California Housing Affordability Improved During First Quarter
Due to strong wage growth and steady home prices, more Californians are able to afford to purchase a home, according to a report from the California Association of Realtors (CAR). The association found that 31% of California households could afford to purchase the $538,640 median-priced home in the first quarter, an increase of 2% from the previous quarter, according to a report. The report also showed that 39% of homebuyers were able to afford the $449,720 median-priced condominium or townhome. In Southern California, Los Angeles County housing affordability improved, while Orange County affordability remained flat.
Cushman & Wakefield Releases Inaugural Report On Real Estate Occupier Trends
Commercial real estate services company Cushman & Wakefield recently released its inaugural “Space Matters” report, which analyzes national trends behind office density, amenities, parking and concessions – four areas of importance for tenants and landlords. The report found that average square footage per employee in Los Angeles has decreased 9.6% since 2009 to 160 square feet, which is 30 square feet below the national average. Among the report’s findings were that Millennials rank work-life balance as the most important factor for job satisfaction, and that, despite technological advancements, many office buildings struggle with basic offerings such as high-speed Internet and cellular service.
Port Of Long Beach Awards Scholarships To Local Students
At yesterday’s annual “Celebrating Education” event, the Port of Long Beach awarded $54,750 in scholarships to 39 local high school and college students aiming to pursue careers in international trade and goods movement. The port has awarded a total of $775,400 in scholarships to 464 students since 1993. At the event, the port also announced this year’s high school interns for its eight-week summer program.
SCS Engineers Awarded Anchorage, Alaska Contract
SCS Engineers, a national engineering firm headquartered in Long Beach, has been awarded a contract to provide landfill gas management services for the Anchorage, Alaska Solid Waste Services Department. SCS Engineers and SCS Field Services will provide the services for the Anchorage Regional Landfill and three closed municipal landfill sires in the area. The company’s work will help ensure public health and safety as well as compliance with government regulations.
Nautilus Announces New President Of Metro Cruise Companies
Long Beach-based Nautilus International Holding Corp. has announced the promotion of Juan C. Trescastro to president of its Metro Cruise group of companies, which include: Metro Cruise Services, Metro Shore Services, Metro Pacific Cruise Ship Terminals and Metro Events. He is also taking charge of Terminal Security Solutions Inc. Trescastro most recently served as senior vice president of business development for Metro Cruise. He has 20 years of experience in the cruise industry.
FreeConferenceCall.com Promotes Two New Leaders
Telecommunications company FreeConferenceCall.com announced the promotion of Heather Hall to vice president of finance and Bryan Petersen to vice president of network operations. Hall is now responsible for leading the business intelligence team, which is comprised of experts from each operational group in the company. Petersen’s responsibilities include the daily management of all network and technology infrastructure. He will also oversee network fraud detection.
LGBTQ Community Leaders To Be Inducted Into Equality Plaza Honor Wall
At a ceremony taking place at 11 a.m. on May 17, six leaders from the Long Beach community who identify as lesbian, gay, bisexual, queer or transgender (LGBTQ) will be inducted into the Equality Plaza Honor Wall at Harvey Milk Promenade Park, located at 185 E. 3rd St. Every year, the Harvey Milk Promenade Park Equality Plaza Committee nominates and selects honorees for induction. Nominees may be living or deceased, but they must be LGBTQ and have made significant contributions to the Long Beach LGBTQ community. This year’s honorees include: John Newell, Raúl A. Añorve, Jewels, Reba Birmingham, Mina Meyer and Sharon Raphael.