Daily Business Report-Jan. 14, 2021
A conceptual illustration of California’s bullet train. (Image by NC3D via Flickr)
The bullet train, California’s billion-dollar
boondoggle, suffers more costly delays
CalMatters
Don’t count on boarding California’s bullet train anytime soon. A key 31-mile segment of the already significantly downsized project likely won’t be completed until at least November 2023 — six years after the original deadline, according to a scathing letter one of the project’s top contractors sent last week to the California High Speed Rail Authority.
The letter, obtained by the Los Angeles Times, says the project’s other two segments are also behind schedule — directly contradicting state officials who in December said the project was making good progress. The delays, which the contractor alleges are due in part to the state’s failure to obtain necessary land parcels, will likely add billions of dollars in costs to a project already running billions of dollars over budget.
Ghassan Ariqat, vice president of operations for contractor Tutor Perini:“It is beyond comprehension that … more than 2,600 calendar days after (official approval to start construction) that the (rail) authority has not obtained all of the right of way” for the land.
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Japan Airlines to resume nonstop
flights to Tokyo from San Diego
Japan Airlines has announced they will resume nonstop flights between Tokyo, Japan via Narita International Airport (NRT) and San Diego
International Airport. The service will operate three times a week with the first arrival into San Diego on March 2 and the first departure from San Diego on March 3. The resumption comes after Japan Airlines suspended service in April 2020 due to the COVID-19 pandemic.
“Japan Airlines provides the greater San Diego area with an important nonstop link to Asia,” said Kimberly Becker, San Diego County Regional Airport Authority president and CEO. “By providing Japan with direct access to our region, San Diego is more competitive and attractive to those individuals looking to vacation or conduct business in Southern California which is critical to rebuilding our economy post-COVID-19.”
Alaska Airlines adds nonstop route to New York City
Alaska Airlines will add daily nonstop service to New York via John F. Kennedy International Airport from San Diego International Airport(SAN) beginning April 4. Alaska Airlines joins three other airlines that also provide nonstop service to JFK.
“We thank Alaska Airlines for adding new, nonstop service to JFK from SAN,” said Kimberly Becker, San Diego County Regional Airport Authority president and CEO. “This service will complement Alaska Airlines’ daily nonstop service to Newark Liberty International Airport, providing passengers with additional options to get to the New York metropolitan area. We appreciate Alaska Airlines’ investment in San Diego as a West Coast hub.”
This is the first new route Alaska Airlines has added this year. The airline will begin nonstop service to Missoula, Mont. March 11. Tickets are already on sale at alaskaair.com.
Sweetwater Authority initiates controlled
transfer of water from its two reservoirs
In order to secure additional water sources for its customers, Sweetwater Authority initiated a controlled transfer of water from its two reservoirs on Monday. Water that leaves Loveland Reservoir is transferred through the Sweetwater River channel and captured at Sweetwater Reservoir where it can be treated and distributed to Authority customers at a lower cost than importing water.
Sweetwater Authority’s team of scientists and engineers will monitor the water transfer, which will occur over several weeks, and make modifications as necessary depending on weather conditions. The Authority worked closely with local landowners and businesses near the Sweetwater River channel, notifying them by mail and phone prior to the start of the transfer to lessen any potential impacts.
The Authority conducts controlled transfers periodically when a variety of conditions are met, and coordinates with the U.S. Fish and Wildlife Service to ensure that environmental needs are met.
SANDAG and NCTD celebrate completion of
Del Mar bluffs stabilization Phase 4
SANDAG, the North County Transit District (NCTD), Caltrans District 11, and the City of Del Mar are celebrating the completion of the fourth phase of stabilization projects along the Del Mar Bluffs. Construction began in May 2020 and took approximately seven months to complete.
Phase 4 included the installation of additional support columns to stabilize localized areas and sea walls, construction of a drainage channel along the top of the bluffs, and improvements to concrete channels and storm drain outfalls. The Del Mar Bluffs regularly experience erosion—roughly six inches per year on average—largely due to storm and irrigation runoff, as well as sea level rise. These critical investments in drainage infrastructure improvements will direct channel water across the bluffs and to the ocean, further reinforcing and protecting the bluffs.
Developer announces final phase of construction
on model home at Plaza Bajamar
International Land Alliance Inc. has started the final phase of construction on the Merlot model home, a two bedroom-two bath single-family design at its Plaza Bajamar development. This community, Phase I of which will feature 22 homes, is located within the Bajamar Ocean Front Hotel and Golf Resort. The Bajamar Ocean Front Golf Resort is a master planned guarded and gated wine and golf community located 45 minutes south of the San Diego-Tijuana Border along the scenic toll road to Ensenada on the Pacific Ocean.
The home includes two primary bedroom suites – one on the first floor and one upstairs, as well as fairway and ocean views from a rooftop terrace. Planned amenities include a pool, wellness and fitness center and office space. The company expects to complete construction on this model in the next 45 days followed by an official grand opening.
Qualcomm to acquire NUVIA for $1.4 billion
Qualcomm subsidiary Qualcomm Technologies Inc., has entered into a definitive agreement to acquire NUVIA for approximately $1.4 billion before working capital and other adjustments.
The acquisition of NUVIA builds on Qualcomm Technologies’ Snapdragon technology leadership, delivering step-function improvements in CPU performance and power efficiency to meet the demands of next-generation 5G computing.
NUVIA CPUs are expected to be integrated across Qualcomm Technologies’ broad portfolio of products, powering flagship smartphones, next-generation laptops, and digital cockpits, as well as Advanced Driver Assistance Systems, extended reality and infrastructure networking solutions.
Yaniv Newman named a shareholder
of law firm Sullivan Hill Rez & Engel
Yaniv Newman has been named a shareholder of the law firm of Sullivan Hill Rez & Engel.
He is a member of the firm’s Construction, Insurance Coverage, and Commercial & Business Litigation practice groups. Newman joined Sullivan Hill as an associate in 2017.
His practice is primarily focused in the areas of construction and insurance coverage matters.
From contract negotiation through project completion, Newman has experience advising and representing clients on issues that arise during the course of construction.
Newman also represents builders and developers in securing policy benefits when insurers dispute coverage, and as independent counsel in cases involving sensitive third-party claims that can sometimes impact the availability of insurance.
In addition to construction related claims, Newman also represents policy holders in insurance coverage disputes involving coverage under a variety of insurance policies.
Attorneys Corinna Arbiter and Daniel J. Brast
named senior attorneys at Balestreri Potocki & Holmes
Attorneys Corinna Arbiter and Daniel J. Brast have been elevated to the position of senior attorney at the law firm of Balestreri Potocki & Holmes
With a background in the title insurance industry, Arbiter has been with the firm since 2018. She represents developers, general contractors, architects, and subcontractors in complex construction defect matters, with a successful track record of efficiently resolving multi-party claims for her clients.
Brast has been with the firm since 2018. His practice includes representing real estate developers and general contractors in complex construction-related disputes as well as general business transactional work. As part of his practice, Brast also advises and represents small businesses in the craft brewery and craft beverage industries.
North Island Credit Union seeks
Student scholarship applications
North Island Credit Union invites college-bound students in San Diego County to apply for its 2021 College Scholarship Program. Through the program, the credit union provides $20,000 in scholarships annually to recognize Southern California students who are motivated in their academic studies and active in their schools and communities.
San Diego County college-bound high school seniors and community college students transferring to a four-year university who maintain a minimum grade point average of 3.0 are eligible to participate. Selection criteria include academic performance, school or community involvement, a letter of recommendation, and an essay submission.
Interested students can find more information and apply online at northisland.ccu.com/scholarship2021. Online applications will be accepted through March 26, 2021. Recipients will be announced on April 16, 2021.
