Atara Biotherapeutics angles for $92M, but jobs are scarce
Atara is among a new breed of “virtual” biotech startups. Such firms operate with barebones staff and outsource research and manufacturing operations to contract organizations. They are becoming increasingly common as investors seek to mitigate the huge risks of bringing drugs to market, a process that can cost as much as $1.8 billion, according to industry estimates.
Firms shape up for success with workplace wellness programs, perks
At the San Luis Obispo headquarters for international software company Mindbody, employees can break away for noontime yoga or retreat to one of the building’s downstairs spa rooms for a massage or facial. Amid high ceilings, colorful beanbag chairs and exercise balls, employees at Mindbody are working in an atmosphere that’s anything but the Read More →
After Ventura County court battle, pension tensions endure
For most of the summer, Ventura County was at the heart of a statewide debate over public-sector pensions. Reformers spent tens of thousands of dollars on a proposed referendum to change Ventura County’s public employee retirement system from a defined-benefit system to a 401(k)-style system. On Aug. 4, the battle ended when a judge struck Read More →
Former deputy sues Ventura County over tax break
A former Ventura County Senior Deputy Sheriff who makes $139,771 a year in retirement is suing the county after his application for a service-connected disability designation that would lower his income tax bill was denied.
29-acre home development in Fillmore gets council go-ahead
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Stantec to buy tri-county engineering firm Penfield & Smith
Stantec, a large publicly traded design and consulting company, is acquiring Santa Barbara-based engineering firm Penfield & Smith. Terms of the deal, expected to close in October, were not disclosed. Penfield & Smith has regional offices in Santa Barbara, Camarillo and Santa Maria. The company had revenue of $16 million last year, according to Business Read More →
Crunchies moves to block takeover bid with Chapter 11 filing
Westlake Village-based Crunchies Food Co. has filed for Chapter 11 bankruptcy protection, alleging that one of its largest vendors has attempted a hostile takeover of the fast-growing freeze-dried snacks maker.
