Daily Business Report — Oct. 5, 2011
SDSU to Offer First LGBT Degree in California
Students to be accepted starting in spring 2012
San Diego State will be the first university in California and the second in the nation to offer an undergraduate degree in lesbian, gay, bisexual and transgender studies. It received approval from the California State University Chancellor’s Office last week. The university has offered a minor in LGBT studies since 2009. The new major will begin accepting students in spring 2012.
Esther Rothblum, professor of women’s studies and the LGBT studies academic adviser, said she already has five students who have contacted her about applying to the major. She said the degree is applicable to a variety of careers, from medical to law to business. “Students are realizing that having a minor or major in LGBT studies is a huge asset in getting them into medical school, law school or even the corporate sector,” Rothblum said. “It really shows that they have a level of expertise that a lot of places want. Most places really like it if their employees have an understanding of diversity.”
Channelle McNutt, Associated Students diversity commissioner, said students will benefit from the major whether they identify with the LGBT community or not. “It definitely signifies our commitment to further understanding, exploring and showcasing our support and knowledge of the community,” McNutt said. “It presents a unique opportunity for students to engage in dialogue and to further their education on LGBT issues.”
“There are a lot of LGBT-friendly things on campus, in terms of the climate and student activities, so having an academic program really fit in well,” Rothblum said. “People really want to show off that SDSU is really the center of LGBT scholarship.”
Designs Completed for Camp Pendleton Brig Renovation
KMA Architecture & Engineering has completed designs for the renovation of the brig at Camp Pendleton and the creation of a new riot gear storage building at the base. Construction will begin in the fall under a budget of $5.6 million for both projects. “The renovation of the brig is going to make the building more efficient for personnel to work in,” said Don Blair, president of KMA. “The upgrade of the brig and addition of the riot gear storage building add to Camp Pendleton’s progressive expansion.” Owned by NAVFAC Southwest Division, the brig, a two-story pre-trial holding/detention facility, will see updates in its roofing, electrical, lighting, HVAC, security, fire alarm, telecom and public address systems as well as minor structural and landscape improvements. The brig’s interior renovations will include new finishes, furnishings and fixtures. The new, one-story riot gear storage building will be constructed out of CMU block and metal roofing and will include designs for architectural, interior, structural, electrical and communications features. The KMA Team includes Don Blair, principal; Heather Mertes, project manager and Ilia Voronchihin; project architect. Structural and civil engineering services are provided by Burkett & Wong Engineers. General contracting services are provided by IE-Pacific Inc.
Ligand Pharmaceutical Leases Space in New Building
Ligand Pharmaceuticals has signed an 84-month lease valued at $3.9 million for 16,429 square feet of office and laboratory space at Arenisca, now under construction at 11119 North Torrey Pines Road. Ligand is the first company to sign a lease for the 72,419-square-foot, three-story Class A laboratory and office project.
It is scheduled to move into the building before July 2012. Brian Starck, Jerry Keeney and Dave Odmark of Cassidy Turley BRE Commercial represented the property developer and owner, Alexandria Real Estate Equities Inc., in the transaction. T.D. Rolf of Studley represented Ligand. Arenisca will feature new interior and exterior improvements, LEED Silver certification and flexible floor plates to accommodate users from 14,000 to 60,000 square feet.
Outstanding Trial Lawyer Award Presented
Consumer Attorneys of San Diego has given an Outstanding Trial Lawyer Award to Robert Hamparyan of The Gomez Law Firm in recognition of an outstanding verdict in a jury trial. The award is given to individuals responsible for an outstanding verdict in connection with a jury trial involving a civil or criminal matter. The case must be tried to a verdict. Hamparyan received the award for the case Stinson v. Leisure Palms, in conjunction with George R. Kinley. The verdict obtained in the case was $1.38 million.
Small Business Workshops
SCORE San Diego continues its series of small business workshops. For more information, call (619) 557-7272 or visit score-sandiego.org.
• Oct. 6 Legal Issues for Small Businesses: Contracts and Leases 9 a.m. to noon at SCORE Entrepreneur Center (550 West C St., #550, San Diego 92101; pre-paid registration $49, $59 at the door).
• Oct. 8 Internet Marketing 201: Build Your Business through Search Engine Optimization 9 a.m. to 3 p.m. at National University in Kearny Mesa (9388 Lightwave Avenue, San Diego 92123; pre-paid registration $69, $79 at the door).
• Oct. 8 Introduction to Starting Your Own Business 9 a.m. to 4:15 p.m. at National University in Kearny Mesa (9388 Lightwave Avenue, San Diego 92123; pre-paid registration $69, $79 at the door).
• Oct. 12 Internet Marketing 303: Social Media for Small Businesses 9 a.m. to noon at National University in Carlsbad (705 Palomar Airport Road, Carlsbad 92011; pre-paid registration $49, $59 at the door).
The Daily Business Report is produced by REP Publishing Inc., publisher of SD METRO, the North Park News and the West Coast Craftsman. Contact: Manny Cruz (619) 287-1865.
