SanLuisObispo.com: Business

Biz Buzz: Bank hits Templeton builder with third suit

Thu, 08 Jan 2009 23:10 PST

Rabobank has accused Templeton developer Andrew Charnley of fraud in a lawsuit filed recently in San Luis Obispo Superior Court — the third against him by the bank within a year.

This time, the bank is accusing Charnley of fraud after he transferred “will-serve letter” water and sewer service commitments on a Las Tablas Road development back to the Templeton Community Services District.

Because Charnley has defaulted on an estimated $4.5 million Rabobank loan on the property, the lawsuit argues that the “will serve” commitments belong to them.

Nonprofit Strategies: Get ready for the new IRS Form 990

Wed, 07 Jan 2009 22:47 PST

By Barry VanderKelen -- For the first time in 30 years, the annual informational IRS filing required of most nonprofit groups, IRS Form 990, has been overhauled.

The new form must be used for nonprofit organizations that completed their 2008 tax year and are filing with the Internal Revenue Service in 2009.

According to the IRS, the redesign is based on three guiding principles: enhancing transparency, promoting tax compliance, and minimizing the burden on the filing organization.

Biz Buzz: Bike-to-work, get-a-tax-break incentive to begin

Wed, 07 Jan 2009 22:47 PST

Starting this year, employees who regularly use their bicycles to get to and from work are eligible for a monthly $20 tax-free reimbursement from their employers for bicycle-related expenses. Employers will in turn be able to deduct the expense from their federal taxes, experts say.

“This provision is a matter of equity; it gives bike commuters benefits similar to those already enjoyed by people who drive or take public transit to work,” said Peter Harkness, board chairman of the National Center for Bicycling and Walking.

Those who lobbied for the tax break hope the money incentive will help encourage people to get out of their cars and commute to work by their own pedal power, said Sharon Roerty, executive director of the National Center for Bicycling and Walking.

Biz Buzz: La Reyna Market opens in Paso

Wed, 07 Jan 2009 10:34 PST

After many additions, alterations and upgrades, Paso Robles’ second Latinooriented market—La Reyna Market y Carniceria— opened last month in downtown.

The 4,200-square-foot market and deli is providing fresh meats, a Mexican bakery, soft drinks, dry goods, ice, beer and wine, as well as hot food for lunch, said its owner, Gary Pederson.

“I saw a real shortage of places to eat for the junior high school students directly across the street and I found that there was a preponderance of Hispanic residents living in the northwest

Biz Buzz: Linn’s and Hearst Ranch partner up

Mon, 05 Jan 2009 23:09 PST

Two noted North Coast brand names have strengthened ties to each other. Linn’s restaurant in Cambria has announced that the only beef it will serve will be from the Hearst Ranch in San Simeon.

Since the fire-ravaged restaurant, at 2277 Main St. in Cambria’s East Village, reopened more than a year ago, the Linns have focused on using as many local products as possible, including produce from the Linn family ranch and some Hearst Ranch steaks, burgers and meatloaf.

Now, all Linn’s beef items will be Hearst’s organic, grass-fed products.

Dan Logan: Find your family tree online

Mon, 05 Jan 2009 23:39 PST

On Saturday, the San Luis Obispo County Genealogical Society is starting a free three-session class dubbed “Learn to Grow Your Family Tree,” which will show beginners how to use the Internet to gather genealogical information.

Follow-up sessions are on Jan. 17 and 24.

Instructor Roma Miller will cover where to start searches, where to find records and what is available at Ancestry.com.

Biz Buzz: Arroyo Grande chamber honors notable citizens

Sat, 03 Jan 2009 21:11 PST

The Arroyo Grande Chamber of Commerce has picked the Rev. Randy Ouimette, pastor of St. John’s Lutheran Church, as its 2008 Citizen of the Year.

Peggy Hoobery of Burdine Printing has been selected for the chamber’s Ken Talley Award, which began in 1976 as a way to honor Ken Talley, an Arroyo Grande man who was a strong supporter of civic and youth activities.

The award is given to those who have made contributions to youth programs.

Biz Buzz: Cuesta Title Co. closes office

Fri, 02 Jan 2009 08:54 PST

Cuesta Title Co., a real estate title insurer that has operated in San Luis Obispo County since 1965, has closed one or more of its local branches, The Tribune confirmed Wednesday.

It was not known why or how many employees were let go as a result.

Stewart Title Guaranty Co., a Houston-based real estate and mortgage insurer, owns the local firm.

Biz Buzz: Ovitt named 2008 Roblan of the Year

Tue, 30 Dec 2008 22:21 PST

North County leader has been given an honor for his community work one week before he leaves his long-held seat on the county Board of Supervisors.

Harry Ovitt was selected as the 2008 Roblan of the Year, the Paso Robles Chamber of Commerce announced Monday.

In the June 3 primary, voters chose then-Paso Robles Mayor Frank Mecham to take Ovitt’s seat on the

Biz Buzz: New place to play coming to Paso

Mon, 29 Dec 2008 23:05 PST

Paso Robles will get a new athletic club, with swimming pools and tennis courts, in 2009.

Called the Paso Robles Swim and Tennis Club and set on 20 acres on Union Road across from Barney Schwartz Park, it’s scheduled to open by April, said Kristina Mueller, its sales and marketing spokeswoman.

The soon-to-be-completed club is to have 12 lighted tennis courts (eight of them hard courts plus four clay courts), two pools (one covered and another outdoor, heated year-round), a 10,000-square-foot fitness building, and a 6,300-square-foot clubhouse with a full-service spa and a restaurant, she said.

Dan Logan: Maximizing Photoshop for artwork

Mon, 29 Dec 2008 23:25 PST

One of the downsides of Adobe’s colossal Photoshop application is that there’s an awful lot to learn in order to make maximum use of the program.

It’s designed not only for photographers, but even more for artists and designers of all stripes. So most users get a grip on only a small fraction of its features.

Some artists take greater advantage of the powerful program.

Biz Buzz: Mission Community Bank has new branch in Santa Barbara County

Fri, 26 Dec 2008 23:27 PST

San Luis Obispo-based Mission Community Bank has expanded by opening a new branch in Santa Maria.

The office, located at 1670 S. Broadway, opened last week and is the first Mission Community branch in Santa Barbara County.

Brooks Wise, president of Mission Community Bank since 2007, will oversee the Santa Maria branch. Joining him is Dan Cavanaugh, who will be senior vice president and senior commercial lending officer, as well as Jackie Holland, assistant vice president and operations officer.

Biz Buzz: Real estate fraud fund increasing recovery limits

Thu, 25 Dec 2008 23:08 PST

The Department of Real Estate has a recovery fund of last resort for investors seeking to reclaim some money lost through fraud by local lenders, say representatives from the state agency.

Starting Jan. 1, the recovery fund’s payout limits will be raised — for the first time in 20 years — to $50,000 per transaction and $250,000 per licensee, department spokesman Tom Pool said.

Funds in the Real Estate Recovery Account — which stands at $15 million — comes from the state’s real estate license fees, rather than taxpayers’ money.

Biz Buzz: New vineyard, winery in the works by Paso

Wed, 24 Dec 2008 19:33 PST

Plans have been submitted to the county for a project called Andrew Felipe Cellars, a 6,500-square-foot, French-Italian-styled winery and vineyards, dedicated to sparkling wine and hosting large celebrations.

The project’s owner, Phillip Vogt, 32, is an architect and interior designer for large department stores such as Macy’s and Ann Taylor. He moved with his wife, Katrina, and daughter to Paso Robles in 2006.

“We had an infant daughter and were looking for a change,” he said. “We had been wine tasting on the Central Coast for several years and decided that this was the perfect place to relocate to and start a vineyard and winery.”

Nonprofit Strategies: Helping those in need this giving season

Tue, 23 Dec 2008 21:52 PST

By Barry VanderKelen -- During the week leading up to Christmas, many nonprofits increase the amount of food, clothing, and toys they give to needy families. These increases are motivated in part by a spirit to help others, and because the requests for assistance are growing.

In South County, more than 700 families have received Christmas baskets. Providers coordinate their efforts to make sure resources help as many people as possible.

Among the largest providers of baskets are St. Patrick’s Catholic Church in Arroyo Grande, Five Cities Christian Women Emergency Food Ministry in Grover Beach, and the Salvation Army Services Extension in Grover Beach.

Biz Buzz: In familiar refrain, home sales drop

Tue, 23 Dec 2008 21:52 PST

Sales of San Luis Obispo County homes fell last month, as did the median price of all residences.

The sales of all homes — new and resale single-family homes and condominiums — dipped 13.4 percent in November, compared to the same month a year ago, according to MDA DataQuick, a real estate tracking firm.

Sales of newly built homes fell 11.4 percent, and resale detached homes declined 8.3 percent. Resale condos had the biggest decline, falling 41.4 percent in November.

CC Tech: Microsoft training at Allan Hancock

Mon, 22 Dec 2008 21:47 PST

By Dan Logan Dan Logan -- If you’re looking for a quick blast of training in Microsoft Excel, Power- Point or Access, Allan Hancock College is offering its Fast Track four-day training classes in each application on the Santa Maria campus during the spring semester.

Each series meets from 5:30 to 9:20 p. m. on two successive Fridays, and 8:30 a. m. to 5:20 p. m. on the Saturdays.

Excel: The series meets Feb. 13, 14, 20 and 21.

Biz Buzz: J. J.’s Market closing in Arroyo Grande Village

Mon, 22 Dec 2008 21:47 PST

A grocery store in the Village of Arroyo Grande, J. J.’s Market, is closing for good in less than a week.

Owner Gordy Foy said the reason was simple: The store cost him more to keep open than to close.

“Honestly, the equipment is old, and it would cost too much to revamp it,” he said. “Plus, our customers have dwindled. People still need food, but their shopping habits have changed. They’re going to the Wal-Marts and Costcos, which leaves out us smaller retailers—and we’re the backbone of the economy. ...”

Biz Buzz: County bank takes part in rescue program

Fri, 19 Dec 2008 21:37 PST

Mission Community Bancorp, the parent company of Mission Community Bank, has become the latest San Luis Obispo County bank to participate in a federal program designed to inject capital into the nation’s financial institutions.

The bank has received preliminary approval to take part in the Treasury Department’s voluntary TARP (Troubled Asset Relief Program) Capital Purchase Program, designed to

strengthen banks and kick-start lending. The Treasury set aside a portion of the $700

Biz Buzz: Foothill McDonald’s to close in SLO

Mon, 15 Dec 2008 21:56 PST

A fast-food mainstay near Cal Poly’s campus plans to close next year.

The McDonald’s restaurant on Foothill Boulevard in San Luis Obispo is shutting its doors after several years of lackluster business, said owner and operator Keith Handley.

The closure will likely occur in October, he said.