Ventura real estate firm sets sights on the Lone Star State
ColumnsFor 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
ColumnsIt’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
UncategorizedResearchers 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 →
Even pessimistic forecasts see bright spots on the horizon
OpinionCalifornia Lutheran University economist Bill Watkins is not going to win any prince of light awards this year. But the normally pessimistic forecaster has a few glimmers of daylight in his latest state and national prediction. For the first time, Watkins sees a turnaround in California’s economy — but it’s weak and it will only Read More →
Chambers warn businesses to be skeptical of map ads
UncategorizedBusiness 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 →
Investors wait for answers
OpinionNow that Don Lukens has been arrested in Chicago, maybe Ventura and Santa Barbara county investors will learn what happened to their money. Millions of dollars are still missing from failed investment programs run by Lukens, who disappeared amid a flurry of law enforcement activity. Much of the reporting on the Lukens affair was reported Read More →
In our thoughts
OpinionWe’ll take a few sentences to recognize Ugo Melchiori, founder of Melchiori Construction Co., and Roger Heroux, the retired head of the Santa Barbara County Public Health Department. Just before press time, we learned that Melchiori, patriarch of a construction company that’s been highly successful on the South Coast, passed away after a long illness. Read More →
