Willing to risk it? Small businesses take leap of faith in uncertain times
Small BusinessRisk has always been a big part of the equation in small business — and it weighs on the minds of entrepreneurs in today’s economic environment. Eric Sanabia of Signature Woodworks in Goleta took a big risk when he started his business three years ago, and now he is contemplating another sizable one. David R. Read More →
Ventura broker says housing plan will loosen up credit market
ColumnsMillions of homeowners facing foreclosure, first-time buyers and homebuyers who have been unable to secure loans will be among the primary beneficiaries of President Barack Obama’s $75 billion housing rescue plan, according to the head of Ventura County’s largest residential brokerage company. Brian Troop, president of Troop Real Estate, also said the recently unveiled Housing Read More →
Affordable housing fees at center of controversial appeals decision
ColumnsA new decision from the California’s fifth district Court of Appeals might have a big effect on the fees that some California cities impose on developers to help fund affordable housing. Or it might not. City attorneys in the Tri-Counties are waiting to see what kind of scope the decision gains. The initial dispute arose Read More →
Business Times enters 10th year of news production
ColumnsJust at the bottom of the masthead of this issue of the Business Times, you will find the following notation: “Vol. 10 No. 1.” That means we are entering our 10th year of publication. The current newspaper marks the beginning of a year-long countdown to our 10th anniversary, which we will officially celebrate in March Read More →
Stem cell research advances business
OpinionThe Obama administration’s decision to open the door to federal funding for embryonic stem cell research has long-term benefits for the region. Already, University of California, Santa Barbara, researchers have indicated they will receive millions of dollars in funding for new therapies. These will give a boost to some early-stage projects that are the direct Read More →
TARP wears out welcome
OpinionThere’s a range war happening in the West over the government’s draconian demands on local banks in return for TARP funding. Already, large banks such as Northern Trust and Wells Fargo have indicated they would like to give the money back. Smaller banks as well have put the government on notice that restrictions on pay, Read More →
TO offers buyouts
UncategorizedThe city of Thousand Oaks will offer buyouts to certain employees to offset a budget shortfall, following approval by the city council at its March 10 meeting. Council members also voted to appropriate up to $400,000 to pay for the buyout program, which can accommodate up to 20 employees who are at least 50 years Read More →
