Shopping Centers California

From its red domes and flag-draped spires to its high-tech thrill rides and wilderness attractions, the sprawling complex under construction at the junction of the 10 and 15 freeways appears to be an amusement park. Stretching over 131 acres in the city of Ontario, it is actually the state's largest shopping complex, melding the theme park and mega-mall concepts under one roof. Scheduled to open Nov.

The last time Pat Flynn drove to Santa Barbara, she squeezed in a visit to the Camarillo Factory Outlets. Although the Altadena real estate consultant was tempted by an Armani blazer, she didn't buy anything after scouring the Saks, Barneys and BCBG outlet stores. But the bargains were good enough that she will stop when she drives the road again. "You can get cheap clothes cheaply any day of the week," she said. "But I'm looking for the opportunity to score Donna Karan at 70% off."

The whole Christopher Columbus conflict could easily be resolved if everyone would just cross out Christopher Columbus Day on the calendar and pencil in Leif Ericson Day. B.W. OVERN Santa Ana

From its red domes and flag-draped spires to its high-tech thrill rides and wilderness attractions, the sprawling complex under construction at the junction of the 10 and 15 freeways appears to be an amusement park. Stretching over 131 acres in the city of Ontario, it is actually the state's largest shopping complex, melding the theme park and mega-mall concepts under one roof. Scheduled to open Nov.

For Stephen Harris, the American dream rides on mall pushcarts. And the Thighmaster. The 36-year-old former real estate broker and his sister, Nyla, operate seven carts (12 during the Christmas season) with names like "Silver City" and "As Seen on TV" in malls stretching from Santa Rosa to Cerritos. They specialize in Italian silver jewelry, no-run panty hose and TV-advertised novelties like the Thighmaster.

The last time Pat Flynn drove to Santa Barbara, she squeezed in a visit to the Camarillo Factory Outlets. Although the Altadena real estate consultant was tempted by an Armani blazer, she didn't buy anything after scouring the Saks, Barneys and BCBG outlet stores. But the bargains were good enough that she will stop when she drives the road again. "You can get cheap clothes cheaply any day of the week," she said. "But I'm looking for the opportunity to score Donna Karan at 70% off."

Santa Anita, Bay Meadows Talk Merger: Santa Anita Cos. said it has held exploratory discussions with Bay Meadows Operating Co. and California Jockey Club about a possible merger. Santa Anita Cos. is the holding company that owns and operates Santa Anita Race Track in Arcadia and several shopping centers. California Jockey Club owns the Bay Meadows track in San Francisco, and Bay Meadows Operating Co. runs it. Santa Anita Chairman Stephen F.

Jack Edwards has joined Western Empire Development Corp. in Irvine as vice president, commercial development. Western Empire is a subsidiary of Western Empire Savings and Loan Assn. Edwards' new responsibilities will include directing the company's land acquisition and development program for convenience shopping centers in California, Arizona and Nevada.

Burnham Pacific Properties Inc., one of the largest owners of strip malls on the West Coast, agreed to sell 19 shopping centers in California to closely held GMS Realty for $305 million in cash. GMS, based in Carlsbad, Calif., operates neighborhood and community shopping centers in California and Arizona. The sale is part of Burnham's announced liquidation plan, the company said in a news release. Burnham and GMS weren't immediately available for comment.

For Stephen Harris, the American dream rides on mall pushcarts. And the Thighmaster. The 36-year-old former real estate broker and his sister, Nyla, operate seven carts (12 during the Christmas season) with names like "Silver City" and "As Seen on TV" in malls stretching from Santa Rosa to Cerritos. They specialize in Italian silver jewelry, no-run panty hose and TV-advertised novelties like the Thighmaster.

The whole Christopher Columbus conflict could easily be resolved if everyone would just cross out Christopher Columbus Day on the calendar and pencil in Leif Ericson Day. B.W. OVERN Santa Ana

Standard & Poor's Corp., a national securities rating firm, has upgraded its evaluation of certificates of deposit at Downey Savings & Loan and two industrial revenue bonds totaling $6 million that are secured by loan agreements with the Newport Beach institution. The higher rating reflects Downey's "conservative asset mix, excellent asset quality, strong capital levels and good profitability," S & P said. The bonds are issued by two Arizona counties.