SAN DIEGO-The county has recorded an unemployment rate of 4.3% for the month of August, according to a report released today by the California Employment Development Department. The figure reflects a slight improvement from July, when the region reported an unemployment level of 4.7%.

EL CENTRO, CA-The City of El Centro has completed the first phase of a renovation project that is aimed at upgrading and expanding its El Centro Regional Medical Center. Phase II of the $26-million project is slated for an April 2004 build-out.

BEAUMONT, CA-San Diego-based Capstone Advisors announces a $5.2-million equity joint venture with The St. Clair Co. for its Beaumont master-planned community known as Laborde Canyon Ranch.

LA QUINTA, CA-With owner Southern California Presbyterian Homes having just broken ground on the Hadley Villas Senior Housing project, it is currently rising at the corner of Adams Avenue and 47th Street here. Slated for a September 2004 completion, it will contain 80, affordable apartment units at build-out.

SAN DIEGO-Located at 3931 Oceanic Dr., the asset is a single-tenant industrial facility that stands within the Ocean Ranch business park. The building is occupied by Robert Mann Packaging, which holds a ten-year lease here.

DEL MAR HEIGHTS, CA-The business and real estate practice of Allen Matkins Leck Gamble & Mallory LLP has expanded its presence in North San Diego County, having officially opened a new office in Del Mar Heights yesterday.

SAN DIEGO-Buyer Villa Escondido LLC shells out $2.5 million for the local multifamily asset known as 44th Street. The new owner plans to convert the complex's apartment units into condos.

SAN DIEGO-The Centre City Development Corp. and Metropolitan Transit Board kick off groundbreaking on the $30-million public improvement project. The first phase of construction is taking place on Park Boulevard from Market to K streets.