Opinion: How to navigate a return to the workforce
By Nicki Parr It was a welcome development when LinkedIn recently announced that “Career Break” would now be a standard option in the “Experience” section of a user’s profile. Given that at least half of us will need to take a career break at some point in our working lives — whether to provide care Read More →
Letter to the Editor: Tribute to Howie Wennes was spot-on
Dear Editor, I just wanted to thank you for your kind words in the Pacific Coast Business Times about my dear friend, Howie Wennes (July 22, “Howie Wennes stepped up when CLU and the region needed him”). Your perspective was spot-on; particularly Howie’s fondness for a good joke. That man was blessed with a wicked Read More →
Opinion: Take steps to minimize the financial fallout of a divorce
By Kimberly Malesky A divorce doesn’t have to be contentious, and most couples don’t have to go to court to settle. There is more than one way to navigate the process, and the easiest — and least expensive — is the “kitchen table divorce,” where couples work through the divorce themselves, or they can choose Read More →
Opinion: California needs a digital trade deal
By Jennifer Barrera and Myron Brilliant It’s no secret that technology is the backbone of California’s economy. In fact, despite the roadblocks posed by the pandemic, the tech sector helped propel California to a $15 billion tax surplus for the 2021-22 fiscal year and a projected $31 billion surplus next year. However, the role of Read More →
Opinion: When forming a business partnership, give thought to its potential end
By Kathleen J. Smith Business partners, seeking to make their fortunes, form their limited liability companies at a moment when they expect to work together indefinitely, with goodwill between them and nothing but cooperation as their modus operandi. At this time in a business partnership, the idea of distrusting their business partner and needing to Read More →
Opinion: The secrets to a happy family business

By Keanon Alderson In the United States, approximately 80% to 90% of all firms are either owned or controlled by families. These firms contribute significantly to the economy and are a significant source of employment and innovation. When they are healthy, there are numerous positives, such as increased financial success, longer life of the firm, Read More →