Mental Health Association builds hope, homes in Santa Barbara
Just in time for the holidays, the Mental Health Association in Santa Barbara opened a new 113,000-square-foot living facility for people with mental disabilities. Through the persistence and generosity of numerous community members and organizations, MHA’s “Building Hope” program opened its doors in early December, offering what MHA Executive Director Annmarie Cameron calls “a comprehensive Read More →
Business Times wins award, adds new special reports
Pacific Coast Business Times is heading into 2009 with special recognition, new editorial projects and preview of what lies ahead as we enter our 10th year of publication. First, the recognition. It was pretty stunning to receive an e-mail shortly before New Year’s announcing that I would be joining legendary entrepreneur Paul Orfalea, Clipper Windpower Read More →
Expect commercial real estate sales to continue standstill in 2009
Though regional commercial real estate managed to escape the toxic effects of the sinking residential market during the first three quarters of 2008, it caught up with the industry in recent months and may continue to weigh it down in 2009. “You really have to look at 2008 as being two totally different markets,” said Read More →
Successful niche firms will help economy rebound
When the American economy does turn around, presumably at some point next year, one aspect of that recovery will be very easy to forecast. I can say with absolute certainty that the vast majority of private sector jobs created in the rebound will come from small business. That’s because small businesses, particularly niche companies that Read More →
Jingle bells rock but wine gifts are smashing
Every holiday shopping list includes at least one person for whom it is nearly impossible to find the right gift. You could buy them a bottle of wine, but let’s be honest — it usually isn’t the most unique gift in the world unless you’ve made it yourself. And I say this as your wine Read More →
Year-end perspectives on the economy
How amazing is it to wake up morning after morning to headlines telling us that what was unthinkable yesterday has happened today. To punctuate a remarkable four-month period in the history of the markets, the Federal Reserve set a target for short-term interest rates at as close to zero as you can get. A $50 Read More →
Santa Barbara investors target multifamily units on clearance
Santa Barbara-based M3 Multifamily is seizing the bargain real estate opportunities caused by the market’s collapse. M3’s principals – John Mosby, Jon Martin and Mason Farrell – have been purchasing apartment properties from sellers in financial distress. Because would-be apartment buyers have been sidelined by rising capital rates, the principals expect rents and occupancy rates Read More →
