Bill Halford … death of ex-Irvine Co. office boss and Bixby Land CEO William R. “Bill” Halford hit hard (p. 1).
Friend and real estate editor Mark Mueller reports Halford, 58, was professionally famous for leading TIC and Bixby into creative-office world.
Folks I spoke to this week talked about Halford the man. “Big personality,” said one consultant to Bixby. “Recession hits. Bill busted out the Rolodex, got my company through.”
Business Journal Publisher Richard Reisman shared this:
“Halfie was playing golf with [Quiksilver co-founder] Bob McKnight at Big Canyon CC, and Bob says, ‘I saw you bought that building near the airport.’ Halfie says, ‘How do you know that?’ Bob says, ‘I read it in the real estate column in the Business Journal.’ Halfie says, ‘Why would you be reading the real estate column?’ McKnight replies, keep tabs on what a* like you are up to.’”
Microsemi sold … $10.2B sale of James Peterson’s chipmaker rumored for months. Aliso Viejo-based Microsemi on a roll, growing top and bottom line last 5 years. Buyer Microchip Technology paying skinny premium, but Semi up 30% since Jan. 1, when whispers first heard. Microsemi a good citizen, sponsoring Military Appreciation Day at this week’s Toshiba Classic at Newport Beach Country Club. Tech editor Chris Casacchia will have more details next week. Deal to close end of Q2 …
Donor County … Our second list in this week’s issue is a first: Largest Charitable Gifts of 2017. Cutoff $1 million, and there are over 30 entries, topped by Susan and Henry Samueli’s $200M gift to UCI. Features on the Attallahs and Muscos, (p. 1, 6)—both couples hardly to the manor born.
Sunday’s 11th annual Table for Ten at Laguna Cliffside smaller in dollars, grand in scope—35 chefs preparing masterful dinners tableside for 10 guests. Kristin Martin is founder. “I wanted a unique culinary event … top chefs cooking tableside for 300 guests, proceeds [to] local nonprofits.” This year it’s Mission Viejo-based Vocational Visions and The Teen Project …
Banking battle royale … Game On, bankers. HomeStreet Bank, well-known in Seattle, where it has $7 billion in assets, aims to crack hypercompetitive OC banking sector. Its OC chief, Amina Rafiqzada, hosted two-year anniversary last week at local HQ in Irvine. About 100 there, including Irvine Mayor Don Wagner and Greater Irvine Chamber of Commerce CEO Bryan Starr. Bank gave $3,000 to Second Harvest Food Bank of Orange County.
Inspiration Point … let’s end with a cold one. Or two. UCI researchers say, “consuming two glasses of beer or wine daily was associated with 18 percent reduced risk of premature death.” Dr. Claudia Kawas presented findings at a conference this month. No due-diligence needed.
