Daily Business Report: February 16, 2024
How to write better: Inside investigative
journalist Will Carless’ award-winning career
By Jennie Van Meter | UC San Diego
From examining book bans across America to white supremacy and online hate groups, the January 6 insurrection, and
many compelling issues in between, investigative journalist Will Carless not only has a penchant for an important story, but also feels a civic obligation to uncover the truth to ensure fairness, accuracy, transparency, and accountability.
As a veteran national and international correspondent, he serves as a public watchdog of sorts by uncovering the intricate details of extremism and current events or emerging issues—these days, his byline can be found in USA TODAY.
In his two decades in the profession, the award-winning journalist—who has interviewed presidents, hardcore neo-Nazis, international superstars, and fishermen on the Amazon river—has worked in newspapers, radio, television, and feature films.
“I got into this career because of the altruism of it. I wanted to make the world a better place,” Carless said. “These days I’m less starry eyed than I used to be. But I have to spend eight hours of my day doing something; I could spend eight hours doing something that doesn’t change or improve the world. At least I’m doing something that informs people.”
Carless believes that part of that mission should include sharing his expertise with others, including aspiring journalists and those who want to hone their writing and interviewing skills.
One way he does that is by teaching two courses for UC San Diego Extended Studies: The Writer’s Art of Interviewing, which he began teaching during summer quarter 2023, and News and Feature Writing, which he started teaching during winter quarter 2024. Both online courses are elective options within the Professional Certificates in Creative Writing and Science Communication programs. “The Writer’s Art of Interviewing” is also an elective within the Content Marketing Specialized Certificate program.
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City Council approves proposal to waive
fees for storm-related reconstruction
The San Diego City Council approved a proposal by Mayor Todd Gloria to waive fees for building and demolition permits on property damaged by the Jan. 22 storm and flooding.
An estimated 1,000 San Diego residents suffered damage to homes, businesses and personal property in the storm, primarily in the communities of Mountain View, Encanto, Mount Hope, Shelltown, Southcrest and Rolando.
The savings from the fee waiver, which will cover reconstruction or repair of structures the same size as the one that was damaged, is projected to save residents approximately $2.41 million in total. Any residents who may have already paid building or demolition permit fees to the city will be eligible for reimbursement.
The action also established a Debris Assistance Program, which would allow for debris-management services at no cost to residents in the impacted communities. This will help provide for the collection, handling, and proper processing, recycling and/or disposal of demolition waste generated by storm victims.
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MiraCosta College opens new complex building
MiraCosta College officials on Monday cut the ribbon for the college’s new Kinesiology, Health and Nutrition, and Gymnasium complex. The grand opening comes as the college celebrates its 90th year of being in the community.
The 40,000 square-foot complex replaces its previous gym built in the 1960s, and it is so much more than a gym, as it features a basketball court, volleyball court, lobby, a coach gym with giant TV screen to watch film on, team rooms, classrooms, offices, and more.
The complex serves the college’s wellness hub and will include classes for its nursing program.
The complex was possible because North County voters in 2016 approved a $450 million bond measure to subsidize many projects, including this one.
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San Diego Mojo partners with Scripps Clinic
The San Diego Mojo, the city’s new indoor volleyball sports team, has entered into an in-kind agreement for Scripps Clinic to serve as the team’s official health care partner. Under the agreement, Scripps Clinic will provide a range of medical services to the team’s athletes. A Scripps Clinic physician will attend all of the Mojo’s regular season and postseason home matches at Viejas Arena to care for Mojo players. Dr. Laika Nur (left), a sports medicine specialist with Scripps Clinic, will serve as head team physician and will collaborate with an extended team of Scripps Clinic physicians who will be available for medical consultations in a broad range of medical specialty areas.
In return, Scripps Clinic will receive opportunities to educate the community about health and wellness through articles, arena signage and various digital platforms.
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Port approves $2.2 million for next phase
of the Harbor Drive 2.0 and Vesta Bridge projects
The Port of San Diego Board of Port Commissioners has approved a cooperative agreement between the Port, Caltrans, and SANDAG, and has authorized approximately $2.2 million in funding, for the Harbor Drive 2.0 and Vesta Bridge projects.
Harbor Drive 2.0 will improve Harbor Drive between the Port’s two cargo terminals by creating a better truck route for more efficient maritime cargo handling, will greatly enhance pedestrian, bicycle, and transit connections, and will improve air quality by removing greenhouse gas emissions.
In June 2023, the California Transportation Commission awarded an $18.5 million grant via its Trade Corridor Enhancement Program to Caltrans for the project. The Port is providing approximately $2.2 million in matching funding. The total of approximately $20.7 million will be used to advance project design and for right-of-way Harbor Drive 2.0 and Vesta Bridge improvements. The cooperative agreement allows for the funds to be transferred to SANDAG.
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Dr. Tom K. Lin appointed to top health posts at
Rady Children’s Hospital and UC San Diego
Tom K. Lin, M.D., has been appointed medical director of Pediatric Interventional Endoscopy at Rady Children’s Hospital and professor of clinicasl pediatrics at UC San Diego School of Medicine. With more than 21 years of medical expertise, Lin will lead Rady Children’s and UC San Diego’s efforts to improve care for pediatric patients with pancreaticobiliary disorders; establishing the first interventional endoscopy program at Rady Children’s.
Dr. Lisa Johnson-Pratt named a senior VP for Aspen Neuroscience Inc.
Dr. Lisa Johnson-Pratt has been appointed senior vice president, therapeutic program, for Aspen Neuroscience Inc., a private biotechnology company developin induced Pluripotent Stem Cell-derived cell therapies.
An industry leader with more than 25 years of experience, Johnson-Pratt will guide therapeutic development for ANPD001, the first autologous neuron replacement to treat Parkinson’s disease (PD), and new product strategy for Aspen.
Maria Stipp appointed new CEO of Suja Life
Suja Life, a Paine Schwartz Partners portfolio company and the leading functional wellness platform and parent company of Suja Organic and Vive Organic, announced the appointment of Maria Stipp as its new CEO, effective Feb. 20.
Stipp succeeds Bob DeBorde who will retire and remain an active member as chair of the board of directors. Prior to joining Suja Life, Stipp served as CEO of Sapporo-Stone Brewing Company where she initially oversaw the Stone Brewing business, doubled its size and successfully led the company through its sale to Japanese beer maker Sapporo.
BlossomHill CEO elected to National Academy of Engineering
BlossomHill Therapeutics, a biotechnology company focused on the design and development of small molecule medicines for treating cancer and autoimmune diseases, announced that Jingrong Jean Cui, co-founder, president and chief executive officer of BlossomHill Therapeutics, has been elected to the National Academy of Engineering .
The prestigious honor recognizes Cui’s direct role in the innovation of new medicines to fight cancer and address urgent medical needs.
John Peterson named executive director of HomeAid San Diego
HomeAid San Diego, a nonprofit organization working to provide services to mitigate the housing crisis in San Diego County, has named John Peterson as executive director. Peterson takes over from Mary Lydon, who will move into an advisory role with the organization.
Peterson has 20 years of experience working in the nonprofit sector, most recently holding key leadership roles within organizations that enrich the lives of individuals with intellectual and development disabilities.
Prior to joining HomeAid San Diego, Peterson successfully implemented strategies for a statewide vocational training program to help underserved individuals gain the skills necessary to seek gainful employment.
Wilshire Quinn issues $16.5 million loan on new multi-family property in San Diego
Wilshire Quinn Capital announced that its private lending fund, the Wilshire Quinn Income Fund, has provided a $16,500,000 refinance loan in San Diego. The subject property for the loan is a newly constructed, 36-unit multi-family building in the Bankers Hill neighborhood two blocks from Balboa Park and minutes away from downtown. The property is comprised of 26,501 square-feet, on a .23-acre lot, including street level retail and 21 sub-terranean parking spaces.
Cetera welcomes AUA adviser to Cetera Financial Specialists
Cetera Financial Group, the premier financial adviser Wealth Hub, announced that Don McDonald has joined Cetera Financial Specialists. McDonald provides comprehensive financial planning and investment advice to clients and had more than $120 million in assets under administration as of Dec. 1, 2023. Cetera is a network of independent retail firms based in San Diego.
Blacksmith Medicines and Zoetis collaborate on animal health
Blacksmith Medicines Inc., a leading biopharma dedicated to discovering and developing medicines targeting metalloenzymes, and Zoetis, the world’s leading animal health company, announced a collaboration to discover and develop novel antibiotics for animal health. As the world’s leading animal health company, Zoetis is driven by a singular purpose: to nurture our world and humankind by advancing care for animals.
New online series helps agents and brokers
Academy of Insurance, an educational platform for insurance professionals, announced a new series of coverage-based, live and interactive learning events called “How to Write.” The series offers agents and brokers coverage-centric, quality online education taught by the markets who regularly write these accounts, and who understand the pitfalls of each specific niche. The events are free to be attended by independent agents, brokers and insurance professionals.
Equal Opportunity Schools to present at San Diego conference
Equal Opportunity Schools (EOS) is helping to lead student-centered, equity-focused education at the 2024 National Conference on Education Feb. 15-17 and will be featured as an innovative school solution provider at the San Diego Convention Center in San Diego. EOS will be featuring its Action for Equity district partnership model and highlighting Student Insight Cards based on a proprietary 43-point diagnostic which has produced meaningful connections with over 2 million students.
Rejuvenate Bio in partnership with leading animal health company
Rejuvenate Bio announced a partnership with a leading animal health company for the development and commercialization of its novel gene therapy technology for the treatment of canine osteoarthritis (OA), a complex chronic disease that affects dogs’ mobility and overall quality of life. This agreement with the global company follows the agreement reached in 2022 with Phibro Animal Health and further validates the gene therapy technology developed by Rejuvenate Bio and their strategy to develop their breakthrough technology in both animal health and human health.
