Daily Business Report:
MiraCosta College introduces
Associate Degree in Artificial Intelligence
It’s one of the first programs of its kind in California
MiraCosta College in Oceanside is set to offer its students an opportunity to lead the future of technology by earning an Associate in Science degree in Artificial Intelligence (AI), in one of the first programs of its kind in California. This innovative program, launching this year, marks a significant milestone in the rapidly expanding field of AI, demonstrating MiraCosta College’s commitment to staying at the forefront of technological education.
Developed by the Computer Studies & Information Technology Department, the curriculum includes three cutting-edge AI courses beginning this fall with CSIT 150, Artificial Intelligence Concepts.
Professor Rick White, the architect behind the first class, emphasizes the importance of understanding AI from the ground up. “This course demystifies how AI functions and why it’s capable of generating responses, providing students with a solid foundation in one of the most transformative and groundbreaking technological fields in human history,” White said.
The demand for skilled AI professionals is soaring. “In California alone, we’re seeing predictions of over 10,000 annual job openings in high-level AI positions through 2025, with median hourly wages reaching up to $55.67,” White said.
This is supported by data from leading job market analysts, including Glassdoor and ZipRecruiter, and underscores AI experts’ substantial earning potential and career opportunities. According to Glassdoor, an AI engineer in California earns between $140,000 to $200,000 annually. At the same time, ZipRecruiter reported the average annual salary of an AI researcher is $130,000 nationwide, with an entry-level job in the position being $62,000.
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Two scientific meetings focused on aging research
For scientists in San Diego and across the United States, March 6-7 is an important time to talk about developments in aging research. To kick off two scientific meetings on the subject, the NIH-funded San Diego Nathan Shock Center, a collaboration among the Salk Institute for Biological Studies, Sanford Burnham Prebys and the University of California San Diego, will host its 2024 symposium focused on the center’s primary research area, “The Heterogeneity of Aging,” on Wednesday, March 6 at the Salk Institute for Biological Studies in the Conrad T. Prebys Auditorium in La Jolla.
The 7th annual La Jolla Aging Meeting will be held on Thursday, March 7, also in Salk’s Conrad T. Prebys Auditorium. The meeting was organized by Sacco and Peter Adams, director of and professor in the Cancer Genome and Epigenetics Program at Sanford Burnham Prebys, and by Jan Karlseder, Donald and Darlene Shiley Chair, senior vice president and chief science officer at the Salk Institute.
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Cubic awarded contract from Naval Air
Systems Command for KnightLink Systems
Cubic Defense has secured a contract to maintain, upgrade and support deployment of the Full Motion Video (FMV) System, known as KnightLink, for the Naval Air Systems Command’s MH-60 Sierra helicopter fleet.
The KnightLink software provides a wide range of capabilities and video support including operational, vendor, flight test, laboratory aid and maintenance. The KnightLink hardware includes the KnightLink Weapons Replaceable Assemblies (WRAs) and applicable cabling, as well as the procurement of additional hardware, interim sparing and Peculiar Ground Support Equipment (PGSE) to support fleet introduction.
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Alec Gordon promoted to COO
of General Atomics Electromagnetic Systems
General Atomics Electromagnetic Systems (GA-EMS) announced that it has promoted Alec Gordon to the position of vice president and chief operating officer of the company. Gordon will have responsibilities to advance business opportunities and strengthen operational resources in support of General Atomics’ extensive product and service portfolio.
Gordon joined GA-EMS in September 2017, and has held leadership roles as director of aftermarket sales and services and managing director of product lines.
Kratos executive nominated for Satellite Executive of the Year Award
Stuart Daughtridge, vice president of advanced technology at Kratos Defense & Security Solutions, has been named a finalist for Via Satellite’s 2023 Satellite Executive of the Year Award. Nominees are chosen based on their contributions to the global satellite markets, technologies, business practices, services, innovations, advocacy or any combination thereof.
Daughtridge is recognized for his role as chairman and director of the Digital Intermediate Frequency Interoperability Consortium (DIFI), an independent group dedicated to supporting interoperability in space communications.
The winner will be announced at Satellite 2024 on Wednesday, March 20, at the Via Satellite Awards luncheon.
Soapy Joe’s signs with Padres as official car wash partner
Soapy Joe’s Car Wash, a local, family-owned car wash operator with 23 locations across San Diego County, announced its designation as the new official car wash partner of the San Diego Padres. Throughout the three-year partnership, Padres fans can look forward to in-ballpark opportunities for free $20 Soapy Joe’s car washes, social media challenges, the first-ever parking merchandise giveaways, including five Lexus Premier Parking giveaways and more.
North Island Credit Union offers summer internships
Applications are now available for North Island Credit Union’s Summer Internship Program for local high school seniors and college students. Now in its third year, the program offers paid internships to provide students with professional work experience and mentoring in multiple areas throughout the organization, including Lending, IT, Business Insights & Analytics, Wealth Management and other departments.
PriceSmart opens fourth warehouse club in El Salvador
PriceSmart Inc. announced that on Feb. 15 the company opened its newest warehouse club in the city of Santa Ana, El Salvador, bringing the total number of warehouse clubs in operation by the Company to 54. The Santa Ana club is the fourth club in El Salvador and was constructed on a five-acre property. PriceSmart, headquartered in San Diego, owns and operates U.S.-style membership shopping warehouse clubs in Latin America and the Caribbean.
Fresh Start Surgical Gifts hosts 32nd annual Celebrity Golf Classic
Nationally recognized nonprofit Fresh Start Surgical Gifts is teeing up for its 32nd Annual San Diego Celebrity Golf Classic, celebrating another year of transforming lives. The event will take place on March 10 and 11 at the prestigious La Valle Coastal Club in Rancho Santa Fe, previously named Morgan Run Club & Resort. Hosted by the esteemed Alfonso Ribeiro, this premier charity event is set to unite celebrities, philanthropists and golf enthusiasts in support of Fresh Start Surgical Gifts.
Multifamily Utility Company adds Maliece Sorrows to leadership team
Multifamily Utility Company continues to add bench strength to the leadership team with the most recent addition of Vice President of Operations Maliece Sorrows. “Adding Maliece Sorrows is an enormous win for our organization. With over three decades of multifamily industry expertise, she brings a wealth of dynamic leadership and proven success to our team,” said Brian Stone, CEO. “Her unparalleled skill in client success, analytical acumen and commitment to excellence ensures the type of strategic foresight that drives both strong growth and client satisfaction.”
Chuck E. Cheese tests first-ever family membership program
Chuck E. Cheese, the No. 1 global family entertainment fun center, is launching its first-ever membership program exclusively to families in San Diego, with a rollout to additional markets this year. The program, available in three tiers, comes after the popularity of the brand’s summer fun passes over the last three years, creating an easy and affordable way for families to enjoy Chuck E. Cheese all year long. The company also announced upgrades to the San Diego center.
Limmi appoints Dr. John Moody to its advisory board
Carlsbad-based Limmi, an AI startup, announced that Dr. John Moody, an expert in machine learning and artificial intelligence applications, has joined the company’s newly formed advisory board. Moody currently serves as the director of operations research and principal algorithms architect for Viasat, a leading global satellite communications provider. He has previously led software development in financial services and market analysis.
Classic Collision locations get access to Mitchell Cloud Estimating
San Diego-based Mitchell International, a leading technology and information provider for the property and casualty claims and collision repair industries, and Classic Collision LLC, one of the top four largest MSOs in the nation, announced that they have signed an agreement that gives all current and future Classic Collision locations access to Mitchell Cloud Estimating with Integrated Repair Procedures.
Avidity Biosciences announces oversubscribed $400 million private placement
Avidity Biosciences Inc., a biopharmaceutical company committed to delivering a new class of RNA therapeutics called Antibody Oligonucleotide Conjugates, announced that it has agreed to sell 15,224,773 shares of its common stock at a price of $16.50 per share and pre-funded warrants to purchase 9,030,851 shares of its common stock at a price per pre-funded warrant of $16.4990 to a select group of institutional and accredited health care specialist investors in an oversubscribed private placement.
Water agencies explore innovative deal for drought-proof water
The San Diego County Water Authority and the Moulton Niguel Water District are exploring a potential transfer of drought-resilient water supplies to South Orange County, according to a Memorandum of Understanding signed by both agencies. The MOU creates a three-year window for discussions expected to center on the Water Authority transferring water – including supplies from the Claude “Bud” Lewis Carlsbad Desalination Plant – to Moulton Niguel. The district serves more than 170,000 customers from Laguna Niguel to San Juan Capistrano.
