Recession taking its toll as builders file for bankruptcy
ColumnsWell-known Santa Barbara contractor David Lack has filed for both business and personal bankruptcy, listing a total of $2.6 million in debts for his firm and $3.1 million for himself. But Lack’s is just one in a flurry of filings that have rushed through the region’s bankruptcy court in recent months — many smaller construction Read More →
Editorial: Higher ed fights for the future of the region
OpinionIn a letter to business leaders, University of California President Mark Yudof argues forcefully for California to abandon budget cuts for higher education and fulfill the promise it made to state residents 50 years ago. What’s unique about this communication is that instead of pursuing a UC-first strategy, Yudoff and his counterparts at the California Read More →
Deckers treads lightly: New sustainability czar fits in at shoe firm
UncategorizedDeckers Outdoor Corp., maker of the Ugg boot, Teva sandal and Simple branwd of shoes, has spent the past few years making sure its footwear and factories are good for workers and the environment. It won’t put up with suppliers who don’t follow wage, health and safety laws, and its newest BIO.D sneaker soles biodegrade Read More →
PXP drilling project in trouble
UncategorizedPlains Exploration & Production Co.’s plans to drill for oil off the Santa Barbara coast could be dead in the water after Gov. Arnold Schwarzenegger withdrew his support for the plan. Schwarzenegger’s change of heart was promoted by the spill in the Gulf of Mexico, Bloomberg News reported. Schwarzenegger appointees or allies make up two-thirds Read More →
Ventura burnishes its green credentials
UncategorizedCities across the region are talking about how to attract green jobs. On May 17, the city of Ventura will have a green business developer working the case full time. Joey Briglio worked for Ventura for about six years in a range of planning and environmental jobs and is returning to fill the newly created Read More →
InTouch eyes an IPO: Medical robotics firm raises $10M in private funds
UncategorizedGoleta-based InTouch Health, the maker of a telemedicine robot, has raised $10 million in a private placement and is gearing up to go public. InTouch’s robot and Web-based control platform lets experts in stroke, cardiology and other fields perform patient consultations at faraway hospitals and connect devices such as electronic stethoscopes and EKGs. Founded in Read More →
