Daily Business Report: May 17, 2024
Gig companies spent $200 million to write their own
labor law. The state Supreme Court could throw it out
By Levi Sumagaysay | CalMatters
The California Supreme Court will hear oral arguments next Tuesday in a case that could change the fate of more than 1 million gig workers in the state — and perhaps the way we hail rides, order takeout or get groceries delivered.
Four years ago, voters approved Proposition 22, a ballot measure sponsored by Uber, Lyft, DoorDash and Instacart that allowed the companies to continue to treat their ride-hailing drivers and delivery workers as independent contractors. Prop. 22 was the industry’s response to Assembly Bill 5, a state law that codified a state Supreme Court decision that would have required the companies to classify those workers as employees.
Treating gig workers as independent contractors is central to the business model of the California-based companies, the middlemen that gave rise to the on-demand, app-based gig economy that has permeated our culture. The companies are fighting to hang on to that model, saying it helps them provide gig workers with flexible schedules. Critics say it lets the companies avoid paying employment taxes and shift financial responsibility to their workers and customers, plus governments.
In 2021, a Superior Court judge invalidated Prop. 22, saying it limits the Legislature’s constitutional power to create and enforce a complete workers’ compensation system because it declares gig workers independent contractors ineligible for the benefit. While the state Supreme Court will be considering this narrow issue, because of a clause in the initiative, it’s possible the whole law will be thrown out because of it.
The gig companies appealed the judge’s decision, and a state appeals court ruled 2 to 1 in their favor last year. SEIU California then appealed that decision, and the state’s highest court agreed to hear the case.
Top Photo: Uber, Lyft and DoorDash drivers strike during what they called a “National Day of Action” to ask for fair pay and treatment from the gig companies, in Los Angeles on Feb. 14, 2024. (Photo by Mike Blake, Reuters)
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Alex Denis hired as chief procurement officer for North County Transit District
North County Transit District (NCTD, The District) has hired Alex Denis to serve as the agency’s chief procurement officer. In this role, he will be responsible for the district’s procurement and contract management across all departments.
This position will also help streamline and create new policies to ensure The District’s regulatory compliance at the state and federal levels.
Denis most recently served as chief procurement officer for the City of Miami Beach, Fla. where he led all procurement-related contracting, contract compliance and supplier initiatives for the world-renowned destination city. He has worked for over 25 years in public procurement management, including more than 15 years with senior-level leadership experience.
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USD to break ground on $14.5 million upgrade to USD Softball Complex
The University of San Diego athletic department has announced the groundbreaking of a $14.5 million project to upgrade the USD Softball Complex. The $14.5 million project, made possible in part by a lead gift from an anonymous donor, will revamp all facets of the softball facility. The USD Softball Complex will feature a cutting-edge Dura Edge Collegiate infield and an artificial turf outfield. Additionally, the project includes the installation of modern bullpens, dugouts, press box area, concourse, concession areas, and restrooms.
An integral component of the upgrade is the construction of a state-of-the-art team building spanning approximately 4,500 square feet. This facility will accommodate a new team locker room, sports medicine facility, equipment room, coaches’ offices, and a team lounge designed to facilitate film review sessions, team meals, studying, community events and more.
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UC San Diego-led science teams selected as finalists for NASA science missions
By Lauren Fimbres Wood | UC San Diego
Two teams led by scientists from UC San Diego’s Scripps Institution of Oceanography are among four selected by NASA to put forward concept studies for future satellite missions to help better understand how our planet is responding to climate change.
The proposals are part of NASA’s new Earth System Explorers Program that conducts satellite-based science missions designed to enable Earth system research. The call for proposals for this initiative sought missions that would advance understanding of climate change factors such as greenhouse gases, the ozone layer, ocean surface currents, and changes in ice and glaciers around the world.
The two UC San Diego-led teams are helmed by Scripps glaciologist Helen Amanda Fricker and Scripps physical oceanographer Sarah Gille, who have both been involved in prior NASA satellite missions. As finalists, their teams will each receive $5 million to conduct a one-year mission concept study. After the study period, NASA will choose two proposals for satellites to launch in 2030 and 2032, with a budget of $310 million for each chosen investigation.
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New copper-catalyzed C-H activation strategy from Scripps Research
Inspired by what human liver enzymes can do, Scripps Research chemists have developed a new set of copper-catalyzed organic synthesis reactions for building and modifying pharmaceuticals and other molecules. The new reactions are expected to be widely used in drug discovery and optimization, as well as in other chemistry-based industries.
In their study, which initially published in an unedited version on March 28, 2024, in Nature, the chemists showed that their new methods can be used to perform two modifications—called dehydrogenations and lactonizations—on a broad class of inexpensive starting compounds. The reactions require only a simple copper-based catalyst, whereas related reactions typically require much more cumbersome and expensive methods—though this specific type of reaction was previously inaccessible by any organic synthesis method
The study’s first authors were postdoctoral research associate Shupeng Zhou, and doctoral student Annabel Zhang, both of the Yu lab during the study.
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Regulus Therapeutics promotes Rekha Garg to chief medical officer
Regulus Therapeutics Inc., a biopharmaceutical company focused on the discovery and development of innovative medicines targeting microRNAs, announced the promotion of Rekha Garg, M.D., to chief medical officer effective May 16, 2024. Dr. Garg previously served as the company’s senior vice president, clinical development and regulatory. Dr. Garg is a physician executive with over 20 years of experience in leadership roles in the biopharma industry.
Housecall Pro introduces AI Team offering
Housecall Pro, a leading cloud-based software solution helping home service pros manage and grow their businesses, announced the availability of the AI Team within its platform. By leveraging artificial intelligence, the AI Team unlocks unprecedented efficiency and growth potential for businesses of all sizes, reimagining the way pros operate and thrive in today’s competitive home service industry. With the introduction of the AI Team, Housecall Pro users will be able to “hire” AI-enabled specialist roles.
Oncolytics Biotec announces results from general meeting of shareholders
Oncolytics Biotech Inc., a leading clinical-stage company specializing in immunotherapy for oncology, announced the voting results from its annual general meeting of shareholders. A total of 41.34 percent of the issued and outstanding common shares of the corporation were represented either in person or by proxy at the meeting. On a vote by ballot, the eight nominees proposed by the corporation were elected as directors. Read more
Registration opens for 2024 Procede Software Conference Sept. 16-18
Procede Software, a leading heavy-duty commercial vehicle dealer management system and solutions provider, announced the opening of registration for the 2024 Procede Software Conference slated for Sept. 16-18 at The Westin San Diego Gaslamp Quarter. The anticipated user conference will kick off with an opening night reception, followed by two full days packed with keynote presentations, product launches, in-depth breakout sessions, and exclusive special events.
PenFed Credit Union and San Diego Wave partner on $10,000 giveaway
PenFed Credit Union, the nation’s second-largest federal credit union, and the San Diego Wave FC have partnered to give away an exclusive VIP Fan experience including a team-signed jersey, pre-game pitch walk with San Diego Wave FC President Jill Ellis and a $10,000cash prize. Fans are encouraged fill out the form here and submit their entries by midnight June 30, 2024. PenFed will once again serve as this year’s presenting partner of the Wave’s Military Appreciation Night on Sunday, Sept. 1.
Provisio Medical announces completion of first commercial clinical case
Provisio Medical, Inc., pioneers of Sonic Lumen Tomography (SLT) technology to provide real-time blood vessel measurements during vascular interventions, announced the completion of the first commercial clinical cases utilizing the Provisio SLT IVUS System. Peter Schneider, M.D., a member of the Provisio Medical Physician Advisory Board, commented “We now have a catheter-based method of real-time vascular assessment that could improve upon our unique reliance on arteriographic imaging.”
Barbachano International achieves top ranking
in Forbes’ America’s Best Executive Search Firms
Barbachano International has surged to the forefront of America’s elite executive search firms, ranking in a remarkable accomplishment akin to industry giants. Forbes recognized BIP as one of the top ten firms, placing #10 among America’s Best Executive Search Firms in 2024, solidifying its position among the industry’s elite. BIP has gone from No. 19 to No. 9 in Forbes’ category of Best Professional Recruiting Firms in 2024.
North Island Credit Union launches voice authentication service
North Island Credit Union announced that it has launched VoiceID, a new technology solution enabling its members to verify their identity through their voice when calling the credit union. Through VoiceID, the unique characteristics of each individual’s voice are used to confirm their identity, allowing immediate access to accounts without the need to enter passwords or answer security questions. Beyond adding more convenience for members, the service further secures member accounts. Like a fingerprint, each individual’s “voiceprint” is unique and virtually impossible to replicate.
Olympus to present its emphysema screening program at San Diego conference
Olympus, a global medical technology company committed to making people’s lives healthier, safer and more fulfilling, announced that it will highlight its algorithm-powered emphysema screening program along with two exciting bronchoscopes compatible with the EVIS X1 endoscopy system as part of the Olympus Hybrid Bronchoscopy Solution during the annual American Thoracic Society meeting May 17-22 in San Diego.
FASHIONPHILE partners with Emma Roberts for 25th anniversary brand campaign
FASHIONPHILE, the leading resale e-commerce platform in pre-owned, ultra-luxury accessories, announced its first celebrity partnership with Emma Roberts. The actress appears in FASHIONPHILE’s latest brand campaign as part of the company’s 25th anniversary and also curated a collection of her favorite pre-loved, ultra-luxury accessories to shop on Fashionphile.com. As part of her role, Roberts also curated a special collection of pre-owned, ultra-luxury accessories exclusively for FASHIONPHILE.
DSD Business Systems acquires Emerald TC and Acumatica VAR
DSD Business Systems, an award-winning business technology firm celebrating 40 years of service, support and development, announce its acquisition of Emerald TC, a top Sage and Acumatica VAR known for its exceptional service and ERP expertise. This acquisition marks a significant milestone, merging two companies renowned for their dedication to enhancing client experiences and services in the industry. Emerald TC has built a stellar reputation over the past 20 years as a trusted business adviser, delivering customized Sage and Acumatica Cloud ERP solutions to help businesses optimize their operations.
Kutzler Express partners with Netradyne to improve driver safety
Netradyne, a leading provider of AI-powered fleet safety solutions, announced the success of its customer Kutzler Express, a YMX Logistics company. A pioneering provider of yard logistics, spotting, shuttling, and on-demand dedicated transportation services since 1929, the Kutzler Express team has showcased outstanding achievements since the start of its partnership in 2023. Through this collaboration, Kutzler has leveraged Netradyne’s dual-facing safety cameras and advanced driver-coaching technology to enhance safety, operational efficiency, and accountability.
