Stories for April 2019
Tuesday, April 30
Edison Core Earnings Down; Plan Announced for $1.5 B Stock Offering
Rosemead-based Edison International announced April 30 it is planning its first substantial new stock offering in a quarter century, a common stock issue of up to $1.5 billion in value to provide operational funding and more cash to deal with increased costs related to wildfires.
Century City-Based Gallant Capital Invests in Quality Built
Gallant Capital Partners, a Century City-based private equity firm, made an undisclosed investment in Quality Built, a provider of quality assurance services in the residential and commercial construction industry.
Silicon Beach Report April 30: Overwatch League Signs Bud Light as Sponsor
Overwatch League signs Bud Light as sponsor; Riot Games joins Diversity Initiative; Samsung develops Vertical TV.
Hospitality Special Report
L.A.’S EXPANDING HOTEL MARKET
SoCal Gas Fined $8M by State Regulators for Alleged Billing Violations
Southern California Gas Co. has been hit with an $8 million fine from state regulators for alleged billing violations.
LA Olympics Budget Increases to Nearly $7B
The price tag to hold the 2028 Los Angeles Olympics jumped to $6.9 billion, according to an updated budget released by the local committee tasked with running the international sports event.
2019 Most Influential Minority CPAs: Tax and Accounting Professionals Weigh in on the Importance of Diversity
Custom Content by the Los Angeles Business Journal
Bloomberg Tax last year released a survey of more than 400 tax and accounting professionals regarding the state of diversity and inclusion within accounting firms and corporate tax and accounting departments.
2019 Most Influential Minority CPAs: Personal Finance Trends Everyone Needs to Know
Custom Content by the Los Angeles Business Journal
April is National Financial Literacy Month, which means it’s the perfect time for Americans to review their money situation and brush up on their financial education.
2019 Most Influential Minority CPAs: CFOs Cite Talent Needs, the Economy and Social Media Among Top Concerns
Custom Content by the Los Angeles Business Journal
Nearly half of US CFOs say managing their organization’s talent needs is one of their top concerns, according to a new report released earlier this month by the American Institute of CPAs (AICPA) and North Carolina State University’s Enterprise Risk Management (ERM) Initiative.
2019 Most Influential Minority CPAs: Gilbert R. Vasquez
Custom Content by the Los Angeles Business Journal
Gilbert R. Vasquez is the Managing Partner of the certified public accounting firm of Vasquez & Company LLP.
2019 Most Influential Minority CPAs: Lisa Van
Custom Content by the Los Angeles Business Journal
Lisa Van is an assurance services senior manager at RSM US LLP and has over 11 years of experience providing audit services predominantly to organizations in the health care industry and portfolio companies owned by private equity funds.
2019 Most Influential Minority CPAs: Linda Pei
Custom Content by the Los Angeles Business Journal
Linda Pei has practiced public accounting since 2006.
2019 Most Influential Minority CPAs: Anant Patel
Custom Content by the Los Angeles Business Journal
Anant Patel has 25 years of public accounting experience and leads both the firm’s Consulting Practice and Transaction Advisory Practice and is a member of the Executive Committee for Green Hasson Janks.
2019 Most Influential Minority CPAs: Soh Yun Kang Park
Custom Content by the Los Angeles Business Journal
While “CPA” is Soh Yun Kang Park’s job, her purpose in life is so much greater and she has been steadfast in her dedication to make a difference in the lives of so many, particularly in the Koreatown section of Los Angeles.
2019 Most Influential Minority CPAs: Lizbeth Nevarez
Custom Content by the Los Angeles Business Journal
Lizbeth Nevarez has more than 10 years of public accounting experience providing tax and consulting services and leads the firm’s Nonprofit Tax Practice.
2019 Most Influential Minority CPAs: Zubin Mistry
Custom Content by the Los Angeles Business Journal
Zubin D. Mistry is an audit partner at CohnReznick and is the leader of the Retail and Consumer Products and Employee Benefit Plans industry practice in the Los Angeles office.
2019 Most Influential Minority CPAs: Karla Chavez Luna
Custom Content by the Los Angeles Business Journal
Karla Chavez Luna has been setting an example for women in accounting for most of her career and is an incredible asset to Gumbiner Savett Inc.
2019 Most Influential Minority CPAs: Shreedhar Kothari
Custom Content by the Los Angeles Business Journal
As a first-generation Indian immigrant who came to the US newly married with his wife Roopa, Shreedhar (Shree) Kothari quickly rose to the level of Executive Shareholder at Gumbiner Savett Inc., after serving as a senior staff accountant.
2019 Most Influential Minority CPAs: Michelle Huang
Custom Content by the Los Angeles Business Journal
Michelle Huang is an assurance services senior manager in RSM’s Los Angeles office.
2019 Most Influential Minority CPAs: Mohamed Ghattas
Custom Content by the Los Angeles Business Journal
Mohamed Ghattas is a partner in CohnReznick’s Tax Practice and a key member of the specialized industry teams for the firm’s Commercial Real Estate, Retail and Consumer Product, and Cannabis Practices.
2019 Most Influential Minority CPAs: Richard Gabaldon
Custom Content by the Los Angeles Business Journal
Richard Gabaldon is a Tax Partner at RSM US LLP and has practiced public accounting for more than 25 years.
2019 Most Influential Minority CPAs: Justin Estrera
Custom Content by the Los Angeles Business Journal
Justin Estrera is a senior manager in the Financial Services assurance practice at CohnReznick.
2019 Most Influential Minority CPAs: Cliff Cammock
Custom Content by the Los Angeles Business Journal
Cliff Cammock has more than 28 years of experience serving commercial banks, diversified asset managers and leasing companies.
2019 Most Influential Minority CPAs: Cheryl Calhoun
Custom Content by the Los Angeles Business Journal
A Managing Director in the CBIZ MHM Los Angeles office, Cheryl Calhoun brings more than 30 years of experience and expertise to all facets of the entertainment industry, with a particular emphasis in film and television.
2019 Most Influential Minority CPAs: Pradeep Budhiraja
Custom Content by the Los Angeles Business Journal
Pradeep Budhiraja is a Shareholder and Quality Control Officer at Gumbiner Savett Inc.
Monday, April 29
Long Beach Container Terminal Sold for $1.8 Billion
Hong Kong-based Orient Overseas International Ltd. said Tuesday that it will sell Long Beach Container Terminal to a consortium led by Australia’s Macquarie Group for $1.78 billion.
Guess? Inc. Sells $300M in Debt, Repurchases Stock
Apparel retailer Guess? Inc. on April 29 announced it sold $300 million in debt that it will use in part to repurchase $220 million worth of shares.
CommonGrounds Expands LA Coworking Footprint with Downtown Lease
San Diego-based CommonGrounds Workplace has signed a 13-year lease for nearly 46,000 square feet in downtown.
Silicon Beach Report April 29: SpaceX Revises Starlink Plans
Fandango wins “Endgame;” Starlink decreases in size, altitude; Parcast Network purchased for $56 million
2019 CTO Awards: Boingo Wireless Looks to the 5G Future
Custom Content by the Los Angeles Business Journal
Revolutionary. Transformative. Game changer. These are just a few descriptors attached to 5G, the next generation of wireless that will succeed 4G.
2019 CTO Awards: Finalist - Rising Star of the Year
Custom Content by the Los Angeles Business Journal
Michael Biener and his team have accomplished more in the last two years at B. Riley Financial than most corporate IT departments handle over the course of an entire decade.
2019 CTO Awards: IT Finalists - IT Team of the Year
Custom Content by the Los Angeles Business Journal
Over the past 17 years Boingo has grown from start-up to the leading Wi-Fi company in the world, and the largest indoor DAS (cellular) provider in the United States.
2019 CTO Awards: IT Finalists - IT Service Partner of the Year
Custom Content by the Los Angeles Business Journal
Henry Park has globally grown 3GC Group with offices now on both US coasts as well as overseas.
2019 CTO Awards: CTO Finalists - Emerging Company
Custom Content by the Los Angeles Business Journal
Boris Bronshteyn brings a wealth of leadership experience across tech and product innovation.
2019 CTO Awards: CTO Finalists - Corporate Company
Custom Content by the Los Angeles Business Journal
Veronica Gilton, Evolve Media’s recently named CTO (she previously served as Evolve’s SVP of Technology), has more than 20 years experience building and managing high traffic websites and possesses a distinct ability to communicate effectively with tech peers and business stakeholders.
2019 CTO Awards: CTO Finalists - Enterprise Company
Custom Content by the Los Angeles Business Journal
Himanshu Palsule brings more than 30 years of diverse experience leading globally distributed product organizations to Epicor Software, with an emphasis on customer-driven innovation and driving growth.
2019 CTO Awards: CIO Finalists - Emerging Company
Custom Content by the Los Angeles Business Journal
Tim Crawford is a strategic CIO and advisor that works with large global enterprise organizations across a number of industries, including financial services, healthcare, major airlines and high-tech.
2019 CTO Awards: CIO Finalists - Corporate Company
Custom Content by the Los Angeles Business Journal
Sri Adusmulli is a strategic technology leader, author and entrepreneur.
2019 CTO Awards: CIO Finalists - Enterprise Company
Custom Content by the Los Angeles Business Journal
As the CIO of Creative Artists Agency (CAA), Eric Iverson currently oversees the Information Technology Department for the agency.
2019 CTO Awards Winner: LIFETIME ACHIEVEMENT
Custom Content by the Los Angeles Business Journal
Tom Soderstrom has served as Chief Technology Officer at NASA Jet Propulsion Laboratory for over fifteen years, consistently identifying emerging IT and security trends that are critical to the success and prosperity of the space exploration program.
2019 CTO Awards Winner: RISING STAR OF THE YEAR
Custom Content by the Los Angeles Business Journal
As the Vice President of Technology Operations at Children’s Hospital of Los Angeles, David Abbott is a rising star and invaluable liaison between the IT department and hospital leadership.
2019 CTO Awards Winner: IT TEAM OF THE YEAR
Custom Content by the Los Angeles Business Journal
In December 2018, the Walt Disney Company put a definitive agreement to acquire a majority of the business units of 21st Century Fox.
2019 CTO Awards Winner: IT SERVICE PARTNER OF THE YEAR
Onica is a global technology consulting company focused on cloud computing.
2019 CTO Awards Winner: CTO OF THE YEAR - Emerging Company
Custom Content by the Los Angeles Business Journal
As the leader of Headspace’s technology team, Paddy Hannon is responsible for overseeing the company’s Software Engineering, Product, Data Engineering, DevOps, Data Analytics and Data Science teams.
2019 CTO Awards Winner: CTO OF THE YEAR - Corporate Company
Custom Content by the Los Angeles Business Journal
Adam Farkas has a long history of demonstrating the ability and skill to efficiently lead technology groups towards business alignment and success in a timely fashion without sacrificing critical governance, security or time.
2019 CTO Awards Winner: CTO OF THE YEAR - Enterprise Company
Custom Content by the Los Angeles Business Journal
Dan Phillips joined Hulu to guide the technology team through a time of major transition and change.
2019 CTO Awards Winner: CIO OF THE YEAR - Emerging Company
Custom Content by the Los Angeles Business Journal
Darshan Parikh has been an employee of AEG for over 13 years, and during his tenure, has been promoted multiple times, including to his current title of Director, Information Technology at the LA Kings.
2019 CTO Awards Winner: CIO OF THE YEAR - Corporate Company
Custom Content by the Los Angeles Business Journal
Rob Womack’s recent title change to “Chief Innovation Officer” aptly describes his work, especially as it relates to the tremendous technology vision and platform implementation he has spearheaded at Aristotle, a $20 billion investment management organization headquartered in West Los Angeles.
2019 CTO Awards Winner: CIO OF THE YEAR - Enterprise Company
Custom Content by the Los Angeles Business Journal
Adrian Butler serves as Senior Vice President and Chief Information Officer for Dine Brands, Inc., a company known for its popular and iconic restaurant chains IHOP and Applebee’s.
Friday, April 26
OP Bancorp Reports First Quarter Profit Jump
Open Bank reports a 2019 first quarter profit of $4.7 million, up 46.8% year-over-year
CBB Profits Fall on SBA Slowdown; Assets, Deposits Up
Commonwealth Business Bank reports a $3.6 million 2019 first quarter profit, a 14% drop from the same period a year ago
Smith-Cooper Merges with Anvil in PE-backed Deal
Commerce-based Smith-Cooper International agreed to merge with Anvil International in a deal backed by two private equity firms
Silicon Beach Report April 26: Sinemia Shutters U.S. Operations
América Televisión signs H Code contract; Sinemia retreats; Snap appoints chief marketing officer
BottleKeeper Signs New Lease in El Segundo
“Shark Tank” success story looking to expand in Smoky Hollow neighborhood
El Segundo-based BottleKeeper, which makes insulated stainless steel containers that keep beer bottles cold, is expanding its footprint in a neighborhood becoming increasingly popular for creative startups.
MLS, U.S. Soccer Entering a New Headspace
Players and coaches will access Venice startup’s meditation app
Headspace inks deal with MLS, U.S. Soccer.
Cal Cartage pushes back against labor violations
Union fights company’s classification of workers as independent contractors
Cal Cartage embroiled in labor issues.
B. Riley, Vintage Capital Settle with Rent-A-Center
Merger breakup fee totals $92.5 million; B. Riley claims no obligation
B. Riley off the hook in Rent-A-Center settlement.
Short-Term Rental Rule Will Impact Small Business
Small businesses are the lifeblood of our economy.
Credit Union Exec Facing Embezzlement Charges
FINANCE: Prosecutors allege Edward Rostohar stole $40 million
Ex-credit union head faces trial on charges of fraud, identity theft.
Hotel Room Boom
Demand remains high and construction continues, even after years of development
Hotel developers have been on a roll in Los Angeles with new properties rising in recent years to meet soaring demand downtown, in Hollywood and beyond.
Open for Business
Rooftop venues surge despite steep construction costs
Welcome to Los Angeles’ rooftop scene where you can sip $18 martinis poolside or dine and dance under the stars.
Short-Term Rentals Fill a Niche
Airbnb, others benefit amid luxury-hotel boom
In the last five years, Los Angeles hotel developers have boosted the number of hotel rooms in the city by more than 7%.
Forge Fires Up in SoCal Malls
Tech: Hiring platform connects retailers, employees
Forge makes filling retail shifts easier.
WeHo Plans Pot Lounges
retail: City collects $3 million from applicants
WeHo is going green with pot lounges.
Air Lease Bounces Back
Aerospace: Firm weathers Max woes, WOW bankruptcy
Used-aircraft market could boost Air Lease.
Thursday, April 25
Biocom Names Dina Lozofsky to Los Angeles County Governing Board
Biocom, the San Diego-based trade group representing the life science industry of California, named Dina Lozofsky to the governing board of BioLA, a Los Angeles County group that focuses on creating jobs, driving economic development and accelerating startup activity.
Pasadena Regional Report: LightBox Expo is Coming to Pasadena in September
Custom Content by the Los Angeles Business Journal
Celebrated character designer and illustrator Bobby Chiu (Disney’s Alice in Wonderland) and Emerald City Comic Con founder Jim Demonakos are launching LightBox Expo, a three-day celebration of the visual arts in Pasadena.
Pasadena: A Unique History and Legacy
Custom Content by the Los Angeles Business Journal
Pasadena is truly one of the Los Angeles region’s crown jewels.
Reports: Disney Looking to Buy More of Hulu
Walt Disney Co. and Comcast Corp. are in discussions over the future of streaming site Hulu, according to media reports.
Pasadena Regional Report: Pasadena’s Iconic Rose Bowl Stadium to Serve as Finish Line for Amgen Tour of California 2019
Custom Content by the Los Angeles Business Journal
The 2019 Amgen Tour of California cycling race will be the longest and most challenging in its 14-year history
Pasadena Regional Report: Pasadena Hotels Offer More Guest Rooms, Larger Meeting Spaces and Amenities
Custom Content by the Los Angeles Business Journal
Pasadena’s growing reputation as a hospitality leader for domestic and international meetings and events, saw a major transformation between 2017-2018 when several of the city’s hotels underwent multi-million dollar renovations, including the official opening of Hyatt Place Pasadena, an all-new 189-room property adjacent to the Pasadena Convention Center.
Pasadena Convention Center: 10 Years of Excellence
Custom Content by the Los Angeles Business Journal
Nestled ten miles from downtown Los Angles, the Pasadena Convention Center is a premier Southern California meeting and events venue in the heart of Pasadena.
Pasadena Regional Report: A Great Place for Business
Custom Content by the Los Angeles Business Journal
Business life in Pasadena continues on a rosy path. With the breadth of amenities available, from transit-friendly services and walkability scores in the top 5% of the nation, to cultural landmarks, and shopping and dining flavors from every corner of the globe, Pasadena continues to attract a variety of businesses, shoppers, and visitors.
Silicon Beach Report April 25: Wavemaker Invests in Savonix
Comcast might sell Hulu stake; Savonix gains Wavemaker investment; SpaceX Dragon accident examined by NASA.
Wealth Management: Seven Ways to Protect Your Data Online
Custom Content by the Los Angeles Business Journal
In an attempt to curb the current onslaught of cyber thieves and unscrupulous data miners, the American Bankers Association have highlighted eight tips to help online users protect their data and guard against online threats.
Wealth Management: Top 10 Money Tips Your Kids Should Know Before Going Off to College
Custom Content by the Los Angeles Business Journal
As college students head to campus for the fall semester, money management should be on their personal syllabus, according to the American Bankers Association.
Wealth Management: How to Keep Your Money from Slipping Away
Custom Content by the Los Angeles Business Journal
As with virtually all financial matters, the easiest way to be successful with a cash management program is to develop a systematic and disciplined approach.
Wealth Management: ABA Shares Consumer Tips for Budgeting, Saving and Reducing Debt
Custom Content by the Los Angeles Business Journal
The American Bankers Association last month highlighted personal finance resources and urged consumers to take an active role in managing and protecting their money.
Wealth Management: Why Purchase Life Insurance?
Custom Content by the Los Angeles Business Journal
We’ve all heard about the importance of having life insurance, but is it really necessary?
Marriott AC, Moxy Hotel Project Secures $355M Construction Loan
A dual-branded Marriott AC and Moxy Hotel in downtown has received a $355 million construction loan, Meridian Capital Group announced April 25.
Wealth Management: A Closer Look at What Financial Advisors Bring to the Table
Custom Content by the Los Angeles Business Journal
In a society that grows more complex every day, consumers are presented with the constant pressures of family, career, and community responsibilities and personal enrichment.
Wealth Management - Trust and Estates Roundtable
Custom Content by the Los Angeles Business Journal
Describe the current investment environment and what you consider to be the best investment approach, in general terms?
Happy Returns Raises $11 Million Led by PayPal
Santa Monica-based Happy Returns Inc., announced April 25 an $11 million investment from PayPal Holdings Inc. that it will use to reach deeper into U.S. markets and expand its return services to international customers.
Wednesday, April 24
Fuse Media Files for Bankruptcy, Hopes to Reduce Debt by $200M
Fuse Media Inc., a privately held television broadcasting company based in Glendale, filed for bankruptcy earlier this week in an effort to reduce its debt by some $200 million.
Silicon Beach Report April 24: Canoo Seeks $200 Million
Netflix readies for debt financing; Two Bit Circus welcomes developers; Canoo raising $200 million
Tuesday, April 23
Port Logistics Group Buys Ecommerce Shipping, Warehouse Service
Port Logistics Group will acquire Oakland-based Whiplash Merchandising Inc., an ecommerce shipping and warehousing service, in a move which will expand PLG’s ecommerce fulfillment capabilities.
Snap Inc. Revenue Beats Expectations, Draws Down Losses
Snap Inc. announced financial results for the first quarter on April 23, reporting $320 million in revenue and beating analyst expectations with 39% revenue growth compared to the first quarter of last year.
Silicon Beach Report April 23: Snap Releases First Quarter Earnings
JPL technology observes seismic shifts on Mars; March Capital leads $15 million funding round; Snap revenues exceed analyst expectations
Monday, April 22
Survey: LA Consumer Sentiment Slips to Four-Year Low
Los Angeles consumer confidence fell to a nearly four-year low during the first quarter as local consumers grew increasingly concerned about future job prospects, according to a survey released April 22.
Beyond Meat Sets IPO Pricing, Seeks $1.2 Billion Valuation
El Segundo-based Beyond Meat Inc. set the terms of its initial public offering and released more details about its operations in disclosures filed April 22 with the Securities and Exchange Commission.
Axiomatic Gaming Gains $21 Million
Esports organizer Axiomatic Gaming raised $21 million April 18, according to Securities and Exchange Commission filings.
NeuroSigma Wins Federal Clearance to Sell First Medical Device for ADHD
NeuroSigma Inc., a bioelectronics company based in Westwood, received federal clearance to market the first medical device to treat childhood ADHD, or attention deficit hyperactivity disorder.
Silicon Beach Report April 22: ZipRecruiter Executive Resigns Amid Misconduct Allegations
Accident during SpaceX capsule test; Gutentag resigns; Snap’s cash flow analyzed.
Friday, April 19
Silicon Beach Report April 19: Hello Sunshine Considers Book Subscription Box
Hastings not worried about Disney Plus; Thorn gets share of $280 million; Hello Sunshine Ventures into subscription box market.
Unemployment Down in L.A. County as Jobs Grow, Workforce Shrinks
L.A. County’s unemployment rate in March dipped slightly to 4.6 percent, the combined effect of a modest gain in jobs and several thousand workers leaving the labor force.
Judge Approves Sale of Verity
HEALTH CARE: KPC gets St. Vincent, St. Francis hospitals
Bankruptcy judge approves sale of Verity Health hospitals.
Scopely’s Culver City HQ to Double in Size
Mobile game developer has raised $250M; revenue rose 80% in 2018
Scopely looks to expand in Culver City.
LA Home for Santa Fe RE Investment Firm
Gemini-Rosemont will occupy offices in iconic Century City building
Gemini-Rosemont Realty looks to cash in on L.A.’s real estate market with HQ move.
AECOM To Bid on $13 Billion Navy Contract
Local engineering giant’s URS unit in hunt for aircraft logistics work
AECOM looks to cement defense contractor position with bid on $13B Navy contract.
Platinum Equity, Gores Group Sell IT Company
NY firm acquires Data Blue, which provides cloud and computer services
Platinum Equity, Gores Group sell information technology company.
Trade Troubles
After year-end surge, ports see fall in first-quarter imports from China
Ports see imports from China fall in first quarter.
Verb Purchases Sound Concepts
Tech: $25M deal comes on heels of $20.5M IPO for video advertising co.
Verb acquires Utah competitor following IPO.
BRIGHT LIGHTS
LEDtronics has made industrial LED lights for more than 35 years
LEDtronics sticks to its roots in commercial and industrial lighting market.
Data Centers Come Online
Tech: Google, others ramp up to meet growing local demand
Data centers finding new homes downtown.
Delay Extends Port Battle
TRADE: Terminal operators continue push for automation
Fight over automation continues at Port of Los Angeles.
Blank-Check Firms Ride Market
FINANCE: LA a hotbed for SPACs, deal-makers
L.A.’s flurry of blank-check offerings continues into 2019.
Thursday, April 18
Pride Media Names Interim Chief Executive Amid Coyle Departure
Pride Media, owner of iconic LGBTQ publications “Out” and the “Advocate,” on April 18 named Orlando Reece to the position of interim chief executive hours after the departure of chief executive Nathan Coyle.
Silicon Beach Report April 18: Red Six Raises $2.35 Million for Flight
JPL still mining Cassini data; AET Fund raises $50 million; Red Six gains $2.35 million.
Rexford Acquires Four Industrial Buildings for $85M
Sawtelle-based Rexford Industrial Realty, Inc. has purchased four industrial properties for $84.5 million, the company announced April 18.
Red Six Raises $2.35 Million
Red Six Aerospace Inc. closed a $2.35M seed round April 18, led by Marina Del Rey-based Moonshots Capital Management.
CBB Bancorp Extends Employment Contract for CEO Joanne Kim
Koreatown’s CBB Bancorp Inc., parent of Commonwealth Business Bank, entered into a new employment contract with Joanne Kim, who has served as president and chief executive officer over the past eight years.
CUSTOM CONTENT: Biotech Companies Need Creative Funding Solutions
Trusted Advisors
External funding is imperative for biotech growth. Larger public biotech companies are a significant source of capital for the sector.
Wednesday, April 17
CUSTOM CONTENT: The Challenge with EBITDA
Trusted Advisors
Investors and lenders frequently use Earnings Before Interest, Tax, Depreciation and Amortization (EBITDA) to establish covenants and make investment decisions.
Silicon Beach Report April 17: Slingshot Aerospace Gains $5 Million
J2 Global acquires four companies; Gen.G raises funds for LA HQ; $5 million raised by Slingshot Aerospace.
CUSTOM CONTENT: New Ruling Promotes Fairness & Cost Effective Solutions to Construction Defect Claims
Trusted Advisors
Developers and builders have long struggled with costly lawsuits brought by homeowners.
Children’s Hospital Los Angeles Raises $2M During SoCal Fundraiser
A record 123 businesses across Southern California raised nearly $2 million during a spring fundraiser for Children’s Hospital Los Angeles, the hospital announced April 17.
Live Nation Buys Key SoCal Venues
Live entertainment titan Live Nation Entertainment Inc. purchased the Santa Ana Observatory music hall and is finalizing a buy of the San Diego North Park Observatory, according to an April 12 press release.
UPDATED: Writers Guild Sues Biggest Talent Agencies
The Writers Guild of America filed a lawsuit against Hollywood’s biggest talent agencies April 17 that alleges packaging fees run afoul of state law.
Smart & Final Acquired for More Than $1 Billion
Investment firm Apollo Global Management will acquire Commerce-based Smart & Final Stores for more than $1.1 billion.
Tuesday, April 16
Silicon Beach Report April 16: Hulu Buys Back 10% Stake from AT&T for $1.43B
Netflix releases subscriber stats; Hulu buys back AT&T stake; Flowspace finds $12 million.
Warner Bros. Expansion Plan Includes Burbank Studios, Gehry Towers
Warner Bros. Entertainment announced major expansion plans for its Burbank headquarters, which will include the acquisition of a nearby studio complex and the creation of two Frank Gehry-designed office towers.
Skydance Pays $321M for Lantana Buildings in Santa Monica
Skydance Media purchased Lantana Center and Lantana West in Santa Monica for $321 million, records show.
Harbor Commissioners Postpone Automation Vote
Hundreds of dockworkers booed as the Los Angeles Board of Harbor Commissioners announced Tuesday morning to postpone a vote for 30 days on automation at the West Coast's largest terminal at the request of Los Angeles Mayor Eric Garcetti.
Most Influential Insurance Brokers: What to Consider Before Purchasing Auto Insurance
Custom Content by the Los Angeles Business Journal
Buying insurance may on the surface seem simple, but is actuallyBuying insurance may on the surface seem simple, but is actually anything but. anything but.
Most Influential Insurance Brokers: Rachael Waller
Custom Content by the Los Angeles Business Journal
Rachael Waller is Senior Vice President of the Pacific Series of Lockton.
Most Influential Insurance Brokers: Jayson Sullinger
Custom Content by the Los Angeles Business Journal
As an Account Executive within SullivanCurtisMonroe’s Core Business Division, Jayson Sullinger is primarily responsible for delivering risk management solutions to clients across a wide range of industries, including Manufacturing, Hospitality, Labor Management, Real Estate and Technology.
Most Influential Insurance Brokers: Danone Simpson
Custom Content by the Los Angeles Business Journal
Danone Simpson, MBA, GBDS is Founder and CEO of Montage Insurance Solutions.
Most Influential Insurance Brokers: Reinhold C. Schrader
Custom Content by the Los Angeles Business Journal
R.C. Schrader is the head of the Latino Practice Group at Bolton & Company.
Most Influential Insurance Brokers: Dylan Robertson
Custom Content by the Los Angeles Business Journal
Dylan Robertson is an Executive Vice President and one of six partners at SCM.
Most Influential Insurance Brokers: Rafael Martinez
Custom Content by the Los Angeles Business Journal
Rafael Martinez is Senior Vice President, Unit Manager and Account Executive for the Pacific Series of Lockton.
Most Influential Insurance Brokers: Mitzi Like
Custom Content by the Los Angeles Business Journal
Mitzi Like is the President and CEO of LBW Insurance and Financial Services.
Most Influential Insurance Brokers: Stacey Lem
Custom Content by the Los Angeles Business Journal
Stacey Lem joined Willis Towers Watson in May of 2017 and serves as the Market Leader for the Brokerage & Advisory Practice in Los Angeles.
Most Influential Insurance Brokers: Daewoo Brian Lee
Custom Content by the Los Angeles Business Journal
What started out as a part time job evolved into Brian Lee’s career, as early on he was a resourceful and determined agent who successfully helped many clients with their financial needs.
Most Influential Insurance Brokers: Paul Leblanc
Custom Content by the Los Angeles Business Journal
Paul Leblanc is Willis Towers Watson’s West Region Brokerage & Advisory Practice Leader.
Warehouse Tech Platform Flowspace Raises $12M
Culver City-based Flowspace Inc., a technology company that helps connect businesses with available warehouse space and fulfillment services, announced April 16 it raised $12 million in Series A funding.
Monday, April 15
Mixed-Use Complex in Long Beach Sells for $48.9M
MG Properties Group purchased a 158-unit apartment building with ground floor retail in Long Beach for $48.9 million, records show.
Most Influential Insurance Brokers: David Kummer
Custom Content by the Los Angeles Business Journal
David Kummer, Principal and Managing Director of SCM, resolves the risk management needs of middle market companies throughout Southern California.
Most Influential Insurance Brokers: Robert Jellen
Custom Content by the Los Angeles Business Journal
Bob Jellen brings over 50 years of experience specializing in providing insurance for major studios, television networks, independent filmmakers, advertisers and advertising agencies.
Most Influential Insurance Brokers: Teena Hostovich
Custom Content by the Los Angeles Business Journal
Teena Hostovich is a 30+ year industry veteran and internationally recognized authority on professional liability and risk management.
Most Influential Insurance Brokers: Brian Hegarty
Custom Content by the Los Angeles Business Journal
Brian Hegarty is the Managing Director of the Los Angeles office for Marsh & McLennan Agency (MMA).
Most Influential Insurance Brokers: Alexandra Glickman
Custom Content by the Los Angeles Business Journal
Alex Glickman’s career in insurance started in 1983 at Johnson & Higgins where she immediately began to focus on representing real estate and hospitality clients.
Most Influential Insurance Brokers: Jim Gillette
Jim Gillette is EPIC Insurance Broker & Consultants Regional President responsible for the management, leadership, and growth of the firms Southern California operations.
Most Influential Insurance Brokers: Joel Davidowski
Custom Content by the Los Angeles Business Journal
With over 30 years of experience in the healthcare and benefits industry, Joel Davidowski is a leading employee benefits consultant for HUB International.
Most Influential Insurance Brokers: Kenny Chang
Custom Content by the Los Angeles Business Journal
Kenny Chang, CEO and Founder of KCAL Insurance Agency, immigrated from Taiwan to the United States in the early 1980s.
Most Influential Insurance Brokers: Maria Caraza-Saldana
Custom Content by the Los Angeles Business Journal
As a dedicated member of New York Life’s Southern California team, Maria Caraza-Saldana collaboratively engages with individuals and business owners to plan for their future and protect the things most important to her clients.
Alex Meruelo’s Media Company Buys KLOS-FM
Billionaire realtor, restauranteur, casino owner – and FM radio investor – Alex Meruelo’s Meruelo Group announced April 15 that it entered into agreement to purchase KLOS-FM from Cumulus Media Inc.
Most Influential Insurance Brokers: Peter Arkley
Custom Content by the Los Angeles Business Journal
Peter Arkley joined Alliant in June 2011 and built the premier construction risk management group in the United States.
Silicon Beach Report April 15: SpaceX Wants More Cash
Bird expanding in Europe; SpaceX seeks new funding; SpaceIL shoots for Lunar Lander 2.0.
Northwestern Mutual Funds LA Housing Grant
DonaTion: $15,000 to help NoHo organization move people out of homelessness.
LA Family Housing Corp. has received a $15,000 grant from Northwestern Mutual as part of the company’s 2019 Community Service Awards
Thousands of Talent Agents Fired, as Dispute With Writers Goes On
The Writer’s Guild of America fired thousands of Hollywood talent agents April 13, because the agencies did not agree to a code of conduct proposed by the screenwriter’s union.
CTO Awards 2019 Nominees
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H. David Abbott Jr. Children’s Hospital Los Angeles Sri Adusumilli APC Automotive Technologies Elham Ali Peacefully Segar Annamalai West Coast University Nitin Arneja ZPower Stefan Beeli ESP Computer Services, Inc. Michael Biener B. Riley Financial Jeff Blair CAA
CTO Awards 2019 Nominees: Top Strategic Technology Trends for 2019
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Gartner, Inc. recently highlighted the top strategic technology trends that organizations need to explore in 2019.
Friday, April 12
Deadline Approaches on WGA’s Threat to Fire Talent Agents
The Writer’s Guild of America declared April 12 that their members will fire thousands of Hollywood talent agents if the talent agencies do not agree to the writer’s code of conduct by the end of day.
THE REAL ESTATE QUARTERLY
In this week’s special report, we break down hot topics and trends in real estate as well as the latest data.
Disney Shares Surge on Streaming Launch Announcement
Shares in Walt Disney Co. surged Friday a day after the company announced the start date of its new streaming service and its future streaming plans.
Fraud Charges Filed Against Former Woodbridge Executives
The Securities and Exchange Commission announced Friday fraud charges in the investigation of a Ponzi scheme run by the now-defunct real estate investment firm Woodbridge Group of Cos. in Sherman Oaks.
Long Beach Commercial Property Sells for $29M
Fort Ashford Funds purchased a building with a Vons in Long Beach for $29 million, records show.
Silicon Beach Report April 12: Sellbrite Acquired by GoDaddy
SpaceIL awarded $1 million Moonshot prize; Disney outlines subscription plan costs; GoDaddy scoops up Sellbrite
Butterfly Buys Bolthouse Farms From Campbell's for $510M
Butterfly Equity acquired Bolthouse Farms, best known for its refrigerated juices, from Campbell Soup Company for $510 million, the Beverly Hills-based firm announced on April 12.
Private Equity Firms Platinum, Gores Group, Sell Data Blue to Court Square Capital Partners
Beverly Hills-based private equity firms Platinum Equity and the Gores Group agreed to sell Data Blue, an Atlanta-based provider of information technology services, to Court Square Capital Partners.
Tax Change Leads to Sale-Leaseback Surge
Companies free up capital and cash in on properties
TAX LAW CHANGES SPUR SALE-LEASEBACK POPULARITY
HHH Gives Projects a Boost
Local builders tap $800M in public funds for supportive housing
A range of factors are driving growth and opportunity across Los Angeles’ real estate market. While some companies are benefitting from an influx of public money, others are taking advantage of tax law changes. In this week’s special report, we break down hot topics and trends as well as the latest data.
Keck Medicine Marks 10 Years Under USC Control
Capital commitments transform campus with more development slated
Keck Medicine investment shows results.
Supermarkets, Union Call on Federal Mediator
SoCal grocery employees have been working without contract since March 3
Federal mediator steps in as grocery workers union, stores negotiate contract.
Integrated Capital Raises $30M for Debut Fund
Disney family’s Shamrock Holdings provided seed money for early investments
Integrated Capital raises funds from Disney family’s investment vehicle.
Deals Downturn
Venture capital transaction volume wanes in LA and Orange counties
L.A. venture capital deals down in 2019.
Big Swag is Coachella’s Bag
Retail: Brands spend thousands to reach influencers at the music festival
GBK looks to get swag bags into influential hands at Coachella.
Radio Stations Cut Back on Jackson’s Music
Entertainment: Plays drop after HBO documentary alleging sexual abuse
Fallout from Michael Jackson doc spreads to L.A. radiowaves.
PROJECT RUNWAY
United, Southwest want more LAX gates; cargo facility demolition could be sped up
United, Southwest could benefit from proposed LAX expansion.
Preferred Finds Local Profits
FINANCE: Bank leads on equity return, data shows
Preferred Bank takes road less traveled.
Putting On The Dog
Retail: On Rodeo Drive, retailers have tails wagging
Shops on Rodeo Drive are going to the dogs.
Let Los Angeles Taxis Use Rooftop Advertising
As the proliferation of ridesharing continues, many regulators and legislators have called on the taxi industry to compete through innovation.
ARTIST’S INK
Zoey Taylor I The Warren Tattoo
Zoey Taylor, owner of The Warren Tattoo, draws a distinction between the “street tattoo” parlor offering walk-in service and a standard choice of designs, and a custom design studio such as her own.
The Real Estate Quarterly
Real Estate Quarterly
Mergers, Consolidation Drive Sublease Market
Moves by Snap, others leave unused office space in search of tenants
SUBLEASES GIVE COMPANIES OPTIONS
Thursday, April 11
$62.9M for San Pedro Residential Complex
The 216-unit Park Western Estates in San Pedro sold for $62.9 million, Berkadia announced April 11.
Silicon Beach Report April 11: SpaceIL’s Lunar Lander Lost
Lunar lander lost by SpaceIL; EVGo constructing battery storage; Wag to lay off 54
Imports Tick Up Despite Decline in Chinese Shipments
Imports into the San Pedro Bay rose slightly in March compared to the previous year, even as the nation saw fewer shipments come in from its largest trading partner, China.
Wag Lays Off 54 in West Hollywood
Wag Labs Inc. will lay off 54 employees at its West Hollywood headquarters effective June 3, its second round of layoffs in less than six months.
Wednesday, April 10
Tongal Appoints Co-Founder as New Chief Executive
Santa Monica-based Tongal Inc. has named James DeJulio, one of the company’s co-founders, to a new role as chief executive.
Molina Healthcare to Lay Off 75 Workers in Latest Round
Molina Healthcare Inc., a Long Beach-based managed-care services provider, will lay off 75 more workers during a wave of reductions that appears related to the offshore outsourcing of its IT services.
Silicon Beach Report April 10: May Joins Stamps.com Board
FLIR invests in DroneBase; Falcon Heavy taking off tonight; Stamps.com adds Katie May to board
ManifestSeven Merges With P&P Ventures, Moves Closer to Public Listing
Commerce-based ManifestSeven, formerly known as MJIC Inc., a cannabis logistics company building a network of distribution hubs in California, has agreed to merge with a unit of P&P Ventures Inc.
Tuesday, April 9
Staar Surgical Moves HQ to Orange County
Staar Surgical Co., a publicly traded pioneer of implantable contact lenses, has moved from its long-time headquarters in Monrovia to Orange County.
Silicon Beach Report April 9: Coozie Launches, Backed by Science
Pearl Abyss game sales hit $1 billion; Snap redesigns Android app; Science Inc. supports Coozie.
Focus on Orthopedics & Sports Medicine: Shoulder Arthritis Patients Have New Options to Avoid Risks of Replacement
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A recent review article published in the Journal of the American Academy of Orthopaedic Surgeons (JAAOS) finds arthroscopic (joint replacement or reconstruction) management could be a promising option for young, active patients diagnosed with GHOA.
Focus on Orthopedics & Sports Medicine: Don’t Let Injuries Ruin Your Summer Holidays: Avoid Suitcase Strain
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The summer is right around the corner, which often means an influx of travelers and lots of heavy luggage.
Focus on Orthopedics & Sports Medicine: Huntington Hospital - Delivering Comprehensive Orthopedic Care to Help Keep You Active
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Whether treating a painful fractured hip or repairing damage to the delicate bones of the human hand, Huntington Hospital’s commitment to providing individual attention and ensuring patient satisfaction has made us a leader in orthopedic care.
Cedars Adding 30K SF Office Space at Pacific Design Center
Cedars-Sinai has expanded its offices at the Pacific Design Center by 30,000 square feet, according to Cohen Brothers Realty, owner and developer of the three-building complex in West Hollywood.
Most Influential Women Lawyers: New Data Reveals Changes in Student Performance on the California Bar Exam
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Late last year the State Bar released the fourth report in a series of studies designed to examine the decline in pass rates on the California Bar Exam.
Most Influential Women Lawyers: State Bar Board of Trustees Adopts Diversity Objectives
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The State Bar Board of Trustees earlier this year adopted strategic plan objectives reflecting its mission to support greater access to, and inclusion in, the legal system.
Most Influential Women Lawyers: Business Development Study Reveals Gender Divide
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Are there trending differences between women and men equity partners when it comes to trends in business development?
Most Influential Women Lawyers: Los Angeles County Bar Association Offers 40-Hour Mediation Training Program
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Participants who complete the program will have fulfilled the requirements to lead mediations throughout California
Most Influential Women Lawyers: Emily Yukich
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Managing Partner of Fox Rothschild’s Los Angeles office, Emily Yukich is a visionary voice for women in the region’s startup ecosystem.
Most Influential Women Lawyers: Debra Wong Yang
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Few if any, can rival Debra Wong Yang’s distinguished background - first Asian-American woman to serve as a U.S. Attorney, former California state judge, and now serves as Co-Chair of Gibson Dunn’s firm-wide Crisis Management Practice Group.
Most Influential Women Lawyers: Nancy Yaffe
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Nancy Yaffe is a go-to attorney for labor and employment compliance and training in California, critical in the #MeToo era.
Most Influential Women Lawyers: Donna L. Wilson
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Donna Wilson is the leader of Manatt’s privacy and data security practice and newly elected CEO and managing partner for the firm.
Most Influential Women Lawyers: Kim Watterson
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Kim M. Watterson is a partner in Reed Smith’s Los Angeles office.
Most Influential Women Lawyers: Tanya Viner
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Tanya Viner’s practice focuses on mergers and acquisitions, representing both the buyer and seller in large complex transactions ranging from the sale of closely held family businesses to transactions in excess of a billion dollars.
Most Influential Women Lawyers: Carolyn Toto
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Carolyn Toto, a Pillsbury Intellectual Property partner in Los Angeles, advises technology industry leaders on all aspects of IP litigation, strategic prosecution and portfolio management, and licensing.
Most Influential Women Lawyers: Ellia Thompson
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At the end of 2009, after developing expertise in land use and planning law, Ellia Thompson decided to open her own small firm dedicated to representing developers, business owners, and property owners in overcoming the regulatory, environmental, and political obstacles to property use and development.
Most Influential Women Lawyers: Joanne Thomas
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As Managing Shareholder, President and Chief Executive Officer, and active case handler at Stander Reubens Thomas Kinsey (SRTK), Joanne Thomas has over 26 years of experience in defending employers and insurers in all aspects of workers’ compensation litigation from inception through Appeal, including 132a and Serious and Willful Misconduct Claims.
Most Influential Women Lawyers: Julia B. Strickland
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As chair of Stroock’s national Financial Services Litigation, Regulation and Enforcement Group, managing 36 attorneys, Julia Strickland is often the first attorney financial services companies call when they need anything from practical guidance to fierce defense of a contentious and high stakes litigation matter, as well as for counseling on federal or state regulatory compliance or matters arising from lending and servicing, retail banking, real estate, unfair and deceptive practices.
Most Influential Women Lawyers: Randye Soref
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Randye Soref is a principal of Polsinelli, a law firm of over 850 attorneys with 22 offices across the country.
Most Influential Women Lawyers: Sussan Shore
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Sussan Shore is Managing Shareholder of Weinstock Manion, one of the nation’s top standalone estate planning law firms.
Most Influential Women Lawyers: Christine Shin
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Christine Shin is a partner in the corporate group at Russ August & Kabat and the chair of the mergers & acquisitions practice.
Most Influential Women Lawyers: Cortney Shegerian
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Cortney Shegerian is a founding member of Shegerian Conniff LLP and lead trial lawyer.
Most Influential Women Lawyers: Blake Rummel
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Blake Rummel chairs the Litigation Department of Weinstock Manion, a leading standalone estate planning law firm.
Most Influential Women Lawyers: Barbara M. Rubin
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Glaser Weil Partner and Entertainment Department Chair Barbara M. Rubin is a veteran entertainment attorney who puts her extensive in-house studio business and legal affairs experience to work for writers, producers, actors, directors and small production companies in both reality and scripted television and film.
Most Influential Women Lawyers: Jennifer Post
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As a partner in the Thompson Coburn’s Corporate and Securities practice, Jennifer Post serves as primary outside counsel to a variety of individuals, institutions and companies, including entrepreneurs, startups and investors, as well as domestic and international public companies.
Most Influential Women Lawyers: Robyn Polashuk
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Robyn Polashuk serves as co-chair of Covington’s Communications and Media Industry Group and managing partner of the firm’s Los Angeles office.
Most Influential Women Lawyers: Stacy Phillips
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Stacy Phillips is one of the country’s most well known and respected primarily high net work and high profile divorce case attorneys.
Most Influential Women Lawyers: Jackie Park
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Jackie Park is an important leader within DLA Piper, in California Real Estate law and in the community.
Most Influential Women Lawyers: Ana G. O’Brien
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Ana G. O’Brien is a partner in the Tax Department at Latham & Watkins LLP.
Most Influential Women Lawyers: Arameh Zargham O’Boyle
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In her 13 years of practice, Arameh Zargham O’Boyle has become one of the most sought-after attorneys that product innovators and manufacturers in the pharmaceutical, medical device, personal care and cosmetic sectors rely upon when faced with potential or actual litigation.
Most Influential Women Lawyers: Sonia Nayak
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Nixon Peabody Counsel Sonia Nayak’s practice centers on real estate development and financing, including new markets tax credits, affordable housing and commercial lending.
Most Influential Women Lawyers: Pooja Nair
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Pooja Nair is a seasoned business litigator and litigation member at TroyGould PC.
Most Influential Women Lawyers: Erin Murphy
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Erin Murphy is a partner at Allen Matkins where she leads the 15-person Leasing Department in the firm’s Los Angeles office.
Most Influential Women Lawyers: Michele Mulrooney
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Michele Mulrooney is recognized as one of the top tax and wealth planning lawyers in the entertainment industry.
Monday, April 8
Soylent Inks Distribution Deal With Walmart
Retail giant Walmart will distribute meal replacement maker Soylent, giving its Los Angeles downtown parent company, Rosa Foods Inc., a major boost.
Most Influential Women Lawyers: Ann Marie Mortimer
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Since joining Hunton Andrews Kurth LLP in 2006, Ann Marie Mortimer has become one of the premier attorneys in the Los Angeles region and statewide at the cutting edge of class action litigation.
Most Influential Women Lawyers: Sandra Lee Montgomery
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Sandra Lee Montgomery represents first- and second-lien senior lenders, mezzanine investors, and equity sponsors in senior debt, mezzanine and private equity financing arrangements, particularly those involving private sources of capital.
Most Influential Women Lawyers: Alissa Miller
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A regular among preeminent industry outlets Variety and The Hollywood Reporter’s top lawyers and dealmakers, Akin Gump entertainment and media partner Alissa Miller is a recognized leader in her field who has handled some of the industry’s highest-visibility deals between independent movie production companies and financial institutions.
Most Influential Women Lawyers: Felicia Meyers
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Felicia Meyers is a principal in Los Angeles’ largest family law firm, Meyer, Olson, Lowy & Meyers, LLP.
Most Influential Women Lawyers: Damaris Medina
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Damaris Medina is a Shareholder in Buchalter’s Los Angeles office.
Most Influential Women Lawyers: Suann MacIsaac
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Suann MacIsaac, partner at leading entertainment law boutique Kinsella Weitzman Iser Kump & Aldisert, is widely regarded as one of the top attorneys in her field for her representation of high-profile clients, including the Estate of Michael Jackson, and Clare Staples.
Most Influential Women Lawyers: Karla MacCary
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Karla MacCary has more than 20 years of experience in real estate transactional and financing matters and serves as Co-Chair of Nossaman’s Real Estate Practice Group.
Most Influential Women Lawyers: Jana Lubert
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Jana Lubert serves many leadership roles at Lewis Brisbois.
Most Influential Women Lawyers: Crystal Lofing
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Crystal Lofing is a partner in our Century City office’s real estate group whose practice involves multiple facets of real estate transactions, specifically including acquisitions and dispositions (including note purchases and subsequent foreclosure or deed-in-lieu of foreclosure processes and negotiations)
Silicon Beach Report April 8: Critical Role Raises $9M for ‘Dungeons and Dragons’ Content
Critical Role nets $9.1 million for D&D; class action suit filed against Sinemia; GoGuardian selects new CFO.
Most Influential Women Lawyers: Irene Lee
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Irene Lee is a partner at Russ August & Kabat, where she focuses her practice on all aspects of intellectual property, including patent, trademark, trade secret, copyright, and IP licensing.
Most Influential Women Lawyers: Susan Leader
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Akin Gump partner Susan Leader is a leading litigator in California with an impressive track record for securing favorable verdicts in highly publicized, bet-the-company cases.
Most Influential Women Lawyers: Linda Kornfeld
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Linda Kornfeld is one of the nation’s most prominent insurance recovery attorneys, representing corporate policyholders in high-stakes litigation for more than 25 years.
Most Influential Women Lawyers: Junga Kim
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Junga Kim is a partner in Reed Smith’s Los Angeles office and is a member of the Global Commercial Disputes Group, wherein she devotes her entire practice to managed care litigation.
Most Influential Women Lawyers: Joan B. Kessler
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Joan B. Kessler, Ph.D. joined JAMS in 2017 with more than 10 years’ experience as an ADR professional and a Ph.D. in communications.
Most Influential Women Lawyers: Christianne Kerns
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Christianne Kerns is a Partner at Hahn & Hahn LLP. She has extensive expertise in a wide variety of real estate and commercial transactions and general business matters, with emphasis in commercial and real estate finance and finance workouts.
Most Influential Women Lawyers: T. Katuri
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T. Katuri has spent her legal career consulting employers and multiemployer trusts on all aspects of their employee benefit plans, including health and welfare plans, Section 125 cafeteria plans, and qualified retirement plans.
Most Influential Women Lawyers: Melanie Joo
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Melanie Cliff (Joo) is a partner in the Los Angeles office of Scali Rasmussen.
Inglewood Aerospace Firm Relativity Signs Contract With Telesat
Rocket construction firm Relativity Space Inc. announced a contract with Canadian-based telecommunications firm and satellite operator Telesat to launch satellites into orbit on Telesat’s Terran 1 rocket.
Most Influential Women Lawyers: Deborah Yoon Jones
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Deborah (Debbie) Yoon Jones is a partner in Alston & Bird’s Los Angeles office.
Most Influential Women Lawyers: Sascha Henry
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Sascha Henry is a partner in Sheppard Mullin’s Los Angeles office.
Most Influential Women Lawyers: Mira Hashmall
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Mira Hashmall represents clients in all phases of litigation, from pre-litigation counseling to appellate proceedings.
Most Influential Women Lawyers: Colleen Hart
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A trusted advisor and dynamic legal mind, Colleen Hart handles employment arrangements and benefit plans for many of California’s biggest companies.
Most Influential Women Lawyers: Jennifer C. Hagle
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Jennifer Hagle is a nationally-recognized bankruptcy practitioner with over 30 years of experience, who is routinely called upon to represent senior secured and mezzanine lenders in some of the most complicated out-of-court restructurings and chapter 11 cases filed.
Most Influential Women Lawyers: Mary Haas
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With nearly 30 years of commercial litigation experience, Mary maintains a broad and diverse litigation practice handling a wide variety of breach of contract, fraud, and corporate governance matters.
Most Influential Women Lawyers: Susan Grueneberg
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Susan Grueneberg is a partner with Cozen O’Connor and a dean of the national franchise law bar.
Most Influential Women Lawyers: Anna Graves
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Anna Graves, a Los Angeles partner and co-leader of Pillsbury’s Restaurant, Food & Beverage Industry Group, handles complex M&A transactions, private offerings, joint ventures, brand licensing and extensions, start-up structuring and financing, and general corporate matters. Her clients include major national and international restaurant chains, early-stage restaurant ventures, food and beverage manufacturers and distributors, and consumer and retail companies.
Most Influential Women Lawyers: Nicole Gordon
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Nicole Gordon is a partner at The Sohagi Law Group in Los Angeles, advising public agencies on complex environmental and land use planning matters at the administrative, trial, and appellate level.
Most Influential Women Lawyers: Jessica Gordon
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Jessica Gordon represents clients in estate planning, trust administration and probate matters.
Most Influential Women Lawyers: Tamerlin J. Godley
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Munger, Tolles & Olson litigator Tamerlin Godley excels at handling complex business litigation disputes and high-stakes investigations for the nation’s leading media and entertainment companies.
Most Influential Women Lawyers: Patricia Glaser
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Patricia Glaser is head of Glaser Weil’s Litigation Department and tops the short list of trial attorneys in the nation sought after for high-stakes litigation.
Most Influential Women Lawyers: Lisa Gilford
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A much-honored first-chair trial lawyer, Lisa Gilford has throughout a distinguished 25-year career successfully represented companies and organizations in high-stakes litigations encompassing class actions, products liability law, regulatory and enforcement matters, and jury trials.
Most Influential Women Lawyers: Deborah J. Fox
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Deborah Fox is a Principal in the Los Angeles office of Meyers Nave. She is a member of the firm’s three-person Executive Committee.
Most Influential Women Lawyers: Laura Farber
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Laura V. Farber, a Partner and experienced trial lawyer in Hahn & Hahn’s litigation and employment practice groups, will make history as President for the 2019-2020 Tournament of Roses year.
Most Influential Women Lawyers: Theane Evangelis
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Theane Evangelis has played a lead role in a wide range of high profile, groundbreaking litigation matters.
Most Influential Women Lawyers: Bonnie Eskenazi
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Bonnie Eskenazi regularly takes on some of Hollywood’s most high profile and cutting edge entertainment disputes.
Most Influential Women Lawyers: Melissa Daugherty
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Melissa Daugherty is a partner in the Los Angeles office of Lewis Brisbois.
Most Influential Women Lawyers: Karen L. Corman
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As the head of Skadden’s West Coast Labor and Employment Group, Karen Corman is consistently recognized as a ‘leading lawyer’ by Chambers USA and receives praise for her “unflappable demeanor” and “practical advice,” and clients add that she “works toward great resolutions, is always responsive and always available.
Hanmi Chairman Joseph Rho to Retire in May
Koreatown-based Hanmi Financial Corp., parent of Hanmi Bank, announced the retirement of Joseph Rho, its chairman of the board of directors, effective when his term expires at the annual meeting of stockholders in May 2019.
Most Influential Women Lawyers: Michelle Cooke
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For over 25 years, clients have valued Michelle Cooke, the Leader of Manatt’s Intellectual Property Protection and Enforcement group, for her ongoing guidance in developing long-term strategic intellectual property programs involving licensing, enforcement and brand building.
Most Influential Women Lawyers: Heather Conniff
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Heather Conniff is a founding member of Shegerian Conniff LLP.
Most Influential Women Lawyers: Cyndie Chang
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Cyndie Chang is a dynamic and inspirational leader in her law firm and the larger legal industry
Most Influential Women Lawyers: Julie Capell
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A well-versed employment partner in Davis Wright Tremaine’s Los Angeles office, Julie Capell partners with her clients to help them to comply with California and federal employment laws and regulations.
Most Influential Women Lawyers: Celeste Brecht
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Celeste Brecht is an experienced litigator focused on complex civil disputes for clients in the pharmaceutical, healthcare, consumer products, and media and entertainment industries.
Most Influential Women Lawyers: Kimberly Branscome
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Kimberly Branscome is a highly regarded trial lawyer with a proven ability to provide effective counseling in crisis situations.
Most Influential Women Lawyers: Koren L. Bell
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Koren L. Bell is a partner at Larson O’Brien LLP.
Most Influential Women Lawyers: Michele J. Beilke
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Hunton Andrews Kurth’s Michele Beilke has more than 20 years of success representing employers in California and nationally.
Most Influential Women Lawyers: Angela Agrusa
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Angela Agrusa developed her brand crisis practice before the term “brand crisis” was in vogue.
GoGuardian Taps Microsoft Exec as CFO
El Segundo-based education technology startup Liminex Inc., doing business as GoGuardian, hired veteran Microsoft Corp. executive Mike Jonas to serve as its chief financial officer effective April 8.
Friday, April 5
Silicon Beach Report April 5: GumGum Sinks Teeth Into New Dental Venture
SpaceX preps for Falcon launch; GumGum establishes dental advertising outfit; Snap talks new features, redesign at partner summit.
PRIVATE EQUITY SPECIAL REPORT
It’s been a wild year for private equity in Los Angeles as local institutions look for ways to grow and attract investment. PE outsiders have also taken an interest in L.A. businesses, exerting their influence by making acquisitions and using their equity stakes to push the strategic direction of some top local companies. We examine the market in this week’s special report.
B. Riley FBR to Begin Trading Blank Check IPO
Santa Monica-based B. Riley FBR has formed a “blank check company,” to be called B. Riley Principal Merger Corp., scheduled to begin trading April 8.
B. Riley FBR Leads Financing for Babcock & Wilcox
B.Riley FBR, an investment bank and wholly-owned subsidiary of Woodland Hills-based B. Riley Financial, has entered into a $150 million credit agreement with Ohio-based Babcock & Wilcox Enterprises Inc., a move that is expected to boost the energy services firm’s path to profitability in 2019.
Ares, Crescent Take Over US Thrift Store Chain
Private equity firms to assist retailer in restructuring
Ares, Crescent find secondhand isn’t second best with thrift store chain buyout.
Construction Underway on Freight Corridor
$105M project aims to speed passage from ports of LA and Long Beach
Construction begins on Alameda Corridor project to separate freight trains and vehicles.
Billing Changes Ahead
Edison to add charge for Alliance customers
For businesses in the 22 L.A. County cities and unincorporated areas that have joined the Clean Power Alliance, power bills are about to get a little more complicated.
Costly Seismic Safety
In L.A. County, 156 hospital buildings need retrofit to meet state law’s requirements
Costs of seismic retrofits could put some hospitals on shaky financial ground.
As Car-Sharing Startup Grows, So Do Costs
HyreCar speeds ahead with expansion, hopes to create long-term value
HyreCar wants to stay in fast lane as growing company looks for long-term value.
Power Plays
SoCal businesses face choice between cost and sustainability
Clean Power Alliance offers businesses choice on renewable energy.
Ares, Oaktree Moves Highlight PE’s Wild Year
SPECIAL REPORT: PRIVATE EQUITY
Changes in corporate structure, M&A deal signal desire for growth at LA firms
Closing Ranks Over Open Concept
REAL ESTATE: Maligned cubicle gets a second look
L.A. companies not open to open concept.
Private Equity Shines Spotlight on Talent Reps
SPECIAL REPORT: PRIVATE EQUITY
Firms take major stakes in CAA, Endeavor, UTA and push for profitability
Cedars Makes Valley Moves
HEALTH CARE: Tarzana deal part of growth goals
Cedars-Sinai expands into Valley.
Beverly Grove Church to Build Apartments
Our Lady of Mt. Lebanon to build, manage 19-story residential building
Church to build 19-story apartment building.
Los Angeles’ Future is Cheap Clean Energy
The beginning of the end for natural gas as a fuel for generating electricity.
Thursday, April 4
Serve Adds Facial Recognition to Secure Deliveries
Hold Serve Inc., doing business as Serve, has integrated facial recognition technology into its platform to make its delivery system more secure for users and retailers.
Airport Officials Unveil Initial Plans for Two New LAX Terminals
Los Angeles airport officials on April 4 unveiled preliminary plans for two new passenger terminals at Los Angeles International Airport.
Cache Creek Industries Buys Automated Business Power
Century City-based private equity firm Cache Creek Industries partnered with Rockmont Capital Partners of Denver to purchase a Maryland-based defense electronics company.
Church Software Management Firm YourGiving Raises $15 Million
Carthay Circle-based YourGiving Inc., which develops a gifting platform for churches, raised $15 million in a private placement for its Tithely.ly business.
Highview Capital Buys Frontier Fire Protection, Gears Up for Major Expansion
Brentwood-based private equity firm Highview Capital purchased Frontier Fire Protection, a 59-year-old fire sprinkler and fire alarm protection services company based in Denver, and which serves four states in the western United States.
Silicon Beach Report April 4: Snap Gets Into Gaming
SpaceX test fires Starship engine; Snap launches gaming platform; Jam City buys 231 Play
Border Back-Up Causes Headaches for L.A. Importers, Manufacturers
Bottlenecks at the U.S.-Mexico border are already doubling wait times in San Diego — and that could get worse.
Warner Music Parent Buys Arts District Building for $195M
Warner Music Group’s parent company is purchasing a former factory in the Arts District, which will serve as the label’s new West Coast headquarters, for $195 million.
Zovio Acquires TutorMe to Expand Educational Technology Offerings
Hancock Park-based online tutoring startup TutorMe.com Inc. was acquired by San Diego-based educational services firm Zovio Inc. April 4.
Jam City Acquires 231 Play to Expand European Operations
Mobile game developer Jam City Inc., which is in growth mode following a $145 million raise in January 2018, acquired Berlin-based game studio 231 Play on April 4.
Wednesday, April 3
Soon-Shiong, Nantcell Sued Over Alleged ‘Catch and Kill’ of Cancer Drug
A San Diego biotech firm alleged Patrick Soon-Shiong and his NantCell Inc. company implemented a “catch and kill” scheme to stymie a new cancer drug that could hurt sales of a rival blockbuster drug invented by the Los Angeles billionaire, according to a lawsuit filed April 3.
UCLA Receives $5M Gift for Women in Engineering Program
UCLA’s Samueli School of Engineering has received a $5 million gift from an alumna to fund a program providing support for women engineering students, the school announced April 2.
Silicon Beach Report April 3: New President at Omaze
Inside a Highland Park phone case operation; Kassoy joins Omaze as president; MediaAlpha secures new credit line.
Hanmi Bank Names Bonita Lee as New CEO and President to Replace C.G. Kum
Koreatown-based Hanmi Financial Corporation, parent of Hanmi Bank, named Bonita I. Lee as its president and chief executive officer effective May 3.
Video Startup Leases 104K SF in Arts District
Downtown-based video startup company TubeScience has leased nearly 104,000 square feet in the Arts District, Cushman & Wakefield announced April 3.
Downtown-Based MediaAlpha Receives Credit Line for Growth
Downtown-based MediaAlpha has received an undisclosed amount of credit to help accelerate the marketing technology company’s growth plans.
Tetra Tech Acquires IT Federal Contractor
Pasadena-based engineering consulting firm Tetra Tech Inc. announced April 3 that it has acquired eGlobalTech, an information technology, cybersecurity and management consulting firm based in Arlington, Va., that primarily contracts with federal government agencies.
HBO Leases Ivy Station in Culver City
HBO has leased the entire 240,000-square-foot office building at Ivy Station as its new corporate headquarters. Lowe, AECOM-Canyon Partners and Rockwood Capital, the developer of Ivy Station, confirmed the long-rumored lease April 3.
LAX Adds Nonstop Flights to Helsinki, Three US Cities
In the space of three days at the end of March and early April, four nonstop flights were resumed or added at Los Angeles International Airport, according to announcements from various airlines.
Koreatown-Based Pragma Inc. Raises $2.5M Backed by the Mayo Clinic, Michelson 20MM
Pragma Inc., a health tech company based in Koreatown that streams on-demand medical lectures and surgery videos, on April 3 announced a seed round of $2.5 million.
Tuesday, April 2
UCLA Awarded $20 Million to Rebuild Medical Plaza and Conduct Research
The Los Angeles-based W.M. Keck Foundation gave $20 million to UCLA to fund biomedical research grants and support a renovation of the UCLA Medical Plaza, the university announced April 2.
Silicon Beach Report April 2: Lucid Sight Takes Home $6 Million
UC Davis, Disney form coding nonprofit; Lucid Sight raises $6 million; Sony seeks Crackle Plus domain registration.
Monday, April 1
West L.A.-Based BioSig Tech Raises $8.6 Million from Investors
BioSig Technologies Inc., a medical device company based in West Los Angeles, has raised $8.6 million in a private placement, according to a securities filing.
Emmaus Life Sciences Raises $2.6 Million From Investors
Emmaus Life Sciences Inc., a biotechnology company based in Torrance, raised $2.6 million in securities, according to an April 1 filing.
Silicon Beach Report April 1: New Hires at Tinder and Quibi
Tinder and Quibi hire from TripAdvisor and Snap; Nativo nabs SimpleReach