San Diego, CA

Daily Business Report: March 12, 2024, San Diego Metro Magazine

Published

2 years ago

March 12, 2024

Press Room

California flood victims can get state help.

They only have days to apply

By Justo Robles | CalMatters

Almost three months after a January storm and flash floods killed several people and displaced hundreds of San Diego-area residents, the state is offering one-time Disaster CalFresh benefits to help families recover.

To be eligible for disaster food benefits, people must have lived or worked in storm-impacted areas on Jan. 21, the day record rainfall swelled creeks and rivers, deluging neighborhoods. About 600 people sought emergency shelter.

California’s Department of Social Services said it will provide 30 days of food benefits to families who qualify. A family of four, for instance, could get $973 if they have a monthly income of up to $3,380.

Eligible households also must have lost food or income or incurred such evacuation expenses as hotel or transportation charges.

But time is running out to apply. The application window that opened March 7 closes on March 15. Applicants can call the county’s social services office by calling 877-847-3663 (FOOD) or submit an online pre-registration application.

Top Photo: Gregory Montoya in his garage where he stores antique items that were severely damaged by recent floods in the Southcrest neighborhood of San Diego. March 8, 2024. (Photo by Adriana Heldiz, CalMatters)

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New board members of the Workforce Development Board, from left: Kurling Robinson, Ricky Shabazz, Veronica Dela Rosa, and Carol Kim.

New leadership announced for the Workforce Development Board

The San Diego Workforce Partnership has named a new slate of officers to its board of directors for the Workforce Development Board. They include chair of the board Kurling Robinson, vice chair Dr. Ricky Shabazz, treasurer Veronica Dela Rosa, and secretary Carol Kim.

Ricky Shabazz is president of San Diego City College. Veronica Dela Rosa is executive vice president of operations, San Ysidro Health. Carol Kim is CEO of the San Diego County Building & Construction Trades.

The new Board Chair, Kurling Robinson, is a visionary entrepreneur with over 30 years of experience in software development and startups. His diverse career spans arts, automotive, technology, and energy sectors, including tenures at companies like Getty, Toyota, NetZero, and IFS.

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Superior Court Judge Keri G. Katz retires

San Diego Superior Court Judge Keri G. Katz announced her retirement on March 8 after nearly 40 years of civil service to the community. Katz, who began her legal career in 1986 as a deputy city attorney with the San Diego City Attorney’s Office, handled the defense and prosecution of civil lawsuits until 2007.

While serving as deputy city attorney, she was promoted to several leadership positions, including head deputy city attorney of the city’s public works division and assistant city attorney in charge of the city’s civil division. Katz also served as the mayor and San Diego City Council’s chief legal adviser, providing legal guidance and support.

Katz was appointed as a Superior Court judge by former Gov. Jerry Brown in February 2014.

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California launches first-of-its-kind

council to create thousands of more jobs

Gov. Gavin Newsom announced the creation of the California Jobs First Council and operational plan focused on streamlining the state’s economic and workforce development programs to create more jobs, faster. The Council and operational plan will guide the state’s investments in economic and workforce development to create more family-supporting jobs and prioritize industry sectors for future growth.

The Council will coordinate the development of a statewide industrial strategy that includes a statewide economic snapshot and identification of priority sectors, a statewide projects portfolio, a business expansion, attraction, and retention strategy, and a workforce development strategy. The California Jobs First Council will also support the regional Jobs First Collaboratives to expand industry and create jobs locally.

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This new cathode material for lithium-sulfur materials is structurally healable and highly conductive. (Photo by David Baillot/UC San Diego Jacobs School of Engineering)

Healable cathode could unlock potential

solid-state lithium-sulfer batteries

By Liezel Labios | UC San Diego

Researchers have moved one step closer to making solid-state batteries from lithium and sulfur a practical reality. A team led by engineers at the University of California San Diego developed a new cathode material for solid-state lithium-sulfur batteries that is electrically conductive and structurally healable—features that overcome the limitations of these batteries’ current cathodes.

The work was published in the journal Nature on March 6.

Solid-state lithium-sulfur batteries are a type of rechargeable battery consisting of a solid electrolyte, an anode made of lithium metal and a cathode made of sulfur. These batteries hold promise as a superior alternative to current lithium-ion batteries as they offer increased energy density and lower costs.

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Frontwave Arena opening to feature Simone Biles

North County’s new multi-purpose sports and entertainment arena will kick off its Sept. 17 opening day with a show starring the most decorated American gymnast in history. Frontwave Arena will be the first stop along the Gold Over America Tour, which will feature two-time Olympian and seven-time Olympic medalist Simone Biles. The tour will travel to more than 30 arenas nationwide and feature a family-friendly show that celebrates American gymnastics and showcases the athletic talent of Biles and a select squad of team members.

Enhanced Landscape Management acquires Holmes Landscape Company

Enhanced Landscape Management (ELM), a subsidiary of Landscape Development Inc. (LDI) has completed the purchase of Holmes Landscape Company (HLC), which was founded by Larry Holmes in 1974. Larry Holmes will remain with the company through the integration process and HLC Vice President Lee Frank will continue to oversee the local operations as part of the ELM management team.

Kyra Seay named a vice president of California Coast Credit Union

California Coast Credit Union, the longest serving financial institution based in San Diego, with over $3.5 billion in assets, has named Kyra Seay as vice president of community relations and business development. Seay will oversee community relations and business development, and participate in enterprise-wide strategic planning within the organization. She will join the board of the Cal Coast Cares Foundation, a nonprofit started by the credit union in 2015 that provides student scholarships and educator grants.

Rady Children’s Field officially opened

The San Diego Seals lacrosse team and the Ryan Family YMCA in Point Loma held a ribbon cutting marking the official opening of Rady Children’s Field on Feb. 22 at 4425 Valeta St. Rady Children’s Field is a collaboration between the Seals, Rady Children’s, and the YMCA to create a new practice field for the Seals and a new asset for the community. It is located adjacent to Bill Cleator Park, directly below the Ryan Family YMCA

Navy SEAL Museum San Diego to locate Downtown

The Navy SEAL Museum San Diego has signed a lease at 1001 Kettner Blvd. in Downtown San Diego to build a museum to honor the history and heritage of the U.S. Navy SEALs. This location was formerly utilized by the Museum of Contemporary Art San Diego. Scheduled to open in late 2024, the 10,000-square-foot NSMSD will be within walking distance of the San Diego bayfront and serve as the preview of a larger, world-class museum to be built in the coming years.

Council approves $1 million Marston House restoration project

The San Diego City Council recently approved the Marston House $1 million exterior restoration project. The funding, provided by the state, is part of a $68.5 million grant for 19 different projects citywide. The Marston House hasn’t undergone regular and necessary maintenance since the 1990s, with the 2017 roof replacement being the last major repair. Save Our Heritage Organisation, has requested with increasing urgency that its restoration be addressed.

New Children’s Museum premiers Octavia E. Butler exhibit

The New Children’s Museum of San Diego is premiering “Octavia E. Butler: Seeding Futures,” the first-ever exhibit for youth and multi-generational audiences focused on the life and work of American science fiction writer Octavia E. Butler (1947-2006). Visitors will explore a large-scale installation inspired by Butler’s childhood influences, experiences growing up in Southern California, and features murals by collaborating artist Mithsuca Berry.

SeaWorld San Diego to bring back Seven Seas Food Festival

SeaWorld San Diego’s popular Seven Seas Food Festival returns in 2024 with an array of all-new flavors for guests to sip and savor. The event runs on Fridays, Saturdays, and Sundays, now through April 28. Guests will taste flavors from around the world while strolling between award-winning attractions and animal presentations. With over 100 food and drink options inspired by global cuisine, food enthusiasts and families will discover a gastronomic journey at food locations scattered throughout the park.

Bench International enters into alliance with Ashton Tweed

Bench International, a leading global executive search firm, announces a “first of its kind” strategic alliance with Ashton Tweed, the East Coast-based life sciences leader in interim talent placement and retained search. This strategic alliance is a unique symbiotic relationship that brings additional resources and service offerings to each company’s client base. Bench International is a woman-founded executive search firm with a 49-year history serving the Life Science and Healthcare sectors.

Valley Farm Market and The Cottage coming to Del Mar Plaza

The Del Mar Plaza will be home to two new tenants in the coming year as Valley Farm Market and La Jolla-based brunch spot The Cottage prepare to move into the storefront space on Camino Del Mar. Both businesses plan to open on the ground floor of the plaza sometime in 2024: Valley Farm in the former storefront of Banana Republic and The Cottage in the former space of Chinese restaurant Del Mar Rendezvous.

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San Diego, CA

Coastal Commission ruling opens door to development of National City waterfront

Published

9 hours ago

December 12, 2025

Press Room

Coastal Commission ruling opens door to development of National City waterfront

National City’s Pepper Park can soon expand in size by nearly 50%, thanks to a ruling this week by the California Coastal Commission to approve the National City Balanced Plan.

The approval of the plan at the CCC’s Wednesday meeting, developed by the Port of San Diego, means that not only will the popular park have the ability to increase in size, big changes are coming for commercial, recreation and maritime uses on the National City bayfront.

“We are grateful to the California Coastal Commission for its support of the National City Balanced Plan,” said Danielle Moore, chair of the Board of Port Commissioners. “The progress we have made has been anchored in tireless collaboration with the community, business leaders and, of course, the city of National City. It’s about bringing more recreational opportunities to the bayfront while also streamlining and strengthening maritime operations, and we are eager to bring these projects to life.”

Other components of the balanced plan include:

Realigning Marina Way to serve as the buffer area between commercial recreation and maritime uses
The closure of Tidelands Avenue between Bay Marina Drive and West 32nd Street, and West 28th Street between Tidelands Avenue and Quay Avenue, around six acres, to increase terminal efficiency by eliminating redundancies
The development of a recreational vehicle park, tent sites, cabins and the “ultimate development of up to two hotels with up to 365 rooms, as well as dry boat storage,” a port statement read
A connector rail project to connect the existing rail and loop track located on the National City Marine Terminal to additional rail car storage spots at the existing Burlington Northern Santa Fe National City Yard east of the National Distribution Center

The Board of Port Commissioners must accept the CCC’s certification, then the port and city can begin the process of completing the above projects.

“I am proud of the work we have done to help create a lasting legacy for National City, the Port of San Diego, and the entire region,” said Port Commissioner GilAnthony Ungab. “Nearly a decade in the making, this plan balances the interests of the community and many other stakeholders, addresses public access, maritime, and recreation uses, and expands waterfront access in my community.”

The National City Bayfront is 273 acres of waterfront land and 167 acres of water, and includes the National City Marine Terminal, Pepper Park, Pier 32 Marina, the Aquatic Center and pieces of public art.

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San Diego, CA

Gloria announces effort to add more townhomes, cottages to San Diego neighborhoods

Published

21 hours ago

December 11, 2025

Press Room

Gloria announces effort to add more townhomes, cottages to San Diego neighborhoods

Mayor Todd Gloria announced an initiative Wednesday intended to expand housing options in neighborhoods by integrating small-scale residences such as townhomes, rowhomes and cottages into an area’s existing character.

The Neighborhood Homes for All of Us initiative is also intended to support community land trusts — nonprofit organizations that acquire land to create permanent affordable housing.

“Since Day 1 of my administration, I have been focused on building more homes that San Diegans can actually afford — and getting them built faster,” Gloria said at a news conference Wednesday. “‘Neighborhood Homes for All of Us’ is the latest piece of that puzzle. This innovative program will break down the barriers that have gotten in the way of building the type of housing that I believe is ideal for young families and first-time homebuyers for whom the dream of homeownership has long felt out of reach.”

Around 80% of land zoned for housing in the city is restricted to single-family homes, which continue to increase in price, Gloria said. And a significant portion of new housing being built consists of apartment buildings with primarily studio and one-bedroom units, leaving working-class families fewer and fewer options for homes.

Neighborhood Homes for All of Us is intended to increase the housing supply and allow community land trusts to keep housing affordable in disadvantaged communities for low- to middle-income families.

“San Diego is an incredible place to raise a family, and more families need the opportunity to do that in San Diego’s existing, highly desirable single-family neighborhoods where their kids can learn and play in a great community,” City Planning Director Heidi Vonblum said. “But today, that comes at a price that is out of reach for too many. Integrating more options for families requires careful and thoughtful planning, with input from existing and future community members across the city, to ensure these new home opportunities for San Diego’s families are built in ways that best enhance and benefit San Diego’s amazing neighborhoods.”

The initiative will roll out in two phases. In the first phase, beginning this week and continuing through next summer, San Diegans can help determine what the neighborhoods can look like. The public will be able to see renderings showing small-scale neighborhood homes within San Diego’s existing communities, along with new regulations that “provide a clear pathway for building these homes,” according to a statement from Gloria’s office.

Phase 1 will also include an open house and ways for the community to provide feedback and concerns.

Phase 2, scheduled for the second half of 2026, will be for city staff to develop regulations allowing for the building of more neighborhood homes in a way informed by the public feedback.

The initiative is partly funded through a Regional Early Action Planning grant from the San Diego Association of Governments.

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San Diego, CA

Affordable housing project for San Diego Unified teachers moves forward

Published

1 day ago

December 11, 2025

Press Room

Affordable housing project for San Diego Unified teachers moves forward

The first of five affordable housing projects for San Diego Unified School District teachers was approved on Wednesday night.

The school board voted unanimously in favor of working with the developer who bid on the project at the Instructional Media Center on Cardinal Lane. The Affordable Workhouse Housing project promises 100% affordability, with 108 one-, two- and three-bedroom units, and some surface lot parking.

“It’s a practical solution to a very real problem, and it sends a message that we are committed to stability, not just for employees but for the students,” one speaker said.

Board members say the project will be fully funded by the developer, DECRO Corporation based in Culver City, and that the estimated annual rent revenue is $125,000 dollars. It is expected to increase 2.5% each year.

Some in the neighborhood are concerned.

“We are one way in and one way out. We are built in a canyon,” neighbor Callie Grear said.

“Parking here is horrible,” neighbor Paul Grear said. “Everybody is parking in front of our street. I can’t even park in front of my house.”

“The safety of our neighborhood is in jeopardy with this plan,” neighbor Patricia Torres said. “We are already overcrowded. We are asking this board to reconsider building on this site.”

Despite the pushback, board members unanimously voted in favor of moving forward with the developer on this project. Unless exempt, it will first undergo city scrutiny. There are still four other locations still on which SDUSD wants to build.

A vote for housing on those other four properties has been postponed until January so that the school board can hold a workshop and appropriately question the developers that are bidding on those projects.

In all five projects, San Diego Unified hopes to build 555 units in the next 10 years.

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