Santa Lucia defers debt payments
UncategorizedAtascadero-based Santa Lucia Bancorp said Sept. 3 that, following consultation with Federal Reserve officials, it will defer payments on $5 million in debt for up to 20 quarters. The firm also recently announced that it expects to enter an agreement with or be placed under an enforcement order to boost capital by banking regulators. The Read More →
Editorial: Ventura Harbor comes to its parking senses
OpinionScore one point for small business. After just two months, Ventura Harbor authorities have at least temporarily abandoned their plan to charge drivers for parking during peak hours at the cozy retail and restaurant district that is the main tourist draw for the harbor. The decision to abandon ship on parking fees was officially blamed Read More →
Consolidation wave hits region
UncategorizedThe information technology landscape is changing in the Tri-Counties, with two acquisitions in San Luis Obispo County and more possible in the future. The buys come as companies that have remained strong are looking for opportunities to grow and position themselves for when better times return. They’re also showing the pains and opportunities in what’s Read More →
Find the bag, follow the money: Tech veteran builds business on lost luggage
UncategorizedYou’ve just stepped off an airplane in London. You’re tired and jetlagged, and your bag is nowhere to be found. Looks like you’ll be presenting to the head of European operations in the clothes you’ve spent 16 hours in. Santa Barbara technology veteran Cleveland Motley wants to make sure that doesn’t happen again. Motley is Read More →
UCSB’s two solar powers
UncategorizedThe burning question in energy research is how to harness the power of the sun in a cost-effective way. Nobel laureate and UC Santa Barbara Professor Alan Heeger’s answer — plastic solar cells that can be printed cheaply like photographic film — has drawn interest and more than $100 million from investors. But other researchers Read More →
Dirt is flying again as building picks up in the Tri-Counties
ColumnsAfter a year or more of struggling to find work, contractors are ready to dig in their shovels and let the dirt fly as construction projects large and small break ground throughout the Tri-Counties. Several notable projects are in the construction pipeline, and builders I spoke with said they’re finally starting to see new business Read More →