SFVBJ CURRENT EDITION
Black Entrepreneurs Month: Richard Herron
For many businesses, the last year with the government-imposed lockdowns has been the most challenging. But Richard Herron of Construction Concern Inc. in Newhall thinks of the Great Recession as his worst period.
Burbank Accelerator for Post-COVID Economy
Wanted: Ventures focused on the future of work.
The city of Burbank is upping its game in getting the word out about what it has to offer to startups and entrepreneurs.
US Nuclear Recounts Year, Expects Bounce-Back
Shareholder letter posits acquisitions during 2021.
In a letter to its shareholders, US Nuclear Corp. laid out its plans for the coming year and took stock of what it had been through in 2020.
Ventura’s Compliance Crackdown
Officials take action against pandemic rule-breakers.
Ventura County officials last month sued 14 gyms and four restaurants for operating in violation of the state’s health order and the closure order issued by the county health officer.
Borderline Bulldozing on Horizon
Redevelopment for bar, scene of 2018 shooting.
The landlord of Borderline Bar & Grill in Thousand Oaks has earmarked the property for demolition and redevelopment.
PennyMac Chair Dies Of COVID
Stanford Kurland ‘helped to build’ home-lending industry.
Stanford Kurland, founder and chairman of Westlake Village mortgage brokerage PennyMac Financial Services Inc. and former executive at Countrywide Financial Corp., died from complications related to COVID-19, the company announced in January.
New Banker Enters Valley Business Market
Bank of Southern California opens Encino branch.
The Bank of Southern California, headquartered in San Diego, has made good on plans to deepen its presence in Los Angeles and San Diego counties, with its newest branch opening in Encino this past month.
At Gaines & Stacey, Two New Partners
Kimberly Rible and Alicia Bartley promoted at law firm.
Encino law firm Gaines & Stacey has promoted two of its land use attorneys to partner: Kimberly Rible and Alicia Bartley.
Marcus & Millichap Keeps Up Acquisition Talks
REAL ESTATE: Brokerage focuses on bulking up its finance operations.
Since starting its acquisition initiative in mid-2018, Marcus & Millichap Inc. has completed seven deals with particular emphasis on growing its lending business.
Big Cal Lutheran Donation Switches Direction
PHILANTHROPY: $4.8 million will go to scholarships, not Management School building.
Two years after becoming the founding investor in a new building for the School of Management at California Lutheran University, Steve Dorfman has changed his mind on how he wants his donation spent.
Funeral Home Flurry
SERVICE: Coronavirus strains mortuaries as families wait weeks for smaller-than-usual ceremonies.
Valley mortuaries have silently suffered a series of logistical challenges as spiking COVID-19 deaths cause capacity issues, staff strain and limits on the kinds of services they are allowed to provide, based on government regulations.
AmaWaterways Readies New Ships
Cruise line sees demand in the post-pandemic tourist season.
AmaWaterways took delivery of one new ship late last year and is scheduled to receive another this spring – even though none of its cruisers are sailing in Europe.
Tribe Gets Seat on Fernando Board
Representation to give recognition to Valley’s indigenous peoples.
A silver lining has emerged after the vandalization of the Native American obelisk at Warner Center Park during last May’s civil unrest: the Fernandeño Tataviam Band of Mission Indians now holds a seat on the board of the monument’s sponsor, the Fernando Awards Foundation.
Did Kylie Jenner Talk Too Much in Coty Deal?
COSMETICS: Trade secret complaint from manufacturer.
A celebrity makeup label and its contract manufacturer are clashing over a transaction the manufacturer claims broke the parties’ agreement and revealed trade secrets to a major competitor.
Valley Exodus Heads to Texas
RELOCATION: Are company exits part of larger trend?
The list of companies leaving the Valley is long. In the few years, home-selling company Rex, staffing company ASGN Inc., chocolatier Nestle USA and aerospace manufacturer Incora have exited to either Texas or Virginia.
Lamps Plus Earns Role in ‘Wonder Woman 1984’
Superhero film puts retailer inside retro-style mall.
Lamps Plus Inc. has made an appearance in the new Warner Bros. Entertainment film, “Wonder Woman 1984.”
AROUND THE VALLEYS
AROUND THE VALLEYS
Building in Simi Fetches $30 Million
Bank of America leases entire 206,917-square-foot property.
Despite a waning appetite for office space during the pandemic, an office building in Simi Valley has sold for $30 million, according to Newmark, a real estate brokerage involved in the deal.
Watermark Lands $83 Million Bridge Loan
Tarzana’s Gelt and partner Uhon secure financing for nearly complete 250-unit development in Reseda.
Watermark has hit its mark with bridge financing.
Tejon Ranch’s OK to Build Multifamily
Kern County greenlights potential 495-unit project.
Commercial developer Tejon Ranch Co. has announced that the Kern County Board of Supervisors has approved two conditional use permits to authorize development of multifamily apartments at the Tejon Ranch Commerce Center.
Texas-Sized Acquisition
Marcus & Millchap buys LMI Capital in Houston.
Marcus & Millichap Inc. has acquired Houston-based LMI Capital.
Industrial Might in the Heart of the Valley
The city of San Fernando caters to business owners fond of a small-town feel.
Surrounded by industry-heavy Sylmar to the north, Mission Hills to the west and Pacoima to the southeast, the city of San Fernando is one of the smallest cities in the region.
Private Schools Hold Tuition Line But Offer Aid
LIST: Administrators report full enrollment even with remote-only instruction.
So far in the coronavirus pandemic, private high schools in the Valley region have not experienced a drop in enrollment, nor have they had to reduce tuition, staffers told the Business Journal.
Hollywood Starts Year With Clean, Blank Slate
Movie distribution remains in flux after terrible 2020.
The summer movie season generally brings in about $4 billion in box office revenue.