BIZBUZZ for the week of April 29, 2011

CrowdGather: The Woodland Hills-based network of online forums announced Thursday it has acquired 5-year-old Pocketables.net, which provides news, reviews and commentary about ultramobile computers, mobile Internet devices and other handheld gadgets. Terms of the deal were not disclosed.

Northrop Grumman Foundation: Awarded scholarships to 18 middle school teachers through its Earthwatch Educator Program, sponsoring them on environmental research expeditions. Lynda Caiati, who teaches at CHIME Institute in Woodland Hills, will be monitoring climate change in the Arctic while John McCarter, an instructor at Valley View Middle School, will study the coastal ecology of the Bahamas.

Paul Arakelyan: The agent for California General Insurance and Financial Services in Glendale has been inducted into the $50 Million Club for Kansas City Life Insurance Co. The award recognizes career performance with the company. Arakelyan has been a general agent with Kansas City Life since 2009.

Jack Dvir: Has joined Financial Pointe in Westlake Villas as a financial adviser. Dvir has a background in accounting, asset management and long-term care and most recently worked for Edward Jones.

Joanna Lutz: The Valencia resident has been named by Bank of America as a vice president, small business banker for San Fernando and Sylmar. She will consult with small-business owners and assess their companies' deposit, credit and

cash management needs.

Ira Schreck: The veteran fundraiser has been hired as senior vice president of the Jewish Home Foundation.

Regency Centers: Has signed leases with HomeGoods and Petco to anchor its Granada Village retail center, which is undergoing a $16 million renovation. Petco will open this fall in an 11,350-square-foot space, while a 27,5000-square- foot HomeGoods store is slated to open next spring. HomeGoods was represented by The Clover Co. and Petco by Western Retail Advisers. Granada Village is at 10823 Zelzah Ave.

Old Road Realty LLC: Purchased a newly constructed, 30,000-square-foot shopping center at 28656 The Old Road, Valencia, from First California Bank. Larry Twomey, Paul Capra and Mike Tingus at Lee & Associates-LA North/Ventura brokered the deal. Terms were not disclosed.

Personal Training Institute: The nutrition and fitness center is holding its grand opening ceremony at noon today at 16350 Ventura Blvd., Encino. 818-783-4792. www.personaltraininginstitute.com.

Does your business have a hiring, promotion, grand opening or other achievement to announce? Email information and photos to us at bizbuzz@dailynews.com.

Christina Aguilera Sofía Vergara Krista Allen Laura Prepon Bar Refaeli