Pacific Coast Business Times

08/02/2025

When I sat down with California Lutheran University President John Nunes for the latest episode of Civil Dialogues, I was expecting a lively conversation about academic freedom and the future of the university.

I was not disappointed. Nunes was only recently named to his post on a permanent basis after serving as interim for one year. “In a sense, we are all interim,” he said, adding that it can be “kind of healthy when you see yourself that way.”

When I sat down with California Lutheran University President John Nunes for the latest episode of Civil Dialogues, I was expecting a lively conversation about academic freedom and the future of the university. I was not disappointed. Nunes was only recently named to his post on a permanent basis af...

07/31/2025

The new owners of the Simi Valley Town Center are trying to do what their predecessors couldn’t: make the 593,000-square-foot open-air shopping mall successful.

Since opening in 2005, the center has had several change of hands, reflecting its struggles with low foot traffic and high vacancies.

The new owners of the Simi Valley Town Center hope to revitalize the mall, which has underperformed since opening in 2005. (Mike Harris / PCBT Staff) The new owners of the Simi Valley Town Center are trying to do what their predecessors couldn’t: make the 593,000-square-foot open-air shopping mall...

07/29/2025

When we stopped by the Port of Hueneme on September 18, we weren’t sure what to expect from the unveiling of a second STAX barge, the Harbor District’s newest piece of pollution control equipment.

What we learned is that the Port and community partners are determined to create a model of responsible behavior. And as one of the few ports run by elected commissioners, creating a sustainable model makes economic sense — and good political judgment.

When we stopped by the Port of Hueneme on September 18, we weren’t sure what to expect from the unveiling of a second STAX barge, the Harbor District’s newest piece of pollution control equipment. What we learned is that the Port and community partners are determined to create a model of respons...

07/28/2025

The Cambria Hotel Templeton-Paso Robles officially opened its doors to the Central Coast community on July 16.

Franchised by Choice Hotels International but locally owned by the Filipponi family, longtime Paso Robles ranchers and winegrowers, in partnership with the principals of Pacific Templeton, the new location is a 132-room boutique-style hotel. The hotel, which celebrated a soft opening in late June and is now officially open to the public, also features 12 EV charging stations and solar panels as part of its commitment to sustainability.

Cambria Hotel. (courtesy photo) By Staff Report The Cambria Hotel Templeton-Paso Robles officially opened its doors to the Central Coast community on July 16. Franchised by Choice Hotels International but locally owned by the Filipponi family, longtime Paso Robles ranchers and winegrowers, in partne...

07/28/2025

Bamieh & De Smeth is celebrating the 10th anniversary of its Santa Barbara office.

The firm, which was founded in Ventura in 2002 by attorney Ron Bamieh, opened the Santa Barbara office in 2015 under the direction of lawyer Danielle De Smeth.

“I can’t believe it’s been 10 years,” De Smeth told the Business Times July 21.

Bamieh & De Smeth is celebrating the 10th anniversary of its Santa Barbara office. The firm, which was founded in Ventura in 2002 by attorney Ron Bamieh, opened the Santa Barbara office in 2015 under the direction of lawyer Danielle De Smeth. “I can’t believe it’s been 10 years,” De Smeth to...

07/26/2025

If California Latinos comprised their own state, their GDP would be the nation’s sixth-largest state GDP, according to a report released July 23 by researchers at California Lutheran University and UCLA.

In 2023, the California Latino GDP surpassed $1 trillion, the 2025 California Latino GDP Report found.

If California Latinos comprised their own state, their GDP would be the nation’s sixth-largest state GDP, according to a report released July 23 by researchers at California Lutheran University and UCLA. In 2023, the California Latino GDP surpassed $1 trillion, the 2025 California Latino GDP Repor...

07/26/2025

The unemployment rate on the Central Coast saw a dramatic shift year-over-year for the month of June, with the jobless rate going up in each of the tri-counties, according to the latest data provided by the California Employment Development Department.

Announced July 17, the unemployment rate for the Central Coast was at 4.83% for the month of June, up from an unemployment rate of 3.8% in May and up from a jobless rate of 4.3% in June 2024.

The unemployment rate on the Central Coast saw a dramatic shift year-over-year for the month of June, with the jobless rate going up in each of the tri-counties, according to the latest data provided by the California Employment Development Department. Announced July 17, the unemployment rate for th...

07/25/2025

🎧 New Episode Out Now!

We’re thrilled to welcome John Nunes, President of California Lutheran University, to the podcast!

In this powerful conversation, President Nunes speaks about the real meaning of academic freedom, what it takes to lead with conviction and thought leadership and his bold vision and goals for the future of CLU.

Whether you're a student, educator, or lifelong learner, this episode is a must-listen for anyone passionate about higher education and courageous leadership.

🔗 Amazon Podcasts - https://music.amazon.com/podcasts/92d3aa95-03c5-4fe2-b7dd-226657030810/episodes/6610e91d-b084-4de7-a61d-1f27bbd9a912/john-nunes-new-realities-for-higher-education
🔗 Spotify - https://open.spotify.com/episode/61aokp8E7et34XdeiJ6iZ4?si=7cc38b25a5314824
🔗 Apple Music - https://podcasts.apple.com/us/podcast/john-nunes-new-realities-for-higher-education/id1743300015?i=1000718924410

07/25/2025

Prosecuting white-collar crimes is a priority for Ventura County District Attorney Erik Nasarenko.

As is, of course, prosecuting violent offenses.

Nasarenko sees similarities between the two.

Prosecuting white-collar crimes is a priority for Ventura County District Attorney Erik Nasarenko. As is, of course, prosecuting violent offenses. Nasarenko sees similarities between the two. “Whether somebody is mugged on the street or mugged online, there is a severe financial loss,” Nasarenko...

07/25/2025

The Tri-counties are home to major military bases — land, sea, and air — that bring a significant number of active-duty military to reside here.

Having banked both the U.S. Military and the Central Coast for over a century, Bank of America has dedicated resources and services for our military men and women, including helping them transition into civilian life following their active-duty careers.

By Darrin Gauvin Bank of America The Tri-counties are home to major military bases — land, sea, and air — that bring a significant number of active-duty military to reside here. Having banked both the U.S. Military and the Central Coast for over a century, Bank of America has dedicated resources...