SMS Masterminds raises $12.2M, becomes public
By Stephen Nellis / Thursday, April 3rd, 2014 / Central Coast, Technology, Top Stories, Tri-County Public Companies / 2 Comments
San Luis Obispo-based SMS Masterminds has raised $12.2 million through its parent company and will soon bring a new public company headquarters to the Central Coast.
Disease-carrying citrus psyllid found in SLO County
By Staff Report / Tuesday, April 1st, 2014 / Agribusiness, Central Coast, East Ventura County, South Coast, Tri-County Economy, West Ventura County / Comments Off on Disease-carrying citrus psyllid found in SLO County
The Asian citrus psyllid, a tiny pest that spreads a disease fatal to citrus trees, has been discovered in San Luis Obispo County for the first time. The bug was found in an insect trap at a home near Arroyo Grande, the San Luis Obispo County Department of Agriculture said on April 1, prompting agricultural Read More →
Vandenberg apartments sell in Lompoc area’s largest deal in 3 years
By Staff Report / Monday, March 31st, 2014 / Central Coast, Latest news, Real Estate, Top Stories, Tri-County Economy / 1 Comment
A 122-unit apartment complex near Vandenberg Air Force Base in Lompoc has been sold after listing for $14 million. The sale of the Vandenberg Garden Apartments marks the largest sale of multifamily property in north Santa Barbara County since La Vista in Santa Maria changed hands in 2011 for $42 million, according to Radius Read More →
Whole Foods buys New Frontiers in SLO for first Central Coast store
By Staff Report / Monday, March 31st, 2014 / Central Coast, Real Estate, Top Stories, Tri-County Economy / Comments Off on Whole Foods buys New Frontiers in SLO for first Central Coast store
Grocery giant Whole Foods Market has purchased the New Frontiers Natural Marketplace in San Luis Obispo, setting the stage for its first Central Coast store. Austin-based Whole Foods announced on March 31 that it has purchased the New Frontiers stores in San Luis Obispo and in Flagstaff, Prescott and Sedona, Ariz. Terms of the Read More →
Region presses ‘play’ on $60M film production industry
By Marlize van Romburgh / Friday, March 28th, 2014 / Central Coast, East Ventura County, South Coast, Top Stories, Tourism, Tri-County Economy, West Ventura County / Comments Off on Region presses ‘play’ on $60M film production industry
Film and television production reels in an estimated $60 million for the region each year, and the industry’s impact on the Tri-Counties is likely to rise as tourism groups in each of the three counties ramp up their outreach to Hollywood.
Santa Barbara firms team up to buy Avila Beach hotel project
By Marlize van Romburgh / Friday, March 28th, 2014 / Central Coast, Real Estate, Top Stories, Tourism, Tri-County Economy / Comments Off on Santa Barbara firms team up to buy Avila Beach hotel project
The project, which has not yet started to wind its way through what will likely be a lengthy entitlement process, is the second investment by Somera Management and Postcard Properties in south SLO County.
Startup Paso Robles wine brand Chronic Cellars purchased
By Staff Report / Thursday, March 27th, 2014 / Central Coast, Top Stories, Tourism, Tri-County Economy, Wine & Viticulture / Comments Off on Startup Paso Robles wine brand Chronic Cellars purchased
Novato-based Winery Exchange has purchased Chronic Cellars out of Paso Robles, a young winery known for its red-wine blends and counter-culture branding. Terms of the deal were not disclosed. Chronic Cellars is best known for red blends such as its zinfandel-based Purple Paradise and its syrah-based Sofa King Bueno, Winery Exchange said in a Read More →