Mobilitie LLC boss Gary Jabara looks likely to make our OC’s Wealthiest list this year thanks to his billion-dollar deal with SBA Communications Corp. (see story, page 1). Give him an asterisk for irony—making cell phone calls around his Shady Canyon home is a problem, says Jabara, because reception in parts of Irvine “can be pretty bad.” He diplomatically avoids recommending any of the phone companies that lease space on Mobilitie’s towers but suggests fellow residents use whichever has the best reception at their kids’ school …
Separate hoop dreams: a knowledgeable source says Raj Bhathal’s bid for the New Orleans Hornets basketball franchise has nothing to do with Henry Samueli’s longstanding hopes of landing a team in Anaheim (see story, page 66) …
The Insider hears Freedom Communications is in serious talks to sell developer Doug Manchester the Register to go with his newly acquired U-T San Diego, formerly the San Diego Union-Tribune …
Fisker Automotive in Anaheim has been dragged into presidential politics over the Department of Energy’s move to hold up $336 million of a $529 million loan because it was a few months late to market with its first luxury hybrid model. Some partisans leaped to the conclusion that Fisker is the next Solyndra. Fisker must be doing something right, judging by a review in the Wall Street Journal, which sang the praises of its $100,000 Karma, deemed “the world’s most interesting car” …
Anaheim-based circuit board maker DDi Corp. went through a bankruptcy in 2003, when Mitt Romney-led private equity firm Bain Capital held a significant stake, a circumstance that’s been used as a hit piece on the campaign stump. DDi survived and continues to adjust to the market from a new HQ it bought for $7.5 million (see story, page 4) …
The OC chapter of the Red Cross scored a hit with guest of honor, retired U.S. Army Lt. Gen. Russel Honoré, on a recent cruise from Newport Harbor. Honoré, known as the “John Wayne of Katrina” for leading recovery efforts after the hurricane hit New Orleans, got a kick out seeing the actual Duke’s old haunts and hearing some local tales…
Not much pining for Arnold Schwarzenegger, but one local company has some nostalgia for the former guv. Buena Park-based Yamaha Corp. of America, which sells instruments to school bands, got a boost when the Schwarzenegger administration pumped $250 million into public arts and music programs, according to SVP Rick Young. Then came the recession, when the state’s revenue and Yamaha’s sales fell hard. Yamaha is on the upswing these days and looking to set a new rhythm for its local operations (see story, this page) …
Reporter Mark Mueller spends most of his time devouring real estate data but recently found time for something tastier. He passes along these tips on Stonehill Tavern at the St. Regis Monarch Beach: Treat yourself to the chef’s tasting menu, splurge for the wine pairings, and say hello to new GM Pallava Goenka, who joins the Michael Mina restaurant after stints at Salt Creek Grille and Trader Vic’s.
