Daily Business Report: January 11, 2024
Assembly committee moves forward on measure
to redevelop aging DMV field office in Hillcrest
Assemblymember Chris Ward’s bill would construct a new DMV office
on the property along with affordable housing and mixed uses
After nearly 20 years of futile attempts to redevelop the Department of Motor Vehicles field office in Hillcrest — a deteriorating building constructed in the early 1960s — new steps have been taken to support the construction of a new DMV on the property along with affordable housing and mixed-use project.
That is a proposal contained in AB-1635, a measure introduced by Assemblymember Chris Ward (D-San Diego),
chair of the Assembly Committee on Housing and Community Development, which passed the bill on Wednesday. The measure would have to pass the full Assembly by the end of this month to head to the state Senate for consideration.
“With California in the midst of a housing crisis, this property represents a missed opportunity to maximize our housing outcomes and provide more housing for lower- and middle-income families,” said Ward. “AB 1635 will provide clear expectations and an accelerated timeline to transform this property into more affordable housing and community benefit for San Diegans.”
At attempt was made in 2007 (SB-754) that authorized the Department of General Services to lease or exchange three parcels of property owned by the DMV for up to 45 years, including the Hillcrest location. Nothing came of that, and when the DMV sought to build a new DMV-only facility in 2017, it was met with fierce community opposition.
Photo: The DMV in Hillcrest was built in the early 1960s.
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Cal State faculty union vows to strike over university’s final offer
By Mikhail Zinshteyn | CalMatters
The faculty union of the California State University is planning a week of strikes across the 23 campuses Jan. 22-26 after the system said Tuesday that it would provide 5 percent raises to members, far below what the union is seeking.
The California Faculty Association is asking for 12 percent raises this fiscal year, plus other benefits, like extended parental leave and higher minimum salaries for the lowest-paid workers. But the 5 percent is an amount other employee unions in the system accepted
last year as Cal State fought to stave off an even larger labor walk off.
From Cal State’s perspective, its latest and final offer concludes contract negotiations. For the faculty union, it reaffirms its plans, broadcast in December, to strike in late January.
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Governor seeks to tap reserves and cutting
spending to close nearly $38 billion budget deficit
California Gov. Gavin Newsom is announcing a $291 billion state spending plan with an estimated $37.9 billion deficit. That’s a significantly lower budget hole than the Legislative Analyst’s Office predicted in December. It estimated the state would face a $68 billion deficit. That difference is likely due in part to a rebounding stock market.
The proposal Newsom is laying out outlines how he wants to spend taxpayer dollars and other state money for the fiscal year starting July 1. He’ll spend the next six months hashing out a final plan with the Legislature, also controlled by Democrats.
New pilot program for seniors approved
by San Diego County Board of Supervisors
The San Diego County Board of Supervisors approved a pilot program to create housemate matches between lower-income older adults and locals with a spare bedroom. The two-year pilot program was created to address growing homelessness among older adults. The 2023 Point-in-Time Count revealed the number of older adults aged 55 and older experiencing homelessness increased by 29 percent from the previous year.
The program will match a minimum of 50 older adults – people 55 years or older – with appropriate households who sign up and offer to rent out a spare bedroom. Participants also will be offered services to help them stay housed.
More information on this program, including how to apply, will be available online in the coming weeks.
Sarah Aghassi named interim chief
administrative officer for County of San Diego
Sarah Aghassi has been selected by the Board of Supervisors to serve as interim chief administrative officer for the County of San Diego, bringing more than 20 years of progressively responsible executive-level strategic, political, and operational leadership in both the private and public sectors.
Aghassi most recently served as deputy chief administrative officer and group general manager for the county’s Land Use and Environment Group, which includes six departments as well as the new Office of Sustainability and Environmental Justice.
Aghassi succeeds Helen Robbins-Meyer whose last day was Jan. 9, 2024. Robbins-Meyer extended her March 30, 2023 retirement date to aid a smooth transition as the County Board of Supervisors continues its search for a permanent CAO.
Two PMB projects named 2023 HREI Insights award finalists
Two PMB-developed health care projects have been named as finalists in Healthcare Real Estate Insights (HREI) magazine’s annual, national awards program. PMB, a leading national health care real estate developer and owner, which is headquartered in San Diego, developed the facilities in Orange, Calif.; and West Covina. The projects: The Providence St Joseph Helen Caloggero Women’s & Family Center; and the Medical Arts Building II.
Infantino acquires woman-owned BooginHead
Infantino, a leading baby and parenting lifestyle brand, announced its acquisition of BooginHead, with its line of stylish, universal, affordable baby products. BooginHead creates universal accessories that work with hundreds of baby necessity products. BooginHead was founded in 2007 by Sari Davidson with a mission to solve the little problems parents of young children face daily, like dropped pacifiers and thrown sippy cups.
Cymbiotika set to launch Liver Health+
Cymbiotika, a pioneer in the health and wellness industry, is thrilled to announce the upcoming launch of its groundbreaking formula,Liver Health+. This one-of-a-kind product debuts on Jan. 9, 2024. Liver Health+ is meticulously crafted to promote optimal liver function and is designed to be incorporated into everyday routines. Liver Health+ will be available for purchase at the retail price of $48 exclusively through Cymbiotika.
North Island Credit Union offering scholarships
North Island Credit Union is encouraging college-bound students in San Diego and Riverside counties to apply for its 2024 Student Scholarship Program. Through the program, the credit union provides $10,000 in scholarships annually to recognize local students who are motivated in their academic studies and active in their schools and communities.
Goal Solutions expands into Solar Power Purchase Agreement
Goal Solutions, a renowned leader in the solar servicing industry with an extensive track record of excellence, has unveiled its expansion into Solar Power Purchase Agreement (PPA) and Lease Servicing Program. This innovative initiative underscores Goal Solutions’ commitment to providing seamless solar servicing solutions, further establishing its reputation as a pioneer in the solar energy sector.
Three veterans networks expand partnerships with CliniComp
CliniComp, a pioneer in high-performing, reliable electronic health record solutions, announced that three Veterans Integrated Service Networks (VISNs) are expanding their use of the CliniComp solution from Critical Care to encompass the continuum of care, adding Medical/Surgical, Post-Anesthesia, and Emergency Departments. These expansions demonstrate client confidence in CliniComp’s expertise in rapidly deploying comprehensive solutions for provider organizations.
Team Lewis strengthens leadership with major investment
Team Lewis, the global marketing agency, has appointed new leaders to its U.S. team. Piper Dolan joins as senior vice president of strategy, research and analysis. Martha Kalman joins as the head of strategic campaign development. Both roles will provide oversight on new and existing U.S. clients, while also providing support to global accounts.
City Council OKs Behavioral Health Package on March 2024 ballot
The San Diego City Council unanimously passed Councilmember Raul Campillo’s resolution declaring the City of San Diego’s support for Proposition 1, the behavioral health package on the statewide primary ballot in March 2024. The measure would impose a tax on people with incomes over $1 million for mental health services, and would issue a $6.83 billion bond to build new behavioral health beds and housing across the state.
County supervisors re-elect chairwoman for 2024
The County Board of Supervisors voted unanimously to select Supervisor Nora Vargas as the chairwoman for 2024. Chairwoman Vargas served as board chairwoman last year. The chair acts as the voice of the county. During Tuesday’s organizational meeting, Supervisor Terra Lawson-Remer was reelected as vice chair and Supervisor Joel Anderson as chair pro tempore.
CUSO Financial Services and Sorrento Pacific
Financial form 16 new partnerships
CUSO Financial Services (CFS) and Sorrento Pacific Financial (SPF) subsidiaries of Atria Wealth Solutions Inc. announce the formation of 16 new strategic partnerships with credit unions and banks, alongside the renewal of 16 existing financial institutions in 2023. Representing a combined asset base of nearly $240 billion and serving close to 15 million members and clients, these partnerships underscore CFS/SPF’s destination of choice for wealth management programs in the credit union and community bank verticals.
