February 2012

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Let’s Twist Again

Banks struggle with large debt and minimal borrowers

The Federal Reserve calls it Operation Twist, named after the 1961 Chubby Checker hit that sparked gyrating hips in dance halls across America. That was also the first year the Fed embarked on a mission to purchase long-term Treasury notes in an effort to drive down interest rates on long-term loans.

Feb 1, 2012 Allen Young

Taking the Temp of our Economic Climate

Acuity with Sanjay Varshney

Sanjay Varshney, 44, is dean of College Administration at Sacramento State. Last month, in conjunction with the Chartered Financial Analyst Society of Sacramento, he published the seventh issue of the Sacramento Business Review. It offers a look at emerging economic trends and forecasts for 2012 in the Sacramento region, comprised of Sacramento, El Dorado, Placer and Yolo counties. 

Feb 1, 2012 Douglas Curley

Redistrict Remix

New district lines mark big opportunities

This year, for the first time in a decade, California is likely to see seriously contested races for Congress. That is because the new Citizens Redistricting Commission dismantled the 2001 congressional gerrymander that kept almost all districts safe for incumbent parties.

Feb 1, 2012 Tony Quinn

Contract Killer

Local businesses struggle with dwindling government deals

Companies in the Sacramento region have long counted on government contracts to smooth out the gyrations of economic cycles. Local, state and federal governments had deep pockets and a seemingly unending appetite for goods and services.

Companies in the Sacramento region have long counted on government contracts to smooth out the gyrations of economic cycles. Local, state and federal governments had deep pockets and a seemingly unending appetite for goods and services.

Feb 1, 2012 Robert Celaschi

Employee Pro Tempore

Temp staffing fills recessionary employment gaps

Northern California’s economy hasn’t edged far enough into recovery to encourage strong hiring. The bouncing stock market, shaky European economies and an upcoming presidential election have many managers wondering what kind of business climate they’ll be dealing with a year from now.

Feb 1, 2012 Robert Celaschi

Tenant Tactics

How to plan for tenant improvements

Tightening belts may be the overall theme in commercial real estate these days, but a little planning can turn into big savings. Business owners looking for a home and landlords seeking tenant upgrades can trim expenses without shredding the wish list.

Feb 1, 2012 Carol Crenshaw

West Cap Renaissance

A fresh downtown on a road less traveled

West Capitol Avenue is looking pretty snazzy these days. Modern buildings with shiny, chrome lettering line clean, wide sidewalks. Newly planted trees lead to bright bus stops stylized with sculptured ‘W’s nearly 10 feet tall.

Feb 1, 2012 Andrea Kennedy

Greasy Spoon Favorite

A West Sac icon keeps it classic

Emile “Whitey” Boisclair was 47 years old in 1963 when he quit his job as a sheet-metal worker and bought a struggling West Sacramento burger joint called Jolly Kone.

He had no experience in the restaurant business, and friends worried he’d fail.

Emile “Whitey” Boisclair was 47 years old in 1963 when he quit his job as a sheet-metal worker and bought a struggling West Sacramento burger joint called Jolly Kone.

He had no experience in the restaurant business, and friends worried he’d fail.

Feb 1, 2012 Dixie Reid

Wishful Thinking

Making dreams come true in the golden years

Doris Hobbs threw out the ceremonial first pitch at a Sacramento River Cats game. Harriet Antonides at last became a Girl Scout at age 100. And Mino Ohye, who hadn’t seen his beloved brother in 60 years, in January would fly to Japan for a reunion.

Feb 1, 2012 Dixie Reid