San Diego – With the scope of its renovation more sweeping than first anticipated, the owners of the U.S. Grant Hotel said Monday it would close for about five months starting Jan. 31 and up to 212 workers would be laid off. The Sycuan Band of Kumeyaay Indians, which bought the downtown San Diego landmark in December 2003 for $45 million, said the hotel's renovation is expected to cost $26 million, far more than the $10 million forecast in April.
Del Mar – Struggling communications equipment maker Remec has agreed to sell its profitable defense division to Chelton Microwave Corp. for $260 million in cash. The deal announced late Monday gives the Del Mar company a cash infusion it desperately needed to invigorate its money-losing commercial communications division.
Rancho Bernardo – Interstate 15 has become the exemplar of urban aggravation. It happened again early Monday afternoon when a crash involving several vehicles backed up northbound traffic into the early evening, making for a maddening commute.
San Diego – Former teacher Thad Jesperson was convicted Tuesday of molesting three second-grade girls in his classes at Toler Elementary School in Clairemont, ending a two-year legal odyssey involving three trials. He could receive a life term when he is sentenced Jan. 21.
Poway – A consultant hired to study the Poway Senior Center faulted the facility's financial and operational practices and recommended that the city withhold funding until the problems are corrected. The center's executive director disputed the findings.
San Diego – Biotech company Arena Pharmaceuticals said Wednesday it would join with a Johnson & Johnson division to develop new drugs to treat type 2 diabetes.
