Daily Business Report: Wednesday, Aug. 25, 2021
How sports arenas became the poster
child of California’s housing crisis
By Erika Paz | CalMatters
San Diego, Anaheim and Oakland are all hoping to give their sports arenas a boost by giving the surrounding real estate a makeover. In high-gloss renderings, developers promise walkable, transit-friendly cityscapes featuring housing, hotels, shops and restaurants with plenty of inviting green space. To borrow from “Field of Dreams,” if you build it they will come. And these cities are wagering the improvements will be enough to get professional sports teams to stay.
There’s just one problem on the road to revitalization: In the eyes of the state, these projects haven’t included enough affordable housing.
San Diego and Anaheim have been cited by California’s Department of Housing and Community Development for failing to comply with an affordable housing law as part of their multimillion-dollar stadium and arena plans. A third investigation into the Oakland Coliseum redevelopment project, which was triggered by a lawsuit, could result in a $25.5 million penalty against the taxpayers of Alameda County.
Housing advocates point to sports arenas as proof that market forces won’t deliver enough housing where at least 1.8 million units are needed by 2025.
TOP PHOTO: A rendering of the San Diego Arena as proposed by Brookfield Properties, before the state stepped in.
LET’S FIND SAN DIEGANS OVER 80
Poland’s most gifted poet Stanislaw Jerzy Lec once said, “Youth is the gift of nature but age is a work of art.”
With this in mind, we’re looking to celebrate as many San Diegans 80 or over as we can find with your help.
The 2020 Census says there are more than 20 million Americans 80 years of age and older, including 97,000 who are 100.
We’re all living longer because we smoke less, drink less, eat better and exercise more.
Maybe 80 is the new 60!
Send us your nominations. Please go to our web site — www.sandiegometro.com– and complete the nomination form. Thank you.
The Hub at Scripps Ranch reaches 50 percent completion
Sudberry Properties has completed framing and interior construction has commenced at The Hub at Scripps Ranch, a mixed-use redevelopment project on 9.52 acres, located at the gateway to Scripps Ranch at 9850 Carroll Canyon Rd., just east of Interstate 15. The Hub will feature 260 apartments with abundant amenities and 10,700 square feet of retail/restaurant space.
Leasing of the retail spaces, which feature high visibility along Carroll Canyon Road, is nearly complete. Only one retail space remains. Starbucks has leased a 2,061-square-foot space and is scheduled to open in September. Pacific Dental Services has leased approximately 3,266-square feet is expected to open in the first quarter of 2022. Big Cheech’s Chicken N’ Waffles and Sliders has leased a 2,063-square-foot space and is projected to open in spring of 2022. Matt Mosser of Retail Insite is responsible for retail leasing.
Leasing of the apartments will start in September, with phased occupancy anticipated to begin in October. Potential tenants can register for updates at The Hub at Scripps Ranch.
Robolink partners with Reality Changers to
teach coding and AI to kids this summer
This summer, Robolink partnered with Reality Changers and San Diego Squared (SD2) to teach 85 students coding and robotics.
Through a collaboration with Reality Changers, which prepares youth to become first-generation college graduates, San Diego-based Robolink is teaching students in grades 2-12 – to discover skills in coding, robotics, artificial intelligence (AI) and more.
The collaboration is funded in large part by San Diego Squared, a community organization focused on increasing diversity in STEM-driven companies.
Robolink, which creates fun and approachable robotics kits that teach coding and engineering to kids and teens, has designed the camps. The first camp took place from June 21-23, with a second camp currently running, Aug. 2-20. The students are in-person at Reality Changers, located at Wilson Middle School.
“From drones, to AI, to coding; learning STEM isn’t just a fun topic anymore, it’s a necessary 21st Century skill,” said Hansol Hong, owner/creator, Robolink.
San Diego Community College District launches
marketing campaign to draw students to campuses
The San Diego Community College District (SDCCD) has launched a $217,000 marketing campaign to encourage more students to enroll and let them know the district’s four colleges are offering considerable financial assistance and other support.
Enrollment is down across the district as a result of the COVID-19 pandemic. Financial challenges, health concerns and child care issues have forced many students to delay their education. The campaign, themed “Your Future Starts Here,” is a coordinated effort by San Diego City, Mesa, Miramar and Continuing Education colleges to let students know that regardless of whether they enroll online or in-person, they will find a safe and welcoming environment.
The campaign, which launched Aug. 16, includes digital advertisements (including Instagram and Snapchat) and out-of-home advertisements such as billboards, bus wraps, transit shelters and interior transit ads. The six-month campaign complements statewide efforts to boost enrollment at California’s 116 community colleges.
Accounting firm funds American Cancer
Society research project on racism’s effects
Accounting firm CohnReznick has become the first corporate partner to invest in a critical American Cancer Society (ACS) led research project that examines housing discriminations’ impact on cancer care. The $100,000 investment will support the American Cancer Society’s new Systemic and Biologic Impact of Housing Discrimination on Cancer Risk project.
Expected to launch in early 2022, this four-year research project will be led by Alpa Patel, senior vice president-population science at ACS, and study how various aspects of neighborhood environments (walkability, availability of fresh fruits/vegetables, air pollution, etc.) drive expected associations between housing discrimination and cancer.
Tanya Sanscartier joins Higgs Fletcher & Mack
Attorney Tanya Sanscartier has joined the family law practice of Higgs Fletcher & Mack.
Early in her career, Sanscartier served as a legal intern for the Legal Aid Society of San Diego, the Richmond County Supreme Court (NY), and the San Diego Superior Court, before going on to practice family law since being admitted to the California State Bar.
Her work is primarily focused on high-asset, high-conflict dissolution of marriage cases, and she employs a straightforward, results-oriented approach in each matter.
Sanscartier earned her Juris Doctor degree from the Thomas Jefferson School of Law, where she also was a Dean’s Scholar, a Senior Editor of the Thomas Jefferson Law Review, and graduated cum laude.
She previously earned a Bachelor of Arts degree in Political Science from the University of California, Riverside.
“Tanya’s work with high-net-worth individuals on family law matters is very impressive, and we are confident Tanya will be an asset to HFM and our family law practice,” said Steve Cologne, HFM’s managing partner. “
San Diego County Airport Authority
to host ‘Meet the Primes’ events
San Diego County Regional Airport Authority will host eight virtual “Meet the Primes” events between Sept. 14 and 30. First introduced in 2015, “Meet the Primes” is a free annual event for the business community to connect with and learn from, the Airport Authority, the Airport Authority’s partners, San Diego’s small business support service centers, and public agencies.
“The ‘Meet the Primes’ event is a great opportunity for local, small, historically underutilized, service-disabled veteran and emerging businesses to have every opportunity to do business with the Airport Authority and our partners,” said Kimberly Becker, Airport Authority president and CEO. “We hope you can join us for one or all of the events as it will provide valuable information and resources.”
The “Meet the Primes” event and matchmaking sessions will be conducted via Zoom Sept. 14-16, 21 and 23, and 28-30. The event is free to businesses and registration is now open at sanmtp2021.eventbrite.com. For more information on the Airport Authority’s Small Business Development Program, please visit san.org.
Civilian Agency reports new office, new
hires and new agency contracts
Marketing communications company Civilian Agency recently moved into new space in Downown San Diego, brought on three new key hires in communications, public relations and media services, and reported new contracts.
Padma Nagappan, senior public relations manager, joins Civilian from San Diego State University, where she served as senior science and research communications strategist.
Joe Camero recently joined Civilian as senior media relations manager. Camero is an award-winning public relations veteran with more than 20 years of corporate, agency, and nonprofit experience.
Denise Stovall, paid media supervisor, brings key expertise in media planning, buying, analysis, and management. Stovall was previously with Red Door Interactive serving in increasingly senior positions leading up to paid media strategist.
Civilian was awarded an expanded contract for PaintCare, a nonprofit leftover paint stewardship program, and renewed a multimillion-dollar, five-year contract with Los Angeles County Metropolitan Transportation Authority.
Registrar’ Office: Don’t wait until election day — vote early
The San Diego County Registrar’s office reminds you that you can make voting decisions and complete your mail ballot for the Sept. 14 California Gubernatorial Recall Election in the comfort of your home.
Remember to sign and date your envelope, seal your completed ballot inside and return it to a trusted source. You can return it by mail, no postage needed, or at one of 131 mail ballot drop-off locations around the county. Check each location’s hours of operation at sdvote.com before heading out.
“If you know how you want to vote, mark your ballot and return it to a trusted source right away,” said Interim Registrar Cynthia Paes. “The sooner we get your mail ballot back, the sooner we can start processing it. Your ballot can be in the first release of election night results if you act early.”
If you want to vote in person that option is available, too. Avoid long lines and take advantage of early voting:
• At the Registrar’s office, 8 a.m. to 5 p.m., Monday through Friday.
• At any one of 221 voting locations or the Registrar’s office Saturday, Sept. 11, Sunday, Sept. 12 or Monday, September 13, 8 a.m. to 5 p.m.
All voting locations will again be open on Election Day, Sept.14, from 7 a.m. to 8 p.m.
Escondido artists unveil Phase 2 of Esco Alley Art Project
Phase two of the Esco Alley Art project in Escondido was recently unveiled with 11 more murals by different local artists in addition to the 12 murals that debuted back in June. The mural project, located off Grand Avenue on a historic 300-foot brick wall in downtown Escondido, is presented by the Escondido Arts Association and the Escondido Downtown Business Association. Each painting is set up with a QR code with access to the story behind each painting and information about the artist.
Carol Rogers, co-owner of Stone & Glass and one of the project sponsors said, “I’m a firm believer in bringing art to the people… It introduces people to art who might never walk into an art gallery and it allows people to enjoy art without being intimidated by a museum environment, or feeling pressured by a gallery environment.” The third phase of the project will be unveiled on Oct. 9 and will include work by even more artists from the community. For more information, go to https://escoalleyart.com.
Greater San Diego Association of Realtors
announces funding to protect coastal communities
The Greater San Diego Association of Realtors announced grant support for Smart Coast California, a 501(c)(6) organization founded by Realtors in response to sea level rise policies impacting coastal communities and property owners. The funding is provided by the National Association of Realtors.
A founding member of Smart Coast California, SDAR President Carla Farley serves as the 2021 president of the Smart Coast California Board of Directors. With this support from the National Association of Realtors totaling $212,000, Smart Coast California will expand its ability to monitor coastal policies and to be a strong voice advocating for the protection of communities and the property rights of homeowners along California’s coast.
Fatboy’s Deli & Spirits joins U-Haul dealer network
U-Haul Company of California announced that Fatboy’s Deli & Spirits signed on as a U-Haul® neighborhood dealer to serve the El Cajon community.
Fatboy’s Deli & Spirits at 13305 Hwy. 8 Business will offer essential services like U-Haul trucks, towing equipment, moving supplies and in-store pickup for boxes.
Normal business hours are 9 a.m.-9 p.m. Monday-Thursday; 9 a.m.-10 p.m. Friday-Saturday; and 9 a.m.-8 p.m. Sunday. Reserve U-Haul products at this dealer location by calling (619) 631-4976 or visiting https://www.uhaul.com/Locations/Truck-Rentals-near-EL-Cajon-CA-92021/032682/today.
BioArkive increases San Diego footprint
to keep pace with increased client demand
San Diego-based BioArkive, a provider of biorepository and preclinical laboratory services in the life sciences research community of Southern California, announced a major operations expansion. In order to keep pace with increased R&D services and biorepository demand, BioArkive has added approximately 40,000 square feet to its facilities footprint in San Diego.
BioArkive plans to open additional sites in the U.S. Midwest and Southeast starting as early as 2022. The company supports a wide range of projects for biopharma research clients ranging from smaller virtual startups to larger well-established top pharmaceutical companies.
For more information, visit https://www.bioarkive.com.
The Raw Botanics Co. joins forces with
industry leaders to stop CBD censuring
The Raw Botanics Co.,a luxury wellness company, announced it has joined industry leaders as part of the “Stop Censoring CBD” coalition. The cannabis industry coalition seeks to stop censorship of CBD product marketing in reaction to the Cellular Telecommunications and Internet Association’s (CTIA) recent designation that prevents CBD companies from using SMS messaging.
“There are a lot of unsavory characters and ineffective CBD products on the market,” said co-founder Les Kollegian. “That’s not us. We don’t hide our ingredients. We want you to know exactly what you’re putting in your body and how it can help you. We give honest, educated guidance, without the nonsense. By joining the Stop Censoring CBD campaign we hope to elevate the voices like ours, of the good actors in the industry who are creating high quality products and communicating effectively to their customers exactly what’s inside them.”
