Breaking news: PCBC to sell tax-refund loan division
Santa Barbara-based Pacific Capital Bancorp announced Dec. 24 that it is selling its controversial tax-refund loan program after federal regulators did not approve the bank to originate any refund-anticipation loans during 2010. Pacific Capital, the parent of Santa Barbara Bank & Trust and several other banking brands on the Central Coast, said it has signed Read More →
Ventura real estate firm sets sights on the Lone Star State
For the first time in eight years, Dick Fausset’s Ventura real estate investment company is buying. Back in the 1990s, Fausset Neely Inc. went on an acquisition spree, buying up more than 2.86 million square feet of commercial property in California, Texas, Louisiana and Alabama. But in 2001, Fausset stopped buying and started selling. “In Read More →
Give small businesses a few tools
It’s bad enough that regulators have basically forced our community banks to redline small businesses and deprive them of capital at a time when it’s most needed. Now comes word that staff have been let go at Small Business Development Centers, which provide technical assistance to operating ventures in Ventura and Santa Barbara centers, which Read More →
UCSB scientists create synthetic blood cells
Researchers at the University of California, Santa Barbara, have created synthetic red blood cells that could be used to deliver drugs, research diseases and aid diagnoses. Synthetic particles can be used to carry drugs where they need to go for more precise targeting than pills or straight injections. They’re already on the market to deliver Read More →
Chambers warn businesses to be skeptical of map ads
Business owners may be looking for a fresh start for the New Year, but chamber of commerce members might want to think twice before signing up for special advertising promotions. President and Chief Executive Officer Joanne Main said members of her chamber are being targeted by an Iowa-based company called Premier Map Co. And the Read More →
