Nonprofit boards should focus on what matters
By Charles Watson It is often said that nonprofits should be more businesslike. Although I usually take umbrage at such a sweeping generalization, the point that many a nonprofit fails because it loses sight of good financial and operational management practices is worth taking to heart. Nonprofit Quarterly, a leading publication of the sector, suggests Read More →
Life is precious takeaway from terror attack in Nice
Westlake Village financial planner John C. Lindsey had just arrived in Nice for a family vacation when his ordeal began. After an “awesome Bastille Day fireworks show,” the July 14 terror attack started with a crowd running toward him and his son-in-law as he enjoyed a celebratory cigar. They immediately “ducked back into their hotel,” Read More →
Soft skills key to successful managers
By Vlad Vaiman Executives often promote outstanding employees to supervisory or managerial positions as part of their strategy to retain the best ones. There is nothing wrong with promoting the best people to management ranks, but the problem is that most of them lack managerial skills. A promotion can start out well but turn into Read More →
Coastal housing advocate Lynn Jacobs left a legacy
First it was providing housing for farmworkers. Later is was building homes for working families up and down the Central Coast. Later still, it was serving in former Gov. Arnold Schwarzenegger’s cabinet and pushing through a landmark deal to create billions of dollars in home financing. Developing affordable housing remains the No. 1 issue confronting Read More →
Ocean exploration vital to Tri-Counties
By Melissa Baffa As I write this, the exploration vessel Nautilus is “mowing the lawn,” proceeding back and forth in an orderly march around the Channel Islands, mapping the sea floor. Owned by the Ocean Exploration Trust, an organization founded by Robert Ballard in 2008, the Nautilus is taking a journey through our collective back Read More →
Fiduciary rule may get watered down
By Burt Williamson The Department of Labor rule that Jim Wisdom addressed in the July 8-14, 2016 issue of the Pacific Coast Business Times is an attempt by the government to weed out unscrupulous sales people who are only looking to make a commission without concern to the long-term impact on the consumer. That would Read More →
Embracing sustainability worth time, effort
By Valeria Makarova Conversations about the role of sustainability in a business organization can become heated. There are many supporters, but a number of skeptics as well. There is no argument that excessive use of hazardous materials, waste generated from production and consumption, and polluted land, air and ocean require proper attention and better management. Read More →
