Allergan to shutter Goleta facility, cut 300 jobs
By Stephen Nellis / Tuesday, July 22nd, 2014 / Earnings, Health Care & Life Science, Latest news, South Coast, Technology, Top Stories, Tri-County Public Companies / Comments Off on Allergan to shutter Goleta facility, cut 300 jobs
Allergan will close its Goleta facility and eliminate about 300 positions there as part of a broader cost tightening effort as the Irvine company fends off a hostile takeover attempt. Allergan makes Botox and other cosmetic drugs and devices. The company became a major South Coast employer in 2005 when it bought breast implant maker Read More →
Community West Bank COO dies
By Staff Report / Monday, July 21st, 2014 / Banking & Finance, Banking Industry, South Coast, Tri-County Economy / Comments Off on Community West Bank COO dies
Michael Phlaum, chief operating officer at Goleta-based Community West Bank, died Friday evening from complications related to a stroke, the bank said on July 21. Phlaum joined the bank in February 2012 and was promoted to COO and executive vice president in February of this year. “This is a tragic loss for me personally and Read More →
Network Hardware Resale becomes Curvature as strategy shifts
By Stephen Nellis / Friday, July 18th, 2014 / South Coast, Technology, Top Stories, Tri-County Economy / Comments Off on Network Hardware Resale becomes Curvature as strategy shifts
Network Hardware Resale has changed its name to Curvature. The change comes as one of Goleta’s biggest employers shifts its focus away from selling used gear and toward becoming a technology consulting firm.
Santa Maria, remixed: City looks for winning formula
By Elijah Brumback / Friday, July 18th, 2014 / Central Coast, Real Estate, Top Stories, Tri-County Economy / Comments Off on Santa Maria, remixed: City looks for winning formula
A year after Santa Maria got a new theater complex and a Fallas Discount Store moved into the space formerly occupied by a Mervyn’s department store, city leaders are still scratching their heads over how best to revitalize its struggling retail core.
Rewinding the tape: After ouster, Qualstar consolidates in Simi Valley
By Austen Hufford / Friday, July 18th, 2014 / East Ventura County, Technology, Top Stories, Tri-County Economy / Comments Off on Rewinding the tape: After ouster, Qualstar consolidates in Simi Valley
One year after outside investors ousted Simi Valley-based Qualstar’s management and installed a new team, the company has reduced expenses and is working towards profitability.
Chumash winemaker brings European training to tribe’s new enterprise
By Tom Bronzini / Friday, July 18th, 2014 / Central Coast, Top Stories, Tourism, Tri-County Economy, Wine & Viticulture / Comments Off on Chumash winemaker brings European training to tribe’s new enterprise
The nation’s only Native American winemaker is a young woman from the Santa Ynez Band of Chumash Indians who was ready for the challenge when the tribe entered the wine business.
Mixed-use project planned for midtown Santa Barbara corridor
By Elijah Brumback / Friday, July 18th, 2014 / Real Estate, South Coast, Top Stories, Tri-County Economy / Comments Off on Mixed-use project planned for midtown Santa Barbara corridor
A new mixed-use development on upper De La Vina Street in Santa Barbara is the latest in a series of locally driven projects in the midtown neighborhood in the last few years.