What’s Inside: 14th Annual Festival of Science and Engineering; Visit Us on Bike to Work Day; Nucleate’s Final Pitch Event; New Appointments in City Offices; and more.

We’re providing you with the latest news, trends, and information surrounding the San Diego life science industry. Continue reading for local policy news and how it affects your business, community give-back opportunities, ways to maximize your savings with our Purchasing Group, and more. If you have company news or information you’d like included, please get in touch.

Advocacy & Public Policy

Bike to Work Day Returns in San Diego
Join thousands of cyclists in exploring the improved bikeways around the county at SANDAG Bike to Work Day on May 19. You can register here for a free T-shirt to pick up along your commute. Rest and refuel at one of the many pit stops, including Biocom California’s own pit stop at the corner of N. Torrey Pines Road and Science Park Road. We’ll be there all day with refreshments and giveaways. This year, SANDAG invites those who are working remotely to participate and start their day with a bike ride. 

San Diego Mayor Releases Proposed Budget
On April 22, San Diego Mayor Todd Gloria released a $4.89 billion FY 2023 proposed budget, focusing on repairing infrastructure, improving city services, increasing pay for first responders, and reducing homelessness. The "Ready to Rebuild" budget is intended to reflect the city’s transition away from the COVID-19 pandemic and a return to long-term projects. San Diego’s Department of Finance is projecting total general fund revenues will be up 8.2 percent ($143.3 million) over the current fiscal year, which ends June 30.

New Appointments in City Offices
The City of San Diego announced two prominent appointments in recent weeks. Heidi Vonblum is the city’s new planning director, bringing 12 years of city experience including the last two as deputy planning director. Mayor Todd Gloria also announced that Shelby Rust Buso has been tapped as the City of San Diego’s new chief sustainability officer following a yearlong nationwide search for the position that will lead implementation of the City’s Climate Action Plan. Rust Buso was most recently the chief resilience officer for the City of Miami.

Capital Development

Director Search
Biocom California is hiring a Director of Capital Development & Partnering to take the lead in developing, promoting, and executing on capital development and partnering initiatives statewide. The qualified candidate must have a robust network of global pharma and life science business development professionals, solid track record of building partnerships, and the proven ability to develop and implement programs.

Call for Nonconfidential Decks
We are eager to help our member companies make meaningful connections with the right funders and potential investors. We do this year-round on an ongoing basis, and encourage you to submit your nonconfidential deck to receive feedback from our advisors and to be circulated with our network.

Providing Meaningful Connections for Investors
Biocom California has unique relationships with life science startups, as well as a strong network of investors and funders looking to connect. If you are looking to broaden your network, we invite you to engage with us.

Nucleate San Diego Final Pitch Event
The inaugural activator program at Nucleate San Diego has been a great success and their six teams have come a long way. The inaugural teams will showcase their early ventures at a Final Pitch Event on May 17, and welcomes the public to attend virtually. Please RSVP by May 2.

Talent & Workforce

Illumina Genomic Discoveries Industry Speaker Series
Last week, Biocom California Institute hosted the Illumina Genomic Discoveries Industry Speaker Series for Educators focusing on the importance of mental health, wellness, and the role microbiomes play in our overall wellbeing. This webinar series occurs once a semester, you can watch the recorded session on the Biocom California Institute YouTube Channel. Follow Biocom California Institute on our social media channels to stay informed about future sessions.

Looking for Instructors
We are looking for instructors to teach the new biotechnology manufacturing course at California State University—​​​​no teaching experience required, just
real-world knowledge. This opportunity is open only to Biocom California members and will be taught online. For more information, please get in touch.

North County STEAM Block Party 
Generation STEAM’s 14th annual San Diego Festival of Science & Engineering will continue this weekend with the North County STEAM Block Party. Hosted in partnership with Live Well San Diego, this outdoor event is free, open to the public, and held at San Dieguito County Park. Join local companies and community organizations for interactive STEAM activations, scavenger hunts through the park’s nature trails, music, prizes, and more.

STEAM Community Movie Night
To close out the San Diego Festival of Science & Engineering, Generation STEAM invites you to join us for a family movie night with a splash of learning. On May 7, families can gather and watch the newly released “Sing 2” at the iconic Waterfront Park in Little Italy. Before the movie starts, attendees will be able to engage with hands-on STEAM activities at variety of booths to celebrate the theme of “building community with STEAM.” 

Savings & Purchasing Group

LeggUP Talent Insurance: Professional Coaching & Mental Health Solution
Join team members from LeggUP on May 5 for a virtual workshop to learn how your company can attract, empower, and retain its workforce with LeggUP’s Talent Insurance, an inclusive professional coaching and preventative mental health solution offered as an employee benefit. Talent Insurance combines proprietary people assessments, personal and professional coaching, and real-time People Analytics for a truly personalized experience benefiting both the employee and the organization. 

Community & Events

Wednesday, May 11
Farmer & The Seahorse

Join your fellow committee members for an in-person happy hour hosted by Biocom California. Although our committees will continue to meet virtually in 2022, we hope you will join us for an evening of networking and camaraderie with your Facilities and EH&S colleagues.
 

Tuesday, May 17
Virtual

The life science industry has experienced a 300% increase in cybercrimes since the start of the pandemic. Small life science companies are particularly at risk, and many don’t have staff focused on mitigating threats and risks. Join us for this informative webinar to set your company up for success.

San Diego CFO Spring Soiree

 

Thursday, May 19
The Alexandria Torrey Pines

These receptions are designed for CFOs to network and learn from one another while discussing pertinent issues. Enjoy hosted hors d’oeuvres and cocktails during this informal reception.

Thursday, May 19
The Alexandria Torrey Pines

Join us for a workshop with the City of San Diego’s Development Services Department. Director Elyse Lowe and her team will be present for this informative and solutions-sharing conversation.