Theater Chain Expansion: Despite the slumping economy,...

Theater Chain Expansion: Despite the slumping economy, Newport Beach-based Edwards Theatres says it will continue its $45-million expansion program. Edwards, one of Southern California’s largest theater chains, says it has eight multi-screen theaters under construction. Most of the deals were done several years ago, according to company Chairman James Edwards Sr. “We’re not backing off,” he said, though he does expect a recession to hurt ticket sales. Among the movie houses under construction are theaters in Alhambra, Del Mar, Murrieta, La Verne, Ontario and Rancho California.