Daily Business Report — Oct. 19, 2009
County jobless rate dips in September
But down 52,000 jobs over the year
The unemployment rate in San Diego County was 10.2 percent in September 2009, down from a revised 10.6 percent in August 2009, and above the year-ago estimate of 6.4 percent, the state Employment Development Department reported. This compares with an unadjusted unemployment rate of 12.0 percent for California and 9.5 percent for the nation during the same period. Between August 2009 and September 2009, total nonfarm employment gained 900 to reach 1,241,600 jobs. Agricultural employment increased by 300 jobs, or 2.8 percent.
• Government reported the greatest month-over gain, adding 4,900 jobs. Local government (up 3,200), accounted for roughly 65 percent of the job growth in this sector, primarily from a seasonal gain in local government education (up 4,000).
• Educational and health services increased by 1,400 jobs. Educational services increased by 1,000, while health care and social assistance added 400 jobs.
• Leisure and hospitality posted the greatest month-over decline, down 3,800 jobs. Arts, entertainment and recreation contracted by 2,300, followed by a decrease of 1,500 jobs in accommodation and food services.
Between September 2008 and September 2009, total nonfarm employment declined by 52,000 jobs, or 4.0 percent. Agricultural employment increased by 100 jobs, or 0.9 percent.
• Government recorded the greatest year-over gain, adding 1,700 jobs. Local government (down 200) offset advances in federal government (up 1,600) and state government (up 300).
• Professional and business services decreased by 11,400 jobs. Administrative and support and waste services (down 8,500), contributed to roughly 75 percent of the job loss in this sector, primarily from employment services (down 6,000).
• Trade, transportation, and utilities posted the greatest year-over decline, down 12,100 jobs. Retail trade (down 7,800), accounted for more than half of the job loss in this industry, mainly from motor vehicle and parts dealers (down 1,800) and food and beverage stores (down 1,300).
Real Estate Trends Conference set for Nov. 17
The Urban Land Institute’s San Diego/Tijuana District Council will present its seventh annual Real Estate Trends Conference — “A Recession is a Terrible Thing to Waste” — on Nov. 17. The conference will discuss how industry leaders and innovators are taking advantage of the down market to plan for the new economy. Session topics include: Navigating the U.S. Real Estate Landscape; National Real Estate Trends for 2010; Local Market Segments Trends for 2010; Entrepreneurs Thriving in These Times; and How New California State Legislation is Affecting Land Use. The conference will be held from 7:30 a.m. to noon at Marina Village, 1936 Quivira Way, in San Diego. Cost is $65 for ULI members, $85 for nonmembers and $50 for student members.
Speakers will include: Gary Binger, UC Berkeley; Lynne Heidel, Prairie Schwartz Heidel; Lori Heramb, Brookfield Homes; San Diego Councilman Ben Hueso; Nancy Johnston, Epsteen & Associates; Rick Kalvoda, PricewaterhouseCoopers; Lynn LaChapelle, Jones Lang LaSalle; Chris McKenzie, California League of Cities; David Malmuth, RCLCO; Robin Munro, Prairie Schwartz Heidel; Ken Rudy, Jones Lang LaSalle; Neil Sentura, US Local News Network; Doug Wilson, Douglas Wilson Companies; Andrew Youngquist, MDG Construction; and Alex Zikakis, Capstone Advisors.
To register, call (800) 321-5011 or visit www.ulisd.org. Registration fees increase by $10 after the registration deadline of Nov. 11.
Sempra Generation acquires Auwahi Wind Energy LLC
Sempra Generation, a subsidiary of Sempra Energy, has acquired Auwahi Wind Energy LLC, a company developing a 22-megawatt wind energy and battery storage project in Maui, Hawaii, from Shell WindEnergy Inc., a subsidiary of Royal Dutch Shell. The proposed Auwahi Wind Energy project could begin construction in 2011 and begin commercial operations in 2012 on the Ulupalakua Ranch in the remote southeastern region of Maui. Terms of the agreement were not disclosed. “Consistent with our growing renewable presence in the southwestern United States, this project further expands Sempra Generation’s footprint in one of the fastest growing renewable energy markets while further advancing the sustainability goals of Maui and the state of Hawaii,” said Michael W. Allman, president and CEO of Sempra Generation.
An important component of the Maui wind-power project is the development of a battery energy storage unit. The battery could store as much as 28 megawatt-hours of wind energy generated by the project’s windmills during the typically windy morning and night hours. The battery power could be stored until late afternoon, when electricity consumption typically reaches its peak, or could be utilized to regulate and smooth intermittent wind power, providing a valuable source of grid stability for Maui Electric.
The integrated wind and battery energy storage project could serve as a prototype to help maximize the energy output of other wind power projects in Hawaii and throughout the world. The project would help Maui attain its goal of achieving 95 percent of its electricity from renewable sources by 2020.
New leases signed at Biltmore Ocean View Hills
Two new leases of warehouse and office properties have been signed at Biltmore Ocean View Hills in Otay Mesa. Royne Industries LLC, which distributes security devices worldwide, leased Unit A-300 at 6151 Progressive Ave. for a total value of $20,202. The company leased the 2,590-square-foot property for one year with an option to purchase the unit at any time throughout their lease term. Partners In A Hurry, an automobile tire importer and distributor, leased Unit F-800 at 6120 Business Center Court. The company leased the 932-square-foot property for two years at a total value of $21,564. The company also has an option to purchase the unit. Biltmore Ocean View Hills consists of 36 separate manufacturing, warehouse and office condominium units that can be purchased or leased. Leases with options to purchase are also available.
Ten units are still available at Biltmore Ocean View Hills including a broad range of sizes from 1,840 square feet to 6,783 square feet.All units are move-in ready with finished offices, air-conditioning, restrooms, kitchenettes, private entrances, warehouses with roll-up doors and space for building signage. Prices start at $399,700 and financing is available for up to 90 percent of the purchase price. Rental rates start at $0.50 per square foot per month, NNN and short-term leases with options to purchase are available on all units.
Regan Tully and Phillip Linton of Grubb & Ellis|BRE Commercial are the listing brokers for the project and represented Royne Industries and Partners In A Hurry as well as Biltmore Holdings in both lease transactions.The project was developed by Biltmore Holdings of Phoenix, a commercial real estate investment company in the Southwest, with development projects and acquisitions exceeding 8.1 million square feet and $1.4 billion in value.
County executive leads California Mental Health Directors Assn.
Alfredo Aguirre, mental health services director of the county Health and Human Services Agency, has been sworn in as president of the California Mental Health Directors Association. Aguirre assumes the presidency after serving in various association committees. The association advises the California Department of Mental Health on policy issues and on strategies to implement mental health programming and mitigate budget impacts. Approved by California voters in 2004, the Mental Health Services Act assures state funding to counties for expanded and innovative mental health programs.Aguirre oversees HHSA’s Mental Health Services division, which provides an array of services including mental health assessments, individual, family and group therapy, special services for children, crisis intervention and psychiatric emergency care.
San Ysidro Health Center to celebrate 40th anniversary
San Ysidro Health Center will hold its 40th anniversary celebration, Una Noche de Encanto, on Saturday, Nov. 7, at the U.S. Grant Hotel. The black-tie optional event will honor Janet Murguia, president and CEO of the National Council of La Raza, as well as the California Endowment. The California Endowment’s award will be accepted by the organization’s president and CEO, Robert K. Ross. For reservations and additional information, visit San Ysidro Health Center online at www.syhc.org.
Beach Babes Host OktoberBreast Fest
Beach Babes for Boobs will host its major fundraiser of the year — “OktoberBreast Fest” — on Oct. 24 at the showroom of Ferguson Bath, Kitchen and Lighting Gallery, 1725 Hacienda Drive, in Vista. “We’re planning a fun-filled evening with great food, entertainment and an incredible silent auction,” said Michelle Geller, who works as a design consultant at Ferguson. Geller’s commitment to the fight against breast cancer led to Ferguson opening its doors for the big event. “It’s such a worthwhile cause and we are overwhelmed by the generosity of Ferguson and so many other businesses and individuals who have come forth with amazing donations,” she said. “For example, our silent auction items include spa packages, wine tours, restaurant gift certificates, sports equipment, high-end cookware, golf at The Crossings and so much more.” The evening also will include dancing to live classic rock and roll by The Jack Stones, a 50-50 drawing and “Boobie Bingo.”
Tickets are $20 in advance and $25 at the door, and may be obtained by calling (760) 643-4256 or by sending an e-mail to beachbabesforboobs@yahoo.com. One hundred percent of proceeds benefit the Breast Cancer 3-Day Nov. 20-22 and Susan G. Komen for the Cure.
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