Daily Business Report: Thursday, Dec. 8, 2022
Diners have spoken: Open Table announces
the top 100 restaurants for 2022 — 3 in San Diego
This year, restaurants became much more than just a place to grab a meal – but instead, the perfect backdrop for socializing, a way to connect with the local community and an escape from too much time spent at home. OpenTable is revealing diners’ most beloved spots to do just that via the Top 100 Restaurants in America for 2022, curated for diners, by diners, from over 13 million reviews.
The three San Diego restaurants making the list are:
• Born & Raised, 1909 India St., San Diego, 92101 — American Steakhouse
• Cesarina, 4161 Voltaire St., San Diego, 92107 — Traditional Italian Dishes
• Herb & Wood, 2210 Kettner Blvd., San Diego, 92101 — Eclectic Mediterranean Cuisine
This year, California dominates the list with 21 restaurants across Beverly Hills, Los Angeles, Newport Beach, San Diego, San Francisco, and more. Illinois is runner up with 17 restaurants, all of which are in Chicago – the city with the largest number of restaurants on this year’s Top 100 list. Next up: Florida and Nevada are tied at 10 restaurants each – in Florida, cities with Top 100 restaurants include Naples, Tampa, Bal Harbour, Fort Lauderdale and more, and in Nevada – all 10 are located in Las Vegas.
The Top 100 Restaurants in America for 2022 can be found here.
Photos: Herb & Wood at top, and Born & Raised and Cesarina below.
San Diego Tourism Authority accepting
applications for its diversity program
For the second consecutive year, the San Diego Tourism Authority (SDTA) is offering its groundbreaking diversity program the Tourism Accelerator. Designed to promote diversity, equity, and inclusion in the tourism industry, the program — a first of its kind in the industry — provides free SDTA membership, education and networking opportunities to local tourism and hospitality businesses owned by people of color, women, veterans and LGBTQ+.
Applications for the 2023 Tourism Accelerator Program are being accepted now through Jan. 6, 2023. Businesses can learn more and apply at sandiego.org/accelerator.
San Diego Gas & Electric returns as a financial sponsor of the program, which will feature a suite of complimentary services for 10 area businesses. Recipients will each receive resources with a value exceeding $14,000.
“The success stories from the businesses involved in our 2022 pilot program show that everyone does better when we invest in local companies and support them,” said SDTA President and CEO Julie Coker. “We hope to have an even bigger impact next year as we help a new group of businesses that reflect the welcoming spirit and diversity of San Diego.”
Governor unveils proposal to cap oil refiners’ profits
California regulators would cap the profit margin for oil refiners and could fine companies that exceed that limit under a proposasl announced by Gov. Gavin Newsom, the latest escalation in his battle with the oil industry over a summer of record gas prices.
Newsom unveiled the measure, which does not yet include key details such as how much profit oil refiners would be allowed or the size of possible fines, on the same day that newly-elected legislators arrived in Sacramento to be sworn in — and to declare a special session to consider the plan that the governor has dubbed a “price gouging penalty.”
In brief remarks to reporters at the state Capitol, Newsom said the fines would act as a deterrent to future price spikes. He said he would take the next month or more to fill in the blanks of the bill, in consultation with lawmakers, who are set to reconvene Jan. 4 to begin the new session in earnest.
Airport Authority’s Quieter Home Program
celebrates 5,000 sound-insulated homes milestone
San Diego County Regional Airport Authority is celebrating the completion of 5,000 sound-insulated homes through its Quieter Home Program. Since its inception, the Quieter Home Program has retrofitted 5,000 single-family and multi-family residences immediately east and west of San Diego International Airport, including the neighborhoods of Bankers Hill, Point Loma, Ocean Beach, South Park, and Golden Hill.
Eligible homes may receive retrofitted exterior doors and windows, installation of a ventilation system, and other items such as weather stripping and caulking around openings, reducing noise levels by at least five decibels inside the home and providing a noticeable noise reduction.
The Airport Authority received two airport safety and infrastructure grants through the FAA for noise mitigation measures totaling $25.9 million. The grants marked the largest annual amount given to the Airport Authority by the FAA for the Quieter Home Program and one of the largest annual amounts given to any airport nationwide. The Airport Authority encourages area residents to see if their homes or non-residential facilities are eligible to benefit from the Quieter Home Program by visiting san.org/airportnoise.
Clinical trial evaluating HIV vaccine shows promise
While scientists have struggled in the past to create an effective vaccine against HIV, a novel vaccine design strategy being pursued by researchers at Scripps Research, IAVI, Fred Hutchinson Cancer Center and the National Institutes of Health, National Institute of Allergy and Infectious Diseases (NIAID) Vaccine Research Center shows new promise, according to data from a first-in-human clinical trial. In a paper published in Science on Dec. 2, 2022, the scientists reveal critical new insights into their novel vaccine strategy, which involves a stepwise approach to producing antibodies capable of targeting a wide range of HIV variants. Read more…
Construction starts on new football stadium
and softball fields at Palomar College
Erickson-Hall Construction Co. joined more than 100 Palomar College faculty and staff, development team members, and community leaders for the groundbreaking of the college’s new football stadium and softball fields.
The $22.8 million facilities at the San Marcos campus were designed by HMC Architects and funded by the $694 million Proposition M. The bond was approved by voters in 2006, and has resulted in significant modernization and improvements across the district.
Construction on the football and softball stadiums is expected to last one year, with completion anticipated in October 2023.
“The new playing surfaces will greatly reduce the risk of injury and help to prolong their athletic careers,” said Daniel A. Lynds, athletic director for Palomar College. “The high-tech video equipment housed in each facility will provide a platform from which the student athletes can evaluate their progress and more importantly be seen and recruited by four-year institutions.”
Restaurateur Sam Ladeki expanding into Oceanside
Sami Ladeki, the restaurateur behind Sammy’s Woodfired Pizza and Toast Gastrobrunch has opened a blended concept – Toasted Gastrobrunch & Sammy’s Dinner in Oceanside at 339 North Cleveland St. (92054). Toasted will have all the brunch favorites from Toast Gastrobrunch (formerly in Carlsbad) served daily from 8 am to 3 pm. At 3 p.m., Happy Hour begins with shareables and other items at 50 percent off until 6 pm. Sammy’s Dinner menu will be served from 6 to 9 p.m. with new specialties and an elevated dining experience.
Golden State Rebates program
offers up to $500 per customer
San Diego Gas & Electric customers looking to save money are encouraged to take advantage of a new statewide program offering rebates of $20-$500 for energy-efficient water heaters, room air conditioners, and smart thermostats. Read more…
Classical Academy High School
college rate highest in Escondido
Classical Academy High School now has the highest college-going rate in Escondido. Compared to other Escondido high schools in the 2019-2020 school year, 80.6 percent of students attended college, according to the National Student Clearinghouse (NSC).
“We have worked very hard to strengthen the transition from high school to college over the past number of years,” said Principal Dana Moen. “I am proud of our students and anticipate further growth in this area.” View the complete list here
Encinitas startup Pixly wins $100,000
prize in military pitch contest
From a field of 120 startups, the Encinitas-based software startup Pixly, focused on construction and real estate, has won a $100,000 pitch contest hosted by the Veteran Fund.
The app provides visual documentation and collaboration aid for those in the construction industry. It simplifies collaboration on construction site project photos in real-time from any location. Pixly was initially born out of the San Diego Connect Springboard program, which assists entrepreneurs by providing educational programming, mentorship, introductions, and access to capital. Pixly CEO Lee Mills said the firm will use the funds to add new app features, support early customers, and boost sales and marketing.
MQ-9A drone leased to India by General
Atomics completes 10,000 flight hours
On Nov. 22, 2022, a General Atomics Aeronautical Systems Inc. MQ-9A Remotely Piloted Aircraft that is on lease to India’s Navy completed its 10,000th flight hour in support of India national security missions. The 10,000-flight hour mark has been achieved by two MQ-9As being operated by the Indian Navy during a period of almost exactly two years, with the maiden flight of MQ-9A taking place on Nov. 21, 2020. The MQ-9As are supplied to India as part of a company-owned, company-operated lease agreement.
Imperial Beach Pier to undergo
second phase of enhancements
The Port of San Diego, City of Imperial Beach, and community members are kicking off Phase 2 of the Imperial Beach Pier Enhancements project. Adding to improvements completed in 2021, the second phase includes a new shade canopy with a shark and water design over the mid-pier extension, new activity placards, and more. The goal is to beautify and activate the iconic IB Pier to enhance the public’s fishing, surfing, and viewing experience.
Drata’s valuation rises to $2 billion
Drata, a continuous security and compliance automation platform, announced $200 million in Series C funding co-led by ICONIQ Growth and GGV Capital. The latest round of funding doubles Drata’s valuation to $2 billion since its Series B in November 2021, as the company progresses toward its mission of making compliance effortless and accessible for companies of all sizes.
Dalrada Health’s vaccine program approved by
Centers for Disease Control and Prevention
Dalrada Financial Corporation, a problem-solving innovator that takes on complex, multi-disciplinary challenges in health care, clean energy, precision manufacturing, and technology, announced that Dalrada Health’s Empower Genomics vaccine program received approval by the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC). Driven by Empower Genomics team member, Julia Zavala, this accomplishment puts the Dalrada Health subsidiary on equal footing with large pharmacies and drug store chains in regard to the distribution and administration of vaccines to at-risk populations within the greater San Diego area.
