technology Society of North America 2012 Annual Conference.

Wednesday, June 13

UCLA Enters Valley with Plans for Multiple Offices

UCLA Health System, the prestigious academic Los Angeles medical institution, is expanding its footprint into the San Fernando and Conejo Valleys.

Teledyne Scientific Receives Energy Department Funding

Teledyne Scientific and Imaging received $2.1 million from the U.S. Department of Energy to develop a process to save energy when making paper pulp.

MGA Entertainment Partners with Justice Stores on New Branded Line

Van Nuys-based toy manufacturer, MGA Entertainment today announced its new cosmic-themed entertainment brand, Novi Stars, which will be available in Justice stores in August.

Tuesday, June 12

Row 44 Receives $45 Million Investment

Inflight entertainment provider Row 44 received a $45 million round of financing led by a German software development and content creation firm.

Report Recommends Change in Qualstar Board

Corporate governance services firm Institutional Shareholder Services Inc. released a report supporting the election of new board members at Qualstar Corp., a Simi Valley data storage and power products manufacturer.

National Technical Acquires Rival Test Lab

National Technical Systems Inc. added clients in the aerospace, defense, telecom and commercial electronics markets with the acquisition of competing test services firm Garwood Laboratories Inc.

Amgen Completes Turkish Acquisition

Amgen today announced it has completed the acquisition of Istanbul-based Mustafa Nevzat Pharmaceuticals, a privately held Turkish company.

Monday, June 11

FDA to Review Medtronic Device That’s First Step to Artificial Pancreas

Medtronic said it has submitted its pre-market approval application to the Food and Drug Administration for an insulin pump and continuous glucose monitor that automatically suspends the delivery of insulin if blood sugars drop too low.

United Online Adds to its Memory Lane Business

United Online added to its high school connection business with the acquisition of schoolFeed Inc., a social media network and Facebook app.

U.S. HealthWorks Adds Cupertino Medical Group to its Network of California Centers

Valencia-based U.S. HealthWorks, a national operator of occupational health care centers, announced the acquisition of the Cupertino Medical Group bringing the number of medical centers it operates to 66 in California and 172 nationwide.

Valley Moms Look To ‘Ditch The Itch’

Calabasas-based company now selling Undercover Tape in 30 stores in seven states.

INVENT: New product aims to eliminate discomfort from itchy clothing tags

Valley Hospitals Could Lose Big

HEALTH: Most costly patients targeted for cost savings measure.

HEALTH CARE: Valley hospitals say new managed care program will hurt

Restaurant Depot Plans New Warehouse in North Hills

Real Estate: Company says new facility will lead to new hires, increased sales.

REAL ESTATE: Restaurant Depot plans move to new North Hills facility

New Film School Bringing International Flair to Burbank

Education: Academy sets itself apart with small class sizes and less cost than other schools.

EDUCATION: International Academy of Film and Television opens in Burbank

Van Nuys Aviation Firm Adding Planes, Growing Fast

Fly: Jet Edge International strikes partnership with XO Jet to expand fleet, aircraft options.

AVIATION: Jet Edge buys aircraft, growing rapidly in Van Nuys

Building a Reputation

PROFILE: Timothy Violé and John Kurzeka of TViolé Construction

Troubled Telesis Credit Union Out of Business

Finance: Premier America purchases assets.

FINANCE: Premier America acquires assets of Telesis Community Credit Union

Valley Auto Expert Gives Entrepreneurs Business Advice via Podcast

Dan Kahn teams up with podcast veteran from Iowa to launch show.

Local business owner starts podcast on automotive industry

Menchie’s Joins Fro-Yo Frenzy

FRANCHISE: Local brand plans global expansion, hundreds of stores.

RETAIL: Frozen yogurt franchise Menchie’s is looking to open 400 stores worldwide

Nestlé USA, Girl Scouts Partner on New Treats

Scouts select Glendale company for first candy bar deal.

Nestle USA partners with Girls Scouts on new candy bar

Patients Needed

HEALTH CARE: MinuteClinic Sherman Oaks store highlights chain’s past struggles in the Valley, new strategy.

CLINIC: MinuteClinic opens new Valley location amidst challenges in L.A. market

Anthem to Help Consumers Shop for Imaging Services

SERVICE: Anthem program brings transparency to cost of health care services.

INSURANCE: Anthem helps consumers shop for imaging services

PERFORMANCE DESIGNED PRODUCTS SHERMAN OAKS

Sound and Color

Valley companies showcase products at video game industry’s largest show.

Struggling Animal Sanctuary Eyes Tours to Raise Money

Wildlife: As fundraising revenue shrinks, Sylmar refuge considers potential merger.

NONPROFIT: The Wildlife Waystation aims to open to the public after years of closure

THQ Building Game Plan for Financial Improvement

PROFITS: New president, reverse stock split figure into company’s restructuring goals.

THQ: Video game developer restructures to improve performance

No Regrets for Missing the Accelerator Wave

COMMENTARY: Guest Column by Matt Crowley

Insomniac Launches First Social Game, New Products

SPACE: ‘Outernauts’ is way for Burbank studio to stay on top of emerging online market.

Burbank video game firm launches game for Facebook

California Bill Adds to Valley Business’ Bottom Line

COMMENTARY: Guest Column by Michael Gottlieb

Video Game Companies Mix Creativity and Business Acumen

COMMENTARY: From the Newsroom by Jaclyn Giovis

Rocketdyne Attracts Suitors from Commercial Space

AEROSPACE: Sale may lead to growth, cuts.

AEROSPACE: Potential Rocketdyne sale is in the works

REM Eyewear Hires High Schoolers for the Summer

jobs: Sun Valley company teaches tricks of the trade to underserved urban youth.

GIVING: This is a regular feature on philanthropic activities by Valley-area business people and companies

Glendale Takes the Crown for Biggest Price Disparity

Health Care: Study reveals major price differences for dental services.

HEALTH CARE:Study shows greatest price disparities in dentistry are in Glendale

Developer Plans Single-Family Farmhouse Community

Homes: Newport Beach Builder buys nearly 9 acres in Chatsworth near Stoney Point

REAL ESTATE: Developer plans single family community in Chatsworth

Around the Valleys

News and notes from around the greater San Fernando Valley area

AROUND THE VALLEYS: News and notes from around the greater San Fernando Valley area

L.A. City Mum on How It Will Enforce Condom Law

Adult: Working group gets 90 day extention to decipher way to enforce the ordinance.

ENTERTAINMENT: Adult industry seeks ways to enforce new condom law

Packaged Success

Fresh & Ready offers customers diverse product offerings.

ENTREPRENEUR: Fresh & Ready Foods manufactures fresh sandwiches and salads

Teledyne Expanding Underwater Vehicle Product Mix

STRATEGY: Thousand Oaks firm continues to grow through acquisition.

TECH: Teledyne continues to grow through strategic acquisitions

Valley Meeting and Convention Business on Up Swing

PROMOTION: Valley now has representative to promote meeting facilities.

Area meeting venues struggle to bounce back from the recession. Includes SFVBJ's 2012 LARGEST MEETING FACILITIES list for download (pdf)

WARNER BROS. INTERACTIVE ENTERTAINMENT BURBANK

Superheroes

Valley companies showcase products at video game industry’s largest show.

ROYAL ELECTRONICS VAN NUYS

Closeout Titles

Valley companies showcase products at video game industry’s largest show.

GAME ON

GAMES: San Fernando Valley businesses turn out for E3 video game convention

DISNEY INTERACTIVE MEDIA GROUP BURBANK

‘Epic’ Pitch

Valley companies showcase products at video game industry’s largest show.

Friday, June 8

NBC4 Names Vice President of News

NBC4 Southern California has named an experienced broadcast professional as its new vice president of news.

Sales Increase, Income Drops at Cherokee

Despite an increase in revenues, Cherokee Inc., a Sherman Oaks-based brand management company, reported a decrease in income in the first quarter.

Troubled Telesis Credit Union Out of Business

Chatsworth credit union Premier America this month purchased the financially defunct Telesis Community Credit Union, assuming its 37,600 members and assets valued at $301.3 million.

Wednesday, June 6

Mission Valley Bank Names New Board Member

An original investor in Mission Valley Bancorp has been named to the board of the directors of the firm, the parent of Mission Valley Bank in Sun Valley.

CSUN Receives $2.38 Million Grant

California State University, Northridge received a $2.38 million grant from the National Science Foundation (NSF).

American Warehouse Equipment to Leave Northridge, Arrive In Simi Valley

American Warehouse Equipment Inc. has purchased a Simi Valley industrial property for about $2 million and will leave its long-time home in Northridge, brokers said.

Tuesday, June 5

Public Hearing Held On Disney’s Golden Oak Ranch

About 100 people attended a hearing in Newhall Monday night for The Walt Disney Co.’s Golden Oak Ranch project in the Santa Clarita Valley, voicing both concern and support for the mega-development, according to county planning staff.

Health Net Division Wins Government Contracts Serving Central Valley

The California Department of Health Care Services has announced its intent to award contracts to provide Medi-Cal benefits in the Central Valley region to a subsidiary of Woodland Hills-based Health Net Inc.

San Fernando J.C. Penney to Close

J.C. Penney Co. confirmed plans to close its San Fernando store, a move which will impact some 50 employees.

Monday, June 4

Henry Mayo Opens Neonatal ICU; Expands Cardiac Services

Henry Mayo Newhall Memorial Hospital opened its Neonatal Intensive Care Unit (NICU) today following the inspection and approval of the new unit by the California Department of Public Health last Friday.

MPTF Hospital is Among Those Fined for Safety Violations

The Motion Picture Television Fund (MPTF) Hospital in Woodland Hills was among 13 hospitals fined by the California Department of Public Health for a range of safety violations.

THQ Jettisons “UFC” Video Game Franchise

Video game developer THQ Inc. has given up the rights to release games based on the Ultimate Fighting Championship brand for an undisclosed cash payment.

Sales Drop, Losses Widen at Sport Chalet

Warm winter weather led to a decline in 4th quarter sales at La Canada-based Sport Chalet Inc., which operates sporting goods stores.