What’s Inside: Incoming Life Science Development in University City Nears Approval; Company Health Insurance Options; Incubator Space Available; Pro Housing Policies Advance; Events; and more.

Advocacy & Public Policy

Life Science Development in University City Nears Approval 
On July 24, San Diego City Council gave final approval to BioMed Realty’s Towne Centre View. The project at the terminus of Towne Centre Drive in UTC plans to develop 1 million square feet and produce 3,000 jobs. Biocom California’s Facilities Committee voted to lend our support and our staff was on hand to speak in favor of the project, which passed unanimously. 

San Diego Planning Commission Advances Pro-Housing Policies 
The San Diego Planning Commission voted unanimously to advance ten pro-housing policies to the city council in an effort to make housing more available to people of all incomes. While some policies include incentives to house certain populations, the commission chose to withhold support for SB 10 at this time. The policies will now move on to the Land Use and Housing Committee on September 21, before going to city council for consideration. 

Supervisorial District 4 Special Primary Election 
August 15 was the final day for District 4 residents to vote in the special primary election for San Diego County Board of Supervisors. The election will fill the seat left vacant by Nathan Fletcher in May. Democratic Councilmember Monica Montgomery Steppe and Republican Amy Reichert will advance to the run-off election in November, having received 42% and 29% of the votes, respectively.

Additional News:

Capital Development

1:1 Meeting with Daiichi-Sankyo
Don’t forget to apply for a 1:1 meeting with Daiichi-Sankyo to explore potential partnerships. Daiichi-Sankyo is looking to collaborate with life science companies in oncology, specialty medicine, AI drug discovery platforms, and more. Click here for more information. This event will take place in the Bay Area in November, and selected companies must be physically present. 

Talent & Workforce

Become a Mentor with Generation STEAM 
Generation STEAM is gearing up for our Fall 2023 Mentorship Program and seeking individuals who are interested in making a difference in the lives of high school students. As a mentor, you can help students develop career-relevant skills and will have the unique opportunity to engage with highly motivated students eager to learn from the best in the industry. This five-week program requires mentors to meet with a small group of students once a week virtually from October 6 to October 27, and in person (optional) on November 3. Apply to become a mentor today, or reach out to Dolores Flores to learn more.

Recap of Girls Who Lead: Summer Camp with Generation STEAM
Earlier this month, Generation STEAM welcomed over 40 high school girls from across Southern California to their Girls Who Lead STEAM Summer Camp. This week-long event featured site tours, hands-on learning activities and invaluable career connections. Students visited companies throughout San Diego, including several Biocom California members: Thermo Fisher Scientific, Qualcomm, Illumina, ROSALIND, Mirati Therapeutics, Avidity Biosciences and Belharra Therapeutics. The site visits gave students an enriching glimpse into the dynamic world of science, technology, engineering, arts, and math (STEAM). The program was made possible thanks to additional funding and support from our partners: Bristol Myers Squibb, Hologic, Mapp Biopharmaceutical and Vertex Foundation. To learn more about Generation STEAM’s upcoming engagement opportunities, reach out to Annie Warner. 

Illumina Genomics Discovery Summer Experience
More than 120 high school students were invited to the Illumina Genomic Discoveries (IGD) Summer Experience from July 17-20, sponsored by Contra Costa County Office of Education. Students dove into the field of genomics, DNA sequencing technology and protocols, and bioinformatic practices. They explored careers within the field of genomics and participated in a career panel with Illumina employees. Upon completion of all the activities and assignments, students earned an IGD Summer Experience Certificate of Completion. Congratulations to all the students who received their certificates, and thank you to the credentialed educators and Illumina employees who participated. 

Elevate Future Leaders: Join Biocom Institute as a Mentor
Biocom California Institute is seeking mentors for the Life Science Young Leaders, Veterans In Life Sciences, and NOVAWorks Fellowship programs. By becoming a mentor, you’ll have the opportunity to help one of our program participants take the next step in their career. Mentors will guide their fellow through the life science sector, introduce them to the wide range of career opportunities available in the industry, and help them capitalize on their unique and valuable skillset. All mentors will receive support and training prior to mentoring. Contact Paulina Fonville for more information or click here to sign up.

Savings & Purchasing Group

Statewide Summer Showcase Enables Our Members’ Business
Last month, Biocom California was thrilled to welcome our highest-ever turnout of members, suppliers, and life science professionals from across the state to our Open House & Supplier Showcase event series. Attendees were able to network amongst our expansive California life science community while learning to lower their operational costs through best-in-class supplier programs. Thank you to everyone who attended!  

Unparalleled Health Offerings For the Life Science Industry
Enrollment season is approaching, and Biocom California is proud to highlight two unique providers available only within our ecosystem: Beyond Benefits and FUSE Life Science. Both are specific to the life science industry; providing rich employee benefits and value-add services as a platinum-level program with Anthem. If you are evaluating options for next year’s health insurance benefits, reach out and we can help connect you with the Marsh McLennan Agency.

Member Feature

Incubator Lab Space Available in Riverside
One of the unique resources for entrepreneurs in Riverside and San Bernardino Counties is the UC Riverside Life Sciences Incubator, located in the heart of the UCR campus. It is already home to a dozen companies from our region who set up their research there to gain access to the $2 million of high-tech chemistry, biology and nanotech instrumentation available to tenants, as well as the rich entrepreneurial programming and technology core services of the university. The incubator lab is ideal for young start-ups looking to grow their research and development efforts in a fully equipped space. Click here to learn more and download a detailed flyer listing the space and equipment availability. For additional questions, please reach out to the lab manager, Maricela Argueta. 

Community & Events

Sept 7 | From Laboratory To Leadership | Virtual 
Sept 12 | DEI and Supplier Diversity Webinar | Virtual
Sept 20 | CEO Networking Reception | San Diego
Sept 25 | Veterans Charity Golf Tournament | San Diego
Sept 26 | Let’s Talk About: Practical AI Adoption In Clinical Trials | San Diego
Sept 27 | HR Conference For Life Science | San Diego
 

What’s Inside: DTx Pharma Acquired by Novartis for $500M; Homeless Encampment Ban Ordinance Update; Life Science Mentors Needed; Candidates for District 4 Discuss Key Issues; Participate in Our Innov8Ed Program; Upcoming Events; and more.

We hope all of our members are gearing up for a safe & healthy holiday weekend. See below for some of the latest news, trends, and resources surrounding the San Diego life science industry. As always, if you have company news or information you’d like included, please get in touch.

Advocacy & Public Policy

City Water Rate Increases Will Be Higher than Anticipated 
On June 21, San Diego city water officials told City Council that they must raise water rates more than previously announced—19.8 percent instead of 17.6 percent. The updated proposal is scheduled to be heard at Council on September 19; officials didn’t provide estimates of the impact on monthly bills for business customers. They said rate increases are needed to pay for upgrades to customer service, infrastructure maintenance, and capital projects such as Pure Water. Fallbrook and Rainbow water districts’ approval to leave the San Diego County Water Authority could also have a future impact on water rates.  

District 4 Candidates Discuss Key Issues for San Diego Voters
During a forum in City Heights, candidates for San Diego County Board of Supervisors District 4 discussed housing, climate change, and the homelessness crisis, among other key issues. The four candidates, Janessa Goldbeck, Paul McQuigg, Monica Montgomery Steppe, and Amy Reichert are on a special election ballot due on August 15. The candidates offered different approaches to the problems, such as increasing resources and services, examining budgeting, and pursuing affordable housing options. Ballot drop boxes are open now.  

Update on San Diego’s Homeless Encampment Ban Ordinance 
The ordinance, which bars camping in all public spaces when shelter is available and in certain locations, is officially set to take effect at the end of the month. Before enforcement can begin more details need to be ironed out, such as warning sign placements and officials identifying which parks and schools are covered by the ordinance. Multiple city departments are involved in enforcement, including the City Attorney’s office and the Police Department, which is causing some confusion about the roll-out. 

Additional News:  

Capital Development

Partnering Day with Daiichi-Sankyo
Join us for an exclusive event where Daiichi-Sankyo will connect with life science companies in oncology, specialty medicine, AI drug discovery platforms, and more. Don’t miss the opportunity to participate in 1:1 meetings, explore potential partnerships, and attend networking sessions. Click here for more information and apply by September 8 for 1:1 meetings. This event will take place in the Bay Area this November, and selected companies must be physically present. 

Talent & Workforce

Job Seeker Informational Session – Future Panelists Wanted
Biocom Institute in collaboration with the San Diego Workforce Partnership held a life science workforce informational session for job seekers in the San Diego region. Panelists shared their personal stories and insights on establishing a career in this sector. The webinar provided information from Biocom California member companies Illumina, Mirati Therapeutics, and Millennium Health on customizing resumes and interview tips specifically for life science positions. Thank you to our panelists Raj Patel, Jason Button, Chris Kunard, Jena Conner and Justin Stewart. If your company is interested in participating in these informational sessions, please contact Linda Ta.

Life Science Mentors Needed
Biocom California Institute is seeking mentors for the Life Science Young Leaders, Veterans in Life Sciences, and NOVAWorks Fellowship programs. By becoming a mentor, you’ll have the opportunity to help one of our program participants take the next step in their career. Mentors will guide their Fellow through the life science sector, introduce them to the wide range of career opportunities available in the industry, and help them capitalize on their unique and valuable skillset. All mentors will receive support and training prior to mentoring. To sign up, click here. If you have additional questions, please contact Paulina Fonville.

Life Science Innov8Ed Program
The new school year is approaching, providing more opportunities to engage with our region’s most underserved classrooms. As part of Generation STEAM’s Life Science Innov8Ed program, Biocom California member companies are invited to sit on in-classroom or virtual career panels, or host  company tours for student or educators. Want to learn more? Contact Silvana DelPiccolo to see how your company can get involved.

Apply to be a Generation STEAM Mentor
Generation STEAM’s Mentorship Program is looking for individuals who are interested in making a difference in the lives of high school students. Our hybrid program offers students the chance to connect with industry professionals, gaining invaluable advice and support they need to succeed in the STEAM industry. As a mentor, you can help students develop career-relevant practices and skills, such as honing elevator pitches, polishing resumes, securing prestigious internships, and working toward their goals. By volunteering to facilitate weekly sessions every Friday, you’ll have the unique opportunity to engage with highly motivated students eager to learn from the best in the industry. Don’t miss this incredible opportunity to help inspire and shape the next generation of STEAM professionals! This program is a five-week program that meets once a week virtually from October 6 – October 27 and in person on November 3. Apply to become a Generation STEAM mentor today.

Savings & Purchasing Group

UniFirst Facility Tour 
Our Purchasing Group Advisory Committee will host an exclusive tour of a Greater Los Angeles UniFirst Facility on August 10. This is the fourth in a series of facility tours across the state to provide professional development opportunities to members of the committee. If you are interested in learning more about attending the upcoming tour and/or taking part in the Purchasing Group Advisory Committee, email Melissa Lucas.

Community & Events

August 3 | San Diego Facilities & EH&S Committee Happy Hour | San Diego
September 7 | From Laboratory to Leadership | Virtual
September 20 | CEO Networking Reception | San Diego
November 2 | Biocom California CEO Summit | San Diego