GoBiz director calls on communities to invest in workforce development
By Henry Dubroff / Thursday, July 24th, 2014 / Central Coast, South Coast, Top Stories, Tri-County Economy / Comments Off on GoBiz director calls on communities to invest in workforce development

California’s sometimes inward-looking cities need to make economic and business development a key part of their plans. And they will probably have more success if they can think regionally about workforce and business issues. That was the message that Kish Rajan, director of the Governor’s Office of Business & Economic Development, or GoBiz, brought to Read More →

Santa Maria, remixed: City looks for winning formula
By Elijah Brumback / Friday, July 18th, 2014 / Central Coast, Real Estate, Top Stories, Tri-County Economy / Comments Off on Santa Maria, remixed: City looks for winning formula

A year after Santa Maria got a new theater complex and a Fallas Discount Store moved into the space formerly occupied by a Mervyn’s department store, city leaders are still scratching their heads over how best to revitalize its struggling retail core.

Chumash winemaker brings European training to tribe’s new enterprise
By Tom Bronzini / Friday, July 18th, 2014 / Central Coast, Top Stories, Tourism, Tri-County Economy, Wine & Viticulture / Comments Off on Chumash winemaker brings European training to tribe’s new enterprise

The nation’s only Native American winemaker is a young woman from the Santa Ynez Band of Chumash Indians who was ready for the challenge when the tribe entered the wine business.

Found in the wilderness: Queen bed, hot shower, soft sheets
By Elijah Brumback / Friday, July 11th, 2014 / Central Coast, South Coast, Top Stories, Tourism, Tri-County Economy / Comments Off on Found in the wilderness: Queen bed, hot shower, soft sheets

Glamping, short for glamor camping, is a niche segment of the outdoor recreation industry. A number of long-standing Central and South Coast retreats are cashing in as the trend’s popularity peaks.

Hawaii utility project is largest-ever for REC Solar
By Stephen Nellis / Friday, July 11th, 2014 / Central Coast, Technology, Top Stories, Tri-County Economy / Comments Off on Hawaii utility project is largest-ever for REC Solar
San Luis Obispo-based REC Solar has broken ground on its biggest project yet, a 12-megawatt installation for a Hawaiian utility cooperative.

Strawberry grower, Heritage Oaks head to trial over loan contract
By Stephen Nellis / Friday, July 11th, 2014 / Agribusiness, Banking & Finance, Central Coast, Law & Goverment, Top Stories, Tri-County Economy / Comments Off on Strawberry grower, Heritage Oaks head to trial over loan contract
A Santa Maria strawberry grower’s lawsuit alleging that Heritage Oaks Bank’s failure to provide financing after promising to do so drove the grower into near-bankruptcy is headed to trial later this month.
Home care job growth fuels wage debate
By Austen Hufford / Friday, July 4th, 2014 / Central Coast, East Ventura County, Health Care & Life Science, South Coast, Top Stories, Tri-County Economy, West Ventura County / Comments Off on Home care job growth fuels wage debate
The rise of home care in a region that is one of the most expensive areas to live in the country has thrust the future of the occupation into the middle of high-profile battles over government spending, the cost of care, wage standards and the future of unions.