Daily Business Report: Oct. 31, 2023
New device from researchers promotes
efficient, real-time and secure wireless access
By Xochitl Rojas-Rocha
A new device from the lab of Dinesh Bharadia, an affiliate of the UC San Diego Qualcomm Institute (QI) and faculty member with the Jacobs School of Engineering’s Department of Electrical and Computer Engineering, offers a fresh tool for the challenge of increasing public access to the wireless network.
Researchers developed prototype technology to filter out interference from other radio signals while sweeping underutilized spectrum frequency bands for high-traffic periods. The technology could help regulators distribute wireless access at an affordable cost during low-traffic periods.
“Through meticulous analysis of spectrum usage, we can identify underutilized segments and hidden opportunities, which, when leveraged, would lead to a cost-effective connectivity solution for users around the globe,” said Bharadia. “Crescendo stands at the forefront of this initiative, offering a low-complexity yet highly effective solution with advanced algorithms that provides robust spectrum insights for all.”
Photo: UC San Diego Ph.D. student Raghav Subbaraman designed ‘Crescendo’ to offer a dynamic means of detecting high-traffic periods on wireless channels. The device could open pathways to delivering wireless connectivity at low during periods of low activity. (Photo by Areli Alvarez/QI )
_____________________________________________________________________
SANDAG votes to add $643 million
for youth transit, freeway upgrades
San Diego’s popular Youth Opportunity Pass is among dozens of programs to receive more funds after the San Diego Association of Governments Board of Directors voted to add $643 million to the budget Friday. SANDAG introduced the amendment to the 2024 fiscal year budget, originally passed in May, after receiving additional state and federal funds and an increase in local revenue.
The Youth Opportunity Pass program, which gives people 18 and under access to unlimited free rides on public transit, is part of a suite of additional or extended projects scheduled to be completed over the next five years. These include construction on the 94-125 and 15-78 freeway connectors, bikeways, environmental upgrades, and more.
Why California gets an ‘F’ in computer science education
By Carolyn Jones | CalMatters
Five years ago, California embarked on an ambitious plan to bring computer science to all K-12 students, bolstering the state economy and opening doors to promising careers — especially for low-income students and students of color.
But a lack of qualified teachers has stalled these efforts, and left California — a global hub for the technological industry — ranked near the bottom of states nationally in the percentage of high schools offering computer science classes.
“I truly believe that California’s future is dependent on preparing students for the tech-driven global economy. You see where the world is going, and it’s urgent that we make this happen,” said Allison Scott, chief executive officer of the Kapor Foundation, an Oakland-based organization that advocates for equity in the technology sector.
While some states — such as Arkansas, Maryland and South Carolina — are well on their way to offering computer science to all students, California lags far behind. According to
a 2020 report by Code.org, only 40 percent of California high schools offer computer science classes, well below the national average of 53 percent.
Jerry Sheehan named Salk Institute’s first chief information officer
The Salk Institute has appointed Jerry Sheehan as the Institute’s first chief information officer (CIO). He will assume the position Dec. 4.
Sheehan served most recently as vice president and CIO at San Diego State University, where he led the development and deployment of information technology infrastructure and services for research, instruction, and administration.
Sheehan’s career spans 30 years of information technology leadership, in which he has provided foundations for innovation and efficient user-centric service delivery in research- and education-focused environments. In addition to building partnerships, he is an expert in computationally and data-intensive scientific research, cyberinfrastructure, data governance, and strategic planning.
_____________________________________________________________________
Scripps Health no longer partnering
with MD Anderson Cancer Center
When Scripps Health announced a partnership with MD Anderson Cancer Center in 2016, the San Diego provider said that the relationship would “enable us to offer the best cancer treatment available anywhere.”
But Scripps confirmed this week that the collaboration recently ended.
Asked why the change occurred, the health provider said only that the two parties “allowed their five-year partnership agreement to expire at the end of its term in September 2023.”
Scripps, like every health system in the nation, has recently faced increased costs not offset by increased reimbursement rates, a factor that its leadership recently cited in a decision to pull its two most-popular medical groups out of Medicare Advantage programs as other large providers have started to do nationwide.
_____________________________________________________________________
HAPPY HALLOWEEN!
_____________________________________________________________________
BlueNalu secures $33.5 million in Series B funding
Cultivated seafood startup BlueNalu raised $33.5 million in Series B financing from new and existing investors. With strategic partnerships in Korea, Japan, and Thailand, BlueNalu will use the funds to scale up its San Diego facility that cultivates bluefin toro to supplement the globally declining bluefin tuna stocks. Prior to this round, BlueNalu had raised $4.5 million seed round in 2018.
Report finds high poverty, inequity for San Diegans
A new report commissioned by the San Diego Foundation and developed in partnership with the San Diego Regional Policy and Innovation Center found that one in 10 San Diegans lives in poverty, including 86,000 children, due to a lack of self-sufficient wages and the high cost of housing, utilities, transportation and food in the region.
UBS is presenting sponsor of Art San Diego 2023
UBS once again will serve as presenting sponsor for Art San Diego in 2023, continuing its support for cultural endeavors around the world and affirming its commitment to using contemporary art to bring together ideas, inspiration, and innovation. As the premier contemporary fine art fair in Southern California, Art San Diego returns to the San Diego Convention Center Nov. 3-5 with exhibits showcasing works by prominent international, national, and local artists.
Applied BioMath featured at SITC meeting in San Diego
Applied BioMath, an industry-leader in providing model-informed drug discovery and development support to help accelerate and de-risk therapeutic research and development, announced itsparticipation at the 38th Annual Meeting of the Society for Immunotherapy of Cancer (SITC) occurring Nov. 1- in San Diego. Founded in 2013, Applied BioMath’s mission is to revolutionize drug invention.
Hydration Room celebrates 25th location in San Diego
Hydration Room, California’s leading provider of intravenous (IV) hydration and injection therapy, announced the grand opening of its 25th location at 4653 Carmel Mountain Road, Suite 309A in San Diego, marking a significant achievement in the brand’s journey since its inception in 2014. Hydration Room has successfully treated over 100,000 patients, providing them with a refreshing approach to health care that prioritizes preventative health, recovery, and overall well-being.
San Diego’s Realty Income to acquire Spirit Realty Capital
San Diego-basedRealty Income Corporation, The Monthly Dividend Company, and Spirit Realty Capital Inc. announced a definitive merger agreement by which Realty Income will acquire Spirit in an all-stock transaction valued at an enterprise value of approximately $9.3 billion. The merger, once completed, will result in an enterprise value of approximately $63 billion for the combined company, enhancing Realty Income’s size, scale, and diversification to expand its runway for future growth.
Corman Leigh Companies announce launch
of first community at The Havens
SoCal-based builder Corman Leigh Companies announced that construction is underway for its newest neighborhood, Provence at The Havens. Provence is the first collection of all-electric residences at The Havens, a European-influenced, resort-style, wellness-focused gated community with 250 acres of open space. Named after partners Terri and John Havens and developed in partnership with Bonsall Oaks LLC, The Havens––located just fifteen miles from the San Diego shoreline––is the first of its kind in Southern California.
Andrew Jackson appointed CRO of Calidi Biotherapeutics
Calidi Biotherapeutics Inc., a clinical-stage biotechnology company developing a new generation of targeted immunotherapies, announced the appointment of Andrew Jackson as chief financial officer. Jackson is a financial executive with over 25 years of corporate finance experience with success in publicly traded companies and venture capital-backed startups. Jackson most recently served as chief financial officer or Eterna Therapeutics Inc.
Graeme Gabriel named new board chair
of Hebrew Free Loan of San Diego
Graeme Gabriel has been named the new Board Chair for Hebrew Free Loan of San Diego, effective Jan. 1, 2024. Gabriel has been an active part of Hebrew Free Loan of San Diego since its establishment in early 2021, serving on both lending and development committees.
Well established in the San Diego business community, Gabriel is an experienced professional in the real estate and development communities.
NCTD awarded $144,000 for a public art project
The North County Transit District (NCTD) announced the award of $144,000 from the California Department of Transportation (Caltrans) Clean California Local Grant Program for a public art project and security features in the Oceanside Transit Center pedestrian tunnel. NCTD will use the funding to enhance the pedestrian tunnel to be more welcoming and aesthetically pleasing, improving safety and the customer experience. NCTD is working with MainStreet Oceanside, a local nonprofit, to develop a request for proposals to procure an artist.
