Daily Business Report-July 12, 2013

Gov. Brown peers into a microscope at Takeda California in San Diego on Thursday, where he signed legislation to overhaul California’s economic development program.

Gov. Brown Signs Legislation to Revamp

State’s Economic Development Program

Gov. Jerry Brown joined businesses and workers from throughout the state in San Diego Thursday to sign legislation that revamps the state’s economic development program. “This legislation will help grow our economy and create good manufacturing jobs,” said Brown. “Through our great university system and through the companies we have, California can build on the strength of intellectual capacity.” The legislation was signed at San Diego-based Takeda California, a wholly owned subsidiary of Takeda Pharmaceutical Company Limited, Japan’s largest pharmaceutical company and one of the top 15 pharmaceutical companies in the world. It establishesthe Governor’s Economic Development Initiative that features sales tax exemptions, hiring credits and California Competes Investment Incentives.

“By providing a hiring tax credit and a state sales tax exception on innovative tools, the new law will allow Takeda California to pursue staffing levels and collaborations with local universities that we would not have been able to afford otherwise,” said Keith Wilson, Takeda California president and chief science officer.

The new Initiative will be funded by redirecting approximately $750 million annually from the state’s Enterprise Zone program.

 

Mayor Filner Rebuffs Calls for His Resignation

Amid calls for him to resign over allegations of sexual harassment, Mayor Bob Filner admitted today he had mistreated women in his office and apologized for his behavior, saying he had “diminished the office of mayor, but rebuffed calls for his resignation. “I only ask that you give me an opportunity to prove I am capable of change, so that the vision I have for our city’s future can be realized,” Filner said Thursday in a statement released on a DVD.

“As someone who has spent a lifetime fighting for equality for all people, I am embarrassed to admit that I have failed to fully respect the women who work for me and with me, and that at times I have intimidated them,” Filner said. He admitted, “ I need help.”

“I have begun to work with professionals to make changes in my behavior and approach,” he said. “In addition, my staff and I will participate in sexual harassment training provided by the city. Please know that I fully 
understand that only I am the one who can make these changes.”

Filner’s statement came hours after three of his former supporters held a news conference reiterating their call for the mayor to step down. “When I received credible first-hand evidence of more than one woman being sexually harassed, I could not not act,” former Councilwoman Donna Frye said, her voice cracking at times. “I believe what they have told me and they need to know that they are not alone.”

Local officials from both inside and outside City Hall pointed to the seriousness of the allegations. Rep. Scott Peters, D-San Diego, said “serious and grievous accusations of harassment” were conveyed to him by people he knew and trusted, although the facts were not yet fully known. “However, if the allegations are true, this behavior is inexcusable, shows terrible disregard for women, the voters and the thousands of people who worked tirelessly to support the mayor’s candidacy,” Peters said.

City Council President Todd Gloria said people should be able to work in an environment free of harassment and intimidation. “I offer my assurance to any person who may have been harassed that their claims will not be discounted should they come forward,” Gloria said. “All applicable administrative and legal protocols will be followed by the city.”

Councilman Scott Sherman issued the following statement regarding Filner’s DVD: “I am calling on Mayor Filner to resign. He has admitted that he is guilty of sexually harassing women and his actions are unacceptable under any circumstance. Unfortunately, this is the latest and most disturbing of a series of scandals that make him incapable of leading our city.”   — (Reported by City News Service)

 

Coronado Plaza Sells for $21.5 Million

Coronado Plaza, a three-story, 49,322-square-foot mixed use center at 1330 Orange Ave. in Coronado — across the street from Hotel Del Coronado — has been sold for $21.5 million to an affiliate of Paragon Real Estate Fund. The seller was SCP Coronado LLC. Built in 1975 and recently renovated, Coronado Plaza is comprised of three elevator-served levels over underground public parking including two levels of retail space and a top level of executive office suites. Tenants include Vigilucci’s Del Coronado, Island Birkenstock, Lavender Day Spa, Don Michel Salon, Coronado Resort Wear Company, Coronado Shorts Company, The Tavern, La Salsa, Subway and Domino’s Pizza. The property was recently renovated with new storefronts, the creation of a new Paseo facing Hotel del Coronado.

 Another First: Drone Completes Carrier Landing

The Northrop Grumman X-47B unmanned aircraft met another milestone on Wednesday when it landed on the flight deck of the USS George H. W. Bush. The ability to launch and recover Navy unmanned aircraft of this capability is a significant step forward and may well revolutionize the U.S. Military. Secretary of the Navy Ray Mabus commented on the milestone event, saying that follow-on versions of this aircraft will “radically change the way presence and combat power are delivered from our aircraft carriers.”

Founding Director of the Owen Clinic Honored

Chris Mathews, founding director of the Owen Clinic at UC San Diego Medical Center, was to be honored today for his and the clinic’s role in providing comprehensive specialty care for patients with HIV and AIDS. During the 10 a.m. ceremony, UC San Diego Health System also will celebrate its recognition as a “Leader in LGBT Healthcare Equality” in the Healthcare Equality Index 2013, an annual survey conducted by the Human Rights Campaign (HRC) Foundation. Under Mathews’ leadership, the Owen Clinic has become an international role model for providing of state-of-the-art, quality HIV care, fostering patient empowerment and encouraging them to actively participate in their care. Mathews, who has stepped down from his role as director, will be feted at the medical center at 200 W. Arbor in Hillcrest.

Sullivan International Group Acquires Analytical Services Inc.

San Diego-based Sullivan International Group Inc. has acquired Analytical Services Inc., a professional services firm specializing in environmental, safety, health and energy related services. ASI also provides specialized design and construction management services involving environmental, petroleum or chemical storage and handling projects for various governmental, commercial and industrial clients nationwide. ASI has two primary office locations, headquartered in Columbia, Md. and an additional office in Culpeper, Va.

Free-Button Acquires Media Rhythm Group

Encinitas-based FreeButton Inc. a developer of interactive web and mobile marketing products to leading brands, has acquired Media Rhythm Group Inc., an advertising sales agency to the youth and action sports demographic. Media Rhythm represents various media publishers including GrindMedia and Alli Sports. Media Rhythm packages integrated advertising and sponsorship packages.

************

Personnel Moves

Daniel Reichel Joins Torrey Pines Bank

Daniel W. Reichel has joined Torrey Pines Bank as vice president, relationship manager, in San Diego. Reichel will work with businesses in communities throughout San Diego County, with an emphasis on North County. He has 20 plus years in the banking and finance industry and most recently was a vice president at a large California bank for the past 14.  He has a bachelor’s degree from the University of Denver.

 

Rick Puttkammer Joins Colliers International

Rick Puttkammer is rejoining Colliers International as a senior vice president in the San Diego office. A 25-year veteran in retail property sales and leasing, Puttkammer will lead Colliers’ expanded retail division. Previously, he was a senior vice president at Flocke & Avoyer in San Diego.  From 1997 to 2008 he was a senior marketing director at Cushman & Wakefield where he led the retail division, and from 1987 to 1997 he was a senior marketing director at Colliers International San Diego.

 

San Diegan Reappointed to the Medical Board of California

Michael Bishop, 62, of San Diego, has been reappointed to the Medical Board of California by Gov. Jerry Brown. He has served since 2011. Bishop has been director of anesthesia for same-day surgery at the UC San Diego San Diego Hillcrest Medical Center since 2008 and an attending anesthesiologist and clinical professor of anesthesiology at the UCSD since 2006. The position does not require Senate confirmation and the compensation is $100 per diem. Bishop is registered decline-to-state.

************

Credit Union to Hold Used Car Sale Saturday

San Diego County Credit Union will hold a used car super sale in the parking lot at its administrative building at 6545 Sequence Drive in Mira Mesa from 8 a.m. to 4 p.m. on Saturday, July 13. The public is invited.  About 275 late-model, low-mileage cars, trucks and SUVs will be available for sale from the Penske Automotive Group Inc. Trade-ins will be accepted.