Santa Monica-based CHNL , a new, pre-launch startup which is focusing on social content and content curation, said this week that it has named Rod Perth to its board of directors. Perth is a television executive, who has worked on projects for CBS Television, the USA and SyFy Channels, and Jim Henson Studios. READ MORE>>. MORE >>

I absolutely love attending events and shows at Club Nokia. The theater is well ventilated, the floor space is spacious, and the view is good from almost every angle of the room. Something a little off the wall from the music acts Club Nokia often hosts. One part variety show, one part tech-showcase, three parts nerdy but charismatic personalities. MORE >>

Shea Ventures , the venture capital arm of Orange County homebuilder Shea Homes , has boosted its solar installation partner SolarCity , as part of an $81M equity investment in SolarCity. According to SolarCity, the big funding round was led by The round was led by Silver Lake Kraftwerk and Valor Equity Partners, and also included Nicholas J. MORE >>

Starting and running a small or growing business can be a challenge to the most confident and optimistic entrepreneur.  And the process of borrowing money or financing asset purchases can be an eye-opener for those who are not used to today’s lender and seller aversion to granting easy credit. Email readers, continue here.]  Growth! MORE >>

Los Angeles-based OpenX , the developer of ad serving software and an ad marketplace, said it is adopting the new advertising units from the Interactive Advertising Bureau. The firm said its product, OpenX Enterprise, will support the new IAB Rising Stars" Ad Units, the six new ad units which were recently approved by the IAB. READ MORE>>. MORE >>