Op/ed: Is ‘ethical capitalism’ an oxymoron?
By Steve Mintz on December 2, 2011 It is quite popular these days to reflect on whether capitalism as an economic system does more harm than good. Critics of capitalism, such as those in the “Occupy Wall Street” movement, claim that the actions of corporate America and Wall Street investment firms contributed to the financial Read More →
Gene Haas finally earns a Sprint Cup

When Gene Haas sets his sights on a goal, he’s one heck of a determined guy.
Editorial: Community Dividends kickstarts giving season
In what has become a welcome and enduring tradition in the region, Montecito Bank & Trust kicked off Thanksgiving week with its ninth annual Community Dividends luncheon on Nov. 21.
Entrepreneur shares recession coping lessons

What I learned is that many baby boomer entrepreneurs have the same personal narrative.
Editorial: Unemployment cost increases on the way
California employers will soon experience one of those small but annoying prices we pay for doing business in the Golden State — higher costs for unemployment insurance.
Ford infusion a new model for banking

With a single brand, new systems, a seasoned team and a strong balance sheet, Pacific Capital Bancorp has gone from troubled bank to serious competitor.
Op/ed: Philanthropy is caught in a game of politics
In spite of the importance of addressing long-term fiscal imbalances, fooling with the philanthropic engine strikes me as short-sighted.