Daily Business Report-Jan. 27, 2017
Lake Oroville: January 2017 and January 2016 (Kelly M. Grow/California Department of Water Resources)
San Diego County Water Authority
Says Years-Long Drought is Over
The San Diego County Water Authority approved a resolution Thursday declaring an end to the drought in San Diego County. The rationale: Record-setting winter precipitation in the Northern Sierra, coupled with heavy local rainfall and a significant snowpack in the upper Colorado River basin.
The board resolution also calls on Gov. Jerry Brown and the State Water Resources Control Board to rescind the statewide emergency water-use regulation for areas of California that are no longer in drought conditions.
The Water Authority’s supply forecast has continued to significantly improve with recent wet winter conditions, including a series of record-setting storms across California in January that benefited both statewide and local conditions.
As of Jan. 23, San Diego’s official rainfall measurement station at Lindbergh Field had recorded 172 percent of average rainfall since the start of the water year on Oct. 1. More importantly, the water content of snow in the Sierra Nevada, a prime water source for much of the state, was 193 percent of average as of Jan. 23. Meanwhile, snowpack levels were at 161 percent of average in the upper basin of the Colorado River.
The state’s current emergency drought regulation is set to expire on Feb. 28, and the state board is expected to decide whether to extend that regulation on Feb. 8. The Water Authority provided the state board with written comments on the potential extension of the regulation ahead of the state board’s Jan. 18 workshop on urban water conservation regulation.
“Telling the public to continue extraordinary, emergency conservation measures when the drought emergency no longer exists undermines the credibility of state and local water agencies and erodes the effectiveness of communications during actual water supply emergencies,” said Mark Muir, chair of the Water Authority’s board. “The state should focus its 2017 efforts on communities that actually need help meeting water quality standards and water demands. We will continue to promote water-efficiency in the San Diego County no matter the weather.”
Water Authority General Manager Maureen Stapleton said continuing unnecessary statewide drought emergency regulations hampers the region’s ability to sustain a healthy and vibrant economy by undermining efforts to retain, attract and expand businesses and investment.
“We have had throughout this past drought – and continue to have – all the water necessary to meet the needs of local businesses and residents because our ratepayers made the significant investments needed to prepare for drought,” Stapleton said. “It is imperative that we in San Diego send a clear message to businesses already here, those considering expanding their operations here, and those considering moving here: the San Diego region is open for business. We have the water supply necessary to grow your business, to fuel our $222 billion regional economy and to support a high quality of life for our residents.”
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Kilroy Realty Breaks Ground on Long-Delayed
One Paseo Project for the Carmel Valley
After a year’s delay, Kilroy Realty’s $660 million One Paseo mixed use development for Carmel Valley — once the subject of considerable controversy — has started construction.
The development is a scaled-down version of what was originally proposed by the developer. It wil be built in phases, with the first phase consisting of the construction of 95,871 square feet of retail space and the first apartments — at a cost of $225 million. Kilroy says it will bring, shops, restaurants, apartments, offices and public plazas to the site at Del Mar Heights Road and El Camino Real.
At completion, One Paseo will include 280,000 square feet of Class A office space and 608 multi-family apartment homes, besides the retail component.
Kilroy has committed to build 61 affordable housing units on-site at 65 percent Area Median Income. The retail and restaurants are scheduled to open mid-to-late 2018, and the apartments and offices early-to-mid 2019.
The retail and restaurants are scheduled to open mid-to-late 2018, and the apartments and offices early-to-mid 2019.
Groundbreaking was held Wedneday.
“We are honored to start construction on this one-of-a-kind project,” said Nelson Ackerly, senior vice president of Kilroy Realty. “Having worked so hard with the community, we are excited to bring our shared vision to life. One Paseo embodies a promise to transform this prime property into a community-gathering, go-to destination.”
Kilroy describes the development as “a live-work-play environment — a thoughtful mixed-use experience that integrates tailored retail with an innovative office environment and modern, luxurious apartments all within one walkable site. Plans for the public spaces include curating a venue for recurring community programs such as farmer’s markets, outdoor concerts, art walks and other social events. The public plazas that flow through One Paseo offer a comfortable blend of tree-lined environments that include designated family areas and park-like experiences.”
The San Diego City Council originally approved a larger project in 2015, but opponents obtained enough signatures to force the council to either rescind its approval or schedule a public vote on it. Kilroy reduced its retail and office space components and the council gave final approval last year.
UC Regents Approve 2.5 Percent Hike in Tuition
University of California regents on Thursday lifted a six-year freeze on tuition, approving a 2.5 percent increase beginning this fall in order to pay for more faculty, classes and student services. The vote was 16-4, and many of the regents expressed regret about having to raise costs for students. The regents voted to raise tuition to $11,502 for the 2017-18 school year — a 2.5 percent, or $282, increase. The student services fee would increase by $54 to $1,128. The action marked UC’s first tuition increase since the 2010-2011 school year. Read the LA Times
Oceanside’s Grant Street Villas
Sold for $12.5 Million to Local Investor
Grant Street Villas, an 84-unit apartment complex at 415 Grant St. in Oceanside, has been sold for $12.5 million to a local real estate investor, Ann Schon of Grant by the Sea Fund LLC. Grant Street Villas LLC was the seller.
Grant Street Villas was built in 1953 and features eight two story buildings, situated on 3.15 acres. The property includes one and two-bedroom units, with an average floor plan of 629 square feet. The apartments feature private balconies, and the complex offers on-site laundry and parking.
“Grant Street property has a lot of opportunity and we have created a three-year renovation plan to upgrade both the interior and exterior of the complex,” said Ann Schon.
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Burnham Foundation Gifts $125,000
To National Conflict Resolution Center
National Conflict Resolution Center in San Diego has received a Burnham Foundation pledge of $125,000 pledge to expand its pioneering Galinson Campus Civility Project. The gift will enable NCRC to build on the project’s success at its five current campuses by bringing it to five new universities throughout the West.
The Galinson Campus Civility Project, named in honor of NCRC advocates Murray and Elaine Galinson, has emerged as a national model in addressing a fundamental challenge to higher education: balancing the principles of free speech and open inquiry with the need to respect differing viewpoints and teach civil discourse. Since its 2011 launch, the initiative has provided communications and inclusivity training to tens of thousands of student leaders in California and Arizona. Participants have given the project high marks for helping them learn how to manage conflict and build cohesion.
“Our support of the Galinson Project is an investment in the future of our diverse and global society,” said philanthropist Malin Burnham, a long-time advisor to the NCRC Board of Directors. “This program is preparing today’s students to be enlightened and effective leaders, and it is teaching them the importance of ‘Community Before Self.’”
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San Diego Sport/Cycling Showcase
Spotlights Local Bicycling and Sports Industry
The San Diego Sport Innovators (SDSI) and Padres Pedal the Cause have teamed up to spotlight the breadth and diversity of the local bicycling and sports industry by hosting the second annual San Diego Sport/Cycling Showcase on Saturday, Feb. 4 from 10 a.m. to 2 p.m. at 350 10th Ave, San Diego.
San Diego cycling and sport brands participating in the Showcase include an exclusive group of brands and partners: 2XU, SAGE Titanium Bicycles, Lumos Helmets, e-JOE Bike, San Diego Mountain Biking Association, Cuba Bike Travel, NiteRider, Deco Bike San Diego, ASSOS, Adrenaline Cycling, Ride Cyclery, Eliel Cycling, Belgian Waffle Ride 2017, GQ-6, SDSI, Padres Pedal the Cause, Mesa Rim, Jelly Belly Cycling Team and SkyFlash Racing. The highlight of the Showcase will be a Fashion Show featuring the newest men’s race cycling clothing by team Jelly Belly, and women’s styles worn by Skyflash Racing. The event will also celebrate the grand opening of RIDE Cyclery’s new downtown location. There will be food and entertainment for attendees.
Announcements will be made about the 2017 Amgen Tour of California.
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Housing Market Overview
The Pacific Southwest Association of Realtors will present its “2017 Housing Market Overview” with Leslie Appleton-Young, vice president and chief economist, California Association of Realtors, from 12:30 to 2:30 p.m., Wednesday, Feb. 8, at PSAR’s East County Service Center, 1150 Broadway, El Cajon. Appleton-Young will discuss the future of California’s housing market, including the latest research in urban economics and demographic trends. Cost to attend is $15 for members, $25 for nonmembers. Lunch will be served. For more information, call PSAR at (619) 579-0333 or visit www.psar.org/marketoverview.
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Personnel Announcements
Bree Wong Appointed to San Diego
Housing Federation Board
The San Diego Housing Federation has announced the appointment of Bree Wong to the board of directors for its nonprofit operations. Wong is vice president of SWS Engineering Inc., a civil engineering, land surveying and land planning firm.
Wong has over a decade of experience in the design and construction industry and is tied to a comprehensive network of industry professionals.
With a track record of successfully growing membership and fiscal operations for local nonprofit organizations through board-level involvement, Wong brings a holistic understanding of the essential components necessary to support a successful nonprofit operation.
Wong also sits on the board of directors for Commercial Real Estate Women (CREW) as president-elect, and serves as immediate past president for the Society for Marketing Professional Services San Diego Chapter. Bree also volunteers on a number of local committees, including the Fundraising and Decorations Committee for the Boys and Girls Club of San Marcos, the Healthcare Committee for the San Diego chapter of the American Institute of Architects, and both the Membership/Fundraising and Ruby Awards Committees for the San Diego Housing Federation.
Elizabeth Chiba Joins Wilson Turner Kosmo
Wilson Turner Kosmo LLP has added Elizabeth Chiba as an associate. She joins the firm’s Product Liability and Warrant Practice Groups.
Prior to joining Wilson Turner Kosmo, Chiba was an associate of White & Bright LLP. She has also worked for the Chula Vista City Attorney’s Office and Appellate Defenders Inc., a San Diego nonprofit administering the California Court of Appeal, Fourth Appellate District’s appointed counsel system.
In addition, Chiba worked as a legal intern in the U.S. District Court Southern District of California for Magistrate Judge Bernard G. Skomal.
Before entering the legal field, Chiba worked in education. She received her J.D. from the University of San Diego School of Law in 2013 and her B.A. from the University of California, Los Angeles in 2006. While in law school, Chiba was an associate member of the San Diego Journal of Climate and Energy Law.
(W)right On Communications Promotes
Chancelor Shay to Practice Area Director
San Diego public relations agency (W)right On Communications Inc. has appointed Chancelor Shay to the newly created position of director, B2B and infrastructure development.
Shay has seven years of experience in public relations and joined (W)right On Communications in 2010 after graduating from San Diego State University. He most recently served as a senior communications strategist at the agency.
In his new role, Shay will direct comprehensive communications programs for B2B and infrastructure development clients both in the public and private sector drawing on his expertise in traditional and new media strategies. He will continue to oversee several tech, health care and professional services client partners as well as a team of talented communications strategists, coordinators, graphic designer, video producer and website programmer.
Shay will continue to serve various causes aligned with his passions and the agency’s focus including his role as the Communications Committee chair for the Building Industry Association of San Diego.
