Banker, developer Towbes prioritized philanthropy
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Philanthropist, banker and developer Michael Towbes dies at 87
Updated at 10 a.m. April 14: Michael Towbes, the tri-county region’s most prominent philanthropist, banker and real estate developer, whose influence spanned nearly six decades, died April 13. He was 87. “He passed away early this morning, surrounded by family, in peace,” said Towbes Group President Craig Zimmerman, in an email to the Business Read More →
Widening Highway 101 will reduce traffic woes
Construction on Highway 101 from Casitas Pass Road to Cabrillo Boulevard through Montecito is causing havoc for commuters trying to navigate from Ventura into Santa Barbara. The project will continue into 2020 as Caltrans-funded upgrades to the 101 are incorporated into widening for high occupancy vehicle lanes through a transportation corridor that’s absolutely crucial to Read More →
Philanthropists honored in San Luis Obispo
More than 150 community leaders turned out at the Madonna Inn on Nov. 15 as the 2nd annual San Luis Obispo County National Philanthropy Day Awards honored two of the region’s high tech pioneers. Bert and Candee Forbes, who founded and owned Ziatech until its sale to Intel in 1999, shared Philanthropist of the Year Read More →
Philanthropy means giving time as well as money
A common thread at two recent philanthropic events in the Tri-Counties was the idea that individuals should get involved personally rather than simply donating money. On Nov. 19, the Association of Fundraising Professionals celebrated community members in Santa Barbara and Ventura counties who have been active in volunteering or organizing support for community institutions. On Read More →
Philanthropic funding gap in Ventura County must be closed
Ventura County has a balanced budget but a big deficit when it comes to philanthropy. Staff writer Marissa Nall reports in today’s Business Times that giving in the county that represents more than half the population of the 805 area code averaged just $2,153 per person in 2014, according to a report by the Read More →
