Brave new broadband
In the past few weeks, private-sector and public-sector visions have unfolded for the United States’ 21st-century information infrastructure. The business version has drawn rallies with hundreds of enthusiastic supporters in the Tri-Counties while the broader government plan has generated reserved optimism. Google announced in February that it will install for fiber a city of 50,000 Read More →
Former MySQL exec to spearhead Eucalyptus
As a chief executive, Marten Mickos took MySQL, the open-source database firm whose technology powers Facebook and other Web sites, from a startup to its $1 billion sale to Sun Microsystems in 2008. On March 19, Mickos became CEO of Santa Barbara-based Eucalyptus Systems, an open-source software firm whose code forms private cloud computing networks and Read More →
A green future
The green economy holds great promise for the tri-county region. With thousands of jobs at stake, some interesting new players are emerging on the economic development scene. Sen. Tony Strickland, the Republican who won the narrowest of victories in a contested district, scored points when he backed a bill to exempt green manufacturing equipment from Read More →
First California nets $39 million in stock sale
Westlake Village-based First California Financial Group, parent of First California Bank, closed a public stock offering March 24 that netted it about $39 million. The bank, which has about $1.5 billion in assets and seven branches in the Tri-Counties, sold 16.56 million shares at $2.50 each for a total of about $41.4 million. Chief Executive Read More →
The Walking Co. to exit Ch. 11 in April
Santa Barbara-based shoe retailer The Walking Co. said March 22 that it could emerge from its $68.5 million Chapter 11 bankruptcy by the end of April. In December, the company took on mall landlords by filing to reorganize, citing untenable leases it signed during what company leaders called a “high water mark for retail space.” Read More →
A new Santa Barbara can lead rebound
Among the region’s larger cities, Camarillo probably has the strongest retail environment — and a much better-than-average fiscal position. Oxnard, Santa Maria and Paso Robles probably have some of the best long-term growth prospects, thanks to affordable housing and a pro-business attitude. San Luis Obispo has a dynamic new city manager with a laser-like focus Read More →
