Anaheim Mayor Tom Tait faces a daunting year (four words: underfunded public employee pensions.) But he’s approaching it with his good-natured humor and a resolution to “move forward” the sometimes-strained relationship between the city and the baseball team formerly known as the Anaheim Angels. Is the $254 million signing of superstar Albert Pujols an economic stimulus for the city? “It definitely will be if he spends it all in Anaheim!” But seriously, folks, Tait says team owner Arte Moreno’s off-season moves have been “pretty darn cool” and “create a lot of excitement and positive energy.” Unlike former Mayor Curt Pringle, Tait hasn’t boycotted Angels game over the naming battle. He has only met with Moreno in group settings, but says the city works closely with team chairman Dennis Kuhl (as it did under Pringle.) The Angels can exercise a one-time opt-out clause in their Angel Stadium lease in late 2015/early 2016. Tait says, “I don’t think you can beat Orange County. Why would anyone want to leave?” …
Strange bedfellows: Bill Gross doesn’t support Ron Paul’s calls to abolish the Fed and return to the gold standard, but despite those misgivings he calls the libertarian firebrand “the best Republican” candidate for president. Gross, the influential bond king of Newport Beach-based Pimco, told CNN’s Erin Burnett that he likes Paul’s ideas for cutting the budget and scaling back America’s military commitments, and thinks he’s the GOP contender with the best grasp of monetary policy. Not that Gross is going to vote for him: “Obama’s the man” …
No nondescript blazer for William Wang with a huge TV audience watching the Rose Bowl trophy presentation. The marketing wiz (and OCBJ Businessperson of the Year runner-up) wore a black pullover with “Vizio” discreetly but clearly visible on the collar …
Add Chapman U economist Essie Adibi and California Lt. Gov. Gavin Newsom to those who say that the state divides more along east (inland poor) and west (coastal rich) lines than the traditional north-south lines. Adibi made his observation at Chapman’s economic conference, Newsom on one of the final episodes of “Inside OC.” The show has re-launched as “SoCal Insider” …
Year-end deals by Paul Hastings‘ Costa Mesa office: Partner Brandon Howald represented Irvine-based LA Fitness in its purchase of 171 Bally’s locations and partner Bill Simpson represented Newport Beach-based private equity firm Marwit Capital in its sale of Boot Barn …
Email from Paul Musco: “The Ritz is a landmark and has so much meaning for Fashion Island and Newport Beach. To replace it with a health spa is far beyond my comprehension.” A high-end gym is one of the options under consideration. Any suggestions? …
Holiday wrap: The card from Laer Pearce & Associates urged, “Support Santa’s Jobs Plan! Invest More in Kindness And Joy in 2012!” (Stamps.com rejected the agency’s theme as “too political.”) And from Jim McDonald of Fisher & Phillips: “Santa has been watching you very closely this year, next year you might consider getting a restraining order.”
