Daily Business Report: Dec. 9, 2024
La Jollans are trying to divorce San Diego (again)
Since the 1950s San Diegans living in the La Jolla neighborhood have been uncomfortable with their semi-separate status. What they’ve really wanted is to be independent. Every effort thus far has failed – will the latest one be any different?
By Jakob McWhinney | Voice of San Diego
The neighborhood of La Jolla has always seen itself as separate from the rest of the city; a beachfront hideaway for Southern California’s cloistered elite. But it’s not necessarily the neighborhood’s fault. The world also entertains the fantasy.
Announcers for the yearly Farmers Insurance Open golf tournament have repeatedly welcomed viewers to La Jolla, California. Recipients of The Nobel Prize are frequently described as working at La Jolla’s UC San Diego – an unsurprising oversight for a committee that awards no prize in geography. But the geographic-minded United States Postal Service isn’t any better. USPS advises mail sent to the 92037 ZIP code be addressed to “La Jolla.”
But the Nobel Prizes, the Farmers Insurance Open, the receipt of letters, all of it occurs in San Diego. Not La Jolla. Because the city of La Jolla does not exist. Despite its special treatment, the neighborhood is no different from City Heights, Ocean Beach or Tierrasanta.
That fact hasn’t sat well with many in the wealthy enclave, who have for more than 70 years pushed for an independent La Jolla. At the root of the schism lies both tangible infrastructure complaints and a more vibes-based sense that the neighborhood is just different. Now, that secession movement has reawakened – and advocates are taking more concrete steps than ever before to make the split stick.
The Association for the City of La Jolla
It’s far from the first time San Diegans living in the La Jolla neighborhood have tried to go their own way. Secession attempts date back to the 1950s and every generation seems to get a flareup of the independence itch.
In the 1950s the group leading the charge was Independent La Jolla, in the 1960s it was La Jolla Inc., in the 1990s it was Incorporate La Jolla and in the 2000s it was Independent La Jolla once again. Now, it’s the Association for the City of La Jolla.
Though the names have changed, secession has always seemed unlikely.
For one, cities rarely give territory up. With extra land comes extra tax dollars from the homes that sit atop it.
It’s also telling that those in political power have largely stayed mum about the effort. Take Councilmember Joe LaCava. He lives in the La Jolla neighborhood and represents it on the San Diego City Council. If La Jolla seceded, LaCava could no longer serve on the City Council.
You’d think someone whose political career is in jeopardy should the neighborhood secede would have an opinion. But when I asked LaCava’s staff about his thoughts, they declined to comment, saying only that he had not taken a position.
2024 State of Hunger: 1 in 4 San Diegans
experiencing hunger insecurity
By Drew Sutton | sdnews.com
At the sixth annual State of Hunger, experts claimed one in four San Diegans are experiencing hunger insecurity, meaning they cannot afford three nutritious meals per day. The San Diego Hunger Coalition (SDHC) holds the event each year, sharing data on the region with people who work in the hunger relief sector.
According to their research, hunger has been rising for the past two years, after San Diego had the lowest rates ever of nutrition insecurity, dipping to 22%, in 2022 amid pandemic-era assistance programs. As those programs expired, hunger has steadily risen but is still lower than the all-time high of 34% in 2013. Whether that upward trend continues depends greatly on the renewal of the omnibus Farm Bill by the end of the year, which funds nutrition programs like SNAP/EBT. An extension of the 2018 Act is set to expire by the end of the year. The Senate is considering a new five-year act although could add another one- or two-year extension if an agreement is not reached before the legislative session ends in a few weeks.
The 2024 Annual State of Hunger Issue Brief is put together with input from the advisory committee Hunger Free San Diego, made up of local agencies. By number of meals, San Diegans are receiving the most food assistance from CalFresh, school meals, food banks then WIC.
During a panel at the State of Hunger, Bob Kamensky, the CEO of Feeding San Diego which organizes the network of food banks in the county, noted they are currently seeing higher demand than in the second week of the pandemic in 2020. SDHC’s research manager, Joseph Kendrick, said local meal distributions are overburdened. “We believe CalFresh is the best way to eliminate the meal gap.” Currently, there are 200,000 people in San Diego eligible for CalFresh benefits who are not enrolled.
Florida Cancer Specialists & Research Institute
to present at ASH annual meeting in San Diego
Florida Cancer Specialists & Research Institute, LLC (FCS) is contributing to breakthroughs in the treatment of blood cancers and disorders through its extensive early-phase clinical research program. Research conducted with FCS participation was selected for presentation at the American Society of Hematology (ASH) Annual Meeting and Exposition in San Diego (Dec. 7-10) The gathering, regarded as the world’s largest and most comprehensive hematology event of the year, brings together top researchers and clinicians on the forefront of advancing knowledge and improving patient care.
BSD Builders advanced Microgrid Solutions receives Seismic Certification
BSD Builders Inc. announced it has received seismic certification from California’s OSHPD/HCAi for its state-of-the-art Microgrid Solutions. Developed in partnership with 2G Energy Inc., the BSD Special Seismically Certified (SSC) Microgrid product is set to revolutionize energy resilience and efficiency for all types of buildings.
BSD Builder Inc.’s microgrid provides reliable and efficient power, especially during power loss or natural disaster.
Alaska Airlines the official airline
of Coachella and Stagecoach Festivals
Alaska Airlines is your ticket to good vibes with the most flights to Palm Springs, one of the closest airports to Indio, California—home to both music festivals. Coachella returns on April 11-13 and 18-20 followed by the ultimate country music party at Stagecoach on April 25-27-– explore the recently announced lineups now.
Precision Diagnostics launches VerifID
San Diego-based Precision Diagnostics, a leader in innovative diagnostic solutions, announces the launch of VerifID, a groundbreaking solution that redefines sample authentication. VerifID introduces a seamless and innovative approach to drug testing by eliminating the need for observed sample collection while maintaining unparalleled reliability and accuracy. This solution empowers healthcare providers to focus on patient care without compromising on data integrity.
To learn more about VerifID, visit precisiondxlab.com/verifid.
Five ʻalalā raised by San Diego Zoo Wildlife
Alliance released on Maui for the first time
Five ʻalalā, also called the Hawaiian crow, have entered the forests of Maui for the first time. The birds were hatched and prepared for release under the care of San Diego Zoo Wildlife Alliance at Keauhou Bird Conservation Center in Volcano and Maui Bird Conservation Center in Makawao. The release of ʻalalā on Maui is a significant milestone in a longstanding conservation program underway for the purpose of returning this intelligent and charismatic species to its forest home.
Robles BioCeutics appoints stem cell developer as chief scientific officer
Robles BioCeutics, a science-driven regenerative dermatology company, announced the appointment of Jorge Genovese, MD, as its chief scientific officer. Genovese will oversee the company’s scientific and clinical translation initiatives, driving innovation and expanding Robles BioCeutics’ intellectual property portfolio, managed by Knobbe Martens. Genovese obtained his MD and Ph.D. from Buenos Aires University. A prominent figure in tissue engineering and regenerative medicine, he has held key roles as Principal Investigator at the McGowan Institute for Regenerative Medicine.
DSD Business Systems acquires the IN-SYNCH integration platform
DSD Business Systems, a leading provider of ERP solutions and Sage 100 Enhancements, announced the acquisition of the IN-SYNCH integration platform from ROI Inc. This strategic acquisition marks a significant milestone for DSD, expanding its robust portfolio of software solutions and reinforcing its commitment to delivering cutting-edge technology for the Sage 100 community.The IN-SYNCH product line will operate as a distinct division within the DSD Technology business unit, alongside the DSD Development division, which offers over 500 Sage 100 enhancements and custom programming.
KGTV ABC 10 News in San Diego
wins National Press Foundation award
For its yearlong reporting series on dementia care in the U.S., KGTV ABC 10News, the San Diego station owned by The E.W. Scripps Company, has won the National Press Foundation’s 2024 AARP Award for Excellence in Journalism on Aging. For “Cost of Care“, KGTV Executive Reporter Adam Racusin and team spent more than a year highlighting the financial toll of dementia care in the U.S. and its emotional effect on family members who become caretakers. For “Cost of Care,” KGTV Executive Reporter Adam Racusin and team spent more than a year highlighting the financial toll of dementia care in the U.S. and its emotional effect on family members who become caretakers.
