What’s Inside: State of the City Address, Biotechgate Digital Partnering & more

On behalf of your San Diego team here at Biocom California, we hope your year is off to a great start. If you have news you would like included in future editions of this newsletter, or you have any questions for us, please get in touch.

Advocacy & Public Policy

Mayor Todd Gloria’s State of the City Address 
On January 12, Mayor Todd Gloria delivered his second annual State of the City address focusing on key issues for the coming year: chronic homelessness, housing shortages, and increasing infrastructure needs. Mayor Gloria discussed proposals to make infrastructure repairs throughout the city, strategies for permanent solutions to the homelessness crisis, and methods to ensure more housing is built. Gloria’s biggest announcement is that the city will opt into Senate Bill 10, allowing local governments to implement a streamlined zoning process for increasing residential density near mass transit. 

1 Million San Diegans Affected by Board of Supervisors Redistricting 
On January 12, the Independent Redistricting Commission (IRC) approved changes to the 2021 Redistricting Plan adjusting boundaries for the districts of the County of San Diego Board of Supervisors. In mid-January, new county districts went into effect resulting in about 30% of the county or 1 million San Diegans moving into a new district and having a different representative on the Board of Supervisors. Changes to San Diego City Council districts will take effect after the November election.

New Division at City of San Diego’s Development Services Department 
In early 2022, the City of San Diego’s Development Services Department (DSD) created a Telecom and Utility Division led by Manjit Singh as its Deputy Director. The new division will help speed up the deployment of broadband communications and emerging technologies equitably including the installation of wireless communications facilities and expansion of a fiber network. 

Capital Development

Biotechgate Digital Partnering
We are happy to invite our members to a free 5-day digital partnering event organized by our partner Biotechgate. Meet over 1,000 other participants representing biotech, pharma, medtech companies and investors. Our members get FREE exclusive premium access, reach out to Leandra Boysen for a promo code. More information and registration can be found at DigitalPartnering.com.

Talent & Workforce

Announcing the 2022 San Diego Festival of Science and Engineering
The annual San Diego Festival of Science and Engineering returns in the spring for another round of hybrid and in person events across the county of San Diego. Events like STEAM Block Parties, In Classroom Connections, 21+ Adult Science Night, and more will include STEAM activities, dynamic speakers, and live demonstrations for all of the community to enjoy. If you would like to explore 2022 Festival sponsorship opportunities, please contact Silvana DelPiccolo.

Celebrate International Women’s Day with San Diego County Students
Inspire students from around San Diego County on International Women’s Day! Generation STEAM’s quarterly program, Women Who Inspire, will be held on March 8th. This program will be hosted virtually and will include a panel presentation and Q&A. The Women Who Inspire program provides a space for young girls and boys to be encouraged by women who have moved the needle in STEAM. Want to get your company involved? Contact Silvana DelPiccolo for more information.

Military Fellowship Program
The early application deadline for Biocom California Institute’s 2022 Military Fellowship program is January 31st. Participating veterans and transitioning military personnel can get matched with life science industry professionals, and improve professional development skills. Military Fellows will also learn about the industry and the myriad of jobs available. Apply for the free six-month career exploration here. 

Biocom California Institute’s 2021 Highlights
The Biocom California Institute had a huge year in 2021, thanks to our members and partners. Check out all the ways we’ve impacted the community.

Savings & Purchasing Group

Cybersecurity Panel with IT Deal Desk
Managing cybersecurity and compliance strategies is an ever-changing process in today’s complex digital environments. Join us virtually on Tuesday, February 22nd, with IT Deal Desk and cybersecurity experts from Cyber Compass, Ntirety and SecqureOne at this cyber information Q&A panel and virtual happy hour and receive a $25 Thorn Brewing gift card. Register here today.

Community & Events

Cision PR Webinar Series
 

Thursday, February 3, 10, 17, 24
Virtual

Join Cision PR for a webinar series on a range of trends influencing your PR strategies. Discover the importance of press releases, how to create engaging content, and more! These webinars will take place every Thursday from February 3 to February 24 at 11am PST.

Wednesday, February 16
Farmer & the Seahorse

In honor of Black History Month, we will host a panel discussion made of up black biotech CEOs in the life science industry. Our panelists can share their obstacles and challenges, what inspired them in their journey and their hope for the future of biotech and life science.

Thursday, February 17
Virtual

Join us for a presentation that will cover what early-stage founders need to know to set their companies up for success. During this virtual event, industry experts from Nixon Peabody will share free legal advice based on their collective experience serving as outside general counsel to emerging growth and mid-stage organizations regarding best practices for the journey, from formation to exit.​​​

Advancing R&D In Gene Therapy

 

Wednesday, March 2
Farmer & the Seahorse

Gene therapies provide patients with unique treatments for traditionally incurable diseases, particularly in the oncology space. However, this research requires innovative approaches to build a complete picture of disease mechanisms. Join us to explore the current hurdles in gene therapy research and how we as an industry can advance therapies and improve care.