Daily Business Report: Nov. 14, 2023
San Diego FC breaks ground
on Right to Dream Academy
By Hector Trujillo
Two weeks after San Diego FC unveiled its crest, logo, and colors as the team prepares for its first season in 2025, the team broke ground on the much-anticipated Right to Dream Youth Development Academy and Training Facility at Sycuan Reservation at Singing Hills on Nov. 9.“It’s one of those great, memorable, and historic events for our league,” said Major League Soccer Commissioner Don Garber. “We’re beginning to kick off a series of special moments with the launch of this team that takes the field in 2025. The development of young players, in this case boys and girls…is a big part of the DNA of our league.”
Garber was among the attendees at the event along with Tom Penn (San Diego FC president), Mohamed Mansour (San Diego FC chairman), Cody Martinez (San Diego FC vice-chairman and Sycuan tribal chairman), Tom Vernon (San Diego FC founding partner and founder/CEO of Right to Dream), and Manny Machado (San Diego FC founding partner and San Diego Padres player).
The $150 million facility will be situated on a 28-acre project site on the northwest portion of the Sycuan Reservation east of El Cajon.
“To see this project come to life is incredible,” said Machado. “It’s important for me to leave a lasting legacy in San Diego, which has been so supportive. Our San Diego FC vision for the youth development academy means there will be more opportunities for young San Diego athletes, boys and girls, who may not have otherwise had them.”
Photo: Layout of the Right to Dream Youth Development Academy and Training Facility.
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UC San Diego launches $12.8 million center to
advance Naval Research and Innovation workforce
UC San Diego has received a five-year $12.85 million grant to develop a Naval Innovation, Science and Engineering Center (NISEC) program funded by the Office of Naval Research (ONR). The new program will build on campus-wide efforts to develop and commercialize innovative research in the service of naval advancements, national security and refine an innovation-ready workforce. The funding will aid new and emerging research, including 10 or more doctoral-level projects at any given time.
The grant includes an emphasis on student entrepreneurship. Students will gain hands-on experience and mentorship in how to develop commercially viable products and services from successful laboratory research.
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Minimum wage hike for California health workers
will cost billions. Workers say they need it
CalMatters
More than half a million California health care workers are expected to see a pay increase in January thanks to a law raising the minimum wage for their industry. Gov. Gavin Newsom signed the law without a clear estimate about how much it would cost the state.
The measure, which gradually raises the industry minimum wage to $25 an hour, had support from both unions and the lobbying group that represents California hospitals. But lawmakers passed the bill — and Newsom signed it — without a cost estimate.
The costs are beginning to come into focus now that the Newsom administration is releasing projections for how the wage hike could drive up the price of providing health care to Californians for government agencies. That figure, at least $4 billion with about $2 billion from the state’s general fund and another $2 billion from the federal government, does not include anticipated pay increases for public employees.
General Atomics partners with EDGE
Remotely piloted aircraft manufacturer General Atomics Aeronautical Systems Inc. announced an agreement with EDGE, an advanced technology group, to integrate EDGE smart weapons onto General Atomics’ MQ-9B SkyGuardian RPA.
Under the agreement announced at the Dubai Airshow, the two companies will work together to integrate precision-guided munition (PGM) and guided-glide weapon (GGW) solutions from EDGE onto GA-ASI’s MQ-9B SkyGuardian.
ArtPower at UC San Diego presents ‘An Evening with Sir Patrick Stewart’
On Dec. 7, audiences are invited to join actor Sir Patrick Stewart for an evening of inspiring conversation in celebration of his memoir, “Making It So,” at 7 p.m. at The Balboa Theatre, 868 Fourth Ave.
From his acclaimed stage triumphs to iconic on-screen work in the “Star Trek” and “X-Men” franchises, Stewart has captivated audiences around the world and across multiple generations.
Now, he presents “Making It So,” a revealing portrait of an artist whose astonishing life – from his humble beginnings in Yorkshire, England to the heights of Hollywood and worldwide acclaim – proves a story as exuberant, definitive, and enduring as the author himself.
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SDSU Global Campus partners with
Qualcomm on 5G Certification program
SDSU Global Campus and wireless telecommunications giant Qualcomm have partnered to offer a new advanced online 5G certification program. The Qualcomm Associate-Level 5G Certification program is being offered directly to SDSU Global Campus students for the first time. It features training in cutting-edge 5G telecommunication technology led by expert engineers from Qualcomm.
The new partnership represents a renewed focus for SDSU Global Campus as the former College of Extended Studies works with local companies and organizations to offer students unique opportunities to expand their educations in emerging technologies.
Nuffer, Smith, Tucker PR agency wins top PRSA awards
San Diego PR agency Nuffer, Smith, Tucker was honored with six awards at the San Diego and Imperial Counties Public Relations Society of America 2023 Edward L. Bernays awards, including the Bronze “Best of Show” award. The awards are presented annually to exemplary agencies, businesses and solo practitioners with Excellence and Merit awards. The Bronze award is presented for outstanding public relations tactics.
James Frakes appointed interim CEO of Aethlon Medical
Aethlon Medical Inc., a medical therapeutic company, announced that James B. Frakes, chief financial officer of the company, was appointed as interim chief executive officer, replacing Charles J. Fisher, Jr. M.D. Frakes also was appointed as a member of the board of directors and will remain as CFO. Additionally, Guy Cipriani, formerly chief business officer, has been appointed chief operating officer and has resigned from the board of directors.
San Diego’s Realty Income in joint venture
with Digital Realty to build Virginia data centers
San Diego-based Realty Income Corporation and Digital Realty of Austin, Texasm have established a joint venture to support the development of two build-to-suit data centers in Northern Virginia. Realty Incom invested $200 million to acquire an 80 percent equity interest in the venture, while Digital Realty maintains a 20 percent interest.
Fashionphile acquires LXRandCo Inc. brand
Fashionphile, a leading resale e-commerce platform in pre-owned, ultra-luxury accessories, announced it has acquired the inventory, intellectual property assets, including domains, and other intangible assets of LXR Luxury Products International Inc., Groupe Global LXR Inc., and LXR Canada Inc., which are the operating subsidiaries of LXRandCO Inc., the Montreal-based omnichannel retailer of authenticated, pre-owned luxury accessories.
Team Lewis launches new office in Dubai
Team Lewis has launched a new office in Dubai, United Arab Emirates (UAE). This marks the agency’s 25th office. The opening represents continued investment in cross-border capabilities for international clients. Team Lewis Dubai will open its doors with a roster of flagship global accounts including BlackBerry. Maha Ayash will lead the setup. She joins Team Lewis with substantial experience in providing strategic advice for clients across a wide range of sectors, including mobility, business advocacy, sustainability and aerospace.
Escondido rental community sells for $1.4 million
CBRE announced the sale of a five-unit multifamily rental community in Escondido to a private investor for $1.41 million. The transaction was facilitated by CBRE’s Executive Vice President Dan Blackwell and Associate Amanda Fielder, who represented the San Diego-based seller in a 1031 exchange. The buyer was based in Orange County. The property is located at 419 W. 4th Ave., and was built in 1981.
Casino Pauma donates $10,000 to Keep A Breast Foundation
Casino Pauma has contributed $10,000 to support the efforts of the Keep A Breast Foundation in its mission to reduce breast cancer risk and impact globally. The casino is owned and operated by the Pauma Band of Luiseño Indians and is located in Pauma Valley.
The donation reflects Casino Pauma’s ongoing dedication to community welfare and aligns with Keep A Breast’s approach to advocating for breast health.
Bing Crosby Racing Season opens
Del Mar racetrack is kicking off its 10th annual Bing Crosby Racing Season on Friday, Nov. 10, which runs through Dec. 3. Though shorter than the summer racing season, Del Mar’s Bing Crosby season features the same world-class racing and is full of fall festivities. At the Thanksgiving Brunch on Nov. 23, enjoy a three-course meal in the Turf Club, and watch races. A Beer & Wine Fest is on Nov. 24.
Second annual Pacific Rim Park Friendship Walk returns
The Ilan-Lael Foundation announced the return of the second annual Pacific Rim Park Friendship Walk, set to take place on Sunday, Nov. 19, from noon to 3 p.m. at the Shoreline Park on Shelter Island, home to their “Pearl of the Pacific” sculpture. This year’s event holds special significance as it celebrates the Pacific Rim Park Project and focuses on the San Diego-Tijuana region, where the Ilan-Lael Foundation is actively preparing for their participation in the World Design Capital 2024.
Paint the town pink The Del Mar Village Association is rallying a crowd of well-wishers to cheer on more than 2,000 anticipated walkers that will pass through the heart of Del Mar Village on Friday, Nov. 17 from 8-9:30 a.m. as the San Diego Susan G. Komen 3-Day kicks off. Anyone interested in participating in this fun and inspirational morning should dress in pink and come to Del Mar Village just
