
Templar banks on grapes: Asset-based lender launches winery arm
By Christine De La Cruz / Friday, February 21st, 2014 / Banking & Finance, Banking Industry, Central Coast, Top Stories, Tri-County Economy, Wine & Viticulture / Comments Off on Templar banks on grapes: Asset-based lender launches winery arm
Templar Capital does asset-based lending and recently launched Vintners Capital, a lending arm that caters specifically to wine-related businesses by lending against wine-club subscriptions and equipment, along with other collateral.

Sanford, free of debt, looks to future at Alma Rosa Winery
By Tom Bronzini / Friday, February 21st, 2014 / Central Coast, South Coast, Top Stories, Tourism, Tri-County Economy, Wine & Viticulture / Comments Off on Sanford, free of debt, looks to future at Alma Rosa Winery

Richard Sanford, free of a crushing debt burden, says he is excited about the future of Alma Rosa Winery and Vineyards and his role there, even though he has lost ownership.
Chinese firm to pump $665M investment into Santa Maria oil field
By Stephen Nellis / Wednesday, February 19th, 2014 / Central Coast, Technology, Top Stories, Tri-County Economy / Comments Off on Chinese firm to pump $665M investment into Santa Maria oil field
One of the most prominent oil field redevelopments in Santa Barbara County is set to be acquired by a Chinese jewelry firm. Houston-based ERG Resources confirmed to the Business Times that it is set to be acquired by Beijing-based Goldleaf Jewelry Co., a jewelry firm that also has gold mining investments.
Editorial: Business should do its part to conserve water
By Editorial Board / Friday, February 14th, 2014 / Editorials, Opinion / Comments Off on Editorial: Business should do its part to conserve water
Water restrictions are coming to the Tri-Counties, but businesses can help.

Budding trend: Region’s growers count on locavore movement
By Christine De La Cruz / Friday, February 7th, 2014 / Agribusiness, Features, Small Business / Comments Off on Budding trend: Region’s growers count on locavore movement

The $176 million tri-county cut-flower industry is hoping to woo Valentine’s Day shoppers, who are expected to spend $1.8 billion nationwide this year on blooms for their sweethearts.
Tri-county cities scramble as state cuts water deliveries
By Christine De La Cruz / Friday, February 7th, 2014 / Agribusiness, Central Coast, East Ventura County, Green Coast, South Coast, Top Stories, Tri-County Economy, West Ventura County / Comments Off on Tri-county cities scramble as state cuts water deliveries
Customers of the State Water Project will not receive any water deliveries this year if current dry conditions persist, a cutback that could be troublesome for certain tri-county cities.
Political scuffle spotlights Goleta revenue-sharing deal with county
By Henry Dubroff / Friday, January 24th, 2014 / Columns, Opinion / Comments Off on Political scuffle spotlights Goleta revenue-sharing deal with county

Renegotiating the RNA has emerged as a potentially explosive issue in the 2014 election where Goleta City Councilman Roger Aceves is challenging incumbent Janet Wolf for the 2nd District seat, which represents part of Goleta.