Stories for September 2002
Monday, September 30
Court Sets Staff Cutbacks in Face Of Rising Deficit
The Los Angeles Superior Court executive committee has voted to lay off 150 staff members and 26 judicial officers by Nov. 1, enraging local union leaders and trial attorneys who fear that the cutbacks are unnecessary and detrimental to cases.
Executive Summary / The Pacesetter - Savings & Loans
Summaries of this week's second List - Savings & Loan associations, L.A. County-based; ranked by assets as of June 30, 2002
Business Groups Close Gap in Living Wage Campaign
Proposition JJ, Santa Monica's coastal zone living wage ordinance that once was expected to pass overwhelmingly, could be in for a tough time this November.
My Favorite Sites
Favorite websites of Steve Straughan, partner, Kirkpatrick Associates Architects
L.A. Stories / The Roving Eye
More news and inside stories from around town.
Developer Nears Downtown Deal For Market Site
Encouraged by the growing number of downtown residential projects, CIM Group Inc. is finally about to sign a deal to bring a supermarket to its mixed-use development in South Park.
L.A. Recovery Prospects Tied to Rest of Nation, Anderson Forecast Says
Los Angeles should bounce back next year from the economic slowdown, as long as the rest of the nation doesn't enter into a double-dip recession.
Cell Phones Hurt University Budgets
Students who use cell phones instead of university services are costing schools millions of dollars in lost fees.
Frustrated KCET Joins Fundraising Consortium Beyond Realm of PBS
Dissatisfied with the amount of money they have been getting from the Public Broadcasting System's fundraising arm, KCET-TV (Channel 28) and seven other public television stations nationwide have formed their own organization to seek underwriting dollars
Risk Assessment
TRADING PLACES - Accounting After Andersen
Industry Itself Joins Government in Policing Members
TRADING PLACES - Accounting After Andersen
AQMD Review Plan Met Skeptically
A proposal by the region's smog agency to cut the time it takes to upgrade refineries and build new power plants is getting a skeptical response from industry officials, who think the plan could end up hurting them more than it helps.
Voters Getting a Chance to Set State Budget Priorities
It's called "ballot box budgeting," the diversion of discretionary government budget dollars to specific programs approved by voters.
LABJ FORUM: At the Center of the Sprawl
Staples Center, the Cathedral of Our Lady of Angels and the new Disney Concert Hall have spawned talk of a downtown revival. But it's not just the big venues; bars, restaurants and major cultural attractions, including the Central Library, Music Center an
Standardized Testing is Best Measure of Success
Commentary by By BILL SIART and ROBERT J. FLOWERS
AFTRA Targets Shared Staff In Viacom's L.A. Newsrooms
One of the first labor battles of the duopoly era in Los Angeles is heating up with the American Federation of Television & Radio Artists challenging Viacom Inc. for allowing its two local channels to share news reports prepared by journalists at those st
Executive Summary / The Pacesetter - L.A. County Banks
Summaries of this week's List - L.A. County-based Banks, Ranked by assets as of June 30, 2002
NEWSMAKERS
Business people making news, on the move
Monday, September 23
LABJ FORUM: The Many Forms of TV Watching
The networks have been rolling out their fall offerings, old and new, as they jockey to grab not only big audiences, but the right kind of big audience (specifically, anyone younger than 50). So the Business Journal asks: What's your favorite television
NEWSMAKERS
People and businesses in the news, on the move
L.A. Stories / The Roving Eye
Stories and discoveries from around town.
Two Union Veterans Reflect
WHO'S WHO ENTERTAINMENT - HOLLYWOOD UNIONS
Well-Known Join Unfamiliar Names in Leader Ranks
WHO'S WHO ENTERTAINMENT HOLLYWOOD UNIONS
Management Fights Dissident Group At Valley Maker of Oxygen Systems
CHAD Therapeutics Inc. has a market cap of $28 million, a stock price of less than three bucks and earnings for the last quarter of $178,000 not exactly takeover material.
My Favorite Sites
Favorite websites of Melissa Karz, Chief Executive, Kadima Coaching and Consulting
Westfield Leads the Blanding of L.A. Shopping
OPINION by Carol Wade, a Los Angeles writer.
Executive Summary / The Pacesetter
Summaries of this week's List - Women-owned Businesses L.A. County-based; ranked by 2001 revenues
State to Join Request for Health Aid
State officials have finally agreed to go to Washington to discuss another federal bailout of L.A. County's financially ailing health department, eliminating a significant hurdle in preventing another round of service cuts and hospital closures.
Review & Preview
Review of other top news; Preview of upcoming events and stories
Law Firms Slow Contributions To State's Political Campaigns
With this fall's election so far attracting little interest, local law firms have stepped back from their traditional role of bankrolling political campaigns.
Consumers Seeking Class Status in Action Over Phone Charges
Four Southern California residents have sued Verizon Communications Inc., claiming the phone company reaped millions of dollars in profits through an "unjustified" equipment rental charge on consumer bills.
Union Leaders
WHO'S WHO ENTERTAINMENT - HOLLYWOOD UNIONS
Rate of Latino Home Buying Declines as Prices Climb
Rising home prices and low-wage jobs for recent immigrants have pushed down Latino home ownership in California, according to a study being released this week.
Revenues Pressed, Law Firms Boost Resume Scrutiny
Squeezed by the economic downturn, fewer lawyers are generating the profits and client work that law firms want. As a result, more partners in the job market are fudging their numbers ...
L.A.'s No. 2 Bank Grows as Affiliates Prepare to Merge
A little-known Oak Park, Ill. bank holding company is about to merge its two Los Angeles subsidiaries, California National Bank and Fidelity Federal Bank, and bolster what's quietly emerged as L.A.'s second-largest financial institution, with $5.7 billio
Debate Over Pop Musician Deaths Missing Outrage
Commentary by Leonard Pitts, columnist for the Miami Herald.
Monday, September 16
Judge Finds Bank Covered Up Bad Loan Prior to Sale
A jury's recent decision to award L.A.-based Far East National Bank $9 million in a dispute over a loan transfer is causing headaches for the losing side in the case
Weak Rents May Hurt Madison's Westwood Portfolio
Real Estate by Danny King
LETTERS
Letters to the editor
Entertainment Agency Veered Out of Control
It started out with the best of intentions and a clear set of goals: form a public-private partnership to reduce the layers of red tape for film shoot permits and to combat runaway production by marketing L.A. to film producers.
Review & Preview
Summary of other news; Preview of upcoming stories and events.
Apparel Firms Closely Watching GMAC Factoring Suit
A lawsuit filed recently against GMAC Commercial Credit LLC, one of the nation's largest specialized lenders to the apparel industry, is being closely watched for its potential to alter the industry's financing relationships.
NEWSMAKERS
Ex-Police Chief Takes Interim Port Post
New Law Aims at Halting Some Rate Hikes by Insurers
Health Care by Laurence Darmiento
State Supreme Court Ruling Hailed by Speech Advocates
A recent California Supreme Court ruling has eased the way for defendants fighting suits some claim are aimed at limiting their rights to free speech.
Economic Forecast Shows Uneven Growth for Region
Los Angeles and Southern California dodged the recent national recession, but face a year of choppy growth, according to an economic forecast report to be released Sept. 16 by the Los Angeles County Economic Development Corp.
L.A. Stories / The Roving Eye
Weekly columns of stories around L.A.
Worker Training Still Needed Despite Corporate Trimming
Entrepreneur's Notebook by Lois P. Frankel
No Shortage of Candidates as City Council Races Take Shape
While attention remains focused on secession and other local measures on November's ballot, the April primary is just seven months away and campaigning for seven L.A. city council races has already begun.
LABJ FORUM: Is it Time for a Pay Cut?
William J. McDonough, president of the New York Federal Reserve Bank and a possible successor to Fed Chairman Alan Greenspan, called on corporate executives to cut their compensation, saying rising executive pay reflects "terribly bad social policy and pe
Opinion Split on Whether EIDC Head Abused Office
Explaining why his organization wouldn't be attending a movie location trade show a couple of years back, Cody Cluff sneered at the event as little more than "a glorified junket for film commissioners" designed to take production dollars away from Los Ang
My Favorite Sites
Favorite websites of Allison Balson, Financial consultant, Salomon Smith Barney
Outlook for Holidays Is Cloudy as Back-to-School Sales Drag
Retail by Deborah Belgum
Bill on Arbitration Contradicts Ruling By Appeals Court
If Gov. Gray Davis signs a bill now on his desk, it could send California employment law into a state of confusion.
November Bond Offerings Reach Record Levels
Voters in much of L.A. County will decide in November on a record $22 billion in bonds to be sold by state and local governments for infrastructure projects ...
Permits for L.A. Housing Decline
Homebuilders statewide are responding to record high home prices by ramping up construction, but activity in Los Angeles County does not appear to be following suit.
Integrity vs. Temptation
Comment by Mark Lacter
Foote, Cone Office to Close After Loss of Mattel Account
Media by Claudia Peschiutta
Executive Summary / The Pacesetter
Summaries of this week's List - Temporary Placement Firms Ranked by 2001 L.A. County revenues
Rush to Disclose Customer Dispute Hits Semtech Stock
Corporate Focus by Anthony Palazzo
Lawsuit Says Hilton Charged Resort Fees Under Guise of a Tax
A class action lawsuit alleging breach of contract and fraud has been filed against Hilton Hotels Corp. claiming the Beverly Hill-based company quoted a certain room rate to customers, only to add on extra non-tax charges when it came time to pay the bill
Convertible Bonds Proving Better Value in Bear Market
Wall Street West by Benjamin Mark Cole
Baja Fresh's Growth Plan Heats up Rivalry Between Taco Chains
Baja Fresh Mexican Grill is stepping up its push onto Wahoo's Fish Tacos home turf.
Monday, September 9
COMMENT: Turning a Blind Eye
Commentary by Mark Lacter
MGM's Law Firm Looks to Join Studio at High-Rise
Real Estate by Danny King
Accounting Problems Cloud Prospects for Maker of RVs
Corporate Focus by Anthony
Quiet Campaign Irks Supporters Of Secession Bid
As the secession campaign enters its final seven weeks, there's a growing frustration among proponents over the lack of a coherent and organized campaign for Hollywood and San Fernando Valley cityhood.
No Rest for the Ritzy
Undaunted by an economic slowdown, shoppers have continued flocking to high-end shops on some of the region's toniest streets and the resulting volume of business is pushing retail rents to unprecedented levels.
NEWSMAKERS: TV Executive Tunes In To Academy Post
People making news, on the move.
Univision Has Plan to Meet Ownership Restrictions After Merger
Media by Claudia Peschiutta
Review & Preview
Summary of this week's other news; Preview of upcoming stories and events.
"Hillbillies" Project Takes TV Stupidity To a Higher Level
Opinion by Kathleen Parker, columnist for the Orlando Sentinel.
Bookstore's Move Ends Independent Era on Promenade
Retail by Deborah Belgum
Water Controversy Leaves Shares in Cadiz Out to Dry
Wall Street West by Benjamin Mark Cole
LABJ FORUM: Back in the Game
Much to the relief of baseball fans nationwide, Major League Baseball owners and players reached agreement on a new four-year labor deal last month, allowing the remainder of the season and the World Series to go on as scheduled. Lingering bitterness asid
State Budget Reserves Deficit Pain for Future Years
The $99 billion state budget signed into law last week by Gov. Gray Davis put off the most serious decisions until next year and produced only limited relief for California companies.
Wireless Firm Sold to Interactive Developer
GoldPocket Interactive, a recent L.A. arrival developing interactive television programming, has acquired Santa Monica-based wireless media company Moeo
My Favorite Sites
Favorite websites of Morrie Goldman, Vice President, communications and governmental affairs, Entertainment Industry Development Corp.
L.A. Stories / The Roving Eye
Inside stories and events around the city.
Nominee for CRA Board Getting Cool Response From Business
POLITICS by Howard Fine
L.A. Restaurants Going Hungry in Post 9/11 Environment
Already a notoriously volatile business, restaurants appear to be feeling the economic downturn more severely than their retail cousins.
Business Groups See Pending Bills Eroding Interests
With Democrats firmly in control in Sacramento and the state confronting a record $24 billion deficit, California businesses are seeing just the opposite from lawmakers: a host of measures that add mandates and restrict the flexibility of businesses to cu
Software Bounty Hunters Cause Trouble for Unsuspecting Firms
Entrepreneur's Notebook by GEORGE SALMAS
Executive Summary / The Pacesetter
Summaries of this week's List - Software Firms Ranked by employees in L.A. County
Monday, September 2
Trizec Said Near Sale of Successful Pasadena Project
Pasadena's Paseo Colorado shopping complex, which has exceeded sales projections of developer Trizec Properties Inc., is close to being sold to a partnership led by Lehman Bros. for about $114 million, according to real estate sources.
Executive Summary / The Pacesetter
Summaries of this week's LIST - Best-selling Automobiles Ranked by number sold in L.A. County
Hotel, Tourism Slump Expected To Continue Throughout Year
Retail by Deborah Belgum
Goldman Sachs Chosen as Buyer Of National Golf
The board of National Golf Properties Inc. has narrowed down its search for a buyer to one.
Sports Afield Reloads as New Publisher Takes a Shot
Publishing magnate Robert Petersen is counting on an old hunting buddy to keep Sports Afield Magazine alive. The 115-year-old hunting and fishing title is expected to return to newsstands in December
L.A. Stories / The Roving Eye
Stories and events in and around the city
LABJ Forum: Taken Downtown v Live on CNN
Trotting out handcuffed criminals before a lineup of photographers and camera operators used to be reserved for violent criminals and the grizzlier the crime the better. Those often scruffy figures have been replaced with a fairer, though no less notori
Review & Preview
Review of week's other top news; preview of upcoming stories and events.
On Assignment Dip Eased By Purchase of Nursing Unit
Corporate Focus by Anthony Palazzo
Flying Back To Basics
Comment by Mark Lacter
Country Star Sued Over Pay for Technicians on Box Office Dud
LAW by Amanda Bronstad
Attorney Takes on Chocolate Makers Over Toxin Traces
The attorney who sued the nation's top chocolate manufacturers earlier this year claiming their confections pose a potential health risk is leaving a bitter taste among state regulators.
NBC Won't Retaliate Over Rape Victim Parody
Media by Claudia Peschiutta
My Favorite Sites
Favorite Websites of Kevin Aratari, Managing Director, Mocean
Arm of Major Investment Trust Makes Valley Purchase
Real Estate by Danny King
Platelet Supplier Required to Stop Paying for Blood
HemaCare Corp., a major supplier of blood platelets to area hospitals, will no longer be able to use paid donors its primary local platelet source after losing a legislative battle with the nonprofit blood products industry.
Rails, Not Roads, Urged for Cargo
Thirty fewer commuting hours each year for L.A. drivers by 2020? That's the promise delivered in a new study that recommends freight now being transported by truck be moved to railroads.
Hours-Long Wait at Terminals Sparks Campaign by Truckers
Reflecting the growing congestion of trucks idling outside the Ports of Los Angeles and Long Beach, a new study shows that drivers have to wait as long as three-and-a-half hours to enter a terminal, pick up cargo and leave the port.
Budget Impasse Starting to Take Toll on State Vendors
The state budget stalemate has hit home for L.A.-based electrical supply wholesaler Aaron Comfort.
Simon's Stumbles Unleash Onset of Forecasts for 2006
POLITICS by Howard Fine
Hot Topic Gets New Outside Chairman, Shuffles Committees
Hot Topic Inc. named an independent director as its new chairman and established a special committee of the board to oversee matters of corporate governance, including business ethics and conflicts of interest.
Entrepreneurs Need to Know Financial Fundamentals
Entrepreneur's Notebook by Mark Hafner
Bank's Error Results In Upward Revision
A mathematical error has forced PFF Bancorp Inc., parent of PFF Bank & Trust, to restate its earnings per share for the past four years.
Newsmakers
Aerospace Executive to Advise Military