Pacific Coast Business Times

12/26/2025

Santa Barbara-based AppFolio, a provider of cloud business management solutions for the real estate industry, has sued a competitor, Beagle Inc., for alleged false advertising and more.

“Defendant Beagle, Inc. is named for a pet but runs its business like a parasite,” Appfolio’s lawsuit, filed Dec. 9 in Santa Barbara County Superior Court, says.

Santa Barbara-based AppFolio, a provider of cloud business management solutions for the real estate industry, has sued a competitor, Beagle Inc., for alleged false advertising and more. “Defendant Beagle, Inc. is named for a pet but runs its business like a parasite,” Appfolio’s lawsuit, filed...

12/23/2025

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12/19/2025

NEW EPISODE! 🎧

In this episode, Kate Jensen shares the story behind KMJ, what inspired her to start her own brand and what it truly means to be a business owner in the fashion industry today. Whether you’re a designer, entrepreneur or fashion-lover, this conversation offers an honest look at the challenges, rewards and heart behind building a fashion brand.

Enjoy this engaging conversation!

Thank you to Montecito Bank & Trust for sponsoring this podcast.

Listen here:
Spotify - https://open.spotify.com/episode/0NykkU4P4iINiCQPXuboSW?si=b2f96f8ba6324b7a
Amazon Music - https://music.amazon.com/podcasts/1f8d8f18-a553-4e04-9ac1-891e8351a0ef/episodes/dadb56d4-a5e5-4a64-9bc8-8062e5060aac/kate-jensen-kmj
Apple Podcasts - https://podcasts.apple.com/us/podcast/kate-jensen-kmj/id1848176854?i=1000741915665

12/17/2025

Community West Bancshares will substantially grow its footprint in the Central Valley with the acquisition of United Security Bank in an all-stock transaction.

The combined bank will operate under the Community West name, and assets will total around $5 billion, according to a statement announcing the merger on Dec. 17.

Community West Bancshares will substantially grow its footprint in the Central Valley with the acquisition of United Security Bank in an all-stock transaction. The combined bank will operate under the Community West name, and assets will total around $5 billion, according to a statement announcing t...

12/17/2025

In business, we accept that every company needs a board of directors. A CEO who operates without one would be seen as reckless. Yet in our personal and professional lives, most of us do exactly that — we try to navigate career, relationships, money, and purpose without the steadying counsel of a trusted board.

By Dennis M. Baker In business, we accept that every company needs a board of directors. A CEO who operates without one would be seen as reckless. Yet in our personal and professional lives, most of us do exactly that — we try to navigate career, relationships, money, and purpose without the stead...

12/17/2025

If I wanted to destroy affordable housing in Santa Barbara, I wouldn’t swing a wrecking ball. No, I’d smile politely and pass laws. I’d say I was protecting people, preserving neighborhoods, saving the environment, and looking after the renters from evil landlords. And then — brick by brick, regulation by regulation — I’d make it impossible to build or maintain housing anyone could afford.

Update: A previous version of this story incorrectly wrote this as an editorial from our newsroom; it is a guest commentary. By Don Katich If I wanted to destroy affordable housing in Santa Barbara, I wouldn’t swing a wrecking ball. No, I’d smile politely and pass laws. I’d say I was protectin...

12/15/2025

NEW EPISODE!

Dr. Shawn Lin of UCLA Health shares his vision for the potential of AI in treating patients and advancing eye surgery and other medical specialties.

Tune in to listen to this timely conversation!

Spotify - https://open.spotify.com/episode/5lrMhRFSqVWaWd2A1Okmm3?si=9d5eaa93eda24f71
Apple Podcasts - https://podcasts.apple.com/us/podcast/dr-shawn-lin-ai-in-healthcare/id1743300015?i=1000741391193
Amazon Music - https://music.amazon.com/podcasts/92d3aa95-03c5-4fe2-b7dd-226657030810/episodes/8eaf7df4-c082-46e3-b9b8-230853ddd3dc/dr-shawn-lin-ai-in-healthcare

12/14/2025

It’s that time of year again. Just when you’ve done your best to meet expectations on Thanksgiving, here come Christmas, Hanukkah, and New Year’s. The rush of festivities, shopping, and social obligations can feel more like an endurance test than a celebration. The question is how to shift from resisting the onslaught to welcoming a season meant for joy.

By Faith Freed It’s that time of year again. Just when you’ve done your best to meet expectations on Thanksgiving, here come Christmas, Hanukkah, and New Year’s. The rush of festivities, shopping, and social obligations can feel more like an endurance test than a celebration. The question is h...

12/14/2025

Twenty years ago last month, Peter Drucker, still one of the most respected authorities on the practice of management, passed away. He would have also celebrated his 116th birthday. While it was too soon for him to witness the rise of artificial intelligence, he did anticipate the age of artificial intelligence long before “AI” became a staple of boardroom agendas.

By Gerhard Apfelthaler Twenty years ago last month, Peter Drucker, still one of the most respected authorities on the practice of management, passed away. He would have also celebrated his 116th birthday. While it was too soon for him to witness the rise of artificial intelligence, he did anticipate...

12/12/2025

The First 5 Ventura County Commission appointed Lauren Arzu as the organization’s new executive director during a special meeting on Nov. 26.

Arzu joined F5VC in 2017 as a program manager, where she helped advocate on behalf of young children and collaborated with countywide partners to advance F5VC’s goals and vision. She helped play a key role in the local 2020 Census outreach efforts, helping ensure Ventura County’s youngest children count. In 2020, she was promoted to director of human resources & operations, overseeing agency-wide operations and strengthening internal systems.

The First 5 Ventura County Commission appointed Lauren Arzu as the organization’s new executive director during a special meeting on Nov. 26. Arzu joined F5VC in 2017 as a program manager, where she helped advocate on behalf of young children and collaborated with countywide partners to advance F5...

12/08/2025

If I wanted to destroy affordable housing in Santa Barbara, I wouldn’t swing a wrecking ball. No, I’d smile politely and pass laws. I’d say I was protecting people, preserving neighborhoods, saving the environment, and looking after the renters from evil landlords. And then — brick by brick, regulation by regulation — I’d make it impossible to build or maintain housing anyone could afford.

If I wanted to destroy affordable housing in Santa Barbara, I wouldn’t swing a wrecking ball. No, I’d smile politely and pass laws. I’d say I was protecting people, preserving neighborhoods, saving the environment, and looking after the renters from evil landlords. And then — brick by brick,...

12/08/2025

In business, we accept that every company needs a board of directors. A CEO who operates without one would be seen as reckless. Yet in our personal and professional lives, most of us do exactly that — we try to navigate career, relationships, money, and purpose without the steadying counsel of a trusted board.

By Dennis M. Baker In business, we accept that every company needs a board of directors. A CEO who operates without one would be seen as reckless. Yet in our personal and professional lives, most of us do exactly that — we try to navigate career, relationships, money, and purpose without the stead...