Stories for August 2018
Friday, August 31
BioSig Tech Raises $4 Million in Securities Offering
BioSig Technologies Inc., a medical device firm based in West Los Angeles, has raised $4 million during a securities sale, according to a securities filing.
El Segundo-Based Operator of St. Vincent Medical Center Declares Bankruptcy
The nonprofit operator of St. Vincent Medical Center in Los Angeles, managed by billionaire Patrick Soon-Shiong’s NantWorks, has declared bankruptcy.
Silicon Beach Report Aug. 31: Warner Media Veteran Jumps to Snap
Sixteen-year Warner Media veteran Kristen O’Hara joining Snap Inc.; Electric scooter company Bird launches new tools for cities to manage e-scooter fleets; web security firm Signal Sciences Corp. inks deal with health care platform Castlight Health Inc.
Bird Introduces City Management Platform, New Hires
Santa Monica e-scooter operator Bird Rides Inc. announced its new platform to help cities manage the influx of their scooters. Called GovTech, the platform was announced Aug. 29, the day before Santa Monica announce the companies chosen to participate in its city-wide shared mobility pilot program. Bird was among the four companies chosen for the program.
Brooklyn Cos. Buys Mixed Use Building in Koreatown for $11.3M
A brother-and-sister lawyerly duo has launched The Brooklyn Cos., a downtown Los Angeles-based firm billed as a real estate firm serving family offices, which has acquired its first property, a four-story, 54-unit, 45,000-square-foot mixed-use apartment building at 240 S. Western Ave. in Koreatown, for $11.3 million, or roughly $208,000 per unit.
Amazon’s Cloud Certificate Is Ray of Sunshine
Commentary
While California’s economy is strong, many businesses in Los Angeles are having trouble expanding
L.A. Laurels for Lard
Commentary
Don’t let all those reality shows about chefs and restaurants cloud the fact that food is a necessity
STYLE | Foodie in Chief
Rob McDougall • Gelson’s Markets Inc.
Rob McDougall on his healthy respect for customers
Japan House Lands at Hollywood & Highland
Development spearheaded by JLL includes gallery, restaurants, event space
Japan House lands at Hollywood & Highland.
Conferences Aim to Boost L.A. Bioscience
Half dozen gatherings this fall part of effort to expand $40B industry
Slate of bioscience conferences and gatherings this fall aim to boost L.A.’s $40 billion industry.
Pot Bot Operator Looks to Ride Green Wave
Greenbox, maker of weed vending machines, wants to expand business
Cannabis vending machine maker Greenbox is looking to ride the green rush to profitability.
Deals & Dealmakers: L.A. Ties for Compass-Pac. U.
$200 Million purchase comes on heels of major Southland brokerage rollup
An out-of-town real estate brokerage acquisition comes with a side of L.A. intrigue.
Market Movers
L.A. metro area leads state in growth of women-owned firms over last decade
Women-owned business in the Los Angeles metro area led the state in growth.
LA Biomed: $50M in Bonds
HEALTH CARE: Funds to pay for new research center, incubator in Torrance
Startups get new digs and equipment, thanks to LA Biomed’s $50 billion bond sale.
Bail Bond Supporters Plan to Seek Reprieve
FINANCE: Qualifying measure would delay effects
Bail-bond companies want referendum on new pretrial bail ban.
PAGE 3: Montage on Sales Block? LA Weekly’s Latest Mess
Last week’s word of China-based insurer Anbang’s pending sale of a group of luxury hotels led to a round-robin among some well-informed industry watchers who speculated that the Montage Beverly Hills could change hands in a separate deal.
Q&A: Beutner Plans for Business, Education Ties
LAUSD Chief Seeks Bigger Role for Community of Business
The newly appointed boss of Los Angeles Unified School District talks about the role the community of business can – and, he emphasizes, should – play in the lives of local schools and student
Third Street 3.0 in Santa Monica
RETAIL: Plan to “reimagine” retail center underway
Santa Monica’s Third Street Promenade examines whether to reinvent itself once again.
Going Up Throughout L.A. County
Big construction projects total $34.1 billion
Structures and infrastructure projects are expanding across L.A. County.
Industrial Gets Sexy
Demand for e-commerce distribution space, cannabis operations help polish sector’s image
The Los Angeles County’s 800-million-square-foot industrial real estate market resembles the ugly duckling from the fairy tale
MAYNE ATTRACTION
Architect Thom Mayne has helped raise L.A.’s profile as a design leader
L.A.’s Pritzker Prize-winning architect Thom Mayne’s challenging designs.
Who's Who in Real Estate
Q&As: Some of the top players in local industrial real estate talk deals, state of the market, challenges and what’s next.
Q&As: Some of the top players in local industrial real estate talk deals, state of the market, challenges and what’s next.
Who's Who in Real Estate: Getting Hotter
L.A.’s industrial real estate market is heating up.
City of Hope Expands With South Bay Clinic
Takes two floors in Providence-owned facility
City of Hope expands with new clinic in Torrance.
Thursday, August 30
Loews Santa Monica Part of Luxury Hotel Portfolio Reportedly for Sale
Anbang Insurance Group Co. of China reportedly is looking to sell a 15-luxury hotel portfolio it bought for $5.5 billion from New York-based private equity firm Blackstone Group in 2016, which includes Loews Santa Monica Beach Hotel.
Compton College Clears Final Hurdle to Emerge from Trustee Oversight
Compton College on Aug. 29 cleared its final hurdle to emerge from trustee oversight as California Community Colleges Chancellor Eloy Ortiz Oakley signed an executive order certifying the college will regain full autonomy next June.
Silicon Beach Report Aug. 30: Grindr Contemplates Chinese IPO
Grindr considers China IPO; Santa Monica picks four scooter companies for pilot program; California carbon-free utility measure heads to Governor Brown
UCLA Receives $3.2 Million Federal Grant to Correct Diagnostic Errors for Breast Cancer
UCLA has been awarded a $3.2 million federal grant to study how to correct errors in the diagnoses of breast cancer.
Sterling Organization Buys Westlake Village Mall for $35M
Sterling Organization has purchased North Ranch Gateway, an 86,520-square-foot shopping center in Westlake Village, for $35 million.
Liquid I.V. Raises $5 Million
Marina del Rey-based nutrition company Liquid I.V. announced Aug. 28 it received $5 million in a series B funding round led by San Francisco-based CircleUp Growth Partners.
Science Inc. Adds Cladwell
Santa Monica-headquartered startup incubator Science Inc. disclosed Aug. 30 it added Cincinnati, Ohio-based personalized closet management app Cladwell to its growing portfolio of startups.
Santa Monica Selects Scooter Companies for Shared-Mobility Pilot
Electric scooter manufacturer Bird Rides Inc. announced Aug. 30 it is one of the official participants in Santa Monica’s shared mobility pilot program. The program will begin Sept. 17 and includes not only Bird, but scooter manufacturer Neutron Holdings Inc., which manufacturers and operates Lime Scooters, as well as e-scooters and e-bikes operated by Uber Technologies Inc. and Lyft Inc.
Wednesday, August 29
Los Feliz Club Apartments Acquired for $55M
Pacific Urban Residential, a Palo Alto-based multifamily real estate investment firm, has purchased Los Feliz Club Apartments, a four-story, 134-unit, 114,000-square-foot apartment complex at 1800 N. New Hampshire Ave. in Los Feliz, for $55 million, or about $410,000 per unit, according to CoStar Group Inc.
High Times Presses on With Public Offering
The purchase of High Times magazine by a special purpose acquisition company has unraveled, but High Times Holding Corp. still plans to go public.
West Covina Apartment Complex Sells for $74 Million
Benedict Canyon Equities, a Westside-based real estate investment company, has purchased the two-story, 259-unit, 335,000-square-foot Lafayette Parc Apartments at 600-656 S. Glendora Ave. in West Covina for $74 million, or around $286,000 per unit, from Glendora Avenue Properties, a Beverly Hills-based limited-liability company.
Villaraigosa Joins MedMen Board
Former Los Angeles Mayor Antonio Villaraigosa has joined the board of MedMen Enterprises, the Culver City cannabis company announced early Aug. 29.
Silicon Beach Report Aug. 29: Children’s Hospital LA Expands VR Training
More VR training for med students at CHLA; MoviePass rival Sinemia announced new subscription service; lineup announced for new advertiser pitchfest NewFronts West conference.
Fewer Workers in L.A. Think They Are Underpaid Compared to National Average: Survey
Thirty nine percent of Los Angeles area professional workers believe they are underpaid, below the national average of 46 percent, according to a survey from Menlo Park staffing firm Robert Half International.
Tuesday, August 28
Reduce Barriers to Growth: Three Reasons Tech Companies Should Conduct Audits Early
Custom Content from the Los Angeles Business Journal
Operating without an audit can create barriers to growth for companies of all sizes—especially in an environment where venture capital and private equity activity are increasing and more funders are willing to invest greater amounts at all stages of a company’s lifecycle.
Commerce-based Smart & Final Expands Delivery Services in L.A. County
As home delivery becomes the latest competitive amenity among supermarkets and other retailers, Commerce-based Smart & Final Stores Inc. announced another 27 stores in Los Angeles County and other areas will offer delivery services.
RelayCars Meets Magic Leap
RelayCars Inc., located in Rancho Dominguez, announced today its virtual reality automobile viewing app will soon be available on Magic Leap Inc.’s newest VR headset, the Magic Leap One.
LA BioMed Closes $50 Million Bond Sale to Fund New Biotech Research Lab
LA BioMed, a biomedical research institute based in Torrance, has sold $50 million in bonds to construct and equip a new bioscience research building and incubator for startup companies.
Who's Brokering Los Angeles (June 25): California SmartMatch - Helping OEMs Find LA-Based Suppliers
Custom Content by the Los Angeles Business Journal
LAEDC has launched a new supplier matchmaking service to connect OEMs with small businesses in aerospace and advanced transportation industries in Southern California.
Who's Brokering Los Angeles (June 25): Completion of New Metrolink Antelope Valley Line Station Brings Flexibility to Local Workforce
Custom Content by the Los Angeles Business Journal
The Los Angeles County Metropolitan Transportation Authority (Metro)
Who's Brokering Los Angeles (June 25): Business Expansion and Commercial Real Estate
Custom Content by the Los Angeles Business Journal
Growing a company can be exciting, but it can also be pretty trying. Even handling the infrastructure can bring headaches.
Silicon Beach Report Aug. 28: Live Streaming on the Rise
Snapchat growing in UK, streaming service usage increases; Happy Returns partners with Paper Source
Who's Brokering Los Angeles (June 25): Tips for Choosing Your Business Location
Custom Content by the Los Angeles Business Journal
Choosing a business location is perhaps the most important decision a small business owner or startup will make, so it requires precise planning and research.
Who's Brokering Los Angeles (June 25): NAIOP CRE Sentiment Index - U.S. Commercial Real Estate Outlook is Positive
Custom Content by the Los Angeles Business Journal
NAIOP, the Commercial Real Estate Development Association
LAX Passenger Traffic Up 3.2 Percent in July, 4.8 Percent Year-to-Date
Passenger traffic at Los Angeles International Airport rose 3.2 percent in July compared to last year and was up 4.8 percent for the seven months of this year, according to figures released Aug. 28 by airport officials.
Who's Brokering Los Angeles (June 25): Industrial Demand to Remain Strong as Market Becomes Undersupplied
Custom Content by the Los Angeles Business Journal
Demand for U.S. industrial space is expected to remain robust and steady throughout 2018, with quarterly net absorption forecast to average 55.6 million square feet.
Video Highlights from ICONS 2018
The Los Angeles Business Journal’s second annual ICONS event hosted 200 invited guests on May 23 at the Montage Beverly Hills to hear from a lineup of honorees selected for their overall standing in the local business community.
Happy Returns Expands Return Bar Locations With Paper Source
Ahead of the holiday shopping season, Santa Monica-based Happy Returns is expanding its return services via 125 Paper Source stores nationwide.
Who's Brokering Los Angeles (June 25): Sior Releases Article on Blockchain’s Potential Impact on Commercial Real Estate
Custom Content by the Los Angeles Business Journal
“Blockchain and Commercial Real Estate” is first of SIOR’s Thought Leadership Series
Who's Brokering Los Angeles (June 25): U.S. Commercial Real Estate Development and Operations Supports 7.6 Million Jobs
Custom Content by the Los Angeles Business Journal
New development and ongoing operations of existing commercial real estate buildings in the United States – office, industrial, warehouse and retail – generates significant economic growth at the state and national levels.
Who's Brokering Los Angeles (June 25): Reviewing the Shift - A National View on Improving Economic Indicators Amid a Minimal Absorption Phase
Custom Content by the Los Angeles Business Journal
The U.S. office markets averaged just 4.4 million square feet of positive net absorption over the past two quarters; specifically
Who's Brokering Los Angeles (June 25): Realtors Say Commercial Market on the Upswing
Custom Content by the Los Angeles Business Journal
A strengthening economy and job growth nearing historic levels have given realtors confidence in future commercial real estate market conditions
Who's Brokering Los Angeles (June 25): David Young
Custom Content by the Los Angeles Business Journal
Executive Vice Presidents David Young and Chad Gahr at NAI Capital make up a perennial top producing team specializing in sales and leasing of industrial properties in the North Los Angeles region.
Who's Brokering Los Angeles (June 25): Josh Wrobel
Custom Content by the Los Angeles Business Journal
JLL’s premier agency leasing team in Los Angeles
Who's Brokering Los Angeles (June 25): Lynn Williams
Custom Content by the Los Angeles Business Journal
CBRE’s team of Lynn Williams and Jeff Welch is widely regarded as one of the industry’s leading advisors to corporate real estate occupiers globally.
Who's Brokering Los Angeles (June 25): Aleks Trifunovic
Custom Content by the Los Angeles Business Journal
Led by Aleks Trifunovic, President of Lee & Associates Los Angeles West, this dynamic team specializes in the sale and leasing of creative space with a focus on adaptive reuse.
Who's Brokering Los Angeles (June 25): Todd N. Taugner, SIOR
Custom Content by the Los Angeles Business Journal
The Klabin Company team made up of Todd Taugner, Frank Schulz, and David Prior have many success stories
Who's Brokering Los Angeles (June 25): Robert Stepp
Custom Content by the Los Angeles Business Journal
Stepp Commercial is a leading multifamily brokerage firm in the Los Angeles market with the sale of more than $1 billion in properties since inception in 2013.
Who's Brokering Los Angeles (June 25): Luke Staubitz
Custom Content by the Los Angeles Business Journal
Mutual respect and complimentary skill sets are this Kidder Mathews team’s strengths.
Who's Brokering Los Angeles (June 25): Kevin Shannon
Custom Content by the Los Angeles Business Journal
NKF Capital Markets’ Shannon team focuses on Western Markets and has completed more than 680 transactions valued at $37.7 billion from 2010 to mid-2018.
Who's Brokering Los Angeles (June 25): Lee Shapiro
Custom Content by the Los Angeles Business Journal
Lee Shapiro and Justin Weiss are a brokerage duo driving significant growth in Downtown LA this year
Who's Brokering Los Angeles (June 25): Jon Reno
Custom Content by the Los Angeles Business Journal
Specializing in a particular facet of the industry (central Los Angeles industrial commercial real estate) affords the Kidder Mathews team of Jon Reno
Who's Brokering Los Angeles (June 25): Derrick Moore
Custom Content by the Los Angeles Business Journal
Derrick Moore is widely recognized in business and commercial real estate circles as one of the industry’s leading experts on retail in Los Angeles.
Who's Brokering Los Angeles (June 25): Matthew Miller
Custom Content by the Los Angeles Business Journal
The team of Matthew Miller and Jerry Porter has been a duo of tenant representation partners for over 32 years.
Who's Brokering Los Angeles (June 25): Jay Luchs
Custom Content by the Los Angeles Business Journal
Jay Luchs specializes in the sale and leasing of investment properties, with a focus on representing international retail and fashion brands in finding store locations
Who's Brokering Los Angeles (June 25): Jonathan Larsen
Custom Content by the Los Angeles Business Journal
Since joining Avison Young and forming a team, father and son, Jonathan Larsen and Chandler Larsen have completed in excess of $1 billion in transactions over the past three years.
Who's Brokering Los Angeles (June 25): Chris Jackson
Custom Content by the Los Angeles Business Journal
Executive Managing Director Chris Jackson and Todd Lorber
Monday, August 27
Kite Wins Approval to Market Cancer Therapy in Europe
Santa Monica-based Kite, a Gilead Co., announced Aug. 27 it had received permission to market its cell-based cancer therapy in Europe.
City of Hope Opens New Cancer Center in Torrance
City of Hope National Medical Center has expanded into the South Bay by opening a new cancer center in Torrance.
Onica Acquires TriNimbus
Santa Monica cloud computing firm Onica Inc. announced Aug. 27 it acquired cloud consultation and Amazon.com Inc. Web Services provider TriNimbus Technologies Inc.
Hapik Opens First U.S. Store in El Paseo South Gate
The El Paseo shopping center in South Gate is the latest retail outfit to offer experiential services to its patronage by signing a 10-year lease with Hapik, an indoor climbing park.
Who's Brokering Los Angeles (June 25): Gary Horwitz
Custom Content by the Los Angeles Business Journal
As one of JLL’s premier tenant representative teams in the country, Gary Horwitz
Who's Brokering Los Angeles (June 25): David Harrington
Custom Content by the Los Angeles Business Journal
David Harrington serves as the Executive Vice President and National Director of Multifamily at Matthews Real Estate Investment Services
Who's Brokering Los Angeles (June 25): Christine Deschaine
Custom Content by the Los Angeles Business Journal
Christine Deschaine and Clare Collins are the brokerage duo driving growth in the Santa Monica market this year
Who's Brokering Los Angeles (June 25): John DeGrinis
Custom Content by the Los Angeles Business Journal
After more than three decades of hard work, John DeGrinis has earned a reputation for honesty
Silicon Beach Report Aug. 27: Netflix Stock Back Up
Netflix stock rises again; ATTN: adds Surovell; SpaceX works toward crewed launch
Who's Brokering Los Angeles (June 25): Scott Crane
Custom Content by the Los Angeles Business Journal
Senior Vice Presidents Scott Crane and Peter J Lund with NAI Capital are a top performing team specializing in the leasing and sales of office medial properties in Southern California.
Who's Brokering Los Angeles (June 25): Mike Condon, Jr.
Custom Content by the Los Angeles Business Journal
Cushman & Wakefield’s team led by Mike Condon, Jr. is a fully integrated capital markets and leasing team.
Who's Brokering Los Angeles (June 25): Steve Bram
Custom Content by the Los Angeles Business Journal
A 34-year industry veteran, Steve Bram has structured more than $5 billion in commercial financing over 500 transactions.
Who's Brokering Los Angeles (June 25): Steve “Bogie” Bogoyevac
Custom Content by the Los Angeles Business Journal
Steve “Bogie” Bogoyevac’s full-service team of multifamily brokerage specialists and support staff proudly provides some of the industry’s best research
San Dimas Apartment Complex Acquired for $78.5 Million
Korda Group, a Westside-based property management company, has purchased Trails at San Dimas, a two-story, 214,000-square-foot, 288-unit apartment complex at 444-445 N. Amelia Ave. in San Dimas, for $78.5 million, or nearly $272,600 per unit, from real estate firms Stockbridge Capital Group of San Francisco and CNS Focused Investments of Long Beach.
Who's Brokering Los Angeles (June 25): Stephen Bay
Custom Content by the Los Angeles Business Journal
With 87 years of combined experience representing the most sophisticated companies in virtually every major global office market
Who's Brokering Los Angeles (June 25): Bill Bauman
Custom Content by the Los Angeles Business Journal
Bill Bauman joined NKF Capital Markets in January 2018 as a vice chairman in the firm’s Downtown Los Angeles office
Who's Brokering Los Angeles (June 25): David Aschkenasy
Custom Content by the Los Angeles Business Journal
Among the recent achievements of David Aschkenasy and his team has been their work successfully representing Ratner Property Management in acquiring a six-building east Valley retail portfolio in Burbank and North Hollywood.
Who's Brokering Los Angeles (June 25): Barbara Armendariz
Custom Content by the Los Angeles Business Journal
Barbara Armendariz is President and Founder of SharpLine Commercial Partners, a full-service commercial real estate brokerage firm that excels at putting its clients’ needs first.
LA Weekly Investor Sues Other LA Weekly Investors, Including Publisher
LA Weekly publisher Brian Calle is accused of “breathtaking incompetence, self-dealing and fraudulent intention” in a lawsuit filed Aug. 27 by David Welch, one of the investors who took over as LA Weekly owners last November.
Health Care 2018 - A Roundtable Discussion
Custom Content by the Los Angeles Business Journal
What are your projections for how the healthcare system in our country will evolve over the coming year or two and what impact will it have on businesses?
Silicon Beach Regional Report: ZipRecruiter Moves to New Coastal Headquarters in Support of Rapid Growth
Custom Content by the Los Angeles Business Journal
The 45,000-square foot space is home to 400 of its nearly 1,000 employees
Silicon Beach Regional Report: HFF Announces Sale and Acquisition Financing of Hotel MdR in Silicon Beach
Custom Content by the Los Angeles Business Journal
In May, HFF announced the sale of and acquisition financing for Hotel MdR – a DoubleTree by Hilton Hotel, a 283-room, full-service hotel located in West Los Angeles within the Marina del Rey submarket.
Silicon Beach Regional Report: L.A. Tech Talent Pipeline Sees Continued Growth
Custom Content by the Los Angeles Business Journal
A jobs program launched last year by Mayor Eric Garcetti is connecting young Angelenos with the training and skills they need to find opportunities in Los Angeles’ booming tech economy.
Silicon Beach Regional Report: Silicon Valley Gets a Hollywood Twist in Playa Vista
Custom Content by the Los Angeles Business Journal
Whoever said that nobody walks in L.A. hasn’t been to Playa Vista. Here, just over a mile from the beach, SoCal’s up-and-comers live, work, play and — yes, even walk — in the heart of Silicon Beach, in a community designed to be the region’s Next Great Place.
Silicon Beach Regional Report: Demountable Wall Solutions Offer Versatility and Style to Enhance Design Aesthetics
Custom Content by the Los Angeles Business Journal
Walls are an often overlooked, yet vital, element in the overall scheme of interior environments, from both a structural and design perspective.
Diversity & Inclusion Summit 2018: Disability Inclusion Is Good Business
Custom Content by the Los Angeles Business Journal
The majority of people with disabilities want to work but are rarely given the opportunity to do so.
Diversity & Inclusion Summit 2018: Innovation Without Inclusion is Risky at Best
Custom Content by the Los Angeles Business Journal
Tim Cook, the CEO of Apple said that, “Inclusion of diversity inspires innovation
Diversity & Inclusion Summit 2018: L.A. Care Health Plan Confronts the Physician Shortage Crisis
Custom Content by the Los Angeles Business Journal
A $31 MILLION COMMITMENT FOR RECRUITMENT
Sunday, August 26
Fox and Comcast Strike Deal for Big Ten Network
Fox Networks Group and Comcast Corp. reached a deal for Comcast to carry Fox’s Big Ten Network, settling a carriage dispute before the Sept. 1 expiration of the current contract.
Friday, August 24
Diversity & Inclusion Summit 2018: Why an NBA Team Is Taking On Gender Equality
Custom Content by the Los Angeles Business Journal
Earlier this year, a first-of-its-kind partnership for a professional men’s sports team was unveiled.
Diversity & Inclusion Summit 2018: 50 Years of Consortium
Custom Content by the Los Angeles Business Journal
USC Marshall School of Business, an early member of the Consortium, this year celebrates 50 years of inclusion
TaskUs Expands to New Mexico
Santa Monica headquartered outsourcing service TaskUs Inc. announced Aug. 23 it will expand operations to Albuquerque, N.M., a move expected to create roughly 700 jobs.
Silicon Beach Report Aug. 24: H Code Partners with Metro International
Snap Links with TuneMoji; Metro International and H Code collaborate; DTS snags new sound partner
H Code Links With Division of Metro Group
Hispanic-focused and Santa Monica-headquartered digital advertising firm H Code Media announced Aug. 23 it will form a strategic partnership with Metro LATAM, a Latino-focused division of media publisher Metro International S.A.
Out Magazine Taps Conde Nast Executive Picardi for Top Editor Spot
West Los Angeles-based Oreva Capital has made another big name hire for its Pride Media Group media assets, naming Phillip Picardi, who was chief content officer of Conde Nast’s Teen Vogue, as editor in chief of Out magazine.
Court Clears Target to Proceed With Sunset/Western Store
Target Corp. may resume construction of its half-completed Hollywood store located at the corner of Sunset Boulevard and Western Avenue, a state appellate court ruled, holding the City of Los Angeles complied with California environmental laws and lawfully changed zoning laws to allow for building the project.
Diversity & Inclusion Summit 2018: The Business Case for Workforce Development
Custom Content by the Los Angeles Business Journal
Los Angeles County continues to experience declining unemployment rates.
Diversity & Inclusion Summit 2018: The Importance of Appreciating Differences
Custom Content by the Los Angeles Business Journal
Wells Fargo’s culture is built on sustaining a diverse and inclusive environment for all team members – one where they feel valued and respected for who they are as well as for their skills and experiences.
Diversity & Inclusion Summit 2018: Connecting People and Uniting the World Through Diversity and Inclusion
Custom Content by the Los Angeles Business Journal
At United, our shared purpose is to connect people and unite the world.
Key for California: Keep ‘Brainpower Advantage’
California continues to flourish and higher education is the secret sauce that nourishes the state’s economy.
Chief Concerns
There’s no telling for certain whether Los Angeles Police Department Chief Michel Moore was out to distract attention from the $1.27 million pension bonus he took a few weeks before landing in his new post.
Index Secures $22 Million for K-Town Project
Developer’s second project in neighborhood is seven- story multifamily building
Developers get $22M in funding for non-luxury priced apartments slated for Koreatown.
Long Beach Back on Media Map
Hiring spree by Post beefs up competition for Press-Telegram
A beefed-up Long Beach Post and Long Beach Press-Telegram poised to compete over coverage of the Beach City.
Kumana Brings Avocado Sauce to Own Backyard
Downtown-based company adds local grocers on heels of debut in NorCal, Oregon
Avocado sauce maker Kumana Foods expands into supermarkets.
AEG Taps Rank + Rally For Retail Role
Company will oversee in-venue sales as well as e-commerce for teams
Anschutz Entertainment Group chooses Chicago vendor for online retail and e-commerce at Staples Center, StubHub Center and other venues.
Teens Land $550,000 Seed Round After UCLA Anderson Bootcamp
TECHNOLOGY: Bid to beat bullying draws backers targeting teenage founders
Four high-schoolers who founded Santa Monica-based Trill Project in a bid to make social media safer got $550,000 in a seed round led by Founders Bootcamp.
Slight Gains for Big Employers
ECONOMY: Cal State-L. A., UCLA make big additions
L.A. County’s largest public and private employers see modest gains.
Cal Poly-Pomona Picks Five Point for 300-Acre Plan
REAL ESTATE: Initial step on Lanterman development
California State Polytechnic University-Pomona eyes 300-acre site for campus expansion.
Will Downtown Spillover Fill Out Westlake?
REAL ESTATE: Stretch of 7th Street points up potential
Westlake could be the site of the next development boom.
$60M Makeover
What all the time, money meant for Hotel Figueroa
So what took downtown’s Hotel Figueroa so long to re-open?
DOWNTOWN DEVILS
Arizona State eyes stage in city’s center for next push in L.A.
Arizona State University’s splashy move into a downtown complex originally built for the long-defunct Los Angeles Herald Examiner
Forever 21 Adds Visual Searching
RETAIL: Fast-fashion specialist moves to bolster website, mobile app
Forever 21 debuts new visual search feature to boost online sales.
Report: $93 Million for Westwood Terrace
Goldman Sachs fund identified as likely buyer
Westwood Terrace slated for potential sale with a $93 million price tag.
Thursday, August 23
Long Beach Office Building Acquired for $35.8M, Sets Record
The Salvation Army has sold a 12-story, 200,000-square-foot office building at 180 E. Ocean Blvd. for $35.8 million, or around $180 per square foot, to an affiliate of Santa Fe Springs-based real estate leasing firm Thrifty Oil Co., according to sources close to the deal.
Jam City Expanding to 40,000-Square-Foot Space in Culver City
Jam City Inc., a mobile entertainment company, has signed a lease for 40,000 square feet of office space at 3562 Eastham Drive in Culver City, more than double the 17,500 square feet it leases at nearby Eastham Station.
Diversity & Inclusion Summit 2018: ANITA WU
Custom Content by the Los Angeles Business Journal
Anita Wu joined Green Hasson Janks in 2000 and has more than 20 years of auditing experience within the entertainment industry.
Diversity & Inclusion Summit 2018: DR. LOIS M. SHELTON
Custom Content by the Los Angeles Business Journal
Lois M. Shelton earned a Ph.D. in Business Economics from Harvard University.
Diversity & Inclusion Summit 2018: GISSELLE RUIZ
Custom Content by the Los Angeles Business Journal
Gisselle Ruiz is a seasoned recruiting executive with over 15 years of experience with a specific focus on developing and executing diversity and inclusion hiring practices and strategies across a variety of industries
Diversity & Inclusion Summit 2018: MICHAEL ORMONDE
Custom Content by the Los Angeles Business Journal
Michael Ormonde is region bank president for Wells Fargo’s Los Angeles Bank division.
Diversity & Inclusion Summit 2018: LORRAINE MILLS
Custom Content by the Los Angeles Business Journal
Lorraine Mills is director of benefits for Easterseals Southern California
Diversity & Inclusion Summit 2018: PATRICK MCCLENAHAN
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Patrick McClenahan is the president and CEO of Goodwill Southern California.
Diversity & Inclusion Summit 2018: CHRISTOPHER MACK
Custom Content by the Los Angeles Business Journal
Christopher Mack is senior vice president of Scripted Content for Stage 13, overseeing all of the brand’s original scripted series and development slates across multiple genres.
Diversity & Inclusion Summit 2018:JANET LAMKIN
Custom Content by the Los Angeles Business Journal
Janet Lamkin is United’s president for California, which is home to United’s San Francisco and Los Angeles hubs.
Diversity & Inclusion Summit 2018: ERIN HENNING
Custom Content by the Los Angeles Business Journal
Erin M. Henning joined the LADWP team in January 2018 as assistant general manager and deputy director of Supply Chain Services (SCS Division)
Diversity & Inclusion Summit 2018: DAPHNE HARVEY
Custom Content by the Los Angeles Business Journal
Daphne Harvey is the senior vice president of Global Sourcing at NBCUniversal / Comcast.
Diversity & Inclusion Summit 2018: PRISCILLA CHAVEZ
Custom Content by the Los Angeles Business Journal
For Priscilla Chavez, the construction industry is more than just building. To her
Diversity & Inclusion Summit 2018: SAHAR ANDRADE
Custom Content by the Los Angeles Business Journal
Sahar Andrade, MB.BCh is a Diversity, Global Leadership and Culture Competence Speaker/Consultant
Silicon Beach Report Aug. 24: Net Neutrality Bill Near Passage
Appetize joins Sidearm Sports; net neutrality bill sent to California assembly; Overwatch League matches broadcast on Twitter
Tetra Tech Secures $650 Million Multiple-Award Federal Contract
Pasadena-based consulting and engineering services firm Tetra Tech Inc. has won a $650 million, multiple-award contract from the U.S. Agency for International Development to secure property rights for the purpose of improving infrastructure and other conditions internationally, the company announced.
Mid-Year Economic Forecast: L.A.’s Business, Education, Philanthropy Leaders Join Forces to Fund Economic Development Plan
Custom Content by the Los Angeles Business Journal
Earlier this year, the Los Angeles County Economic Development Corporation (LAEDC) announced it had raised more than $1 million in funding from a multi-sector alliance of business
Mid-Year Economic Forecast: L.A. Will See 125,000 Job Openings in Health Care in Next Five Years, According to New Report
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In a continuing series of industry deep-dive reports, the Center for a Competitive Workforce recently released Health Care Services in the Los Angeles Basin
Mid-Year Economic Forecast: How the SBA 504 Refinance Loan Can Help Your Business Grow
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When it comes to running a business, debt usually comes with the territory.
Mid-Year Economic Forecast: Record Job Openings and Rebounded Market Guide Americans’ Financial Satisfaction to All-Time High
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Americans continue to experience their highest levels of personal financial satisfaction despite a rising interest rate environment,
Top Litigators in Los Angeles: The State Bar Will Implement Nearly 70 New Rules of Professional Conduct
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The California Supreme Court recently issued an order approving 69 Rules of Professional Conduct for California attorneys,
Top Litigators in Los Angeles: JAMES ZELENAY
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In his burgeoning False Claims Act and government-facing litigation practice,
Top Litigators in Los Angeles: ALEX WEINGARTEN
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Alex Weingarten represents clients in all facets of business litigation, with a particular emphasis on entertainment and trust litigation.
Wednesday, August 22
MedMen Strikes Licensing Deal With Official Woodstock Branding Company
Peace, love, and music, or at least the approved branding of such, awaits MedMen Enterprises Inc. after it announced Aug. 22 an exclusive license agreement with Woodstock Ventures LC.
Top Litigators in Los Angeles: ROBERT WALLAN
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Robert Wallan joined Pillsbury in 1990, serving numerous management roles including office managing partner for six years and head of the Los Angeles Litigation group for a decade.
Top Litigators in Los Angeles: ANA TAGVORYAN
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Ana Tagvoryan has more than a decade of experience defending complex consumer individual and class action claims in and out of the courtroom across the nation.
Top Litigators in Los Angeles: ADAM F. STREISAND
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Adam Streisand is widely regarded as one of the nation’s top trial attorneys,
Top Litigators in Los Angeles: RICHARD L. STONE
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Rick Stone is co-chair of Jenner & Block’s Antitrust and Competition Law Practice and a partner in the Content, Media & Entertainment Practice.
Top Litigators in Los Angeles: MATTHEW L. SEROR
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Matthew L. Seror’s practice includes all aspects of litigation, with particular emphasis on intellectual property matters, complex commercial matters, and real estate litigation.
Forever 21 Partners With Donde Search for Visual Search and Navigation
Online customers of fast-fashion retail chain Forever 21 will soon be able to shop for items using a new visual search function.
Top Litigators in Los Angeles: CHRISTIAN SCALI
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Christian Scali has a diverse automotive industry practice that includes advertising,
Top Litigators in Los Angeles: BLAKE RUMMEL
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Blake Rummel, Litigation Chair at preeminent estate planning and probate law firm Weinstock Manion, is widely considered to be one of the leading probate litigators in Southern California.
Silicon Beach Report Aug. 22: Trivia App Nets $250,000
$250,000 for Totally Bored; Malloy joins the party at Evite; Activision targets PC gamers
Top Litigators in Los Angeles: NICHOLAS ROWLEY
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Nicholas Rowley has won more than 100 jury verdicts and is widely considered to be one of the best personal injury attorneys in the country.
Top Litigators in Los Angeles: EKWAN E. RHOW
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Ekwan E. Rhow is a name principal at Bird Marella.
Top Litigators in Los Angeles: MARVIN S. PUTNAM
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Marvin Putnam is a trial lawyer who leads the national litigation team in Latham’s Entertainment, Sports and Media practice, and he is local Co-Chair of Latham’s Litigation & Trial practice in Los Angeles.
Top Litigators in Los Angeles: TIMOTHY L. PIERCE
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Timothy Pierce’s practice focuses on construction industry matters, representing clients from the inception of a project and the formation of contracts to the resolution of claims in litigation.
Top Litigators in Los Angeles: KURT PETERSON
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Kurt Peterson is a Partner at Reed Smith and has guided many of the largest health plans in California and the nation through their most complex litigation,
Top Litigators in Los Angeles: ROBERT C. O’BRIEN
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Robert C. O’Brien is a co-founder of Larson O’Brien LLP.
Top Litigators in Los Angeles: ANN MARIE MORTIMER
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When Yahoo! suffered the two largest data breaches in history, it trusted Ann Marie Mortimer to defend the wave of class-action lawsuits that followed.
Top Litigators in Los Angeles: LOUIS R. “SKIP” MILLER
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A trial lawyer, with 30 lawyers overall in his firm, Skip Miller’s practice is diverse and includes, securities, employment, corporate takeover, energy, investment banking, defamation/ First Amendment, entertainment, copyright, toxic tort, civil rights, real estate, contract, partnership, inverse condemnation, unfair competition, administrative, energy, government, and other areas of law. His firm is a one-stop-shop for litigation.
Top Litigators in Los Angeles: SANFORD L. MICHELMAN
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Sanford L. Michelman is a trailblazing attorney and outstanding litigator known for his work on the most challenging of cases.
Top Litigators in Los Angeles: MARY T. McKELVEY
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Mary McKelvey is a principal of Polsinelli, an AmLaw 100 law firm with over 850 attorneys in 21 offices.
Top Litigators in Los Angeles: RICHARD MARMARO
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For more than 40 years, Richard Marmaro has earned the highest praise from clients,
Top Litigators in Los Angeles: STEVE MARENBERG
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As head of Irell & Manella’s Media & Entertainment Litigation practice,
Top Litigators in Los Angeles: NEAL MARDER
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Akin Gump partner Neal Marder is one of the leading class action litigators in the country,
Top Litigators in Los Angeles: GARY LINCENBERG
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Gary Lincenberg concentrates his practice on the defense of whitecollar criminal prosecutions, government investigations and complex civil litigation.
Top Litigators in Los Angeles: LUIS LI
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Luis Li is a leading general commercial litigator who focuses his practice on corporate crisis management,
Top Litigators in Los Angeles: STEPHEN G. LARSON
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Stephen G. Larson is co-founder of Larson O’Brien LLP and one of California’s top litigators and trial attorneys.
Top Litigators in Los Angeles: MICHAEL KUMP
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Michael Kump of Kinsella Weitzman Iser Kump & Aldisert has been at the forefront of several high profile entertainment and intellectual property matters that have and will continue to impact Hollywood.
Top Litigators in Los Angeles: GREG KNOPP
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Recently named as partner in charge of Akin Gump’s Los Angeles office, Greg Knopp is a recognized leader not only within the firm but throughout the area of labor and employment.
Top Litigators in Los Angeles: MARC R. JACOBS
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Marc Jacobs is, quite simply, a superior litigator.
Top Litigators in Los Angeles: MARK HOLSCHER
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Mark Holscher started his career as an Assistant U.S. Attorney in Los Angeles.
Top Litigators in Los Angeles: NEAL HERSH
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Neal Raymond Hersh is a founding partner of the firm, Hersh Mannis LLP.
Top Litigators in Los Angeles: J. MIRA HASHMALL
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Mira Hashmall is an exceptional litigator with a broad range of experience litigating complex civil matters.
Top Litigators in Los Angeles: JOSHUA HAMILTON
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A litigation partner in the Los Angeles and Century City offices of Latham & Watkins,
Top Litigators in Los Angeles: DAVID GRAELER
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David Graeler serves as Chair of Nossaman’s Litigation Practice Group and Co-Chair of its Real Estate Practice Group – he also serves on the Firm’s executive committee.
Top Litigators in Los Angeles: GEOFFREY GOLD
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Geoff Gold is a trial lawyer specializing in business and real estate matters.
Top Litigators in Los Angeles: THOMAS V. GIRARDI
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Widely regarded by his peers as one of the nation’s top trial lawyers and with nearly fifty years of experience representing victims,
Top Litigators in Los Angeles: DALE J. GIALI
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As co-leader of Mayer Brown’s Consumer Litigation & Class Actions practice and co-leader of its Food False Advertising group,
Top Litigators in Los Angeles: RICHARD J. FREY
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Richard Frey is a seasoned and sought-after litigator who focuses his practice on the unique and oftentimes significant and headline-grabbing labor and employment challenges faced by employers and general and complex commercial litigation and business matters.
Top Litigators in Los Angeles: MILES J. FELDMAN
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Miles Feldman is a founding partner of Raines Feldman LLP.
Top Litigators in Los Angeles: JAMES R. EVANS, JR.
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James (Jim) Evans is a highly skilled trial attorney with decades of experience handling complex cases in state and federal courts.
Top Litigators in Los Angeles: E. MARTIN ESTRADA
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During his career, E. Martin Estrada has developed a reputation as a top-flight litigator, first as a federal prosecutor trying dozens of complex cases, including obtaining convictions in one of the nation’s largest RICO organized crime prosecutions, and more recently representing corporate clients in litigating their most complicated cases as a partner with Munger, Tolles & Olson.
Top Litigators in Los Angeles: JACK DICANIO
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Skadden, Arps partner Jack DiCanio has built a formidable civil litigation and white collar practice at Skadden, serving some of Southern California’s most prestigious companies and executives and securing consistent, award-winning results.
Top Litigators in Los Angeles: MICHAEL DE VRIES
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Michael De Vries is a go-to patent and intellectual property trial lawyer who handles complex, highstakes matters for companies like Cisco, Intel and Motorola Solutions.
Top Litigators in Los Angeles: MORGAN CHU
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Morgan Chu of Irell & Manella has secured a string of the world’s largest – and in some cases precedent-setting – verdicts, judgments and settlements, resulting in actual payments totaling more than $5 billion.
Top Litigators in Los Angeles: EDWARD J. CASEY
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Alston & Bird partner Ed Casey is recognized as one of California’s top land use litigators, with his litigation practice focusing almost exclusively on land use and matters arising under the California Environmental Quality Act (CEQA).
Top Litigators in Los Angeles: KIM BUFFINGTON
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Named as one of the most influential women lawyers in 2017 and one of the most influential minority attorneys in 2018 by the Los Angeles Business Journal, Kim Buffington is known for both her leadership and track-record in complex intellectual property, commercial class actions and insurance coverage matters.
Top Litigators in Los Angeles: MICHAEL K. BROWN
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Michael K. Brown is a Partner with Reed Smith and is a nationally recognized trial lawyer and a strategist for large litigations, whose practice focuses on complex product liability and commercial matters, including class actions, Multi-District Litigations, mass torts, and claims for unfair competition and false advertising.
Top Litigators in Los Angeles: WILLIAM J. BRIGGS, II
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William J. Briggs, II, Partner with Venable LLP in Los Angeles, is recognized as a leading trial lawyer and civil litigator, with extensive experience in the entertainment industry.
Top Litigators in Los Angeles: OREN BITAN
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Oren Bitan has an extensive legal background that includes business, real estate, banking, receivership law, consumer product, and commercial litigation.
Top Litigators in Los Angeles: WAYNE BARSKY
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Wayne Barsky is a trial lawyer and national co-chair of Gibson Dunn & Crutcher’s Intellectual Property Practice Group, where he focuses on high-stakes, high-profile patent litigation for clients in the biotechnology, pharmaceutical, and medical device industries.
Top Litigators in Los Angeles: ANGELA AGRUSA
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Angela Agrusa tries highstakes complex commercial, class action and civil cases on behalf of international brands, major companies and prominent individuals.
State of Accounting - Points of View from the Accounting Leaders' Desks. The Future of the CPA Profession: What Firms Need to Do to Keep Up
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It’s such an amazing but unsettling time to be in our profession.
State of Accounting - Points of View from the Accounting Leaders' Desks: Entity Choice a Hot Topic After Tax Reform
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The Tax Cuts and Jobs Act (TCJA) was signed into law by President Trump in late December 2017.
State of Accounting - Points of View from the Accounting Leaders' Desks: How Technology and Innovation are Driving the Future of Accounting
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When you ask most people which profession is likely to transform the most in the future you may not expect to hear them answer “accounting.”
Tuesday, August 21
Silicon Beach Report Aug. 21: Otter Media Leads $4.7M Round for Sports Media Startup
Otter Media leads funding round for Mars Reel Media; Netflix pilots payment change; Postie taps Gollender as head of sales
State of Accounting - Points of View from the Accounting Leaders' Desks: Addressing Talent Challenges to Capitalize on Growth Opportunity
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Business leaders find themselves now nearly halfway through an administration that ran on a platform of political disruption.
Brooks Brothers to Close Rodeo Store
Building listed for $300 million
Brooks Brothers is permanently closing its store at 468 N. Rodeo Drive in Beverly Hills on Aug. 27.
Best Places to Work 2018: HR Professionals Indicate Recognition Programs Have Positive Impact on Retention and Recruitment
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Employers seeking to improve retention and recruitment efforts may want to look to their employee recognition programs for assistance.
Best Places to Work 2018: People Helping People - The Embodiment of a Great Place to Work
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At Cydcor, a leader in outsourced sales services, team members proudly refer to their company as a “people helping people business.”
Best Places to Work 2018: Making Culture Count - Building a Unified Team in an Acquisition
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At West Monroe Partners, we believe that delivering the best results for our clients depends on investing in and nurturing the talent that makes it all possible.
Best Places to Work 2018: What Today’s Employees Want
What does it take to be an employer of choice and best place to work in today’s full-employment economy?
Best Places to Work 2018: Communicate Effectively with Your Staff
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To understand how to effectively communication in the workplace, you have to first understand some basic psychological truths about how we, as people, tend to communicate.
Best Places to Work 2018: Four Tips to Creating a Great Work Environment
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When I owned a Prius, I would drive 18 miles to get it serviced.
Best Places to Work 2018: The Best Small Companies to Work for in Los Angeles
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Structural Focus is a structural engineering consulting firm specializing in the design of complex and innovative buildings.
Finnair to Launch Nonstop Service from LAX to Helsinki Starting March 31
Finnair was set to announce on Aug. 21 that it will offer the first nonstop flight service from Los Angeles International Airport to Helsinki, Finland starting on March 31.
Monday, August 20
Santa Monica Parking Lot Operator Sentenced to Federal Prison for Bribery Scheme
A Santa Monica parking lot operator was sentenced to almost six years in federal prison for a bribery scheme that bilked the U.S. Department of Veteran Affairs out of $13 million.
Silicon Beach Report July 20: Snapchat Tweaking Android Platform
Snapchat adjusts its Android version; $550K for Trill; late-night cancellations at Netflix
Anonymous Social Media App Nets $550,000
Santa Monica-based Trill Project, founded by four high-schoolers who want to make social media safer, received on Aug. 15 a total $550,000 in a seed round led by Founders Bootcamp. Founders Bootcamp is a venture studio focused solely on high school entrepreneurs and run out of the UCLA Anderson School of Management’s Cross-Campus space.
Best Places to Work 2018: The Best Medium-Sized Companies to Work for in Los Angeles
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BAMKO designs, manufactures and delivers award-winning merchandise that creates lasting connections between brands and their customers.
Best Places to Work 2018: The Best Large Companies to Work for in Los Angeles
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West Monroe is a progressive business and technology consulting firm that partners with dynamic organizations to reimagine, build, and operate its businesses at peak performance.
Fat Brands to Expand in Southern California
Beverly Hills-based Fat Brands Inc. is planning to roll out 12 Fat Burger and Buffalo Express restaurants throughout Southern California, the company announced Aug. 20.
Westwood Terrace Office Building to be Acquired for $93M
Ocean West Capital Partners, a downtown Los Angeles-based developer, and Westbrook Partners of New York are closing on a $93 million deal to sell the five-story, 165,000-square-foot Westwood Terrace building at 1640 S. Sepulveda Blvd. in Westwood to a Goldman Sachs Group Inc. real estate fund partnering with Ocean West, according to sources.
Edison, Other Utilities Lose Bid to Reduce Liability for Wildfires
The effort by Southern California Edison and the state’s two other investor-owned utilities to reduce billions of dollars in potential liabilities from wildfires died in the Legislature on Aug. 18, according to news reports quoting the key lawmakers involved.
The Most Influential Wealth Managers In Los Angeles: Wealth Management Trends Survey Finds Investor Confidence on the Rise
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Trend reflects expectations of continued economic improvement, strong equity and real estate markets
The Most Influential Wealth Managers In Los Angeles: BRIAN KEITH WERDESHEIM
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Brian Keith Werdesheim is a founding member of The Summa Group, a financial advisor team providing wealth management services at Oppenheimer & Co. Inc.
The Most Influential Wealth Managers In Los Angeles: STEVE WEINBERGER
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After graduating with his MBA from Pepperdine with an emphasis in finance, Steve Weinberger joined HCR Wealth Advisors in 1998.
The Most Influential Wealth Managers In Los Angeles: ALYSSA WEINBERGER
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Alyssa Weinberger has been at Lido Advisors, LLC for 14 plus years and has excelled in a male dominated industry.
The Most Influential Wealth Managers In Los Angeles: KEITH WEBSTER
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Keith Webster is a Managing Director and Wealth Manager at First Republic Investment Management.
The Most Influential Wealth Managers In Los Angeles: STASIA WASHINGTON
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Stasia Washington has served as a Senior Vice President and Managing Director for First Foundation Advisors since January 2013.
The Most Influential Wealth Managers In Los Angeles: JACK SUZAR
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Jack Suzar joined Bel Air Investment Advisors LLC in 1999, after over 30 plus years consulting and advising clients on tax and investment strategies at BDO Seidman, LLP in Los Angeles.
The Most Influential Wealth Managers In Los Angeles: GLEN STRAUSS
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One of the nation’s top investment minds, Glen Strauss runs an investment advisory practice for business owners and professionals in Westwood.
The Most Influential Wealth Managers In Los Angeles: EVAN SHORTEN
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Evan Shorten is a Certified Financial Planner professional and member of the Financial Planning Association with over twenty-five years of experience working in the financial services industry.
The Most Influential Wealth Managers In Los Angeles: PAT SEVERO
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Pat Severo is a Managing Director and, in 2007, he founded SB Wealth Strategies, a team of seven investment professionals.
The Most Influential Wealth Managers In Los Angeles: RYAN SERRECCHIA
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Ryan Serrecchia, CFP, is an Executive Vice President and Partner with EP Wealth Advisors.
The Most Influential Wealth Managers In Los Angeles: DONALD L. SCHWARZ
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A Los Angeles native, Don Schwarz has over 45 years of experience in the securities and investment industry.
The Most Influential Wealth Managers In Los Angeles: REBECCA ROTHSTEIN
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Rebecca Rothstein works with high-net-worth individuals, families, and institutions, helping them advance their wealth management goals.
The Most Influential Wealth Managers In Los Angeles: MATTHEW PERON
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Matthew Peron is the leading wealth manager at City National, heading the investment strategy at the City National Rochdale, an asset management firm, and manages $38 billion in assets.
The Most Influential Wealth Managers In Los Angeles: BRIAN PARKER
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Brian Parker, CFP, is a Managing Director and Co-founder of EP Wealth Advisors.
The Most Influential Wealth Managers In Los Angeles: JASON OZUR
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Since being founded in 1999 Lido Advisors, LLC has seen continuous growth, and Jason Ozur has been an integral part of Lido’s most recent success.
The Most Influential Wealth Managers In Los Angeles: ARA OGHOORIAN
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Ara Oghoorian is the founder and president of ACap Asset Management, Inc. (ACap), a Fee-Only financial advisory and tax firm with a unique focus on working exclusively with healthcare professionals.
The Most Influential Wealth Managers In Los Angeles: RENE NOURSE
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After 25 years as a financial advisor with large NYSE brokerage firms, Rene Nourse, CFP, left Morgan Stanley in June of 2012 to launch Urban Wealth Management Group.
The Most Influential Wealth Managers In Los Angeles: BRUCE MUNSTER
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Bruce Munster and his team advise clients on their personal income and estate tax planning as well as wealth management concerns related to M&A transactions in a variety of industries including, technology, e-commerce, consumer products, business services, health care, manufacturing, restaurants and real estate.
The Most Influential Wealth Managers In Los Angeles: BROCK MOSELEY
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Brock Moseley has over 21 years of experience in the financial services industry.
The Most Influential Wealth Managers In Los Angeles: BRUCE MANDEL
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Bruce Mandel co-founded Oakwood in 1998, and in addition to serving as President & Chief Executive Officer, he also chairs the Investment Policy Committee and co-manages the firm’s global investment strategies.
The Most Influential Wealth Managers In Los Angeles: KENNETH MALAMED
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Ken Malamed brings over four decades of investment industry experience to L&S Advisors, where he leverages the time-tested methodologies and strategies which have helped make him successful throughout his career.
The Most Influential Wealth Managers In Los Angeles: SIMONE LIU
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Born in Brazil, educated in Taiwan and then immigrating to the United States to complete her bachelor of arts degree in Economics at UCLA, Simone Liu’s quadruple minority roots bring a fresh and international perspective to her clients throughout her 15 year career rising from UBS, Morgan Stanley and now to her current position as VP of Investments for Wells Farg Advisors in Beverly Hills.
The Most Influential Wealth Managers In Los Angeles: ALEV LEWIS
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Alev Lewis is a Managing Director, Partner and co-founder of Acacia Wealth Advisors at HighTower, an independent multifamily office.
The Most Influential Wealth Managers In Los Angeles: GREGORY P. KUSHNER
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Gregory Kushner founded Lido Advisors, LLC in 1999 a Registered Investment Adviser, to provide objective and personal financial solutions, multi-generational planning, and to act as the “Chief Investment Officer” for ultra-high net-worth investors and family offices.
The Most Influential Wealth Managers In Los Angeles: MAX KAYAJANIAN
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Max Kayajanian joined Oakwood Capital Management in 2014.
The Most Influential Wealth Managers In Los Angeles: DANILO KAWASAKI
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Danilo Kawasaki, Vice-President and COO of Gerber Kawasaki Wealth & Investment Management, oversees the compliance and day-to-day supervision of the firm.
The Most Influential Wealth Managers In Los Angeles: RICHARD B. JONES
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Richard Jones is a co-founder and leader of the Jones Zafari Group at Merrill Lynch’s Private Banking and Investment Group, one of the largest wealth management teams in the industry, with 26 team members handling over $16 billion in assets for its clients.
Friday, August 17
Arizona State Announces Move into Herald Examiner Building
Arizona State University will occupy the vast majority of the Los Angeles Herald Examiner building in downtown, the university said Aug. 17. The move signals the school’s growing entry into California, and a facelift for a historic, century-old structure.
The Most Influential Wealth Managers In Los Angeles: DARYA ALLEN-ATTAR
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Over the past decade Anne Johnston has sought out leading practitioners and academics to curate an experience that will impact clients well beyond the bottom line.
The Most Influential Wealth Managers In Los Angeles: ANNE B. JOHNSTON
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Over the past decade Anne Johnston has sought out leading practitioners and academics to curate an experience that will impact clients well beyond the bottom line.
The Most Influential Wealth Managers In Los Angeles: DAVID HOU
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David Hou is a Senior Managing Director and Wealth Manager at First Republic Investment Management.
The Most Influential Wealth Managers In Los Angeles: DEREK HOLMAN, CFP, AIF
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Derek Holman, CFP, AIF is a Managing Director and Co-founder of EP Wealth Advisors.
The Most Influential Wealth Managers In Los Angeles: GREG HELLER
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After starting his career at a brokerage firm, Greg Heller founded HCR Wealth Advisors based on core company principles that still support the company today.
The Most Influential Wealth Managers In Los Angeles: ROSS GERBER
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Ross Gerber, President and CEO of Wealth & Investment Management, oversees Gerber Kawasaki’s corporate and investment management operations as well as serves individual clients.
The Most Influential Wealth Managers In Los Angeles: JORDAN EILER
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Jordan Eiler, second-generation banker, grew up on the bond desk at his father’s firm.
The Most Influential Wealth Managers In Los Angeles: REBECCA DUTKA
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Rebecca Dutka has been a professional in wealth management for over twenty years and has developed deep relationships with her client focused approach.
The Most Influential Wealth Managers In Los Angeles: JEREMY DICKER
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Born and raised in Southern California, Jeremy Dicker found the Wealth Management profession at the young age of 17.
Gov. Brown Appoints Roski Scion to Science Center Board
Gov. Jerry Brown on Aug. 17 appointed Patricia Roski to the board of the California Science Center, among other local appointments. Roski is the daughter of Ed Roski, no. 9 on the Los Angeles Business Journal’s list of Wealthiest Angelenos with $5.3 billion.
The Most Influential Wealth Managers In Los Angeles: LISA DETANNA
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Lisa Detanna has been providing wealth management advice to a diverse base of affluent individuals and families for more than 28 years.
The Most Influential Wealth Managers In Los Angeles: RANDY CONNER
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Randy Conner has been President of Churchill Management Group since 2000, helping grow the firm’s AUM from under $400 Million to $5.2 Billion, and helping to land Churchill on Barron’s list of Top 30 RIA Firms in 2017.
Cal State LA Honors Grifols President for Biotech Support
Grifols Biologicals Inc. of El Sereno has hired more than 100 Cal State LA alumni and students while training nearly as many high school students at its summer science academy.
Silicon Beach Report Aug. 17: SpaceX Gains NASA Fueling Approval
SpaceX approved for “load-and-go” procedure; Netflix testing new ads; NTS heading to Anaheim;
L.A. County Jobless Rate Steady at 4.5 Percent in July
Numbers reflect seasonal job losses in education
L.A. County’s unemployment rate held steady at 4.5 percent in July even as seasonal job losses gripped the education sector, according to state figures released Aug. 17.
CBRE Reorganizes Structure, Executive Team
The downtown Los Angeles-based CBRE Group Inc. is reorganizing its structure into three global businesses: Advisory services, global workplace solutions and real estate inves
The Most Influential Wealth Managers In Los Angeles: CHARLES CLAVER
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Charles Claver is Vice President and Wealth Advisor for First Bank. Founded in 1910, First Bank is one of the largest privately held, family-owned banks in the United States.
Declaration of Independents on Dynamex Decision
I count myself as one of the 57 million people across our country, and the 1.4 million in California alone, who choose to work as an independent contractor.
Academy on Target
Commentary
Fault might be found in the seemingly sudden decision by the Academy of Motion Picture Arts and Sciences to create a new Oscar for Achievement in Popular Film.
Snyder on Apartment Market: Better Than Good
Miracle Mile development under construction, expected to come online in 2020
More apartments on the way on Wilshire Boulevard, complements of Jerry Snyder.
Neuroscience Institute Opens New SaMo Center
Pacific Brain Health Center to help patients with dementia, other ailments
Patients suffering with brain disorders and diseases get their own center in Santa Monica.
Apple Co-Founder Joins L.A. Crypto Summit
Wozniak will address blockchain enthusiasts at October convention
Cryptocurrency summit features Apple Inc.’s other founder – Steve Wozniak.
Deal & Dealmakers: City National Adds Exactuals
Fintech Acquisition part of long-term strategy, expansion in L.A. market
City National Bank continues growth with Exactuals acquisition.
Closing Times
How a team of local movers hauled the L.A. Times from downtown to El Segundo
The stories and stats behind the L.A. Times’ move from downtown to El Segundo.
Kennedy-Wilson Taps Ricks as President
New position for Beverly Hills-based investor
Kennedy-Wilson creates new president role for a 28-year company veteran.
Of Hope & Hanmi; Garcetti’s Good Manner
The recent ruckus over a homeless shelter in Koreatown got loud enough amid the summer heat to mute rumblings of a possible deal between Bank of Hope and Hanmi Bank, which would amount to a whole new era for the neighborhood and the Korean-American community in general.
ROKiT Brand Aims to Rock Stub Hub With Chargers
ADVERTISING: Culver City-based outfit adds business line, sponsors field
ROKiT Brands gets Chargers’ field naming rights.
Biggest Dealers Set Sales Pace
AUTOS: Increase in units sold tops broader markets
The market for L.A. County’s auto dealers in 2017.
Fallas Plans to Get Back Up
RETAIL: Everything but e-commerce hit discount chain
How National Stores plans to rescue itself from Chapter 11 bankruptcy in the challenging retail climate.
Eagle Crest on Move in Mojave
ENERGY: Feds give key OK; license hurdle ahead
Eagle Crest Energy’s business model depends on whether it can build a hydropower energy storage plant near Joshua Tree National Park.
Golden Oldies
Veteran agent, erstwhile stars find business model amid nostalgia
Where have all the older performers gone? Agents are forming a cottage industry supplying them to venues across the globe.
Affordability Index Drops Again for L.A.
REAL ESTATE: Tight market, interest rates a factor
L.A. housing affordability drops, according to realtors’ association.
Thursday, August 16
Silicon Beach Report Aug. 16: Tech Investor Sues AT&T Claiming ‘SIM Swap’ Scam
Cryptocurrency investor Michael Terpin sues AT&T over “SIM swap” scam; Cargomatic raises $35M in series B round; Boeing acquires El Segundo-based satellite and flight-plan maker.
L.A. Airport Board Approves Lease Agreements for Consolidated Car Rental Facility
The Los Angeles Board of Airport Commissioners on Aug. 16 approved lease agreements of up to 25 years with seven major car rental companies operating near Los Angeles International Airport to move into a consolidated car rental facility east of the airport when it is slated to open in 2023.
Cargomatic Raises $35 Million Series B Round
Long Beach-based Cargomatic Inc., an online platform that helps connect shippers and truckers for cargo delivery, closed a $35 million Series B round, the company announced Aug. 16.
L.A. Chargers Ink Advertising, Partial Naming Rights Deal With Culver City Company
The National Football League’s Los Angeles Chargers announced Aug. 16 an extensive partnership with ROK Brands that includes renaming the StubHub Center as ROKiT Field at StubHub Center for days the Chargers play.
Boeing Acquires El Segundo’s Millennium Space Systems
Boeing Co. has agreed to acquire Millennium Space Systems Inc., an El Segundo-based small flight system developer and satellite manufacturer.
The Most Influential Wealth Managers In Los Angeles: JAMES BERLINER
Custom Content by the Los Angeles Business Journal
Jim Berliner co-founded Westmount Asset Management in 1990, and since then has served as the firm’s President and Chief Investment Officer.
The Most Influential Wealth Managers In Los Angeles: BRETT BARTMAN
Custom Content by the Los Angeles Business Journal
Brett Bartman is a Managing Director and currently holds the Series 7, 31 and 66 licenses and is licensed to sell life & disability insurance, fixed & variable annuities, health and long term care insurance.
Wednesday, August 15
Musk’s Boring Co. Proposes Tunnel Connecting Subway Station, Dodger Stadium
Billionaire Elon Musk’s Boring Co. on Aug. 15 released a proposal to build a 3.6-mile-long tunnel between Dodger Stadium and one of three nearby subway stations and run high-speed pods that could whisk passengers to or from the stadium in four minutes.
Mvmt to be Acquired for $100 Million
Watch company Mvmt (pronounced movement) is set to be acquired by Movado Group Inc. for $100 million, the companies announced Aug. 15.
Cedars-Sinai Study: Care Costs Less When Doctors Follow Computer Alerts
Physicians who follow computer alerts attached to electronic health records find their patients experience fewer hospital complications and lower costs, according to a study on inpatient care.
Lucidity Announces $5 Million Funding Round
Marina del Rey advertising blockchain firm Lucidity (an affiliate of KR8OS Inc.) announced Aug. 15 it completed a funding round of $5 million in total, comprised of investments from six venture capital firms.
Silicon Beach Report Aug. 15: AuditBoard Nets $40 Million
Risk and compliance software company AuditBoard raises $40 million; Bird, Lime lead e-scooter protest in Santa Monica; Tinder sues parent company
Greenland Lands $310M Loan for Metropolis’ Third Tower in DTLA
Cottonwood Group, a downtown Los Angeles-based real estate investment firm, and Natixis, a French lender, have arranged a $310 million senior construction loan facility to complete the third luxury residential tower in Greenland USA’s Metropolis project.
Catasys Inc. of Brentwood Reports $4 Million Q2 Loss
Catasys Inc., a digital health analytics company based in Brentwood, reported a $4 million loss in the second quarter despite a jump in billings and enrollment.
Tinder Sues Parent Company
Match Group dating app subsidiary Tinder Inc. has filed a lawsuit against parent company InterActiveCorp., alleging IAC purposefully undervalued the company to avoid proper payouts to executives.
Tuesday, August 14
BioSig Tech Gets Federal Green Light to Sell Medical Device
BioSig Technologies Inc., a medical device firm based in West Los Angeles, announced Aug. 14 it had received federal clearance to sell a signal processing platform to assist cardiologists.
Aetna Launches Insurance Plan to Include L.A. County Hospital Networks
Health insurance giant Aetna Inc. has launched a new plan geared for Southern California that includes collaborations with Los Angeles County hospital systems.
Xenon Investments Corp. Picks Up Las Palmas Villa Apartments for $28 Million
The 81-unit Las Palmas Villa Apartments in Hollywood Hills has sold for just over $28 million, according to CBRE Group Inc.
Inception Launches Cannabis REIT
The Inception Cos., a cannabis-focused private investment companies with offices in Beverly Hills and London, has launched a cannabis-focused real estate investment trust.
Silicon Beach Report Aug. 14: Snapchat Gives Creators AR Power
Snapchat enlists Nicki Minaj to show how AR tools let users shop in RL; SpaceX invites guests into the Dragon X; Treyarch testing Battle Royale mode.
Pacific City Financial Completes $47.7 Million IPO
Pacific City Financial Corp. completed its initial public offering with the sale of 2.4 million shares on the Nasdaq at $20 per share, according the bank, which began trading on Aug. 10.
Mary Ricks Named President at Kennedy Wilson
Beverly Hills-based real estate investment firm Kennedy Wilson has named long-time executive Mary Ricks as its president, a newly-created position.
U.S. News Ranks L.A. Hospitals Among the Best in the Nation
Los Angeles County hospitals ranked among the highest in the nation and California, with UCLA Health and Cedars-Sinai both placed among the Top 10, according to a U.S. News and World Report assessment released Aug. 14.
Monday, August 13
Four Industrial Buildings in Commerce Sell for More Than $20M
Karney Properties Co., a Brentwood-based real estate firm, has sold four industrial buildings totaling roughly 120,000 square feet in Commerce for more than $20 million.
Swissport International to Lay Off 830 Employees at LAX
Swissport International plans to close its ground handling and transportation operations at Los Angeles International Airport and lay off about 830 people, the Zurich, Switzerland-based company said in a letter to the state’s Employment Development Department.
Colliers Acquires Glendale’s CBC Advisors and Adds 10th Area Office
Toronto-based Colliers International Group Inc. has closed on its purchase of CBC Advisors in Glendale, a commercial real estate brokerage franchise, according to Colliers.
Southern Counties Express Acquired for $65 Million
Compton-based logistics company, Southern Counties Express Inc., was acquired for $65 million in cash by competitor Universal Logistics Holdings Inc., the companies announced Aug. 10.
City National Acquires Entertainment Software Company
City National Bank announced Aug. 13 that it acquired Exactuals, a west side-based company that provides electronic payment hub software for entertainers who collect royalty checks.
Silicon Beach Report Aug. 13: Chrome River Inks Deal With Exxon
Chrome River picks up ExxonMobil; Wells leaving Netflix; Bird scooters face vandalism.
Friday, August 10
Lions Gate Invests in Faith-Based Films
Lions Gate Entertainment Corp. announced a deal Aug. 10 to have priority in distributing films produced by self-described faith-based filmmakers Andrew Erwin, John Erwin, and Kevin Downes.
Silicon Beach Report Aug. 10: Tinder Aims for $800 Million
Tinder eyes $800-million mark this year; SpaceX investors hold steady despite Tesla drama; luxury boat online rental service OnBoat now on board in L.A.
B. Riley Subsidiary Negotiates South Coast Acura Sale
GlassRatner, a subsidiary of B. Riley Financial Inc. in Woodland Hills, announced Thursday that it advised Coast Mesa car dealer Orange Coast Auto Group in its acquisition of Costa Mesa-based South Coast Acura.
GumGum Inks Deal with Jim Maui Invitational
Santa Monica’s sports marketing firm GumGum Sports (a division of GumGum Inc.) announced Aug. 10 it signed a multi-year agreement to provide media valuation services for the Maui Jim Maui Invitational basketball tournament.
Puma Cancer Drug Sales Rise 41 Percent in Q2
Puma Biotechnology Inc. reported a 41 percent jump in sales of its signature breast cancer drug to $51 million in the second quarter.
CUSTOM CONTENT: California’s Sweeping Consumer Privacy Law - What companies need to know to mitigate their risk.
Trusted Advisors
On the heels of the EU’s General Data Protection Regulation (GDPR), California passed the strictest privacy law in the country, giving consumers unprecedented control over their personal data and imposing new penalties on businesses that don’t comply.
CUSTOM CONTENT: How Charity Can Benefit your Family and Society When it’s Time to Sell your Business
Trusted Advisors
An exit strategy for any business owner is just as important as the plan that keeps the business running and profitable.
California Dream Requires Housing Within Reach
The California Dream is in jeopardy.
Woe is Westlake?
The old saying about society being judged by how it treats its most vulnerable members carries a moralistic tone.
PlayVS Makes Play for E-Sports in High Schools
Software would help schools set up leagues and players.
PlayVS Inc. co-founder and Chief Executive Delane Parnell has come a long way from Detroit’s Jeffries Housing Projects.
E-Sports Seeks Traditional Path to Growth
$700M in global revenue last year; media rights, events seen as prime opportunities for more
Season one of the Overwatch League e-sports tournament at Burbank’s Blizzard Arena featured computer-generated avatars fighting virtual battles on giant screens watched by hundreds of fans.
Coalition Singles Out Paramount on Diversity
Media group claims Latinos underrepresented in studio’s productions
Paramount Pictures and National Hispanic Media Coalition wrangle over diversity.
Accessory Junkie Brings Pop-Up to Malibu
Online retailer holds event to show off jewelry, talk women in business
Accessory Junkie launches its brick-and-mortar pop-up with a working women party.
Deals & Dealmakers: TaskUs Valued at $500M
$250 million Blackstone investment puts outsourcing firm in growth mode
TaskUs gets $250 million from Blackstone.
Homegrown Goods
LA Original pop-up shop at the MOCA promotes local artisans
Local artisans display their wares under the LA Original banner at the Museum of Contemporary Art pop-up store.
County Looks to Streamline Regs for Bioscience Sector
HEALTH CARE: Overlay zone could fast-track entitlement, permitting
Does a new weed killer born in UCLA beakers hold any promise for the commercial herbicide market?
$151.5M for Culver City Doubletree
Hospitality: Buyer Woodbine gets 12-story hotel
A Dallas-based real estate firm has purchased the 375-room, 255,000-square-foot DoubleTree by Hilton Hotel
Century City Speech, Wall Street Sheep
Who hasn’t lived through a performance of someone from corporate bleating on with the latest message from on high.
Art Center Completes $103M Bond Sale
College will pay down debt, improve facilities
A $103 million bond sale helps the Art Center College of Design expand.
Corporate Gifts Grow in L.A.
PHILANTHROPY: 9.6% hike outpaces national rate
What the corporate philanthropy climate looked like in 2017.
Razor Scoots to Long Beach
TRANSPORTATION: Works with city on pilot program
Scooter company Razor seeks to move into the competitive electric scooter rental market by launching in Long Beach.
Westwood Weed Whacker?
UCLA-developed herbicide shows promise, but commercialization difficult
Does a new weed killer born in UCLA beakers hold any promise for the commercial herbicide market?
Jerde Trying to Win More Local Work
Architecture firm turns back toward L.A. after focus on Asian markets
Local architects who designed overseas during the Great Recession move to expand, thanks to the local building boom.
Digital Play in L.A.
Burgeoning e-sports industry evolves, develops hub here
E-sports is growing up, and Los Angeles County may be its top playground.
STYLE | Untypical, Impeccable
Evie Jeang • Surrogacy Concierge
“I don’t look or dress like a typical lawyer,” said Evie Jeang, family attorney, founder and chief executive of Surrogacy Concierge, headquartered in Alhambra with offices in New York.
Energy Firm Bets on Subscribers
Utilities: Flat fee on renewables key to model
Inspire Energy Holdings hopes to grow its urenewable energy procurement company with a unique, but risky, business model.
Thursday, August 9
Long Beach City College and Port to Offer Supply Chain Training
The Port of Long Beach and Long Beach City College have partnered up to launch a new training program to prepare students for jobs in the global logistics and supply chain industry.
Cedars-Sinai Licenses Brain Vaccine Tech to Pasadena-Based StemVax
Cedars-Sinai Medical Center has awarded rights to a preclinical vaccine to prevent recurring brain tumors to StemVax Therapeutics, an emerging biotechnology firm based in Pasadena.
Aecom Announces Repurchase of $150M of Shares
Century City engineering and construction firm Aecom on Aug. 9 announced the repurchase of $150 million worth of shares, the initial action under a $1 billion share repurchase authorization from the board last September.
The Most Influential Wealth Managers In Los Angeles: DARYA ALLEN-ATTAR
Custom Content by the Los Angeles Business Journal
Darya Allen-Attar is a financial advisor at the Santa Monica office of Morgan Stanley Wealth Management.
The Business of Accounting: CPA.com and CaseWare Announce Preparation, Compilation and Review Solution for CPA Firms
Custom Content by the Los Angeles Business Journal
Companies will also collaborate on broader audit solution
Silicon Beach Report Aug. 9: TaskUs Lands $250 Million
TaskUs worth $500 million following latest funding round; Stamps.com stocks fall after Post Office comment; Heineken passes on Snapchat in favor of other social media outlets.
Culver City DoubleTree Hotel Acquired for $151.5M
Woodbine Development Corp., a Dallas-based real estate firm, has purchased the 375-room, 255,000-square-foot DoubleTree by Hilton Hotel and its two acres of land at 6161 W. Centinela Ave. in Culver City for $151.5 million from private equity firm Carlyle Group of Washington, D.C., according to industry tracker CoStar Group Inc.
Five Office Buildings in Cerritos Acquired for $89.5 Million
Cress Capital, a Newport Beach-based private equity firm, has purchased a portfolio of five office buildings totaling nearly 462,000 square feet at Cerritos Towne Centre for $89.5 million from Principal Real Estate Investors, a Des Moines, Iowa-based limited liability company.
Amazon to Team With L.A. Community Colleges for Cloud Computing Certificate Program
Amazon.com Inc.’s Amazon Web Services announced Aug. 9 that it will collaborate with the California Cloud Workforce Project (CA Cloud) and 19 community colleges in Los Angeles County to offer a regional cloud computing certificate. To date, this is the first program of its kind created by Amazon and local colleges.
Appetize Mobile Ordering App Adds NFL Backing; Total Funding Above $50 Million
Playa Vista-based mobile ordering point-of-sale software developer Appetize Technologies Inc. announced Aug. 9 an undisclosed investment from the National Football League, raising the total amount of funding the company has raised to $50 million.
Wednesday, August 8
Study Says California Not Getting Its Share of Big-Budget Action Films
California was the location for 10 of the 100 highest-performing U.S. feature films released theatrically last year, according to a study released Wednesday by FilmL.A.
UCLA Awarded $9.3 Million to Treat Underserved Men With Prostate Cancer
The state has awarded $9.3 million to the UCLA Jonsson Comprehensive Cancer Center to provide free treatment for needy men with prostate cancer.
Silicon Beach Report Aug. 8: Blockchain Startup Sagewise Raises $1.25M
$1.25 million raised by Sagewise; Blizzard teases new Diablo game; Snap reports earnings
Otter Media Sold to AT&T
Holding company Chernin Group announced Aug. 8 that it sold Santa Monica entertainment conglomerate Otter Media Inc. to AT&T Inc.
Tuesday, August 7
Disney Misses Earnings Estimates
Walt Disney Co. missed Wall Street estimates on adjusted earnings and fell short on revenue for the fiscal third quarter.
Snap Q2 Earnings: Losses Trimmed but User Numbers Down
Snap Inc. announced second quarter earnings Aug. 7, reporting its first ever drop in users since the company’s incorporation in 2011.
Pasadena’s Art Center Completes $103M Bond Offering to Fund Renovations
The Art Center College of Design announced on Aug. 7 that it completed the sale of $103 million in bonds, of which $42 million will fund the renovation of facilities on its two Pasadena campuses.
Nikias Out at USC; Trustee, Former Aerospace Exec Austin Named Interim President
Max Nikias on Aug. 7 stepped down as president of USC and the board of trustees named one of its own, Wanda Austin, as interim president pending a nationwide search, board chair Rick Caruso announced in a letter to USC students, faculty and staff following an afternoon board meeting.
Silicon Beach Report Aug. 7: Katzenberg’s NewTV Raises $1 Billion
Katzenberg’s short-form video project raises $1 billion; SpaceX hosting mars landing conference; Nexus Technologies acquires Cal Net
Los Angeles County Aims to Fast-Track Bioscience in Unincorporated Areas
Los Angeles County may fuel its $40 billion bioscience industry by clearing regulatory roadblocks to building labs and manufacturing plants in unincorporated areas.
Cal Net Acquired by Nexus Technologies
Chatsworth-based Cal Net Technology Group was acquired by ABRY Partners subsidiary Nexus Technologies Inc. (which does business as NexusTek) Aug. 6. Cal Net provides managed IT solutions and will now operate as a NexusTek entity.
UTA Sells Minority Stake to Two International Investors
United Talent Agency has sold an undisclosed minority stake in their company to two international investors, according to an Aug. 7 announcement.
Katzenberg’s WndrCo Raises $1B for Short-Form Video Platform NewTV
An entertainment holding company founded by Jeffrey Katzenberg announced Aug. 7 that it had raised $1 billion for a digital, short-form video venture, including investments from every major motion picture studio.
El Segundo Campus Sold for $39 Million
Atlas Capital Group, a New York-based real estate investment firm, has purchased Insite, a two-building, 102,000-square-foot office campus at 2030 E. Maple Ave. in El Segundo for $39 million from SteelWave, a property firm from Foster City, Calif.
Dodgers Venture Arm Invests in Youth Sports Training Company Startup
The Los Angeles Dodgers announced Aug. 1 that the club’s venture arm has invested in a new youth sports training company co-founded by former Dodger Nomar Garciaparra.
Monday, August 6
Brown Appoints Local Redevelopment Consultant to UC Board of Regents
Gov. Jerry Brown on Aug. 6 appointed Pasadena redevelopment consultant Cecilia Estolano to the University of California Board of Regents.
CBRE Global Investors Moving HQ in Downtown
CBRE Global Investors will move its headquarters about one block from its current location at City National Plaza after signing a lease for 32,000 square feet at the Figueroa at Wilshire building at 601 S. Figueroa St., according to landlord Brookfield Properties.
Strand Equity Invests in Van Leeuwen Ice Cream Brand
Private Equity firm, Strand Equity Partners closed a minority investment in Brooklyn-based vegan ice-cream brand, Van Leeuwen Ice Cream. Terms of the deal were not disclosed.
Silicon Beach Report Aug. 6: Facebook Joins Forces With MomentFeed Startup
Facebook joins forces with MomentFeed startup; Zillow hires exec to lead digital content; SpaceX plans second reusable launch
Executive Education: MBA Hiring is Strong, with 4 in 5 Companies Planning to Hire Graduates this Year
Custom Content from the Los Angeles Business Journal
The Graduate Management Admission Council (GMAC) has released its 17th annual survey report, the GMAC 2018 Corporate Recruiters Survey report, and findings indicate that MBA hiring remains strong.
Executive Education: The Cal Lutheran Executive MBA: Preparing You for Immediate Impact
Custom Content from the Los Angeles Business Journal
Every MBA program prepares students for success. Here’s one that prepares students for immediate impact.
Executive Education: Yes and Yes: An LMU Approach to Career and Business Growth, with Skill and Purpose
Custom Content from the Los Angeles Business Journal
You know the expression about wanting to have your cake and eat it too? It’s never been more relevant, or more achievable.
Executive Education: Executive MBA Council Survey Results Show Graduates are More Desirable as Rapid Changes to Industries and Globalization Increase
Custom Content from the Los Angeles Business Journal
Late last year, the Executive MBA Council (EMBAC) announced the results of its annual EMBAC Membership Program Survey, which revealed more students are applying for Executive MBA (EMBA) programs to augment their skills as the workforce continues to globalize and new technologies emerge.
Executive Education: Woodbury University MBA: Cultivating Transformational Leaders for Sustainable Business
Custom Content from the Los Angeles Business Journal
Located at the heart of Los Angeles’ business and creative economies, Woodbury University offers an innovative MBA program that is taught by some of today’s top working professionals and leadership scholars.
Friday, August 3
Cedars-Sinai Joins Forces With Salix Pharmaceuticals to Research Gut Disorders
Cedars-Sinai Medical Center has entered into an agreement with New Jersey-based Salix Pharmaceuticals to investigate the treatment of gastrointestinal disorders.
Brentwood Associates Acquires MD Now Urgent Care
Brentwood Associates, a Sawtelle-based private equity firm, has acquired MD Now Urgent Care for an undisclosed sum.
Prime Healthcare Services and its CEO to Pay $65 Million in Medicare Overbilling Settlement
Ontario-based Prime Healthcare Services Inc. and its chief executive have agreed to pay $65 million to settle federal allegations of Medicare overbilling at 14 California Hospitals, including two in Los Angeles County, the U.S. Attorney’s Office announced Aug. 3.
Resnicks Donate Additional $2.4M to Food Law Center at UCLA School of Law
Billionaire farm and food magnates Lynda and Stewart Resnick have donated an additional $2.4 million to the UCLA School of Law for research and educational resources at their Resnick Center for Food Law and Policy, UCLA officials announced Aug. 1.
Silicon Beach Report Aug. 3: Uproxx Media Sold to Warner Music
Warner Music buys Uproxx Media; SpaceX sets deadline for NASA launch; Hyperloop Technologies in consideration for Cupertino line
Cities Must Manage Risks of Scooters
Personal injury lawyers throughout the Los Angeles area are licking their chops.
Mayor’s Korean Lesson
A book called “The Korean-American Dream: Portraits of a Successful Immigrant Community” went to press last week.
STYLE | Creature Comfort
Ophir Tanz I GumGum Inc.
Ophir Tanz is co-founder and chief executive of GumGum Inc., self-described as an artificial intelligence company with expertise in computer vision
Report Puts Office Market Lease Rates on Plateau
Allen Matkins/UCLA survey respondents expect steady run ahead
Costs for labor and materials are contributing to the slowing of office development.
Exer Adds Clinic as Urgent Care Booms in L.A.
Pasadena outpost ninth location for El Segundo-based health care provider
New medical school helps with physician shortage.
CSU Long Beach Adds Cybersecurity Program
New minor aims to address labor shortage in growing market segment
CSU Long Beach launches cybersecurity minor.
Deals & Dealmakers: Blue Gets Green From Logitech
Portfolio of microphones, sound engineering tools fetch $117 million
Logitech picks up West Lake’s Blue Microphones in $117 million deal.
Game-Day Gondola?
Union Station-to-Dodger Stadium cable car would cut across L.A.’s skyline.
A gondola could be on the horizon for Dodger fans attending games at the stadium.
Sun Devil in the Details for Downtown?
Don’t be surprised to see an influx of Sun Devils around downtown – and this has nothing to do with the long, hot summer that’s baking the City of Angels.
Adobe Sets Up Shop in SaMo
First L.A. County office for creative software company
Adobe Systems Inc. cut the ribbon July 25 at a new Santa Monica office, which leaders said will help deepen the tech company’s relationship with the post-production community in Hollywood.
Telecoms Hold Steady on Local Jobs
Retail expansions, acquisitions help
How the area’s largest telecommunications firms have fared by employee count.
YouWorld’s New World
Firm helps retailers reach Chinese millennials
Pasadena firm plays matchmaker between Chinese travelers and local retail centers.
Record Property Values
6.6% gain puts county total at $1.57 trillion
City of Industry leads L.A. County in assessed property value gains.
Seats to Fill
Crowded venue market challenges Banc of California Stadium
At only three months old, the Banc of California stadium seeks its place among the highly competitive local venue market.
Thursday, August 2
Justice Department to Review 70-Year-Old Movie Consent Decrees
The U.S. Justice Department announced Aug. 2 that it will review 70-year-old consent decrees that put limits on dealings between movie distributors and movie theaters.
Everything You Need to Know About Employee Health Benefits
Custom Content from the Los Angeles Business Journal
We get it. You didn’t start a small business because you love dealing with operational tasks like benefits administration.
7 Ways to Save Money on Small Business Health Insurance
Custom Content from the Los Angeles Business Journal
There’s one thing we can all agree on when it comes to health insurance: it’s expensive.
Silicon Beach Report Aug. 2: L.A. Dodgers Launches New Youth Sports Venture
Dodgers kicks off youth sports program; new Overwatch teams from across the county and around the world; Boeing delays Starliner capsule launch
Blizzard’s Overwatch League Adds Two New Teams
Santa Monica-headquartered Activision Blizzard Inc.’s Blizzard Entertainment announced Aug. 2 that it added two new teams to its global e-sports competition, the Overwatch League.
FAA Announces Infrastructure Grants to Local Airports
The Federal Aviation Administration on Aug. 1 and Aug. 2 announced grants for infrastructure improvements at two local airports, Los Angeles International Airport and Ontario International Airport.
L.A. Mayor Garcetti Names McClain-Hill to DWP Commission
Los Angeles Mayor Eric Garcetti on Aug. 1 nominated prominent attorney, lobbyist and businesswoman Cynthia McClain-Hill to the board of Water and Power Commissioners.
Wednesday, August 1
Meat Processor Pleads Guilty to Misbranding Beef, Pork and Poultry
A Maywood-based meat processor and two officials have pleaded guilty to selling beef, pork and poultry to Southern California grocery chains while bearing bogus USDA inspection marks, the U.S. Attorney’s Office announced.
Molina Health Care Reports $200M in Earnings in Q2
Insurance giant Molina Health Care Inc. is on a financial rebound, reporting more than $200 million in second quarter earnings after suffering a loss during the same period last year.
Silicon Beach Report Aug. 1: Snapchat Launches Speech Recognition
Snapchat’s new lenses will respond to spoken cues; Pluto TV links with Vizio; scooters moratorium proposed in L.A.
Judge Rules Against AEG Dismissal of Ozzy Osbourne Suit
Anschutz Entertainment Group Inc.’s motion to dismiss Ozzy Osbourne’s class action anti-trust lawsuit was denied Aug. 1 by Los Angeles federal judge Dale Fischer.
Cedars-Sinai Awards $5.9 Million to Help Services for Needy Angelenos
Cedars-Sinai Medical Center has awarded $5.9 million in grants to assist the homeless and boost behavioral health.
Bryan Lourd
LA500
Bryan Lourd is a partner and co-chairman of Creative Artists Agency, the entertainment and sports agency with offices around the world, including in the Los Angeles headquarters, London, Nashville, and Beijing. CAA represents artists working in film, television, music, theater, games and digital media.
Richard Meier
LA 500
Architect Richard Meier founded Richard Meier & Partners Architects, the company responsible for many iconic buildings, including the Getty Center in Los Angeles.
Thom Mayne
LA 500
Thom Mayne is founder and design director of Morphosis, an interdisciplinary and collectively organized architecture firm launched in 1972.
Christopher Martin
LA 500
Christopher Martin is the chairman and chief executive of AC Martin, one of California’s most venerable architecture firms.
Reliance Steel Acquires Two Metal Fabrication Companies
Downtown-based Reliance Steel & Aluminum Co. announced Aug. 1 the acquisition of sheet metal fabrication companies, KMS Fab and KMS South Inc. Terms of the deal were undisclosed.
Derek H. McCann
LA 500
Derek McCann is managing director of the Loews Santa Monica Beach Hotel, with oversight of all aspects of the beachfront property.
John C. Mazziotta
LA 500
Dr. John Mazziotta has been vice chancellor of UCLA Health Sciences and chief executive of UCLA Health since 2015.
Howard Marks
LA 500
Howard Marks is the co-chairman of Oaktree Capital Management, the global asset management firm he co-founded in 1995 with a group of individuals who had been investing together since the mid-1980s.
Howard Marks
LA 500
Howard Marks is co-founder and chief executive of StartEngine Crowdfunding/Capital, a leading provider of initial coin offerings and online public offerings.
Arrowhead Pharma Receives $10M Milestone Payment From Amgen
Arrowhead Pharmaceuticals Inc. of Pasadena announced Aug. 1 it had received a $10 million milestone payment from Amgen Inc., now developing an Arrowhead drug to treat cardiovascular disease.
Highland Residences in Hollywood Sells for $52M
Goldrich Kest, a Culver City-based property owner and manager, has purchased the Highland Residences, a six-story, 76-unit, 68,000-square-foot apartment building at 1411 N. Highland Ave. in Hollywood, for $52 million.
FIDM Fashion School Names Verreos, Paul Co-Chairs of Design Program
Downtown’s Fashion Institute of Design & Merchandising announced July 31 it has named red carpet designers Nick Verreos and David Paul as new co-chairs of the school’s fashion design program.
