Balboa Capital Dismisses Suit Against Regents Capital
Regents Capital Sues Balboa for $36,454 Attorney Fees
by Christopher Menkin

On February 19, 2014, Balboa Capital, Irvine, California sued Regents Capital, Costa Mesa, California, claiming proprietary information and customer’s lists were “stolen” by Regents Capital President Donald Hansen and the salesmen who joined his new company, formerly employed by Balboa. (1)

Hansen was first elected to the Huntington Beach City Council at the age of 32 in 2004, and was re-elected in 2008. In his final year on the council Don served as Mayor of Surf City, USA. He was also a 19 year veteran of Balboa, serving as vice president of the Commercial Finance Division.  He knew he would be sued when he left, as that is the practice of Patrick Byrne, Co-founder and Chief Executive Officer of Balboa Capital. Readers may remember the story of him going through garbage for files (2) and the practice of  Byrne’s old nemesis, Jim Raeder, and the Kinko’s video of the use of a computer to send out emails to all Raeder’s funding sources. (3).

Leasing News asked Donald Hansen, Regents Capital president, for a comment:

“I look forward to putting this distraction behind us.  Once we have concluded this baseless lawsuit and prevailed, I will be more than happy to give you my insider’s view of Balboa Capital and my experiences during my 19+ years.  I have been advised that it is best to let it resolve first.

“This mean spirited action should give all caution - 19 years of productive service with my former firm yields nothing but the door slamming in your face on the way out and $35,000 in legal fees.”

Balboa Capital does not return emails or telephone calls.

April 24, 2014, Balboa Capital failed to shut down Regents Capital with a restraining order. (4) The judge, in making the decision, also let it be known the plaintiff, Balboa Capital, did not have much of a chance of proving they took lists or private information when they left.

The defendants were to choose the “most knowledgeable person” for the first deposition: Patrick Byrne, co-founder and Chief Executive Officer. What was to be covered in the deposition was outlined (5)

Byrne missed the first two deposition dates. After missing the second one, Balboa withdrew the injunction. Regents Capital went ahead, and set up a third date for Byrne’s deposition.

In the case with Timepayment Systems, regarding Balboa allegedly stealing corporate trade secrets, Byrne did make a deposition. (6)

In the Timepayment deposition, made part of this case, and revealed publically for the first time, Byrne states, “At no time prior to accepting employment did anyone at Balboa request from Lisa Gargiulo any proprietary or confidential information of TimePayment, nor did she volunteer any such information…

“After accepting the position on or about November 1, 2011, after having been asked if she had a contact list, Lisa Gargiulo sent a contact list to Patrick Ontal at Balboa. A copy of that list is attached as Exhibit 5 to the Sinclair Affidavit.

“That list was initially seen by Patrick Ontal and Robert Rasmussen.
(Vice-President, Inside Sales/Chief Operating Officer. Editor)

“Upon receipt of the list, a determination was made of which contacts on the list were commercial dealers who had worked with Lisa in the water quality area and were not already in our Sales Logic system. It was only those contacts that were inputted into the Balboa Sales Logic system. From that point forward, the only person on the sales force that had access to those contacts was Lisa Gargiulo. The list of accounts inputted into the Balboa Sales Logic system is attached to the Sinclair Affidavit as Exhibit 8.

(Page 3 of Request for Judicial Notice Byrne Deposition) (7)

The lists provided by Lisa Gargiulo allowed the company to take the names and contacts for water system companies they already did not have. Ironically, she left the company when the case was settled with the provision of confidentiality. Surprisingly, a recent announcement by Balboa states Lisa Gargiulo has been re-hired as Balboa Capital’s Program Manager of National Accounts, Water Systems, (8)

A week before the third deposition for Byrne regarding Regents Capital, Balboa dropped the suit.

In the quest for $36,454 attorney fees, the court document reads:

“Balboa never had any evidence that defendants took anything — no documents, no customer lists, no computer records — from Balboa. Balboa also has no evidence that defendants used any trade secret information. Moreover, there is no trade secret. Yet Balboa sued all defendants, alleging they engaged in these unlawful acts.” (9)

In the motion for Attorney fees, the workings today of the 150 employee Balboa Capital company are outlined, how sales are obtained, the use of the social media, and press releases; basically a primer on the use of sales technology. (9)

1. Balboa Capital Sues Regents Capital
   They Are After Salesmen Who Left
   http://leasingnews.org/archives/Mar2014/3_12.htm#balboa

2. Another Equipment Lessor Gets Sued for Stealing Trade Secrets
   http://leasingnews.org/archives/May2013/5_28.htm#stealing_secrets

3. “Insider says it was an employee at Balboa Capital. Jim Raeder will not reveal name of party or company. He says he received "cash settlement" and believes matter is "resolved." (10/04) A number of readers question how Kinko's turned over a video so quickly, while others believe it is an ex-employee that is the culprit and thus the real reason the name is not being revealed. (10/04) We do not receive any benefit in publicly humiliating the individuals responsible for this misconduct. Our intentions are to hold them responsible and liable for the consequences of their statements, and to recover damages they have caused to our business, says Raeder. (10/04) Survey Results: Let Us Know the Namehttp://www.leasingnews.org/archives/October%202004/10-01-04.html#survey  (9/04) Jim Raeder to reveal culprits’ names. (8/04) Jim Raeder allegedly sees video at Kinko's, sales slip, talks to clerk, knows party's name and company. (8/04) Derogatory and malicious accusations spread around internet and to funders, industry readers, and becomes chain letter. 8/04) New York Times criticizes company for not returning advance rentals. Controversy grows regarding story and commitment fees in general.”
   http://www.leasingnews.org/list_alpha_new.htm#preferred

4. Balboa Capital Loses Decisively
   to Put Regents Capital Out of Business Right Now
   http://leasingnews.org/archives/Mar2014/3_18.htm#balboa

5. Declaration in Support
   http://www.leasingnews.org/PDF/DeclarationSupport_52014.pdf

6. Balboa Capital Tagged for Stealing Corporate Trade
   Secrets of TimePayment Systems
   (E-Technology Changes Leasing Employment)
   http://www.leasingnews.org/Pages/balboa_stealing.html

7. Request for Judicial Notice
   http://www.leasingnews.org/PDF/RequestJudicialNotice_52014.pdf

8. Lisa Gunville Gargiulo  New Hires
   http://leasingnews.org/Pages/gargiulo_52014.html

9. Motion for Attorney Fees
   http://www.leasingnews.org/PDF/MotionAttorneyFees_52014.pdf

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Classified Ads---Credit

(These ads are “free” to those seeking employment or looking
to improve their position)

Free Posting for those seeking employment in Leasing:
http://www.leasingnews.org/Classified/Jwanted/Jwanted-post.htm

All “free” categories “job wanted” ads:
http://www.leasingnews.org/Classified/Jwanted/Jwanted.htm

Zombie Bank Closes in Cincinnati
500th Bank Failure Since 2007

“A zombie bank is a financial institution that has an economic net worth less than zero but continues to operate because its ability to repay its debts is shored up by implicit or explicit government credit support. The term was first used by Edward Kane in 1987 to explain the dangers of tolerating a large number of insolvent savings and loan associations and applied to the emerging Japanese crisis in 1993. A zombie can continue to operate and even to grow as long as creditors remain confident in the relevant government's ability to extract the funds needed to back up its promises from current or future taxpayers. But when this ability seems doubtful, zombie institutions face runs by uninsured depositors and margin calls from counterparties in derivatives transactions.”
http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Zombie_bank

Problementbanklist.com believes "There has been a pronounced tendency by regulators to allow small deeply troubled zombie banks to continue operating for long periods of time after odds of a financial recovery have become exceedingly remote. This is in contrast to the previous savings and loan banking crisis of the late 1980's when weak banks were quickly closed and disposed of.

At December 31, 2013, the Problem Bank List contained 467 banks or almost 7% of all FDIC insured institutions. Prior to the banking crisis it was normal to see well under 100 banks on the Problem Bank List.

http://problembanklist.com/columbia-savings-bank-ohio-eighth-bank-failure-of-hundreds-of-zombie-banks-remain-open-for-business-0659

Columbia Savings Bank, Cincinnati, Ohio, was closed with United Fidelity Bank, FSB, Evansville, Indiana, to assume all of the deposits. It is the 500th bank failure nationwide since 2007, and the fifth in Ohio, according to the FDIC. Founded October 30, 1892, Columbia Bancorp, Inc. had 10 full time employees as of December 31, 2013. There were 17 full time employees as of December 31, 2009.

Tier 1 risk-based capital ratio .0354%

"Columbia Savings Bank was founded from modest beginnings. On October 29, 1892, the Elmont No.2 Building and Saving Co. was formed by Herman Leiser, Silas T. Jennings, Charles Pitton, John M. Keber, and Joseph White for the purposes of:

"raising money to be loaned among the members and depositors of such corporation for use in buying lots or homes or in building or refinancing houses or other purposes."

"The first recorded Board Meeting was held on November 19, 1892; at that time the bank consisted of a few hundred dollars. In November 1902 the Elmont No.2 Building and Saving Company was renamed The Corryville Building and Saving Company existed until it was renamed The Columbia Savings and Loan Company in May 1970. The name would change one more time as it became a state-chartered savings bank and thus the name we know today, Columbia Savings Bank."
http://www.columbiasavings.com/history.php

The Charge Offs and Non-Current Loans
tell the story why this bank closed:

(in millions, unless otherwise)

Charge Offs

2006 $132,000 ($131,000 1-4 family residential properties, $1,000 multifamily properties)
2007 $1.2 ($1.2 1-4 family residential properties)
2008 $471,000 ($471,000 1-4 family residential properties)
2009 $487,000 ($392,000 1-4 family residential, $95,000 multifamily properties)
2010 $517,000 ($472,000 multifamily properties, $42,000 1-4 family properties
2011 $951,000 ($703,000 1-4 family residential, $174,000 multifamily)
2012 $671,000 ($523,000 1-4 family residential, $152,000 multifamily
3/21 $30,000 ($30,000 1-4 family residential)

Non-Current Loans

The bank was never able to raise additional capital.

(in millions, unless otherwise)

Net Equity

As of March 31, 2014, Columbia Savings Bank had approximately $36.5 million in total assets and $29.5 million in total deposits. In addition to assuming all of the deposits of the Columbia Savings Bank, United Fidelity Bank, FSB agreed to purchase essentially all of the failed bank's assets.

The FDIC estimates that the cost to the Deposit Insurance Fund (DIF) will be $5.3 million. Compared to other alternatives. Columbia Savings Bank becomes the eighth banking failure of 2014 and the first in Ohio since September 2010.
http://www.fdic.gov/news/news/press/2014/pr14036.html

Failed Banks: Class of 2014
http://leasingnews.org/archives/May2014/5_23.htm#failed

List of Bank Failures:
http://www.fdic.gov/bank/individual/failed/banklist.html

Leasing News Bank Beat:
http://www.leasingnews.org/Conscious-Top%20Stories/Bank_Beat.htm

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HSMC Sanctioned for Destroying Evidence of
Recorded Phone Calls in Privacy Action
By Tom McCurnin
Leasing News Legal News Editor

Bank’s Mistaken Destruction of Phone Calls Records Results in the Burden of Proof Being Shifted to the Bank to Prove Consent.
If You’re Recording Phone Calls, Make Sure Your IT Department Saves Them

Fanning v HSBC., 12:00885 (USDC Central District California)

The IT Departments at Banks march to the beat of their own drum, and almost without exception, have no risk management background to guide them. So, it is not surprising to me that after the Bank received a pre-litigation demand letter threatening suit over recording phone calls without permission, some genius in the Bank’s IT Department destroyed all the recordings which would enable the plaintiff to prove its case--- or which would enable the Bank to defend the case. The Court held that the Bank would have to prove that the callers provided consent, a fact almost insurmountable to prove, without the recordings. The facts follow.

Terry Fanning made and received phone calls from HSBC in connection with his credit card account. Apparently, no one provided him with notice, and an opportunity to opt out, so Fanning filed suit in 2012. But prior to suit, Fanning’s counsel sent the Bank a pre-suit demand letter on March 7, 2012. The Bank destroyed about 150,000 recordings during the applicable time period, going back to 2008. Plaintiff filed his suit on June 4, 2012. It ascertained that the Bank destroyed virtually all the evidence earlier this year, and the Plaintiff brought a motion for sanctions against the Bank.

While the Court did not order sanctions, it did order that the burden of proving consent would be reversed, and would be placed on the Bank.

The Bank argued that only one out of 18,000 calls is actually recorded, so it is no big deal. The Court disagreed. Thus, the burden of proof would be switched, with the Bank being required to prove that the hundreds of thousands of calls were all consented to and authorized—an impossible task

What are the lessons for equipment lessors here?

First, if you record your calls, and you should be recording the delivery and acceptance telephonic audits, retain them for at least the length of the lease, plus an appropriate period of time after lease expiration, perhaps up to two years after the fact.

Second, instruct your IT Department that this is a legal issue and that the calls must be preserved.

The bottom line to this case is that mistakes happen, but it’s always better if they happen to the other guy. Your IT Department needs to be supervised.

HSBC Case
http://www.leasingnews.org/PDF/HSBCCase_52014.pdf

Tom McCurnin is a partner at Barton, Klugman & Oetting in Los Angeles, California.

Tom McCurnin
Barton, Klugman & Oetting
350 South Grand Ave.
Suite 2200
Los Angeles, CA 90071
Direct Phone: (213) 617-6129
Cell (213) 268-8291
Email: tmccurnin@bkolaw.com
Visit our web site at www.bkolaw.com

Previous Tom McCurnin Articles:
http://www.leasingnews.org/Conscious-Top%20Stories/leasing_cases.html

((Please Click on Bulletin Board to learn more information))
(Leasing News provides this ad “gratis” as a means
to help support the growth of Lease Police)

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Leasing Industry Help Wanted

For information on placing a help wanted ad, please click here:
http://www.leasingnews.org/Classified/Hwanted/Hwanted-post.htm

Please see our Job Wanted section for possible new employees.

Uber---Makers of a mobile application providing access to vehicles for hire
http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Uber_(company)

Airbnb---a website for people to rent out lodging
http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Airbnb

Xiaomi--China's biggest electronics company, selling smartphones, mobile apps, and consumer electronics
http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Airbnb

Dropbox--file hosting service
http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Dropbox_(service)

Palantir Technologies---data analysis
http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Palantir_Technologies

Jingdong Mall--Chinese electronic commerce company
http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/JD.com

Pinterest---a share board
http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Pinterest

Zalando---multinational e-commerce company that specializes in selling shoes, clothing and other fashion and lifestyle products online
http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Zalando

SpaceX---Exploring space via space crafts
http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/SpaceX

Cloudera---enterprise-class deployments of Apache-licensed projects and platforms
http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Cloudera

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“Resume in ASCII Text File”
Career Crossroad---By Emily Fitzpatrick/RII

Question: I have been asked twice to submit my resume as an ASCII Text file, can you advise on how to do this.

Answer: ASCII (“askee”, an abbreviation for the American Standard Code for Information Interchange) is a universal code that nearly all computers understand. ASCII (AKA Plain Text) files are very generic and do not contain formatting codes (e.g. special fonts, margins, tabs, etc…). This is typically required if you are uploading a resume to a website, job board, or uploading the resume into a company’s candidate tracking software. Text files are boring / plain looking documents, and I strongly recommend also sending (to hiring managers via email) AND bringing to your interview (s) another version of your resume that is anything but boring!

Universally, PDF files are widely accepted today, so you can send your resume in this format over the internet. It also widely accepted because it does not take up much room on an employment board, for instance. Ask if you can substitute for an ASCII Text File.

Hopefully, you have already created a neat, formatted and stellar looking resume (create this first before your text file), so it should be easy to strip it of all the codes by saving it as an ASCII text file. In most word-processing software, you can select “Save As” from the “File” menu and choose “Plain Text”. Remember to save the file under a new name with the “.txt” extension.

You will note some changes, e.g. spacing. Here are some tips:

· Tabs will disappear when you convert your file to text, so use your spacebar to move words over instead of tabs

· Rather than trying to force lines into bulleted phrases, use paragraphs and generous white pace on an ASCII resume

· Your choices for bullets are limited to the characters on your keyboard … Some of the better symbol choices to highlight lines of text are ~, *, + … You can use special characters form your keyboard to create dividers, like a series of ~~~~ or -------

· Do not set full justification on an ASCII resume – instead left justify all lines so the right margin is ragged

· An ASCII resume can be longer than one page, but remember that you have one screen (approx. 15 lines) to grab your reader’s attention and motivate him/her to continue reading

Feel free to contact us for more advice!

Emily Fitzpatrick
Sr. Recruiter
Recruiters International, Inc.
Phone: 954-885-9241
Cell: 954-612-0567
emily@riirecruit.com
Invite me to Connect on LinkedIn
www.linkedin.com/pub/emily-fitzpatrick/4/671/76
Also follow us on Twitter #RIIINFO

Career Crossroads Previous Columns
http://www.leasingnews.org/Conscious-Top%20Stories/crossroad.html

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Leasing 102
by Mr. Terry Winders, CLP

Equipment Location

The location of the leased equipment is necessary so collected sales taxes are paid to the correct jurisdiction, as well as needed in a default, or to inspect the equipment, as per your lease contract. Some lessors do a good job describing the equipment, but fail to note the location. In addition, language needs to be in the lease agreement that requires the lessee to notify the lessor with any equipment location change.

I know requiring the lessee to notify you of every location change sounds like overkill, but if you fail to send the taxes to the correct jurisdiction, you may have a double tax bill. Once again, you need language in the lease to protect you against unpaid taxes. When the new jurisdiction discovers that taxes have not been paid, they will want the unpaid taxes, and possibly late charges and penalties. You may wish to request for a refund from the old jurisdiction. I have gone through this, and trust me, getting the tax back may cost you a lot of time, as well as alienate your customer. It sounds easy to get the money back, but it is not. The recognition of the fact that if taxes are paid to the wrong jurisdiction because you had old location information, the chances of that jurisdiction refunding those payments are little or none.

You may put language in the lease, placing the burden on the lessee to pay property taxes, but unless you have language that requires the lessee prove that they have complied, you may never know if it has been paid until it is too late. If they fail to pay it, you will still be responsible because the lessor is considered the owner of record until title is passed upon termination. It does not matter if the lease is a true lease or a bargain option lease. In addition, because property tax is paid in arrears, you need to collect the current year’s property tax as part of your termination agreement, or you may get a tax bill months after the lease terminates.

The location notification is not necessary, if the equipment is not mobile and the lessee has only one location, or it is very expensive to move. This does not give you a pass on the yearly equipment inspection. I have recommended for years that there needs to be a level or dollar amount of residual that dictates a requirement of equipment inspection each year. It is not just to inspect the equipment for its upkeep and condition, but also gives you a strong reason to make an effective sales call.

Mr. Terry Winders, CLP, has been a teacher, consultant, expert witness for the leasing industry for thirty years and can be reached at terrywinders11@yahoo.com or 502-649-0448.

He invites your questions and queries.

Previous #102 Columns:
http://www.leasingnews.org/Conscious-Top%20Stories/Leasing_102/Index.htm

(This ad is a “trade” for the writing of this column. Opinions
contained in the column are those of Mr. Terry Winders, CLP)

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Top Stories May 19--May 23
(You May Have Missed One)

Here are the top stories opened the most by readers:

(1) Paul Anderson Passes Away
http://leasingnews.org/archives/May2014/5_19.htm#anderson

(2) Platinum Financial, Orange, California
Bulletin Board Complaint: $6,236.18
http://leasingnews.org/archives/May2014/5_21.htm#platinum

(3) Crossroads Equipment Lease & Finance joins
“No Longer taking Broker/Discounting Business” List
http://leasingnews.org/archives/May2014/5_21.htm#crossroads

(4) Leasing 102 by Mr. Terry Winders, CLP
Getting Ready for the Future in Leasing
http://leasingnews.org/archives/May2014/5_19.htm#future

(5) Colonial Pacific Leasing Loses Summary Judgment on Commercially Reasonableness of Sale of Leasing Equipment
By Tom McCurnin, Leasing News Legal News Editor
http://leasingnews.org/archives/May2014/5_19.htm#colonial

(6) Pictures from the Past
Dashiell Leslie Menkin
http://leasingnews.org/archives/May2014/5_23.htm#pictures

(7) Complaints Bulletin Board BBB Ratings
http://leasingnews.org/archives/May2014/5_21.htm#complaints

(8) BBB Leasing Company Ratings
May 20, 2014
http://leasingnews.org/archives/May2014/5_21.htm#bbb

(Tie) (9) Platinum Financial, Orange, California
Update: Bulletin Board Complaint: $6,236.18
by Christopher Menkin, editor
http://leasingnews.org/archives/May2014/5_23.htm#platinum

(Tie) (9) The Salary You Must Earn to Buy a Home in 27 Metros
HSH.com
http://leasingnews.org/archives/May2014/5_21.htm#salary

(Tie) (11) Channel Partners Last 20 Deals
http://leasingnews.org/archives/May2014/5_21.htm#cp_20

(Tie) (11) New Hires --- Promotions
http://leasingnews.org/archives/May2014/5_23.htm#hires

Labrador Retriever
Cincinnati, Ohio Adopt-a-Dog

Slade
Labrador Retriever
$943
Size: M
Sex: M
Age: 2 years

INFO ABOUT ME:" Hello, my name is Slade (#943), and I am a 2 year old male Labrador Retriever mix. I was found as a stray. I can't remember how I got to the SPCA, but I am thankful to have a roof over my head and food to eat every night. I am a super high energy boy who would benefit from some training. I have been checked out by a veterinarian and neutered. I received a set of preventative shots, have been wormed, and tested negative for heartworms. My adoption fee also includes my Hamilton County dog license. You can find me at SPCA Cincinnati€™s Sharonville location. For more info about me, email Kelly at adopt@spcacincinnati.org. My adoption fee is $20. I am trying to find a home as quickly as possible, so if I am already gone when you inquire, please take a look at my friends. I know you will fall in love with one of them. Please know that due to our low adoption fees, the majority of our available animals do not make it up online before they are adopted. This is especially true of puppies, kittens, small dogs, and purebreds. We always highly recommend that you stop by either shelter location to meet all of our adoptable animals if you are searching for a new furry family member."

SPCA Cincinnati is open the following hours:
Monday - Friday Noon to 6 p.m.
Saturday 9 a.m. to 5 p.m.
Sunday Noon to 5 p.m.
SHARONVILLE:
3949 Colerain Avenue 11900 Conrey Road
(513) 541-6100

Adopt a Pet
http://www.adoptapet.com/

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Classified ads—Marketing

Leasing Industry Outsourcing
(Providing Services and Products)

All "Outsourcing" Classified ads (advertisers are both requested and responsible to keep their free ads up to date:
http://www.leasingnews.org/Classified/Outsourcing/Outsourcing.htm

How to Post a free "Outsourcing" classified ad:
http://www.leasingnews.org/Classified/Outsourcing/Outsourcing-post.htm

News Briefs----

Valley Community Bank sold to FNB Bancorp in Bay SF Area banking deal, creates $1 billion bank
http://www.mercurynews.com/business/ci_25822839/valley-community-bank-sold-fnb-bancorp-bay-area

Samsung Readies Phone for Your Wrist
http://online.wsj.com/news/articles/
SB10001424052702303480304579579830279369694

Redbox to dismantle 500 of its DVD/Blu-ray kiosks
http://www.upi.com/Business_News/2014/05/23/Redbox-to-dismantle-500-of-its-DVDBlu-ray-kiosks/4631400867405/?spt=sec&or=bn

Bodies of 28 Veterans At LA County Morgue Will Finally Receive Proper Burial
http://losangeles.cbslocal.com/2014/05/23/bodies-of-28-veterans-at-la-county-morgue-will-finally-receive-proper-burial/

(Leasing News provides this ad as a trade for investigations
and background information provided by John Kenny)

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--You May Have Missed It

16 things the food industry doesn't want you to know about sugar
http://www.sfgate.com/food/article/16-things-the-food-industry-doesn-t-want-you-to-5478327.php

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SparkPeople--Live Healthier and Longer

23 Ways to Top Your Popcorn (for Under 150 Calories)
http://www.sparkpeople.com/blog/blog.asp
?post=23_ways_to_top_your_popcorn_for_under_150_calories

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Baseball Poem

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Sports Briefs----

If Steve Ballmer buys L.A. Clippers, it hurts Chris Hansen’s bid in Seattle
http://seattletimes.com/html/nba/2023698382_
ballmerandclippers26xml.html?cmpid=2628

[headlines]
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California Nuts Briefs---

Gardening goes high-tech in Silicon Valley
http://www.contracostatimes.com/business/ci_25822204/gardening-goes-high-tech-silicon-valley

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“Gimme that Wine”

http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=EJnQoi8DSE8

Revenue Rises With Private Tastings
http://www.winesandvines.com/template.cfm?section=news&content
=132871

Wente's new interactive Winemakers Studio
http://www.contracostatimes.com/spotlight/ci_25816427/wine-wentes-new-interactive-winemakers-studio

St. Helena winery approved despite objections to size
http://napavalleyregister.com/news/local/st-helena-winery-approved-despite-objections-to-size/article_4e61af46-699d-566a-bbac-79efd6cf34ca.html

How Wine.com uses affiliates to boost the bottom line
http://www.internetretailer.com/2014/05/20/how-winecom-uses-affiliates-boost-bottom-line

Robin Williams' Napa Valley winery is for sale
http://www.lohud.com/story/lohud-real-estate/2014/05/23/robin-williams-selling-napa-valley-winery/9481223/

Free Mobile Wine Program
http://leasingnews.org/archives/Feb2010/2_26.htm#mobile

Wine Prices by vintage
http://www.winezap.com
http://www.wine-searcher.com/

US/International Wine Events
http://www.localwineevents.com/

Winery Atlas
http://www.carterhouse.com/atlas/\

Leasing News Wine & Spirits Page
http://two.leasingnews.org/Recommendations/wnensprts.htm