About Pacific Capital Associates | Pacific Capital Associates -- Independent Investing and Financial Planning -- San Diego

The partners at Pacific Capital Associates, John Simon and Rich Toscano, are independent advisors managing over $150 million for individuals, companies, and trusts. PCA specializes in investment management and comprehensive financial planning. Other services offered include insurance and estate planning.

By bringing a unique range of experience and expertise to each client's entire financial situation, Pacific Capital Associates provides prudent investment management and the advice necessary to ensure that all components of a sound financial plan are in place and working together.

John M. Simon, JD, CFP©
John has a bachelor’s degree from UCLA (class of 1996) and a Juris Doctorate from the University of San Diego School of Law (class of 1999).

John holds the Certified Financial Planner™ certification and FINRA series 7, 66 and 24 licenses. He is also a CA Real Estate Broker and is licensed in life, health, disability and long-term care insurance. John has managed clients' investement accounts since 2000 and managed/comanaged accounts as part of PCA since October of 2003. John's diverse background enables him to both manage clients' investments and to provide them with comprehensive financial advice to be sure that the various components of a client's life are in place and working together in the most efficient manner possible.

John married his wife Jennifer in 1999 and they have two children, Ryan and Noah. John enjoys golf, hockey, baseball, philosophy, church, and spending time with his family. He was awarded the James D. Angelo award for Outstanding Children’s Advocate of his graduating class at USD Law and his recent charitable endeavors include being trustee of a family non-profit foundation that donates over $500,000 each year to various youth oriented charitable causes. John has also been a member of the La Jolla Rotary Club, where he served as Treasurer from 2003-2005.

E-Mail John: jsimonpcasd.com

Richard E. Toscano After attaining a Bachelor of Science degree at the University of California, San Diego in 1994, Rich began a career in the software industry that would include stints at academic research institutions, startups, and large enterprises. As a side interest, he eventually began closely (some might say obsessively) following financial markets and managing money for family members.

In mid-2004, frustrated by the lack of good analysis of what he thought was an obvious speculative bubble in San Diego housing, he started a website through which to publish his research on the topic. As Piggington’s Econo-Almanac grew in popularity, Rich became recognized as an expert in the economics of the real estate bubble. His opinions on housing and other economic matters have appeared in Time magazine, the Wall Street Journal, the Los Angeles Times, and numerous other publications. He has also been an occasional guest on National Public Radio and on various televised news programs. In addition to the Econo-Almanac, Rich writes a column on housing and economics at VoiceofSanDiego.org, a local non-profit news publication.

In 2006, Rich decided to leave his successful software career in order to make his interest in finance and investing a full-time pursuit. After some discussions with John Simon, a long-time Econo-Almanac reader, it quickly became clear that PCA was a perfect fit for Rich’s analytical, independent, and value-oriented investment approach. He attained his FINRA Series 7 and 66 designations and officially joined the firm in mid-2006 and has managed/co-managed client accounts since that time.

Rich is an avid runner, which is good, because he is also an avid eater. He likes reading about the fascinating complexities of financial markets, laughing with friends, and enjoying good fiction in any medium. He believes that all of the above activities are better when paired with a well-aged single malt scotch, except maybe the running.

E-Mail Rich: rtoscanopcasd.com

Our Talented Support Staff

The staff at Pacific Capital Associates prides itself on providing a pleasant experience for our clients and making the administrative process as smooth and easy as possible. Our staff knows our clients and they are available to personally assist clients in any way possible.

Caroline Lee
Caroline joined Pacific Capital in 2004. She is the director of operations and takes the lead on all insurance related business. Caroline is FINRA Series 11 licensed and is currently studying for the FINRA Series 7 exam. She also holds a CA Life, Health, and Long Term Care insurance license.

Caroline is engaged to be married and she loves her dog Mickey.

E-Mail Caroline: carolinepcasd.com

Sandra Sanchez
Sandra has worked in the business for many years and came back to Pacific Capital Associates in 2006 after taking a few years off to be with her young children. She provides highly efficient support for the principals and a friendly helpful experience for the clients. Clients have come to know her as a pleasure to deal with as she always provides knowledgeable and friendly assistance.

Sandra has been married to her husband Frank since 1997 and they have 2 children, Sebastian and Bella.

E-Mail Sandra: sandrapcasd.com

Founder

Jose M. Lopez
Jose is the Founder of Pacific Capital Associates and was among the most respected financial advisors in the South Bay for over 20 years. Prior to becoming a financial advisor, Jose was a teacher and teacher's union president.

A dedicated student of economics and world stock markets, Jose pioneered PCA's investment management style by combining the discipline and independence of traditional value investing with a focus on global macroeconomic trends. PCA's abundance of long-time clients is a tribute to his success.

Jose was responsible for investment decisions through the end of 2005 and advised PCA until his official retirement date in May of 2009. He is now retired and lives in Spain with his wife Maite where they enjoy spending time with family, traveling, history, art, excercising and studying world markets.