Daily Business Report-Jan. 3, 2013
Old Charger Stadium Made New Again?
One of San Diego’s most influential insiders says redeveloping Qualcomm is the best option for a new Chargers’ Stadium, KPBS reports. Former Port Commissioner Steve Cushman told KPBS Evening Edition the existing site could be redeveloped without public funds. Cushman, the ultimate San Diego insider after serving on 70 boards and working on the Convention Center expansion on behalf of former Mayor Jerry Sanders, said building a new football stadium Downtown is still an option, but believes Qualcomm is the most realistic solution. “If we don’t come up with a solution, I am very concerned they (the Chargers) are going to leave San Diego, so I think Qualcomm should be on the table,” Cushman said. Cushman is the second San Diego heavy hitter to suggest redeveloping Qualcomm in the past three months. Hotel developer and newspaper owner Doug Manchester told a crowd at San Diego State University that he favored the Qualcomm site last October.
Economic Index Rises
The USD Burnham-Moores Center for Real Estate’s Index of Leading Economic Indicators for San Diego County rose 0.1 percent in November. The gain was led by a strong positive move for initial claims for unemployment insurance, along with smaller gains for consumer confidence and help wanted advertising. These outweighed moderate declines in building permits, local stock prices, and the outlook for the national economy to push the USD Index to its 11th increase in the last 13 months. While November’s gain was small, it was still positive, so the outlook for the local economy remains for positive growth in 2013.
Sale of Homemade Cookies Now Legal
As of Jan. 1, certain foods prepared in a home kitchen can be sold at places like farmers markets and grocery stores, according to a new law known as the California Homemade Food Act, or AB 1616. It was signed into law by Gov. Jerry Brown, KPBS reports. Until now, all food producers were required to use a commercial kitchen subject to inspection. Breads, cookies, jams and that family apple pie recipe can now be made at home and then sold directly to consumers. Foods with creams or meats will still have to be prepared in a commercial kitchen, which are inspected regularly by the health department. The new law also requires such goods to have a label that says “made in a home kitchen.” Farmers markets will be a likely outlet for entrepreneurs wanting to sell their homemade goods. “Some home kitchen folks will be scrupulous and keep really clean kitchens,” says Catt White, who oversees five farmers markets in San Diego. “But you won’t necessarily know if there is a cat on the counter when they’re cooking or not.”
Council President Names Himself as the
Overseer of Vacant City Council District 4
San Diego City Council President Todd Gloria said he will oversee the operation of Council District 4 until a new council member is elected to replace Tony Young, who resigned Tuesday to head the local office of the Red Cross. The City Council is to schedule a special election to fill the vacancy within the next 90 days. “The Fourth District office remains open to handle constituent needs,” said Gloria. He said the staff now reports to him.
ConVis Changes Its Name
The San Diego Convention & Visitors Bureau has renamed itself the San Diego Tourism Authority. Eric Lund, vice president of community relations, said the new name shows that the group “embraces a progressive culture” and fits the naming convention of similar organizations in other areas. “Our role as the ‘official travel resource of the San Diego region’ has grown, and the name change better represents the key role we play as the authority on all things related to San Diego’s tourism industry,” said Lund. “The new name is direct, easy to understand and recognizable, which is vital as San Diego becomes more visible on the global tourism stage.”
School District Partners with Teachers Union
The San Diego Unified School District Board of Education unanimously approved a partnership with the teachers’ union that would in part lead to support for and recruitment of district students who become teachers, increased diversity and work toward finding budget solutions. Trustees Marne Foster and Richard Barrera brought about the resolution to establish an ongoing partnership with the San Diego Education Association, which represents about 8,000 teachers. A working group will also be established.
Union President Bill Freeman said students recruited from the community where they grew up would likely stay within or come back to that community, and would ultimately give back to it.
Business Coach to Appear at NAWBO San Diego Seminar
Business coach Rae Majors-Wildman is the principal speaker at the Jan. 11 seminar sponsored by NAWBO San Diego. Her topic: “Fairytales Do Come True: The 3 essential keys to creating your dream life.” The seminar will be held from noon to 1:30 p.m. at Brandman Universiy, 7460 Mission Valley Road, San Diego. Majors-Wildman has successfully coached every business from start-up at the ground-level to Fortune 100 companies earning over $10 million dollars in sales. She is the author of the best-selling book, “The Juggling Act — A Step by Step Guide For Balancing Your Business and Your Life.” NAWBO members have the option of attending this seminar for free (without lunch) or $10 (with a box lunch). The fee for visitors (which includes lunch) is $25.
Danielle Moore Elected Partner at Fisher & Phillips
Danielle Hultenius Moore has been elected partner of the San Diego law office of Fisher & Phillips. Moore is a member of the firm’s labor and employment law practice and joined the firm as an associate in 2006. Moore represents and counsels employers in all aspects of labor and employment law, including employment discrimination, wrongful termination, workplace harassment, retaliation, unfair competition and wage-hour lawsuits. Moore started her career working on the United States Senate Judiciary Committee for Sen Charles Grassley in Washington D.C. Prior to joining Fisher & Phillips, she practiced general business and construction-related litigation in San Diego. Moore received her law degree from George Washington University Law School, and a bachelor’s degree from USC.
Richard Shea Joins U.S. Bank
Richard Shea has joined U.S. Bank as senior vice president and market manager for the bank’s Community Lending Division in Southern California. Shea, who has spent his entire working career in the San Diego area, has more than 20 years of experience in affordable housing finance. He spent the past 13 years as the lead originator for PNC’s affordable housing financing products in California. Shea has a bachelor’s degree in business administration and finance and an MBA from San Diego State University.
The Daily Business Report is produced by SD METRO.
Contact: Manny Cruz (619) 287-1865. manny@sandiegometro.com.
