March 10 - March 16, 2013
Friday, Mar. 15
When and if the NFL determines that L.A.would be an attractive market, we are always willing to listen. But with the city facing so many challenges, from jobs to traffic to education, it's time for us to move on.
C'mon, you knew it would happen eventually. Today's 25-point decline, to 14,514, is only a taste of what we'll likely see in the coming days and weeks.
Assuming that the AEG-financed makeover of the Convention Center doesn't happen because the AEG-financed football stadium will never be built, City Councilwoman Jan Perry wants to explore alternatives. Good idea.
Thursday, Mar. 14
The Denver billionaire said he was concerned about the "noise" being created concerning the value of AEG (perhaps another way of saying he wasn't getting what he thought the company was worth).
The unexpected departure of AEG CEO Tim Leiweke, along with growing doubts among league officials about the financial viability of the proposed facility, may not be the death knell, but it's close.
The sports and entertainment empire has been taken off the market, the company announced. Also, CEO Tim Leiweke is leaving AEG, to be replaced by Dan Beckerman.
Since back-room utilities are never seen by passengers, fixes have been deferred until now. Installing an entirely new system makes sense, despite not having clean water for most of Wednesday.
In less than 12 hours on Wednesday, fans of the series "Veronica Mars" pledged more than the $2 million needed to produce a movie version.
Wednesday, Mar. 13
The blue-chip index, which stands at 14,455, is way overdue for a pullback (markets can't go up forever), though the economic trend lines remain positive.
The number of homes selling for $500,000 or more jumped 54 percent from a year earlier - another sign that the market is now centered on higher-end buyers (many of them investors, many offering all cash) who are driving up the prices.
My gut tells me it's not going to happen (I wouldn't be surprised if their interest stirs up other possible buyers), but if the Kochs get it they get it. The world will not come to an end.
Tuesday, Mar. 12
They should return to store shelves by summer. Also back in business is Wonder Bread.
Lewis Brisbois Bisgaard & Smith grabs the top spot in the Business Journal's annual ranking. It's known as the place to go when you want to save some money.
More than 200,000 people are employed in tourism-related positions. What's not so nice - and what gets little attention among local boosters - are the low wages many of these jobs command.
Monday, Mar. 11
The offering price was $20 a share, but on the first day of trading the stock closed at $77. eToys raised $164 million, but it could have been several times that number had the company been priced to reflect demand.
Accounting giant KPMG will move out of its Grand Avenue offices later this year, choosing instead a Hope Street location that's closer to LA Live. Other professional firms are doing the same.
No word on what finally brought down the operation, though a board announcement says there "may be financial irregularities."
It's a lesson on how well-placed TV ads (Super Bowl, Oscars, etc.), along with a dozen or so cover stories and a wide presence in social media can create interest in a film that has received okay but not great reviews.
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The funeral for Mark Lacter will be held Sunday, Nov. 24 at 12 noon at Hillside Memorial Park, 6001 W. Centinela Avenue, Los Angeles 90045. Reception to follow.
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