July 20 - July 26, 2008

Saturday, Jul. 26
Before regulators moved in, the Pasadena mortgage lender tried to attract the interest of private-equity firms.
Friday, Jul. 25
You would think that the real estate business would be done with questionable resales and mortgages. Think again.
A juror in the case involving Mattel and MGA Entertainment has been dismissed for making an inappropriate ethnic comment.
Forecasters are talking about another 25-cents-per-gallon drop in gas by Labor Day. Just don't bet the house on it.
Already there are expectations of a delay in the pollution control programs enacted by the ports of L.A. and Long Beach.
Sam Zell is an exceptionally tempting target, but it would help if folks take off their blinders.
Another big drop in gas prices, Californians glum about economy, tougher rules for ships, and Countrywide's sinking value.
Thursday, Jul. 24
The parent of the Union-Tribune has hired investment banker EverCore Partners to start beating the bushes.
Both the CEO and chairman have stepped down as the struggling savings and loan reports a second-quarter loss of $218.9 million.
Grand jury investigates lenders, L.A. sues financial firms, penalty phase of Bratz trial gets started, and cities go after Comic-Con.
Wednesday, Jul. 23
What role did this little-known private oil-marketing company play in the rise - and recent fall - of oil prices?
Concern at Costco, more airline cuts, no more jalapenos at supermarkets, and the rich get richer (again).
Tuesday, Jul. 22
The Tribune CEO was asked "what went wrong" in his valuation of the company last year.
The more Apple refuses to talk about it, the greater the speculation - and concern - among investors.
But investors are betting that the bank is dumping out all its dirty linen at one time, a painful but necessary cleansing.
It’s just more of the mess that comes with a collapsing real estate market - and California is front and center.
Big losses at Wachovia, oil prices dropping again, Qatar buys C-17s, and Candy Spelling's $47-million pad.
Monday, Jul. 21
Property tax delinquencies are likely to be up in the coming year, which means a likely shortfall in property tax revenues.
L.A.-area gas prices have fallen for five consecutive weeks, perhaps just enough to notice the next time you fill up.
Look for a bunch of new Web pages on specialized subjects such as the economy, energy and small business.
B of A's good news/bad news, SF home prices fall, searching for an IndyMac buyer, and L.A. gets venture boost.
© 2003-2015   •  About LA Observed  •  Email the editor
LA Observed blogs
News & Chatter
LA Biz Observed
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.
More From Mark Lacter:
Native Intelligence
Business Guides for Companies – Effective business articles that will improve your business.
SoCal Sports Observed
After 22 years of loyalty, Baylor is unceremoniously shown the door.
Bill Boyarsky
Echo Park blog
Jenny Burman
Before I lived in Echo Park, there was a tiny 1920s bungalow-cottage-standalone house on N. Occidental in Silver Lake. I...
Malibu blog
Here in Malibu
I don't know why it's taking me so long to choose the new platform for this blog. Well, that's not...
We get email