Retail market heats up again in Santa Barbara, San Luis Obispo counties
ColumnsThe Tri-Counties are finally seeing some retail leasing action again, with everybody from large national chains to local mom-and-pop shops penning deals on spaces. It’s an encouraging sign that the economy is truly on the upswing. In Santa Barbara, national clothing retailer Love Culture announced that it has signed a 10-year lease on 7,000 square Read More →
A new deal for a new banking era
ColumnsEvery financial crisis breeds its own solutions. In the case of Pacific Capital Bancorp, the region’s largest financial institution, that solution is something called a “recapitalization.” As befits the era of the hybrid, the proposed $500 million cash injection by Dallas-based Ford Financial Group is part sale and part workout, all done with a wink Read More →
Keeping the seats full: Arts organizations battle the recession
NonprofitsA recession is never a pretty picture, especially for arts and culture nonprofits, which rely heavily on private donations and visitor attendance. Arts organizations around the country laid off workers last year, adopted hiring freezes or cut other expenses in response to a falloff in private donations and government grants. In California, the Santa Read More →
Small particles, big ideas at UCSB venture fair
UncategorizedSix teams of entrepreneurial UC Santa Barbara students are gearing up to pitch their business plans for a chance at thousands of dollars in financing. They’re part of the UCSB Technology Management Program’s venture competition. Each year, students come up with business plans, hone them with the help of faculty and area business leaders and Read More →
Investing in Santa Barbara: As stock market rebounds, financial firms target region
UncategorizedThe finance world is still holding its head as it recovers from near-collapse, but you wouldn’t think so in Santa Barbara. Two financial firms — Crowell Weedon & Co. and Partnervest — are expanding their reach and services in the city, with one opening a local branch and another launching a nationwide investment platform. Here’s Read More →
Summerland
ColumnsIf you’re in the market for a big, yellow fixer-upper, you can grab one for a steal these days. The iconic but dilapidated Summerland property known as The Big Yellow House is back on the market after sitting vacant for more than five years — and this time it’s listed at just over half its Read More →
