Daily Business Report: Aug. 15, 2023
Researchers awarded $2 million to visualize
human brain’s magnetic activity
By Xochitl Rojas-Rocha | UC San Diego
The National Institutes of Health (NIH) has awarded $2 million to a UC San Diego research center at the Qualcomm Institute (QI) for the purchase of a new, non-invasive magnetoencephalography (MEG) system to study the magnetic fields of the human brain. The research has applications for disorders such as epilepsy, brain tumors, concussions, schizophrenia, post-traumatic stress disorder, autism spectrum disorder and Alzheimer’s disease.
Roland Lee, M.D., director of the MEG Center at QI, and Mingxiong Huang, center co-director, will use the funds to secure a state-of-the-art MEG machine that can help researchers visualize the brain’s activity by measuring the magnetic fields generated by electrical currents from brain cells (neurons) as they fire in real-time. The MEG can aid scientists and physicians in pinpointing seizure sites, mapping brain function ahead of surgery and developing imaging markers for aiding in the diagnosis of brain disorders.
Photo: MEG Center co-director Mingxiong Huang works with a research participant connected to a magnetoencephalography (MEG) machine. Photo by Kevin Walsh.
Climate change is impacting the ocean’s top fish predators
By Susanne Clara Bard | SDSU
New research published in Science Advances shows climate change is causing widespread habitat loss for some of the ocean’s top fish predators, driving these species northward. The shift is expected to significantly impact the food web, fisheries and coastal communities.
“Climate change is expected to cause the status quo for where these species are and how they live to fundamentally change,” said lead author Camrin Braun, an assistant scientist and marine ecologist at the Woods Hole Oceanographic Institution (WHOI).
The research was led by WHOI, with collaboration from San Diego State University, the National Oceanic and Atmospheric Administration (NOAA), and several other U.S. institutions.
The researchers studied 12 large fish species — including several types of sharks, tuna and billfish — inhabiting the waters of the Northwest Atlantic coast from Haiti to the Maritime provinces of Canada, as well as the Gulf of Mexico, areas undergoing rapid changes in sea surface temperatures.
Mildred García named 11th chancellor of California State University
By Hannah Ly | The Daily Aztec
The California State University Board of Trustees has appointed Mildred García as its 11th chancellor, overseeing the nation’s largest four-year university system.
García will succeed Interim Chancellor Jolene Koester, who has been leading the system since May 2022.
This transition follows the resignation of former Chancellor Joseph I. Castro, who stepped down amid allegations of mishandling sexual harassment complaints against an administrator during his presidency at Fresno State University in February.
As the first Latina chancellor in the CSU’s 62-year history, García is tasked with a system confronting a massive budget shortfall of more than $1 billion and a proposed tuition hike.
Since 2018, García has served as the president of the American Association of State Colleges and Universities. She also previously served as the president of both CSU Fullerton and Dominguez Hills.
Emergency Preparedness Resource Fair set for Aug. 19
Community members can learn ways to prepare for an emergency like a fire or earthquake at a resource fair and panel discussion Saturday, Aug. 19 at 12:30 p.m. at the Ramona Library (1275 Main Street). The free event is hosted by the County’s Live Well San Diego Rural Communities Sector. It will bring together county emergency preparedness experts from the Sheriff’s Department, County Fire and Public Health Services.
The panel discussion will begin at 1 p.m. with information about how to prepare now before an emergency hits, and the types of disasters to prepare for, especially in the county’s rural areas. Other topics will include how to stay safe and healthy during an evacuation, the importance of an evacuation route, how to make an emergency preparedness kit and ways to stay connected to up-to-date information from the County during an emergency.
Spanish interpretation will be available at the event. People who cannot attend the panel discussion in person can register to join via Zoom.
Families also can pick up free emergency gift bags, while supplies last by visiting at least 10 booths.
California water agency under investigation
for discriminating against tribes, people of color
By Rachel Becker | CalMatters
The Biden administration’s environmental justice office is investigating whether California’s water agency has discriminated against Native Americans and other people of color by failing to protect the water quality of San Francisco Bay and the Sacramento-San Joaquin Delta.
The U.S. Environmental Protection Agency’s investigation was triggered by a complaint filed by tribes and environmental justice organizations that says the the state Water Resources Control Board for over a decade “has failed to uphold its statutory duty” to review and update water quality standards in the Bay-Delta.
“It’s pretty bad when California Indians have to file a complaint with the Federal Government so that the State doesn’t violate our civil rights,” Gary Mulcahy, government liaison for the Winnemem Wintu Tribe, said in a statement.
Hospital partners to provide elevated breastfeeding support to communities
Swehl, the company aiming to revolutionize the breastfeeding experience, announced a new partnership to honor National Breastfeeding Month with Palomar Health and Palomar Health Foundation in San Diego County, the leading hospital for maternity care. Beginning the month of August, the partners will together provide elevated breastfeeding support to local communities by providing a free Swehl Latch Kit ($99), which includes eight all-inclusive tools to support breastfeeding, and unlimited access to educational video content to delivering mothers.
Construction progressing for future home of San Diego Sockers
The steel superstructure has been completed and construction is kicking into high gear for the Frontwave Arena, an indoor sports complex some say will be the “crown jewel” of Oceanside’s El Corazon Park.
Builders held a “topping out” ceremony Aug. 4 and signed a metal rafter placed 47 feet above the main concourse and almost 80 feet above the floor of the bowl where the San Diego Sockers professional soccer team will play its home games.
“We hope to have it enclosed by October to avoid the rains,” said Dan Moreno, a senior superintendent for Level 10 Construction. “There’s a lot of detail work now … the superstructure was the easy part.”
$9 million San Elijo Activity Hub Park & Ride unveiled
Caltrans, the San Diego Association of Governments (SANDAG), and the Nature Collective joined local elected officials and community members last week to unveil the $9 million San Elijo Activity Hub Park & Ride in the city of Encinitas. The park and ride is part of the $987 million Build NCC project that includes $195 million from Senate Bill (SB) 1, the Road Repair and Accountability Act of 2017; approximately $141 million in TransNet funding — the voter-approved half-cent sales tax administered by SANDAG; and $543 million in federal funds.
Ramen Nagi opens fifth U.S. location at Westfield UTC
Internationally-renowned Japanese ramen brand Ramen Nagi has opened its fifth U.S. location at Westfield UTC in La Jolla. Led by Master Ramen Chef Satoshi Ikuta, a maestro in the art of ramen, this new location marks Ramen Nagi’s first San Diego location, signifying the next step in its international expansion – joining its roster of existing spots in Los Angeles (Century City), Arcadia, Palo Alto, and Santa Clara.
Researchers discover mechanism on HIV drug resistance
Salk Institute researchers, in collaboration with the National Institutes of Health, have discovered the molecular mechanisms by which the human immunodeficiency virus (HIV) becomes resistant to Dolutegravir, one of the most effective, clinically used antiviral drugs for treating HIV. The new study, published July 21 in Science Advances, reveals how changes to the 3D structures of integrase, an HIV protein, can lead to Dolutegravir resistance and how other compounds may be able to overcome this resistance.
New board members announced for San Diego
Regional Policy & Innovation Center
The San Diego Regional Policy & Innovation Center, a nonprofit dedicated to helping solve the region’s biggest problems, announced the addition of former U.S. Congressperson Susan A. Davis and longtime community leader Michel Anderson to its board of directors. Ben Haddad has assumed the role of board chair, replacing P. Kay Coleman, president and CEO of Del Mar Venture Group, who will continue to serve as PIC’s chair emeritus.
SANDAG refinances revenue bonds
SANDAG, serving as the San Diego County Regional Transportation Commission, successfully refinanced $433,355,000 in sales tax revenue in its role as the San Diego Regional Transportation Commission. This transaction provides significant savings to the region and taxpayers. In 2004, San Diego County voters approved a TransNet extension which began in 2008 and is set to continue for 40 years until 2048. The Ordinance and Expenditure Plan for the TransNet Extension includes funding for additional major highway, transit, and local street and road projects, as well as environmental mitigation, smart growth incentives, bicycle and pedestrian facilities, and related programs.
Water bill increase generates substantial opposition
San Diego Mayor Todd Gloria joined with regional agriculture, business, water and elected leaders recently to oppose a potential $200 million water bill increase for ratepayers across San Diego County. “The proposed action will have significant, long-term economic impacts to most households in San Diego County. Nearly every family and business will see an increase in their water rates,” Gloria said. “The cost of living is a continuous struggle for many San Diegans and these proposed rate increases are unacceptable.”
San Diego Foundation awards $4 million in scholarships
San Diego Foundation announced it has awarded a record-breaking $4 million in scholarships to more than 1,000 local college students to expand access and opportunity to students, many of whom are the first in their families to attend college and from low-middle income communities historically under-represented in higher education. Applications were submitted by more than 3,000 local high school, community college, graduate and adult re-entry students studying a variety of subjects.
Nautical Bowls arrives in Pacific Beach
Pacific Beach residents Brian and Michelle Gibbs have brought Nautical Bowls, a Minnesota-based açaí concept, to 855 Garnet Ave. Nautical Bowls values a healthy and active lifestyle and uses ingredients that are all-natural, gluten-free, dairy-free, soy-free, plant-based, and packed with essential vitamins and nutrients. The Gibbs hopped on board this growing franchise concept with the goal of bringing these one-of-a-kind bowls to PB. Nautical Bowls aims to promote an active and healthy lifestyle for guests. This is why the restaurant’s menu stands out with high-quality ingredients that not only taste good, but are also designed to help fuel your life and give you the energy needed to thrive.
Keith Fisher joins Meals on Wheels as chief operating officer
Meals on Wheels San Diego County, a leading organization dedicated to providing nutritious meals and vital support to seniors in need, has announced the appointment of Keith Fisher as its chief operating officer. Fisher started in his new role on June 12. As COO, Fisher will oversee all operational aspects of Meals on Wheels San Diego County during a unique and exciting post-pandemic period of growth and opportunity. Fisher’s leadership and expertise will be instrumental in furthering the organization’s mission to combat senior hunger, isolation, and neglect.
Registration open for improv workshop
Registration is now open for a six-week improv workshop and live performance, July 18-Aug. 26, being offered through Point Loma Playhouse. The workshop is being taught by award-winning actor/director Sean Mulvihill. This is an all-levels class, for beginning to advanced improvisers. The improv course will explore the primary tools for creating improvised scenes and developing the why of the scene and to reinforce the basic concepts of improv. The course will wrap with a live performance on stage at the Point Loma Playhouse.
