Daily Business Report-April 2, 2018
Illustration courtesy of Reform California – Gas Tax Repeal Initiative
Carl DeMaio’s Fuel-Driven Promotion: Sign the Gas
Tax Repeal Initiative and Buy Gas for $1.99 a Gallon
For a couple of hours on Tuesday, a Mobil gas station in Encinitas will have the lowest gas prices in California — $1.99 a gallon. Motorists wanting to fill up only have to give up one thing — their signatures.
It’s a promotion by supporters of the Gas Tax Repeal Initiative, a campaign to qualify a November ballot measure to repeal SB 1, passed by the Democrat-controlled Legislature to raise gas taxes, vehicle fees by $5.2 billion a year for road repairs and transit. The gas tax increase — an extra 12 cents per gallon — took effect Nov. 1, 2017. The increase in vehicle fees kicked in on Jan. 1.
Motorists can sign petitions on the repeal initiative while taking advantage of the $1.99 per gallon cost of gas (a single tank) at the station, located at 310 Encinitas Blvd. The offer lasts from 3:30 to 5:30 p.m.
“If you eliminate the massive taxes and fees imposed by the politicians on California’s gas, filling up for $1.99 should happen every day,” said Carl DeMaio, Reform California chairman and Gas Tax Repeal Initiative leader. “We encourage voters to fill up not only their tanks – but help us fill up the signature blocks on the Gas Tax Repeal Petitions that we will have onsite.”
According to campaign leaders, The campaign has already collected 680,000 signatures — more than the 584,000 signatures needed — but are needed as a cushion to ensure the initiative qualifies for the ballot.
Supporters claim SB 1 will cost $700 or more per family, per year, and hits business owners who rely on transporting goods. They say auto registration fees will increase as much as $175 a year.
According to state officials, more than $30 million in highway projects have been completed or started from SB 1 money.
“The proposed repeal of SB 1 would not only rob our state and local governments of vitally needed state funding, but now we learn that it could also hamper our ability to receive federal funding,” said Matt Cate, executive director of the California State Assn. of Counties. That was in reference to President Trump’s announced plans to provide up to $200 billion in federal funds for road repairs and infrastructure projects, with states having to provide matching funds to receive a share of federal money.
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BLT Enterprises Acquires Carlsbad
Industrial Property for $38.3 Million
BLT Enterprises, a real estate investment company, has acquired a 166,310-square-foot industrial building in Carlsbad that is fully leased to Acushnet Company, manufacturer of golf balls, clubs, shoes, gloves and other golfing equipment and accessories.
The property was acquired off-market for $38.3 million.
Ron Jacobson of SD Realty Partners represented BLT Enterprises as the buyer, and Aric Starck of Cushman & Wakefield’s San Diego office represented HGREIT II 2819 LOKER LP as the seller in the transaction.
The property is located at 2819 Loker Ave.
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40 Under 40 Awards 2018
Nomination are now open for SD METRO’s 40 Under 40 Awards for 2018. Winners will be announced in September. To nominate, visit www.sandiegometro.com and click on the “Nominate” button. We also will be publishing our annual list of Women Who Impact San Diego in the May issue.
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Tyson & Mendes Law Firm Launches
Autonomous Vehicles Practice Group
Civil litigation firm Tyson & Mendes has launched a new practice group dedicated to the defense of insurers and manufacturers of autonomous vehicles. The Autonomous Vehicles Liability Litigation practice group, led by Managing Partner Robert Tyson and Partner Cayce Greiner, provides clients with the firm’s automotive liability litigation experience and knowledge about the ever-changing regulation and legislation arising in response to more autonomous vehicles on the road.
“Despite the enhanced safety features autonomous vehicles provide, they inevitably still cause damage — and personal injury lawsuits related to autonomous vehicles will increase over time,” said Tyson. “These vehicles are already changing the way other industries do business, and our team understands the unique challenges and liabilities occurring in their wake.”
Through its automotive liability litigation experience, Tyson & Mendes has represented manufacturers, dealers, trucking companies, national automobile and trucking rental companies, and other transportation and corporate clients.
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Construction Begins on Keystone
Innovation Industrial Park
Badiee Development has began construction of the Keystone Innovation Industrial Park in Vista.
The Keystone Innovation Industrial Park is comprised of two buildings totaling 77,860 square feet and is slated for completion in the first quarter of 2019. Surrounded by five acres of permanent open space, the development will feature contemporary amenities and expansive views over Carlsbad to the Pacific Ocean. The property is located at 1398 Keystone Way, Vista.
Badiee Development has begun pre-leasing for the Keystone Innovation Industrial Park with representation by Conor Boyle of Colliers International San Diego Region, Smith Consulting Architects is the architect and TFW Construction is the general contractor.
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Advisory Board Names Scripps Health
a National Workplace of the Year
Scripps Health has been named an Advisory Board 2018 Workplace of the Year for the second consecutive year. The annual award, presented to 20 hospitals and health systems during Advisory Board’s 2018 National Summit in Chicago, recognizes outstanding levels of employee engagement.
It defines engaged employees as those who exhibit both loyalty and commitment to the organization and are willing to expend discretionary effort, often going above and beyond to help the organization succeed.
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Aclara’s Annual Industry Conference
Scheduled for May 14-16 in San Diego
Hundreds of delegates from electric, water and gas utilities around the world will come together at Aclara’s annual industry conference and exhibition, AclaraConnect 2018, being held May 14-16 at the San Diego Marriott Marquis & Marina. Structured around the theme “Come Together. Connect for a Better Future,” the event will offer insights, inspiration and discussion on effective application of smart infrastructure solutions.
“AclaraConnect is an event where leaders, innovators, and utility-industry professionals gather to learn about the latest advances and to share their stories,” said Allan Connolly, president of Aclara and divisional vice president of Hubbell Power Systems.
Former astronauts and retired Navy captains Mark and Scott Kelly, the only siblings who have traveled to space, headline the AclaraConnect keynote session. The Kelly brothers have secured their place in history as the subjects of an unprecedented NASA study on how space affects the human body.
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Cubic Awarded Air Force Contract
to Support Data Link Enterprise
Cubic Corporation’s Cubic Mission Solutions business segment was one of nine contractors awarded a multiple award contract with a $496 million ceiling from the U.S. Air Force Life Cycle Management Center’s Space, Aerial and Nuclear Networks Division.
The Data Link Enterprise (DLE) contract focuses on research, development, test and evaluation efforts for existing and emerging communication architectures.
“We believe our team’s ability to provide adaptive and resilient networking across the most challenging operational environments aligns directly with DLE needs,” said Mike Twyman, president of Cubic Mission Solutions. “We look forward to leveraging our innovative research to transform existing and emerging communication solutions into a next-generation communication network for our U.S. and coalition partners.”
Research, development, test and evaluation efforts will be awarded as distinct delivery orders. The contract period of performance is 5 years with 5 option years.
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Governor Grants Executive Clemency
Gov. Jerry Brown announced Friday that he has granted 56 pardons and 14 commutations.
Those granted pardons all completed their sentences years ago and the majority were convicted of drug-related or other nonviolent crimes. A gubernatorial pardon may be granted to individuals who have demonstrated exemplary behavior and have lived productive and law-abiding lives following their conviction.
Individuals currently serving a sentence for a conviction by the California courts can petition to have their sentence reduced by applying for a commutation. In the majority of these commutations, the individuals have been granted the opportunity to make their case before the Board of Parole Hearings, which will determine whether they are ready to be paroled.
For copies of the pardons and commutations, click here
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Old House Fair Celebrates 20 Years in South Park
South Park’s Annual Old House Fair, the community’s historic home tour and exhibition, returns on Saturday, May 19, from 10 a.m. to 4 p.m., starting at The Rose Wine Bar, located at 2219 30th Street.
Produced by the South Park Business Group, the Old House Fair brings together vintage home specialists, historic preservation enthusiasts, home owners, history lovers and community members in celebration of the neighborhood’s unique charm and character.
Marking the fair’s 20th anniversary, six South Park properties will be featured, along with new activities, including a series of free 30-minute talks led by vintage home preservation and restoration specialists. One of the highlights of the fair will be the newly designated historic district, running from A to Elm Streets and 28th to 31st Streets.
Also new for 2018 is an architect-led bike tour of historic and modern homes built by notable architects, departing at 11 a.m. and 2 p.m. The Rose Wine Bar is the new starting point for the event where the ticket booth, trolley starting point, and exhibitor displays and talks will be held.
“We hope the additions to our program will give attendees a newfound appreciation for our historic community,” said Jean Rivaldi, president of the South Park Business Group. “The bonus is that proceeds from the event go back to the South Park Business Group to help fund projects like neighborhood beautification, clean-ups and public art.”
Each home tour ticket includes docent-led education and history, trolley access, and a special 20th anniversary program guide featuring South Park’s history and photos of homes on tour from the past two decades. “Deluxe” ticketholders will receive a complimentary mimosa, commemorative tote bag and bike tour ticket.
Home tour tickets are $30, Deluxe tickets are $50 and bike tour tickets are $5. Online sales begin on April 1. Tickets can also be purchased at the event. For more information or to purchase tickets, visit www.oldhousefairsd.com.
