The Business Press, San Bernardino, Calif., Business Briefs Column.

Mar. 15--HOME BUILDERS SEE ORDERS RISE: The growing cost of homes throughout Southern California hasn't slowed business for some of the most active home builders with significant operations in the Inland Empire. Things are looking good for Los Angeles-based KB Home and Irvine-based Standard Pacific Corp.

Both home builders recorded significant increases in first quarter 2004 home orders. KB Home in Los Angeles recently reported a 27 percent rise in orders for new homes compared with last year.

Irvine's Standard Pacific Corp. posted a 31 percent increase, acc