Daily Business Report: Dec. 29, 2023
California new laws for 2024:
Cruising and speed cameras allowed
By Lynn La | CalMatters
On Jan. 1, California will end its statewide ban on cruising, when drivers show off classic, typically customized lowrider cars, by leisurely riding on city streets. The new law follows the lifting of cruising limits in cities including San Jose, Sacramento and Modesto.
Cruising bans have long been criticized by enthusiasts, and more recently Democratic lawmakers, as discriminatory against Latino communities. The activity is deeply-rooted in car culture, and is a way of “expressing our love for art,” said Democratic Assemblymember David Alvarez of Chula Vista upon introducing the original bill in February.
By lifting the ban, the state acknowledges the artistic and social merits of cruising. The law will also undo a ban on modifying vehicles to a certain low height. One member of the Sacramento Lowrider Commission said in a statement: “Low and slow, is not a crime.”
Two new laws taking effect Jan. 1 could affect safety on California’s roads. Cameras at intersections across California already flag drivers who run red lights. Under one law, six cities can begin a pilot program to catch and fine speeding drivers with cameras, with hopes to curb the number of traffic deaths.
Los Angeles, San Jose, Oakland, Glendale, Long Beach, and San Francisco have the authority to launch speed camera pilot programs that will last five years or until Jan. 1, 2032 (whichever date is sooner). After a 60-day introductory period of issuing only warnings to violators, fines will start at $50 for drivers who go at least 11 mph over the speed limit — though amounts can be reduced depending on income.
Photo: ‘Payaso Loko’ cruises down Railyards Boulevard during a Cinco de Mayo celebration in Sacramento on May 4th, 2022. (Photo courtesy of Miguel Gutierrez Jr.)
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Wireless tracking system could help improve the XR experience
By Liezel Labios | UC San Diego
A new technology developed by engineers at the University of California San Diego has the potential to make the extended reality (XR) experience smoother and more seamless. The technology consists of an asset localization system that uses wireless signals to track physical objects with centimeter-level accuracy in real time, and then generates a virtual representation of these objects.
Applications of this technology range from enhancing virtual gaming experiences to improving workplace safety.
The team, led by Dinesh Bharadia, a professor in the Department of Electrical and Computer Engineering at the UC San Diego Jacobs School of Engineering, presented the technology at the ACM Conference on Embedded Networked Sensor Systems held in Istanbul, Turkey.
Photo caption: This new asset localization system for XR applications uses wireless signals to track physical objects with ultrawide-band (UWB) tags attached to them. A module equipped with six UWB receivers measures the tags’ locations with high accuracy, providing smooth, real-time tracking in virtual representations of the scene. (Credit: Bharadia lab)
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PetDx publishs study on cancer detection test for dogs
PetDx – The Liquid Biopsy Company for Pets, published a study showing that its previously clinically validated OncoK9 multi-cancer early detection test for dogs using next-generation sequencing (NGS) technology can detect genomic alterations indicative of residual disease and cancer recurrence in cell-free DNA of dogs previously treated by surgery for a variety of cancer types.
ChemDiv forges strategich partnership
with University of Texas Medical Branch
ChemDiv, a global leader in drug discovery solutions, announced a strategic collaboration with the University of Texas Medical Branch (UTMB) to facilitate the expansion of its inventory and advance the institution’s High-throughput Screening (HTS) research programs. ChemDiv’s comprehensive suite of fully integrated Research & Development services offers UTMB unparalleled support in its pursuit of groundbreaking medical research.
S.D. Zoo Wildlife Alliance to be in Rose Parade
For the third consecutive year, San Diego Zoo Wildlife Alliance will partner with the Tournament of Roses in Pasadena and participate in the 135th Rose Parade on New Year’s Day. San Diego Zoo Wildlife Alliance’s parade float theme— “It Began with a Roar”— will feature a myriad of heartwarming stories from the San Diego Zoo that have inspired generations to care for and protect wildlife.
Guild Mortgage lists Paradise, Calif., houses for purchase
Guild Mortgage a growth-oriented mortgage lending company originating and servicing residential loans since 1960, announced the first two homes from its Making Paradise Home Initiative are completed and listed for sale. The affordable, sustainable manufactured homes are available for sale in Paradise, Calif., the community hardest hit by the deadliest and most destructive wildfire in the state’s history.
Palomar Health ask for stuffed animals for patients
Palomar Health is proud to announce the continuation and expansion of its heartwarming tradition, Gift of Love Day. This special initiative is asking for stuffed animals to be donated from now until Jan. 3, 2024, which are then given to patients, allowing them to choose a comforting companion during their hospital stay. On Friday, Jan. 5, 2024, community members and volunteers will distribute the donated stuffed animals to Palomar Health inpatients.
Library kicks off Winter Reading Challenge
The Winter Reading Challenge of the City of San Diego Public Library runs from Jan. 1 to Jan. 31, 2024, and is open to readers of all ages. Participants can earn prizes by completing a combination of five books, five hours of reading or literacy-based activities like making a memory book, visiting a local museum or writing a poem or story. Upon completion, readers will be eligible for prizes, including a drawstring backpack, USB flashdrive and museum passes. Register here.
Spill the Beans now roasting in Mission Valley
Spill the Beans has something big brewing behind the scenes and is now ready to announce the opening of their new location in Mission Valley. Featuring the same menu as the Gaslamp and Seaport locations, the coffee surpasses expectations in both taste and sustainability. All locations also offer a handful of hearty breakfast sandwiches, like the popular San Dieggo made with two over-medium fried eggs, peppered bacon, American and pepper jack cheese, and cayenne aioli, as well as Chia Berry Bowls and loaded oatmeal.
County offices to close for New Year’s Day
All public San Diego County offices, family resource centers, library branches and animal shelters will be closed Monday, Jan. 1 for the New Year’s holiday. Law enforcement, emergency animal control response, and other essential services will continue through the holiday. County parks, campgrounds and neighborhood day-use parks remain open 365 days a year.
San Diego Foundation to grant $500,000
to UCSD Black Alumni Scholarship Fund
San Diego Foundation announced that it will award the University of California San Diego Black Alumni Scholarship Fund $500,000 for student scholarships and support of Black students attending the university. “We deeply appreciate this strong expression of confidence in our continued growth as a program that is providing more opportunities for outstanding, civic-minded Black students to attend and thrive at our university,” said Edward Spriggs, chair of the UC San Diego Black Alumni Scholarship Fund.
