BRIEFLY IN BUSINESS

William Lyon new orders up, despite slumping sales

Newport Beach-based William Lyon Homes announced last week its first-quarter home orders were up, despite slumping sales figures.

In California the company had 471 orders for new homes from January through March — a 20% increase from the first three months of 2006.

But the home builder sold and closed only 240 homes in the state in the first quarter this year. During the same period in 2006, the company closed escrow on 328 homes — a decline of 26%.

By the end of March a total of 586 homes had sold, but not closed escrow, a drop of almost 210 from the previous year.

William Lyon Homes designs, builds and sells homes in California, Nevada and Arizona.

Costa Mesa residents get into the swap meet free

The Orange County Market Place is offering Costa Mesa residents free admission Saturday and Sunday, part of the marketplace’s City Days promotions.

Costa Mesa starts off the promotion and each weekend after this one a different city will be recognized.

Residents need to show a valid ID that shows a current Costa Mesa address. On Saturday the market will host musical comic duo Heebie and Jeebie from 10 a.m. to 2 p.m. and on Sunday the Scarlet Sisters’ Circu Show will perform at 11 a.m. and 1 p.m. with a mime from 11 a.m. to 2 p.m.

The swap meet is open from 7 a.m. to 4 p.m. Saturdays and Sundays.

The Lab celebrates Earth Day by recyclingThe Lab and the Camp shopping centers in Costa Mesa will honor Earth Day from 1 p.m. to 5 p.m. Sunday with a recycling event.

Residents are encouraged to bring in their recyclables and hang out at the centers. There will be live music, food samples, art exhibits, children’s crafts and environmental exhibits and free classes.

For more information visit www.sobeca.net.

Passenger traffic increases last month at JWA

John Wayne Airport announced last week its total passenger traffic increased about 6% in March, with a jump in military operations at the local airport, compared with the same month last year.

Last month the airport saw over 868,500 passengers come through the airport, up from just under 815,000.

In March last year, there were eight military operations and last month there were 21, representing about a 162% jump.

Cannery hosting Southern California chefs

The Cannery in Newport Beach kicked off its “Meet the Chef” series last week, welcoming chef Joseph Rivas from Sonora Café in Los Angeles.

The monthly series will give Cannery guests a chance to taste fare from some Los Angeles-area restaurants without having to make the drive.

But in May, Cannery chefs will welcome one of their Orange County peers to their kitchen.

On May 8, executive chef Creed Salisbury from The Cat and The Custard Cup in La Habra will bring his California cuisine to the restaurant.

Venice Beach’s chef Joe Miller will bring his French-California fusion to the Cannery June 12 and on July 10, chef Walter Eckstein from Lawry’s of Beverly Hills will be at the restaurant.

Chef Jared Simons of Violet in Santa Monica and chef David LeFevre will be on hand in August and September, respectively.

For times, reservations and more information visit www.cannerynewport.com.

Virginia company buys Newport defense company

Virginia-based defense contractor ManTech International Corp. announced last week it acquired Newport Beach-based SRS Technologies Inc. for $195 million.

SRS provides advanced technology systems for intelligence, communication commands and other defense industry-related products. The company’s biggest customers are the Department of Homeland Security, Missile Defense Agency, U.S. Air Force, National Reconnaissance Office and the National Geospatial-Intelligence Agency.

SRS, which was previously privately held, specializes in space-based radar and communications and weapons of mass destruction.

The acquisition is set to be completed by the end of second quarter.