Los Angeles Business Journal back issues from March 2009:
Glove for sale: Michael Jackson taps local house to auction items.
Mar 02, 2009; ... [ILLUSTRATION OMITTED] INSIDE an unremarkable warehouse in an industrial Los Angeles neighborhood sits a throne fit for a king. The massive red velvet chair is adorned with gilded cupids, birds and other decorative flourishes. But that's not all. Steps ...
Latino markets in Mexican standoff: trial nears for owner accused of threatening rivals.(RETAIL)
Mar 02, 2009; ... On a brisk morning recently in North Hollywood, Rocio Martinez made her way into the Vallarta Supermarket to look for items that she can't get at Ralphs. She was prepared to pay higher prices for her preferred Mexican ingredients. "Let's just say it's not that ...
As sales crash, car dealers skid: hike in taxes could close more lots.(AUTOMOTIVE)
Mar 02, 2009; ... Of the 137 new-car dealerships that closed last year in California, 32 were in Los Angeles County, long considered the car capital of the nation. This year, it's expected to get worse. Already, 24 more dealers have closed statewide since the beginning of January, including two ...
Game company needs big score: THQ fate may hinge on hit titles.(ENTERTAINMENT)
Mar 02, 2009; ... In its heyday just two years ago, THQ Inc. was a force in the video game industry, known for its pro wrestling titles in which players slapped, smashed and body-slammed opponents around the ring. Now, the company has found itself on the ropes. In the past 10 months, the Agoura ...
Gals give cupid an assist: Wing Girls LA offers gentlemen a female intro to romance.(UP FRONT)
Mar 02, 2009; ... [ILLUSTRATION OMITTED] When Trevor Dewey moved to Los Angeles from Miami last spring, he found it hard to navigate the local dating scene. Recently divorced and rusty in the ways of romance, he felt that being an L.A. attorney didn't make him a babe magnet. "It's not ...
Enjoying positive spin: hula hoop-inspired exercise business gets star-powered boosts.(UP FRONT)(Hoopnotica)(Brief article)
Mar 02, 2009; ... Michelle Obama has tried it. Oscar-winning actress Marisa Tomei has demonstrated it on national TV. And, this year, a tiny Venice Beach company is poised to make a million off the latest weight-loss craze: hoopdancing. "We really think this can take off like yoga, belly dancing ...
Biggest winner? Exporters could reap 'Slumdog's' Oscar gold.(UP FRONT)(Brief article)
Mar 02, 2009; ... The eight Oscars won by "Slumdog Millionaire" last week might end up being good news for U.S.-Indian trade, said local business consultant Gunjan Bagla. The film, about a disadvantaged youth in Mumbai who wins a TV game show and the love of his sweetheart, was a box office ...
Slanted sensitivity.(PAGE 3)(Brief article)
Mar 02, 2009; ... When the average person walks through the new L.A. Live complex next to Staples Center, he may notice the large plaza or see the spectacle of flashing video screens But when Jay Clark walks through, he sees a big ramp. [ILLUSTRATION OMITTED] Clark is the ...
Sitting in.(PAGE 3)(Quinn Emanuel Urquhart Oliver & Hedges L.L.P.)(Brief article)
Mar 02, 2009; ... For one night last week, Quinn Emanuel Urquhart Oliver & Hedges LLP associate Sara Brenner got to leave her business suit at home and don a gown. The New York native attended her first Academy Awards. Brenner, 33, and a group of 20 Quinn Emanuel attorneys went to the Hollywood ...
Booked solid.(PAGE 3)(Lynda Resnick)(Brief article)
Mar 02, 2009; ... L.A.'s wealthiest came out to the Los Angeles County Museum of Art on Wednesday to celebrate billionaire Lynda Resnick's new marketing book, "Rubies in the Orchard." Huffington Post founder and political pundit Arianna Huffington; LACMA Art Chief Executive Michael Govan; and Lynda's ...
CEO retires: Ryland Group Inc.(NEWS OF THE WEEK)
Mar 02, 2009 ... ...
Layoffs announced: Macerich Co.(NEWS OF THE WEEK)
Mar 02, 2009 ... LAYOFFS ANNOUNCED: Macerich Co. said it would take a $5 million charge in its first quarter to cover a 5 percent work force reduction that it expects to complete by the end of March. The Santa Monica shopping mall ...
Stake raised: activist shareholder Carl Icahn has continued to raise his stake in Lions Gate Entertainment Corp., and may attempt to add or oust directors from the board of the Santa Monica studio, according to regulatory filings.(NEWS OF THE WEEK)
Mar 02, 2009 ... STAKE RAISED: Activist shareholder Carl Icahn has continued to raise his stake in Lions Gate Entertainment Corp., and may attempt to add or oust directors from the board of the Santa Monica studio, according to regulatory filings. Icahn's High River Limited Partnership LLC raised its stake ...
Billboard ban.(NEWS OF THE WEEK)(Brief article)
Mar 02, 2009 ... BILLBOARD BAN: The Los Angeles City Council extended a temporary moratorium on new billboards, building supergraphics and digital billboards until May 10 in order to complete an update of the city's sign ordinance. The original moratorium, which was set to expire March 26, was approved in ...
Contract rejected.(NEWS OF THE WEEK)(Screen Actors Guild)(Brief article)
Mar 02, 2009 ... CONTRACT REJECTED: The Screen Actors Guild national board voted by a 73 percent majority to reject the studios' most recent take-it-or-leave-it offer. SAG maintains it was blindsided by the studios' insistence that the deal's expiration would be the full three years after the new deal is ...
Nomination confirmed.(NEWS OF THE WEEK)(appointment of Hilda Solis as labor secretary)(Brief article)
Mar 02, 2009 ... NOMINATION CONFIRMED: The U.S. Senate confirmed former Rep. Hilda Solis as labor secretary, more than two months after she was nominated for the post by President Obama. Softs, from El Monte, had come under fire from Senate Republicans, who thought she was ...
Merger approved: Image Entertainment Inc.'s shareholders approved the company's merger agreement with San Francisco investment group Nyx Acquisitions Inc..(NEWS OF THE WEEK)
Mar 02, 2009 ... MERGER APPROVED: Image Entertainment Inc.'s shareholders approved the company's merger agreement with San Francisco investment group Nyx Acquisitions Inc. Nyx will acquire ...
Acquisition announced: J2 Global Communications Inc. bought the assets of the Internet virtual fax technology of CallWave Inc.(NEWS OF THE WEEK)
Mar 02, 2009 ... ACQUISITION ANNOUNCED: J2 Global Communications Inc. bought the assets of the Internet virtual fax technology of CallWave Inc., a San Francisco provider of Internet and mobile-based communications ...
Herbalife Ltd.(EARNINGS)
Mar 02, 2009 ... Herbalife Ltd. reported fourth quarter net income of $33.7 million, 38 ...
DreamWorks Animation SKG Inc.(EARNINGS)
Mar 02, 2009 ... DreamWorks Animation SKG Inc. reported fourth quarter net income of $51.6 million, ...
Cogent Systems Inc.(EARNINGS)
Mar 02, 2009 ... Cogent Systems Inc. reported fourth quarter net income of $11.5 million, ...
Ducommun Inc.(EARNINGS)
Mar 02, 2009 ... Ducommun Inc. reported a fourth quarter net loss of $4.2 million, compared with net ...
Superior Industries International Inc.(EARNINGS)(Financial report)(Brief article)
Mar 02, 2009 ... Superior Industries International Inc. reported a fourth quarter net loss of $20.1 million, ...
Anworth Mortgage Asset Corp.(EARNINGS)
Mar 02, 2009 ... Anworth Mortgage Asset Corp. reported fourth quarter net income of $20.1 million, compared ...
VCA Antech Inc.(EARNINGS)
Mar 02, 2009 ... VCA Antech Inc. reported fourth quarter net income of $25.7 million, 5 ...
Guidance Software Inc.(EARNINGS)(Financial report)(Brief article)
Mar 02, 2009 ... Guidance Software Inc. reported a fourth quarter net loss of $1.6 million, ...
Zoo keeping? Mayor says institution included in discussion to privatize services.(GOVERNMENT)(Antonio Villaraigosa)
Mar 02, 2009; ... [ILLUSTRATION OMITTED] JUST how much of a cash cow is a zoo, anyway? The city of Los Angeles may find out soon if it follows through on Mayor Antonio Villaraigosa's notion of turning over noncore city assets to businesses, either by contracting out the operations or ...
Regulators likely to seek concessions in music business merger: CEOs of Live Nation, Ticketmaster say deal will aid consumers.(ENTERTAINMENT)(Ticketmaster Entertainment Inc.)
Mar 02, 2009; ... How do the world's largest concert promoter and its biggest ticket retailer convince Washington officials that their merger would not create a monopoly? The answer is: not easily. Ever since early February, when Live Nation Inc. and Ticketmaster Entertainment Inc. announced a ...
Forecasters highlight recession's silver lining: experts talk about stabilizing businesses at UCLA's Anderson event.(ECONOMY)(University of California, Los Angeles)
Mar 02, 2009; ... "This crisis is a terrible thing to waste." That was the key message coming out of a seminar last week at UCLA's Anderson School of Management aimed at telling local executives how companies can thrive during the recession. More than 200 executives were told they ...
Firm engages in office politics to raise its profile: Mayer Brown adds trio with strong Democratic ties.(EMPLOYMENT)(Mayer, Brown & Platt appointed Mickey Kantor)(Brief article)
Mar 02, 2009; ... PRESIDENT Clinton aide Mickey Kantor is returning to the downtown L.A. office of Mayer Brown LLP after spending the previous eight years working primarily from the firm's Washington, D.C., outpost. In an effort to boost Mayer Brown's profile in Los Angeles, the firm tapped ...
Outward bound.(LAW)(Sheppard Mullin Richter and Hampton L.L.P. appointed Bradley Wolf)(Jackson Lewis L.L.P. appointed Theresa Marchlewski)(Brief article)
Mar 02, 2009; ... After working in the legal department of Wells Fargo & Co. for nine years, Bradley Wolf decided to join downtown L.A. firm Sheppard Mullin Richter & Hampton LLP Wolf made the move because he wanted to hone his skills as a financial attorney at a taw firm where his experience ...
Bankruptcy boom.(LAW)
Mar 02, 2009; ... New York and Wilmington, Del., may be the top venues for corporate bankruptcy filings, but some L.A. attorneys are ranked highly by the amount of such cases they handle. In the listings of individual attorneys, Thomas Leanse, a partner in the Century City office of Katten Muchin ...
Two local banks receive cease-and-desist orders: two area institutions told to boost dwindling capital levels.(REGULATION)(Beverly Hills Bancorp.)(First Regional Bank)
Mar 02, 2009; ... A pair of small local banks have revealed that they are among a growing number of institutions to receive cease-and-desist orders from regulators. Beverly Hills Bancorp, the Calabasas parent of struggling First Bank of Beverly Hills, has been directed by the Federal Deposit ...
Investor network.(BANKING & FINANCE)(Maverick Angels)(Dubbed AngelLink)(Brief article)
Mar 02, 2009; ... Los Angeles angel investment group Maverick Angels recently unveiled a system that will allow investors across the globe to assess and invest in emerging companies. Dubbed AngelLink, the online system will allow accredited investors to view presentations via streaming video from ...
Promerica Bank.(C-Suite News)(appointment of John Quinn)(Brief article)
Mar 02, 2009; ... Promerica Bank, an L.A. bank catering to the Latino community, announced that John Quinn has been appointed chief ...
Martin J. Wolff & Co. Inc.(C-Suite News)(appointment of Brian Sullivan)(Brief article)
Mar 02, 2009; ... Martin J. Wolff & Co. Inc., an L.A. insurance agency, has appointed Brian Sullivan president of the company's employee benefits ...
Hanmi Financial Corp.(C-Suite News)(appointment of Jack Hall)(Brief article)
Mar 02, 2009; ... Hanmi Financial Corp., a struggling L.A. bank holding company that has been ordered by regulators to make changes to its board, has appointed ...
City National Corp.(C-Suite News)(appointment of Ernesto Alvarez)(Brief article)
Mar 02, 2009; ... Beverly Hills-based City National Corp. announced that Ernesto Alvarez has been hired as a vice president and private client adviser on the Westside, and Richard Gershen has been appointed ...
Restaurants' parent makes the cut with investors: DineEquity quarterly profit up after trims to costs and staff.(EATERIES)(Financial report)
Mar 02, 2009; ... Might DineEquity Inc. actually cut its way to health in a brutal economy that has defied other company's cost-reducing strategies? The owner of the IHOP and Applebee's restaurant chains shocked Wall Street last week when it reported an adjusted fourth quarter profit of just over ...
Jeans maker plans to have more in store for 2009: True Religion looks to maintain strong sales by owning shops.(RETAIL)
Mar 02, 2009; ... DESPITE posting higher-than-expected fourth quarter earnings, the horseshoe-shaped stitching on the back pockets of True Religion Apparel Inc.'s high-end jeans may not bring the denim company as much luck this year. The Vernon apparel maker reported $12.7 million in net income ...
Forever bigger.(MARKETPLACE)(Forever 21 Inc. plans for new stores)(Brief article)
Mar 02, 2009; ... Despite weakened consumer spending. Forever 21 Inc. has aggressive plans, even expanding into department store-size spaces. The fast-fashion company, with headquarters near downtown Los Angeles, plans to open 11 stores by the end of March in former Mervyn's spaces. Its first ...
Fashion week.(MARKETPLACE)(Brief article)
Mar 02, 2009; ... Yes, Los Angeles is having a fashion week in spring. But it won't be Mercedes-Benz Fashion Week, which used to be staged in spring and fall. Producer IMG split with Dean and Davis Factor's Smashbox Studios last year. The Factors plan to schedule a show in the fall, as do ...
Patina Restaurant Group.(News & Notes)(Brief article)
Mar 02, 2009; ... Patina Restaurant Group, which owns L.A. eateries Patina, Cafe Pinot and Nick & Stef's Steakhouse, will unveil a new logo and Web site in March and April, respectively. Head chef Joachim Splichal, who acquired the group in 2006 with Chief Executive Nick ...
Gornik & Drucker, a 73-year-old Beverly Hills barbershop, has opened a second location.(News & Notes)(Brief article)
Mar 02, 2009; ... Gornik & Drucker, a 73-year-old Beverly Hills barbershop, has opened a second location in the Montage Beverly Hills ...
A group of Panorama City property owners has approved the creation of a business improvement district for 2010.(News & Notes)(Brief article)
Mar 02, 2009; ... A group of Panorama City property owners has approved the creation of a business improvement district for 2010, with yearly assessments of $2 ...
Architect of sports arenas has new working venue: Gensler adds Ron Turner, designer of Staples Center.(DEVELOPMENT)
Mar 02, 2009; ... RON Turner, architect of major stadium venues including Staples Center, has moved his practice to the Santa Monica office of architecture giant Gensler. He comes to Gensler, the largest architectural firm in Los Angeles, from RTKL's downtown L.A. office, which late last year ...
Bank statement.(SPORTS BUSINESS)(Northern Trust Corp.)(Brief article)
Mar 02, 2009; ... Northern Trust Corp. has come under fire for sponsoring last month's Professional Golfers' Association of America event at Riviera Country Club in Pacific Palisades. The bank was a recipient of federal funds. U.S. Sen. John Kerry and other congressional leaders said that the bank should ...
Tracking success.(SPORTS BUSINESS)(National Association for Stock Car Auto Racing Inc.)(Brief article)
Mar 02, 2009; ... While attendance at Auto Club Speedway for Nascar's Auto Club 500 race in Fontana was down Feb. 22, the bigger disappointment for track President Gillian Zucker was the lack of sponsor support in promoting the race. Because the race closely follows the opening of Nascar season ...
Mediawatch.(NEWS & ANALYSIS)(Statistical table)
Mar 02, 2009 ... <Pre> * MOVIE BOX OFFICEWeekend TotalGrossGross Rank Title (millions) (millions) Distributor 1 Madea Goes to Jail $41.0 $41 Lions Gate2 Coraline ...
Stepping up.(OUTTAKE OF THE WEEK)(Hugh Jackman)(Brief article)
Mar 02, 2009 ... [ILLUSTRATION OMITTED] The decision to put the Academy Awards in the hands of actor Hugh Jackman, with singer ...
Pulling in: Anschutz Entertainment Group.(CENTRAL AREA: DOWNTOWN L.A.)(Brief article)
Mar 02, 2009; ... Pulling In: Anschutz Entertainment Group, a downtown L.A. sports and entertainment presenter, has contracted Central Parking System, a Nashville, Tenn., parking services ...
Moving in: non-profit Urban Education Partnership, which helps students at high-need schools, has signed an eight-year lease valued at $2.1 million for office space in downtown Los Angeles.(CENTRAL AREA: DOWNTOWN L.A.)(Brief article)
Mar 02, 2009; ... Moving In: Non-profit Urban Education Partnership, which helps students at high-need schools, has signed an eight-year lease valued at $2.1 million for ...
Takes the cake: Sweet Lady Jane.(CENTRAL AREA: SILVER LAKE)(Brief article)
Mar 02, 2009; ... Takes the Cake: Sweet Lady Jane, a West Hollywood bakery and dessert specialist. has reached an exclusive deal to provide four of its signature cakes at 10 Ralphs Fresh Fare grocery stores ...
Apartments acquired.(TRI-CITIES: GLENDALE)(Gate Holdings Inc.)(Brief article)
Mar 02, 2009; ... Apartments Acquired: Gate Holdings Inc. has purchased a Glendale apartment complex for $1.75 ...
Funding fun: Emergent Game Technologies.(SAN FERNANDO VALLEY: CALABASAS)(Brief article)
Mar 02, 2009; ... Funding Fun: Emergent Game Technologies, a Calabasas video game software developer, has received $12.5 million in funding from five venture capital firms: Hopewell Ventures, ...
Louisiana Center.(SAN FERNANDO VALLEY: SHERMAN OAKS)(Grossman Burn Center)(Brief article)
Mar 02, 2009; ... Louisiana Center: Sherman Oaks' Grossman Burn Center, the largest plastic surgery-based bum treatment center in the western United States, will open a bum center ...
Residential pickup.(SAN GABRIEL VALLEY: DUARTE)(Hanes Investment Realty Inc.)(Brief article)
Mar 02, 2009; ... Residential Pickup: Hanes Investment Realty Inc. has acquired a Duarte apartment complex for $16.2 million from Archstone ...
Staying put.(SOUTH BAY: GARDENA)(Castle Metals Aerospace)(Kong Family Trust/YWK Corp.)(Brief article)
Mar 02, 2009; ... Staying Put: Castle Metals Aerospace has signed a four-year lease renewal valued at $2.67 million with landlord ...
Under a Microscope: OriginOil Inc.(WESTSIDE: CULVER CITY)(Brief article)
Mar 02, 2009; ... Under a Microscope: OriginOil Inc., a Culver City developer of renewable oil from algae, has signed a cooperative agreement with the U.S. Department of Energy's ...
Green Scene: The Ozone Man Inc.(WESTSIDE: BEVERLY HILLS)(Brief article)
Mar 02, 2009; ... Green Scene: The Ozone Man Inc., a Beverly Hills air purification business, has opened ...
Curtain Raised: RealD.(WESTSIDE: BEVERLY HILLS)(Brief article)
Mar 02, 2009; ... Curtain Raised: RealD, a Beverly Hills-based maker of 3-D exhibition technologies, has partnered with U.K. movie ...
Outlet Opening: Macerich.(WESTSIDE: SANTA MONICA)(Brief article)
Mar 02, 2009; ... Outlet Opening: Macerich, a Santa Monica-based owner, operator and developer of retail properties, has signed Nordstrom ...
Gushing praise: WET Design has doubled its staff over the last year to handle demand for its elaborate fountain attractions.(PROFILE)(Company overview)
Mar 02, 2009; ... [ILLUSTRATION OMITTED] MILLIONS of people across the globe are familiar with the work of WET Design, yet few probably realize it. The Sun Valley company is a pioneer in the field of water fountain design, developing both locally and internationally renowned ...
Booked up: James Ellis spent decades in the corporate world, including a pit stop at Porsche, before joining and eventually overseeing USC Marshall School of Business.(PEOPLE)(University of Southern California)(Interview)
Mar 02, 2009; ... [ILLUSTRATION OMITTED] JAMES Ellis became dean of the use Marshall School of Business in April 2007. No sooner than his five-year term began, he found himself grappling with the effects of a slumping economy and a financial crisis, which have taken their toll on both fundraising ...
KPMG LLP.(ACCOUNTING)(appointments of)(Brief article)
Mar 02, 2009; ... The downtown L.A. office of KPMG LLP has named Zulema Gareia, Pierre M. Kahn, Roger A. Martinez and Lisa Dianne ...