Daily Business Report: Jan. 4, 2024
San Diego’s Natilus unveils remote pilot control station concept
San Diego-based autonomous aircraft developer Natilus has launched its pilot operations desk control station, from which pilots will remotely manage and monitor the autonomous cargo aircraft.
The Natilus POD, developed through a partnership with Ameriflight LLC, is a cutting-edge ground control station designed to seamlessly integrate with the Natilus family of next-generation cargo aircraft. The POD serves as a conduit that enables remote pilots to interface with the skies as seamlessly as if they were in the cockpit. This ease of operation will translate into improved training and reduced operational costs for customers.
“The POD is a major milestone on our path towards integrating the Natilus fleet into our customers’ existing operations,” the company said in a statement. “We’re proud to be partnered with the Ameriflight team who is playing a crucial role in shaping the future of Natilus POD. Their hands-on testing and feedback of our developments are invaluable in refining the system, ensuring it meets the rigorous demands of real-world cargo operations.”
Photo: Inside Natilus POD with Ameriflight.
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California Legislature starts 2024 session in big budget hole
By Lynn La | CalMatters
After three-and-a-half months at home, California legislators returned to Sacramento Wednesday for a seven-month session where a budget deficit and the election will be top of mind. All 80 Assembly seats and half the 40 Senate seats are on the ballot, so many lawmakers will be pulling double duty between policy-making and campaigning. And they won’t have as much state money to bring home to their constituents.
The estimated $68 billion shortfall will also mean less money for programs that support health care, housing, education, the environment and more as lawmakers must reconsider their priorities to help bring the state out of the red. Not only will these interest groups compete with one another, but Democratic legislators who advocate on behalf of these issues will have to jockey for a slice of the budget pie. Meanwhile, expect Republicans to grab opportunities throughout the session to propose cuts for programs they already oppose.
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Alaska Airlines partners with Best Day Brewing
for non-alcoholic beer on board
Have you ever wanted to have a beer at altitude without alcohol? Now you can with Alaska Airlines. The Alaska Air Group – with airlines Alaska Airlines, Horizon Air, and pending regulatory approval Hawaiian Airlines – is continuing a proud tradition of partnering with businesses in the communities the Air Group serves to provide a quality flying experience.
Best Day Brewery’s Best Day Kölsch is now complimentary in First Class and Premium Class. Additionally, the non-alcoholic beer is available for purchase in the main cabin service on flights where full beverage service is offered.
Best Day Brewing’s Kölsch is made of water, barley, hops, and yeast brewed together without alcohol.
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General Atomics completes first lifetime
for full-scale fatigue test on MQ-98 drone
On Dec. 5, 2023, General Atomics Aeronautical Systems Inc. (GA-ASI) completed a major milestone with the full-scale fatigue testing of an MQ-9B Remotely Piloted Aircraft (RPA). The team completed the “first lifetime” of fatigue testing – which is equivalent to 40,000 operating hours – and represents an important step in validating the design of the airframe system.
The testing is part of the aircraft certification to the NATO standard STANAG 4671, where the aircraft will be ultimately be tested through three lifetimes, thereby proving the 40,000 hour lifetime of the airframe.
MQ-9B is General Atomics’ most advanced RPA and includes the SkyGuardian and SeaGuardian models, as well as the new Protector RG Mk 1 that is currently being delivered to the U.K. Royal Air Force.
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Saul Klein named CEO and director
of San Diego Multiple Lising Service
The Greater San Diego Association of Realtors announced the addition of industry-
In this new role, Klein will spearhead daily operations, elevate the subscriber and participant experience, and propel SDMLS into the future as a leader in delivering real estate data to its brokers, agents, and consumers alike.
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Giant kelp exhibit shines light on the intersection of art and science
By April Green | UC San Diego
“Ebb and Flow: Giant Kelp Forests through Art, Science and the Archives,” a group exhibition hosted by UC San Diego Library and curated by San Diego-based photographer, marine scientist and Scripps Institution of Oceanography alumna Oriana Poindexter, opens at Geisel Library on Jan. 12.
Located on the main floor of Geisel Library, the exhibit explores the common urge of artists, scientists and community members alike to document the natural world, with a focus on the giant kelp forest ecosystems of Southern California. All works explore how San Diego giant kelp forests have been observed and documented over the past 134 years.
“Similar to our Art of Science contest, this exhibit celebrates the intersection of art and science in a way that brings much-needed attention to key issues that affect society and our planet,” said Erik Mitchell, Audrey Geisel University Librarian at UC San Diego Library.
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English as a Second Language graduate thrives in engineering career
MiraCosta College is proud to showcase Marcelo Gonçalves, a former student in the English as a Second Language program who is now excelling in the manufacturing and engineering industry in San Diego. Originally from Brazil, Gonçalves has utilized MiraCosta College courses to learn a new language and build a career as a manufacturing engineer.
“That’s the best part about MiraCosta College,” said Gonçalves. “It’s so much more than the academics. I have had professors and counselors who worked with me to update my job resume and others who helped me with my citizenship requirements. They truly want to see me succeed as a student and as a person.”
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County Water Authority to drop lawsuit over Rainbow, Fallbrook departures
The San Diego County Water Authority has agreed to drop its lawsuit over the proposed departure of two North County water agencies, it was announced Dec. 21. The lawsuit filed earlier this year challenged a decision by the San Diego Local Agency Formation Commission to allow the Rainbow Municipal Water District and Fallbrook Public Utility District to leave the water authority. The recent settlement allows Rainbow and Fallbrook’s water agencies to depart and includes a $25 million payment from both agencies, plus other costs and fees.
NCTD board approves Shawn Donaghy as next CEO
The North County Transit District Board of Directors unanimously approved Shawn M. Donaghy as the agency’s new CEO. Donaghy will take over for interim Executive Director Paul Ballard – who was brought on after the retirement of long-time Executive Director Matthew O. Tucker. Donaghy’s appointment follows a four-month, nationwide search by the board of directors. Most recently, Donaghy was the CEO of C-TRAN in Vancouver, Washington.
ChemDiv collaborates with Orionis Biosciences on clinical trials
ChemDiv Inc, a leading provider of drug discovery platforms and development solutions, celebrates a significant milestone in collaboration with Orionis Biosciences: the commencement of Phase I clinical trials for ORB-011, a cutting-edge attenuated, cis-targeted interferon immunotherapy compound. The initiation of Phase I clinical trials for ORB-011 is a significant milestone, underscoring the transformative potential of ChemDiv and Orionis Biosciences synergistic research in the fight against cancer.
Angie Vannatta of San Diego added as Moss Adams partner
Moss Adams, one of the largest accounting, consulting and wealth management firms in the nation, announced the addition of 20 new partners, including Angie Vannatta of San Diego. Vannatta provides tax compliance and planning services to closely held businesses and individuals, strongly focusing on family-owned real estate.
QDOBA launches new Post-Workout Bowls
Hit the gym and then hit “order” with QDOBA’s new Post-Workout Bowls, available exclusively through QDOBA.com and the QDOBA app. The leading fast-casual Mexican restaurant brand knows its guests are all about crushing those New Year’s resolutions, so to help people maintain a healthy lifestyle and keep on track with their goals, QDOBA is introducing five specially curated Post-Workout Bowls to its digital menu.
Stanley Pappelbaum appointed to NuView Life Sciences board
NuView Life Sciences Inc., a radiopharmaceutical company, announced the appointment of Dr. Stanley J. Pappelbaum to its board of directors. Pappelbaum is a La Jolla-based strategic health care consultant who advises hospitals, medical groups, and biomedical research entities across the United States. He began his career as a pediatric cardiologist at the University of California, San DiegoSchool of Medicine and San Diego Rady Children’s Hospital.
Jack in the Box offers new Smashed Jack Burger
Jack in the Box is kicking off the new year by bringing burger innovation to the forefront of the menu. Introducing the Smashed Jack: a 1/4 lb smashed-inspired patty made with seasoned 100 percent beef, topped with grilled onions, thick pickles, a new Boss Sauce all on a buttery brioche bun. The Smashed Jack is the latest addition to Jack in the Box’s constant conversation around better tasting burgers, available at all locations as a classic Smashed Jack, Bacon Double Smashed Jack, or combo option.
Radionetics Oncology raises $52.5 million in Series A
Radionetics Oncology Inc., a clinical stage radiopharmaceutical company focused on the discovery and development of novel agents for the treatment of a wide range of oncology indications, announces the completion of a $52.5 million Series A financing. The round was led by Frazier Life Sciences, 5AM Ventures, and new investor DCVC Bio, with participation from Crinetics Pharmaceuticals and GordonMD Global Investments.
