Daily Business Report: Nov. 20, 2023
Arizona State University to offer 4-year
degree programs at Southwestern College
Arizona State University will begin offering four-year degree programs at Southwestern College next fall in what Chula Vista officials hope will eventually become a major presence by the school in San Diego’s County’s second-largest city. It’s unclear what kind of degree programs ASU will establish. But the breadth of offerings could be wide. As the nation’s largest university, ASU specializes in everything from education and computer science to biotechnology and entrepreneurship.
Chula Vista has been trying for 30 years to convince a university to create a campus in South County, which has more than half a million residents and is growing quickly. Southwestern, a community college, is South County’s only permanent public institution of higher education.
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Median home prices held steady in October, home sales declined
Prices of resale homes in San Diego County generally maintained their value in October, while home sales continued to drop, according to the Greater San Diego Association of Realtors.
Home prices remain about 10 percent higher than a year ago, with the median price of single-family detached properties standing at $964,000 and attached properties (condominiums and townhomes) at $667,500. Compared to the previous month, resale prices of single-family homes were down 3.6 percent, while prices of attached homes were up just over 1 percent.
The number of previously owned homes that sold in October fell 10 percent from October 2022, although sales of single-family ticked up from September by 3 percent. Conversely, condos and townhomes saw a decline in sales, month-over-month, by 6 percent. For the year-to-date, resale home totals have seen a steep drop of 25 percent from last year.
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Del Mar single-family property sells for record $44.1 million
The most expensive single-family property sold in October in San Diego County – and in the county’s history – was a historic beachfront estate on Sandy Lane in Del Mar. Built by Hollywood real estate developer C.E. Toberman in the 1950s, the $44.1 million ranch-style home covering more than one acre has 8 bedrooms, 7.5 baths, a detached apartment, tennis court and swimming pool.
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Good Night John Boy restaurant set to open
first West Coast location in San Diego
Urban Property Group, a real estate services firm, has secured the lease of Good Night John Boy, a 70s-themed restaurant/bar at 401 G St. in Downtown San Diego. The establishment takes over the space previously occupied by The Tin Roof and is slated to open in early Spring 2024. Between now and the end of December, the space will be a Christmas-themed pop-up bar. In January 2024, renovations will be started.
Good Night John Boy is part of Forward Hospitality Group, a Cleveland based food and beverage operator with multiple restaurant and entertainment locations in Ohio, Arizona, Florida and more. This venture will be FHG’s first concept on the West Coast.
Urban Property Group’s Dave Maxwell and Bill Schrader represented the landlord in this transaction, and the tenant was represented by Main & Main.
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General Atomics demonstrates short takeoff/landing of UAS
General Atomics Aeronautical Systems Inc. conducted a first-of-its-kind demonstration of its short takeoff and landing (STOL) capability on the HMS Prince of Wales, a Royal Navy aircraft carrier, using the Mojave Unmanned Aircraft System. The demonstration took place on Nov. 15 when the Prince of Wales was underway off the East Coast of the U.S., and the Mojave was controlled by an aircrew within a control station onboard the ship. The demonstration included takeoff, circuits, and approaches and ended with a landing back onto the carrier.
Aya Healthcare acquires Winnow AI
Aya Healthcare, a large health care talent software and staffing company in the United States, announced the acquisition of Winnow AI, a data science- driven solution that unlocks predictive physician insights and untapped connections to bolster an organization’s provider recruitment and retention strategies. Winnow AI combines artificial intelligence with business intelligence to help organizations tap into a unique source of passive physicians who are likely to relocate to their region.
San Diego water treatment plants earn national awards
Two of the City of San Diego’s water treatment plants are being recognized on a national level by the Partnership for Safe Water for a commitment to superior water quality. The Miramar Water Treatment Plant received the 10-Year Presidents Award for Water Treatment, having received a Presidents Award every year since 2013. The Otay Water Treatment Plant received the Phase III 15-Year Directors Award for Water Treatment, having received the Directors Award every year since 2008. Otay is also one of just four plants in the country to earn this award.
City of San Diego launches new online permit finder tool
The City of San Diego has unveiled a new online tool to allow San Diegans to easily access to permit activity and historical data. Using Permit Finder — an interactive geographic information system (GIS) platform — San Diegans can now view records of more than one million permits, all in one convenient place. By making permit data available through a user-friendly online platform, the city is also improving efficiencies for Development Services Department staff who can now focus their time on permit reviews and processing.
Brian Buss wins ITA’s Membership Champion Award
Brian Buss, director at CBIZ Forensic Consulting Group in San Diego, has won a 2023 Membership Champion Award from the International Trademark Association. The award is presented to one or more individuals who help grow association membership, increase association awareness and promote member benefits. Buss is a member of the association’s Commercialization of Brands Committee.
‘Grand Renovation’ for The Barcelona in Bankers Hill
SENTRE announced a “grand renovation” of its apartment community in Bankers Hill — The Barcelona — to commemorate its centennial milestone this year. The renovation includes the exterior revitalization and interior enhancements, including new signage, balcony repairs, painting, landscaping and elevator modernization. A renovation plan includes the rooftop deck, boutique lobby and leasing center, lounge and clubhouse/fitness center.
North Island Credit Union partners with USS Midway
North Island Credit Union has again partnered with USS Midway Museum, supporting its “No Child Left Ashore” scholarship fund to increase access to onboard programs for children from underserved communities. Through the partnership, the credit union will provide $15,000 to underwrite costs for 650 students from Title 1 schools across San Diego to attend Midway STEM Education Onboard Field Trip experiences.
Monarch Energy and LS Power announce green hydrogen partnership
Monarch Energy, a California-based green hydrogen project developer, and LS Power, a New York-headquartered North American Power and Energy Infrastructure manager, have formed a partnership to deploy a portfolio of green hydrogen projects throughout the United States. LS Power plans to invest up to $400 million into projects developed by Monarch as part of the newly established Clean Hydrogen Fuels, LLC platform.
Blanchard announces release of Fearless Innovation
Blanchard, a global pioneer in leadership development, consulting, and coaching for more than 40 years, announces the release of Fearless Innovation, a training program that teaches how to harness the power of innovation. Fearless Innovation teaches a mindset and four-step process for driving innovation across an organization. Blanchard offers a method to make innovation a priority by getting everyone to participate.
Sempra recognized as Trendsetter
for political disclosure, accountability
Sempra has been recognized as a Trendsetter for the eighth consecutive year for its civic transparency by the Center for Political Accountability’s annual CPA-Zicklin Index of Corporate Political Disclosure and Accountability. The CPA-Zicklin Index, produced in conjunction with the Zicklin Center for Business Ethics Research at the University of Pennsylvania’s Wharton School, measures political disclosure and accountability policies and practices for election-related spending by S&P 500 and Russell 1000 companies.
