AeroVironment purchases SLO-based ES Aero for $200M
San Luis Obispo-based Empirical Systems Aerospace, a producer of unmanned aircraft systems, has been purchased by a fellow Central Coast company. Announced March 16, AeroVironment, which is based in Virginia, but houses major operations in its former headquarters of Simi Valley, purchased ES Aero in a deal worth approximately $200 million. According to details of Read More →
Trump administration directs Sable to start oil production off SB coast
U.S. Energy Secretary Chris Wright on March 13 directed Houston-based Sable Offshore Corp. to restart oil production at its Santa Ynez Unit in federal waters off Santa Barbara County’s coast. Wright said in a press release that he was taking the hotly contested action “to address supply disruption risks caused by California policies that have Read More →
Guest commentary: Economic market update — AI, Iran, inflation and K-shaped consumption
By Eric Kelley 2026 has already been a year replete with spicy news items, including the future of artificial intelligence (AI) and the initiation of military strikes against Iran. Additionally, the Supreme Court struck down the initial tariff regime. AI SHAKES MARKET Mid-month, a smaller research firm, Citrini, issued a thought piece on the possible economic Read More →
Guest commentary: Employ caution with labor law — Tips to prevent misclassification
By Elke Kane Central Coast courts are increasingly facing labor law claims, with filings rising in recent years. Remote work and changes to employee classification have changed the rules for many people. At Trusted Legal, we’ve found that most misclassification stems from using outdated assessments and evolving job responsibilities, not intentional violations. However, those oversights Read More →
Dubroff: A report from the newsroom as we celebrate 26 years
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Street smarts: Goleta nonprofit celebrates 55th year with annual event
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Good works: BofA donates $186K to upskill tri-county workforce
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