FYI: Breaking news from a variety of categories within the HVAC industry. Price increases, mergers and acquisitions, award winners and more are highlighted here each week.

COMMERCIAL CONTRACTORS

Progressive AE (Grand Rapids, Michigan) renamed Progressive companies.

MANUFACTURER

The harvest (Berkeley, California) Smart Thermal Battery is a finalist in the Reuters Global Energy Transition 2024 competition and the company has been named to Time magazine’s list of GreenTech Companies 2024.

Greenheck (Schofield, Wis.) announced the retirement of Tim KilgorePresident of Sales and Dave KallströmChief Marketing Officer. Your successors will be Matt Spink And MichaelJackson.

DISTRIBUTION PARTNER

DiversiTech Corp. (Duluth, Ga.) entered into a distribution partnership with the manufacturer of refrigeration products Sanhua (Hangzhou, China).

The Granite Group (Concord, NH) has signed a new agreement with flair (San Francisco) to distribute Flair's Smart Vent product line.

New York Electronics (Northvale, NJ) has entered into a distribution agreement with the manufacturer of electrical components Clip counter (Somerset, New Jersey).

ORGANISATIONS

The Association of the Electronic Components Industry (Alpharetta, Georgia) celebrates its 100th anniversary.

SOFTWARE

AxiomCloud (San Jose, California) has raised $5 million to deploy its artificial intelligence-based refrigerant leak detection module.

SERVICES FOR CONTRACTORS

Interplay Learning (Austin, Texas) was selected by Sonesta International Hotels Corp. (Newton, Mass.) to train engineers in safety and Occupational Safety and Health Administration compliance. Interplay was also named one of the world's most innovative companies by Fast Company.

The post FYI: Information Briefs in HVAC – March 25, 2024 appeared first on DAILY SAN FRANCISCO BAY NEWS.

For your information news briefs from a wide variety of categories within the HVAC industry. Price increases, mergers and acquisitions, award winners, and more are highlighted here each week.

PRICE INCREASES

Trane Technologies’ HVAC business announced a price increase ranging from 4-7.5% on select Trane applied and controls equipment, as well as certain unitary products.

ACQUISITIONS

User Friendly Home Services (The Woodlands, Texas) acquired Sal’s Heating & Cooling (North Royalton, Ohio).

RESIDENTIAL CONTRACTORS

Rooter Hero Plumbing & Air opened a new location in the metro San Francisco area.

MANUFACTURERS

Lennox Industries (Richardson, Texas) won a 2022 GOOD DESIGN Award in the Building Materials category for its SL25XPV heat pump.

Burnham Holdings Inc. (Lancaster, Penn.) appointed Christopher R. Drew as CEO.

DISTRIBUTORS

Cochrane Supply & Engineering opened a new branch in Columbus, Ohio.

ORGANIZATIONS

PHCC (Falls Church, Va.) appointed Cindy Sheridan as interim CEO.

SCHOOLS

HVAC Excellence (Mount Prospect, Ill.) accredited the HVACR educational programs at Kiamichi Technology Center (McAlester, Talihina, and Poteau, Okla.), Southern Regional Technical College (Moultrie, Ga.), and Louisiana Delta Community College (West Monroe, La.).

SOFTWARE

XOi Technologies (Nashville, Tenn.) appointed Leon Weiss as chief financial officer and Jeff Grisenthwaite as chief product officer.

Prokeep (New Orleans, La.) appointed Scott Wolfe Jr. as board member, Bryan Hjelm as vice president of product, and Derek Halpern as vice president.

The post FYI: Information Briefs in HVAC – January 23, 2023 appeared first on DAILY SAN FRANCISCO BAY NEWS.

Berkshire Agricultural Ventures celebrates a new food safety hotline

Great Barrington—  Berkshire Agricultural Ventures (BAV) is excited to announce two significant milestones in its mission to bolster the regional food supply chain: the opening of the BAV/AgriForaging Food Safety Hazard Analysis and Critical Control Points (HACCP) Hotline and a successful visit by the USDA to BAV’s headquarters in Great Barrington.

BAV has partnered with AgriForaging Food Safety to introduce the AgriForaging Food Safety HACCP Hotline. This initiative is part of the Local Meat Processing Support Program, which strives to provide guidance and support for meat and poultry processors across the region. 

This dedicated hotline is open every Thursday from noon to 4 p.m., offering industry experts’ insights into state and federal meat and poultry compliance regulations, as well as HACCP principles. The hotline is committed to providing personalized solutions for a wide range of compliance questions, ensuring peace of mind for local processors as they navigate the complexities of food safety regulations. For more information or to schedule a call, visit https://www.berkshireagventures.org/haccp-hotline.

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Pittsfield Community Television hosts 36th annual meeting and celebration 

Pittsfield — Pittsfield Community Cable Broadcasting, Inc., which operates Pittsfield Community Television and WTBR-FM, held its 36th Annual Meeting and Celebration on Thursday, September 21st at the Polish Falcons Club on Belair Avenue in Pittsfield. New board members were elected, and recognitions of achievement in programming and community service were awarded.

The annual meeting began with PCTV’s Executive Director Shawn Serre championing a successful year. Serre advocated for modernizing the funding models for community media and highlighted a bill currently in committee in the state legislature which would help support organizations like PCTV. “It’s a fair and equitable method of providing support for the critical local news and programming that PCTV and similar organizations around the state provide. We need to act together, right now, to preserve and promote the services that PCTV has been providing our community for almost 40 years,” Serre said.

PCTV President Susetta Doucette gave a report to the members of the organization and emphasized the work that the board and staff have accomplished in the past year. Treasurer Cindy Shogry-Raimer delivered the treasurer’s report to the members and informed them that the financial position of the organization is strong. Two incumbent board directors were re-elected during the annual meeting. Returning for new three-year terms are board Vice-President Jonah Sykes and Assistant Vice-President Brian Andrews; newly elected to the board at this year’s meeting are Joshua Cutler and Charles Walker.

Jonah Sykes, re-elected incumbent board member of PCTV.

Jonah Sykes is the Director of Marketing and Communications at Berkshire Community College. He has served on the PCTV Board since 2017 and has contributed to the Advancement Committee as a co-chair. Sykes previously worked at Berkshire United Way in fundraising and marketing and has served on the board of 1Berkshire, Central Berkshire Habitat for Humanity, and Berkshire Young Professionals, as well as several community initiatives across the Berkshires. He is a graduate of Taconic High School, earned his bachelor’s at MCLA and his master’s degree from St. Rose College in Albany.

Brian Andrews, re-elected incumbent board member of PCTV.

Brian Andrews is a nationally certified Paramedic and President/CEO of County Ambulance, Inc. in Pittsfield, which provides paramedic-level ambulance and intercept service to the Berkshire County area. Brian is also President of EMSCO of Berkshire County, past President of Western Massachusetts EMS, and a member of its executive committee. He is a member of many local task forces. Andrews was first elected to the PCTV board in 2018 and chairs the equipment and facilities committee.

Joshua Cutler, newly elected board member to PCTV.

Joshua Cutler is a fourth-generation Pittsfield native who is deeply invested in the local business and nonprofit communities. A veteran of the banking industry of a decade, he is now the Manufacturing Project Lead/Program Performance Analyst at General Dynamics in Pittsfield. He has served on the Pittsfield Public School Committee, has been a member of the Board of Trustees of Temple Anshe Amunim for the last 11 years, serves as Treasurer of the Board of Directors of Eagles Band Inc., and is also a member of the Board of Directors of the Jewish Federation of the Berkshires.

Charles Walker, newly elected board member to PCTV.

Charles Walker is a broadcast television and digital media content producer with more than 45 years’ experience. After more than 35 years at Disney/ABC News he recently retired. At ABC News he contributed significantly to the development of ABC News Digital, the company’s media streaming service for news content acquisition and distribution. His experience includes production at television stations in Oklahoma City, Houston, San Francisco and Los Angeles as well as nationally and internationally for ABC News, Tribune Broadcasting and other communication and entertainment industry leaders. He lives in Pittsfield, where he continues to produce television programs, independent films and live streaming media content. 

The Celebration portion of the event was lively, as the organization handed out several awards for excellence in programming and community service. Finally, PCTV awarded Community Programming Accomplishment certificates to several member producers. The certificates recognize five, ten, and fifteen-year milestones in producing community programming.

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MCLA Alumni Association to hold awards ceremony for distinguished alumni and friends of the college

North Adams — On Saturday, October 21st, the MCLA Alumni Association will hold its annual Alumni Awards Brunch to recognize distinguished alumni and friends of the College for their accomplishments.

Massachusetts College of Liberal Arts. Photo courtesy of coplac.org.

The event will run from 11:30 a.m. to 1:30 p.m. on campus in Murdock Hall Room 218, with a special time set aside for photos of awardees from 1:30 p.m. to 2 p.m.

The following recipients will be recognized:

• Kevin Pink ’09, 2023 Vanguard Award
• Benjamin Lamb ’07, 2023 Service to the College Award
• James Chapman ’15, 2023 Distinguished Alumnus Award
• Lindsay St. Pierre-McGinnis, M.Ed. ’08, 2023 Outstanding Educator Award
• Laurie Dias-Mitchell ’81, 2023 Community Service & Citizenship Award
• Arlene Wynn ’63, 2023 Outstanding Educator Emeritus Award (posthumous)

To purchase tickets and view descriptions of each award, please visit https://lnk.mcla.edu/snjc2.

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Frost Stone House Museum receives two grants totaling more than $24,000

Bennington — The Robert Frost Stone House Museum at Bennington College has received a total of $24,250 in grants from the Vermont Arts Council and the Vermont Agency of Commerce and Community Development’s Historic Preservation Barn Grant program. Both grants will help restore the property’s distinctive New England barns and make greater use of these spaces for programs and events.

“The barns on this property are part of the landscape that inspired Robert Frost’s poetry and supported his life as a farmer,” said Erin McKenny, the director of the Robert Frost Stone House Museum at Bennington College. “These funds are tremendously useful in our efforts to restore  these beautiful and historic agricultural spaces and to welcome the public to experience their continued significance and enduring charm.”

Robert Frost Stone House Museum. Photo by Phil Holland.

The Historic Preservation Barn Grant of $5,500, which must be matched by the College, will be used to replace the metal roof on the largest of the property’s outbuildings. With the roof repaired, the museum will expand the use of the barn for readings, concerts, art installations, workshops, and their annual Holiday Makers’ Market.

The Vermont Arts Council’s grant of $18,750 will support the installation of electricity and plumbing to the historic barn. The grant was a part of more than $300,000 in Cultural Facilities Grants to nineteen Vermont arts and community organizations. The funds provide organizations with resources to enhance, create, or expand the capacity of existing buildings that offer cultural activities for the public.

For more information, visit https://www.bennington.edu/robert-frost-stone-house-donation-page.

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Berkshire Community College sees significant increase in enrolled students

 Pittsfield — Berkshire Community College (BCC) reports an increase in students from 1,367 in 2022 to 1,601 in 2023, representing an increase of 17.1%, the largest percent increase in students since the institution started tracking this metric in 1991. The last time BCC experienced an increase of this magnitude was 2009, when the number of students increased by 14.3%.

For matriculated students, BCC reported an increase from 1,079 in 2022 to 1,173 in 2023, an 8.7% increase. A matriculated student is any student who is enrolled in a program to pursue a degree or a certificate. For overall credits taken by students, the institution reported a 12.0% increase.

The largest share of these gains comes from dual enrollment students (high school students) and Pre-Nursing students, followed by Liberal Arts and Business Administration students.

Berkshire Community College. Photo courtesy Berkshire Community College.

Adam Klepetar, Vice President for Student Affairs and Enrollment Management, said that while the increase in enrollment cannot be definitively linked to any particular source, positive indicators include the Commonwealth’s new MassReconnect program, the recent funding supporting scholarships for community college nursing programs, and BCC’s increased online offerings.

MassReconnect provides Massachusetts residents ages 25 and older with access to free associate degrees and certificates at community colleges. This fall, 47.5% of matriculated BCC students are in the age group eligible for the program.

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Learn how anyone over age 25 without a degree can attend BCC for free

Pittsfield — Berkshire Community College (BCC) continues its series of special community college information sessions on Wednesday, November 1st at 5 p.m. and Thursday, November 30th at 5 p.m. The November 1st session will be held in Room G-12 on BCC’s main campus, located at 1350 West Street in Pittsfield. The November 30th session will be held online. Both sessions are free.

To register for either session, visit www.berkshirecc.edu/massreconnect. Financial aid, admissions, and advising staff will be on hand.

The event is part of MassReconnect, a program that pays the full costs of community college for adults 25 and older who do not already have a college degree. MassReconnect covers tuition and fees for eligible students, who also receive an allowance to pay for books and supplies.

Students are eligible for the MassReconnect program if they:

• Are 25 or older on the first day of classes
• Are enrolled in and pursuing a program of higher education at a public community college
• Have not previously earned a college degree
• Are enrolled in at least six credits per semester
• Complete the Free Application for Federal Student Aid (FAFSA)
• Are a Massachusetts resident

For questions regarding the MassReconnect program, contact the BCC Admissions Office at admissions@berkshirecc.edu or 413-499-4660. Further information, including full program guidelines, is also available at www.mass.edu/osfa/programs/massreconnect.asp.

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Nominations open for Berkshire Community College ‘40 Under Forty’ awards

Pittsfield — Berkshire Community College (BCC) announces nominations are now open for the annual “40 Under Forty” awards, which will be held Thursday, March 21st.

“40 Under Forty” is an annual celebration of talented people in the Berkshires, under the age of 40, who have a deep dedication to improving the quality of life for those living and working in our community. 40 Under Forty awards honor people from all walks of life who are making a difference in the Berkshires.

Nominees are eligible for this award through:

• Their professional work and how it makes a difference; or
• Their personal commitment to their community; or
• Other efforts to improve the quality of life for those living and working the Berkshires.

1Berkshire, BCC’s strategic partner, has identified recruiting and retaining young people as an economic imperative for Berkshire County. By celebrating this younger generation of people in the Berkshires, we underscore the importance of their contributions to our community and to its future prosperity. To make a nomination, visit www.berkshirecc.edu/40-under-forty. Nominations close Wednesday, November 29th. For more information, email 40under40@berkshirecc.edu or call 413-236-2185.

The post BUSINESS BRIEFS: Berkshire Agricultural Ventures meals security hotline; PCTV annual assembly; MCLA Alumni awards; Frost Stone Home Museum receives grants; BCC enrollment enhance; Over 25? Attend BCC totally free!; ‘40 Below Forty’ nominations open appeared first on DAILY SAN FRANCISCO BAY NEWS.

FYI: News Briefs in HVAC – October 9, 2023 | ACHR News

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POLICE & FIRE
National Police Week
National Police Week, observed in May, is a time to honor and remember the more than 22,000 officers who have lost their lives in the line of duty. It was established by President Kennedy in 1962, designating May 15 as Peace Officers Memorial Day and the entire week as National Police Week. This annual observance serves as a way to express appreciation for law enforcement, provide support to the families of fallen officers, and acknowledge the vital role they play in upholding public safety.

FROM TOWN HALL
Island Beach Ferry Gearing Up for Season
The ferries are currently undergoing routine maintenance to ensure they are in optimal condition for the upcoming season. This maintenance is a standard procedure carried out regularly to keep the vessels in good working order. Visit the Town of Greenwich website for ferry schedules: www.greenwichct.gov/ferries

Do You Have Your One Pass?
With Memorial Day approaching, Greenwich has implemented the new “OnePass” for 2023 and beyond, featuring the “Park Pass” option. Park passes have been required for entry since May 1. As a reminder: residency verification is a prerequisite for obtaining the pass. Proof of residency must be provided during the verification process which can be done on the Town of Greenwich website.

Tomac Avenue

Greenwich DPW Approves Drainage Project to Combat Flooding
The Town of Greenwich Department of Public Works presented the Tomac Avenue, Harding Road, and Forest Avenue drainage improvements project for approval. Construction began this week and continues Monday to Friday, 7am to 6pm. The project will be carried out in multiple phases, with road closures during the day, but reopening at the end of each work day. The project aims to address road flooding during heavy storms in the area by installing concrete box culverts, junction chambers, manholes, catch basins, and modifying the headwall.

Greenwich Approves Three Settlements
Greenwich approved three settlements totaling $141,500. One involves a lawsuit by Christiana Los, co-owner of Clouds Vapors, who claimed false arrest. The second settlement is related to an injury case by Camila Desgraves, who fell into a dislodged manhole cover. The third settlement involves Tasha Brown, who slipped on ice. Funds will come from the town’s risk fund, and the town attorney is satisfied with the resolution.

AROUND TOWN
May is American Wetlands Month
Greenwich boasts a variety of wetlands, both along the coast and inland, that contribute to ecological, economic, and social well-being. These wetlands provide a habitat for wildlife, help in flood mitigation, and offer opportunities for cultural and recreational pursuits. In Connecticut, wetland classification is determined by soil characteristics such as drainage levels and location, even seemingly dry floodplain areas are considered inland wetlands. Tidal wetlands, subject to regular tidal flooding, encompass coastal salt marshes characterized by cordgrass species. Discover a coastal salt marsh near the Purple Martin Gourds at Tod’s Point for an immersive experience.

Greenwich Residents Voice Frustration Over Flood Mitigation
Greenwich residents in the Strickland Brook drainage area expressed frustration with the town’s flood mitigation efforts at last Wednesday’s Dept of Public Works meeting. First Selectman Fred Camillo acknowledged infrastructure limitations, while Deputy Commissioner Jim Michel advised residents to consider flood insurance and discussed upcoming FEMA flood map updates. Suggestions were made for storage ponds and water diversion, but challenges and environmental impact were noted. Residents called for unified action, potential funding through a stormwater authority, and recognition of flooding as a collective issue.

Aquarion to Clean Water Mains in Town
Aquarion Water Company will clean water mains in its Greenwich which began this past Monday and will go to August 4. Customers may experience temporary low water pressure or discoloration due to disturbed minerals. Aquarion advises storing drinking water in refrigerators and avoiding laundry during discoloration. Customers should run cold-water faucets until the water clears before resuming regular usage. Aquarion encourages signing up for alerts to stay informed about the project’s progress and cleaning schedule. The cleaning will occur between 9am and 3pm at various locations.
Weeks of May 15, May 22, May 29: Cos Cob, Riverside, Greenwich, DeKraft Road and surrounding area.
Week of June 5: Cos Cob, Riverside, Greenwich, DeKraft Road and surrounding area, East side of Lake Avenue.
Week of June 12: Cos Cob, Riverside, Greenwich, East side of Lake Avenue.
Weeks of June 19 and June 26: Cos Cob, Riverside, Greenwich, West side of Lake Avenue.
Weeks of July 3, July 10, July 17, July 24: Cos Cob, Riverside, Greenwich, Glenville
Week of July 31: Cos Cob, Riverside, Greenwich

Greenwich Sets Low Mill Rate to Benefit Taxpayers
Greenwich set a new mill rate of 11.393 to maintain a low rate. The Board of Estimate and Taxation approved a 1% increase, prioritizing taxpayer benefits and services. The budget, backed by the Representative Town Meeting, balances without tax hikes using unrestricted funds. Concerns arose about future uncertainties. The budget includes significant capital spending, like Central Middle School’s replacement. Mill rates for Sewer Maintenance and Sewer Improvement funds slightly decreased. Budget planning for the next fiscal year resumes in the fall.

LOCAL BUSINESSES AND NONPROFITS
Greenwich DPW Hosts Food Drive for Neighbor to Neighbor
To celebrate National Public Works Week, the Town of Greenwich Department of Public Works (DPW) is organizing a food drive throughout the month of May to benefit Neighbor to Neighbor. Residents are encouraged to contribute nonperishable food items and household supplies by dropping them off at designated “trucks” located in the lobby and second floor of Town Hall. Additionally, donations can be made online through DPW’s campaign on the Neighbor to Neighbor website. The campaign’s online donation link is https://amplify.ampyourgood.com/user/campaigns/4256.

Milbrook Club Marks Centennial with Year-long Celebrations
The Milbrook Club in Greenwich is celebrating its 100th anniversary with events and activities throughout the year. Established in 1923, the club is part of a planned community led by Arthur Waterman. Festivities include a cocktail party, tennis events, family fun activities, a club-wide family festival, a centennial paddle mixer, and a gala with a 1920s speakeasy theme. The club has a special logo and a permanent centennial clock, and it will organize a donation drive for Neighbor to Neighbor. A painting by artist Graeme Baxter has been commissioned for the occasion.

GIFF Awards Best Social Impact Film Winner
The Greenwich International Film Festival (GIFF) announced the winner of the 2023 Best Social Impact Film Award, with a $10,000 cash prize sponsored by Ann and Nick Young. “Little Richard: I Am Everything” directed by Lisa Cortes received the award, while “Beyond Zero” directed by Nathan Havey received an honorable mention. GIFF Executive Director Ginger Stickel praised the films’ impact and diversity.

Greenwich Hospital’s Christina Cannone-Epstein, RN, Emergency Department, (holding roses) was honored as “Nurse of the Year” with the Helen Meehan Award for Excellence in Nursing. Celebrating with Cannone-Epstein are (from left) Amadeo and Deb Cannone, her parents; Matthew and Andrew, her sons; Keith Epstein, her husband; and Diane Kelly, DNP, RN, Greenwich Hospital president.

PEOPLE IN TOWN
Christina Cannone-Epstein Honored as Nurse of the Year
Christina Cannone-Epstein, RN, Emergency Department, was named Greenwich Hospital’s “Nurse of the Year” at the Ceremony for Excellence. She received the Helen Meehan Award for Excellence in Nursing for her exceptional skills in practice, teaching, and leadership. Cannone-Epstein, a respected charge nurse and preceptor, was commended by Diane Kelly, DNP, RN, Greenwich Hospital president, for her dedication and positive impact on patients throughout her 19-year career. James Pallett, MD, received the Physician Partner-in-Care Award, and Jean Marie Dorismond, a supervisor with Environmental Services, received the Partner-in-Care Award. Anna Cerra, DNP, RN, chief nursing officer, praised all nurses and encouraged acts of kindness to foster a compassionate and collaborative culture at the hospital.

SCHOOLS
New Assistant Principal of Cos Cob School
Dr. Toni Jones appointed Mr. Steven Groccia as the new assistant principal of Cos Cob School beginning July 1. Groccia brings with him experience in overseeing a new school building and special education planning. Principal Kerry Gavin praised Groccia’s leadership skills and dedication. His educational background includes degrees in Elementary Education, STEM Education, and Educational Administration.

P&Z Approves Brunswick School’s Early Childhood Education Center
This week, the P&Z commission in Greenwich approved Brunswick School’s plans for an early childhood education center at 270 Lake Ave, previously occupied by Carmel Academy. The campus has a long history of school uses, and Chabad Lubavitch had initially intended to make it their permanent home but withdrew their application due to neighbor concerns. Brunswick School submitted an application for a final site plan and special permit, which was approved by the P&Z with minimal discussion and no public comment. The approved plan includes reconfiguring and renovating certain buildings while preserving significant historical structures. Conditions of approval include a cap of 150 students, specific hours of operation, transportation and parking restrictions, and limitations on external uses. The vote in favor of the application was unanimous.

Greenwich High Senior Named 2023 U.S. Presidential Scholar
Greenwich High School senior Ambika Grover has been chosen as a 2023 U.S. Presidential Scholar, joining 160 other exceptional high school seniors nationwide. The prestigious honor recognizes Ambika’s outstanding achievements in academics, arts, or career and technical education. She is the fifth recipient from Greenwich High School since 2003. Ambika and other scholars will receive a medallion from the U.S. Department of Education in June.

SPORTS
GHS Boys Tennis Team Advances to FCIAC Semifinals
Greenwich High School’s boys tennis team continued their successful season by defeating Trumbull 4-0 in the FCIAC Tournament quarterfinals. With a perfect 16-0 record, the team is set to face rival Staples in the FCIAC semifinals. The Cardinals and Wreckers have a history of intense postseason matchups, making today’s game highly anticipated.

GHS Girls Rugby Team Triumphs on Senior Night
Greenwich High School’s girls rugby team celebrated Senior Night with a hard-fought victory against Southington. The Cardinals took an early lead of 19-0 in the first half, with Lara Olmsted and Lauren Huang showcasing their skills in scoring tries. Despite pressure from Southington, Greenwich’s well-organized defense prevented them from scoring, except for a try at the end of the first half. The score stood at 19-5 in favor of Greenwich.

Sacred Heart Lacrosse Dominates Home Finale
Sacred Heart Greenwich’s Varsity A lacrosse team won their home finale against Taft School with a score of 19-6. Senior co-captain Kelly Haggerty and junior midfielder Kaitlin Robinson played pivotal roles in the team’s offense, contributing multiple goals. Co-head coach Shannon Robinson praised the team’s strong defense and expressed pride in their victory.

Greenwich Academy Lacrosse Wins Senior Day Season Finale
Greenwich Academy’s Varsity A lacrosse team celebrated their Senior Day with a memorable season finale against Hotchkiss School. The team secured a hard-fought 10-9 victory and honored their seven seniors with a special ceremony. The day was made even more significant as they bid farewell to retiring co-head coach Katie Johnson after 12 successful years. It was a momentous and fitting end to their season.

GHS Girls Tennis Team Ends Season Undefeated
Greenwich High School’s girls tennis team had a dominant season, winning all 16 matches and finishing with a perfect record. They secured ten of their victories with a 7-0 scoreline. As the top seed in the FCIAC Girls Tennis Tournament, Greenwich will host Westhill in the quarterfinals. The tournament begins on Tuesday at 4:30 p.m., and Greenwich aims to continue their impressive run.

Brunswick Tennis Team Finishes Strong Regular Season
Brunswick School’s tennis team had a successful regular season, ending with a 6-1 record in the FAA and a 9-5 overall record. They tied for first place in the FAA with Hopkins School and Greens Farms Academy. Their only FAA loss was to Hopkins, while they defeated Greens Farms. Prior to the FAA Championships, Brunswick faced a non-league loss against GFA.

GHS Girls Water Polo Achieves Third Undefeated Season
Greenwich High School’s girls water polo team had another perfect season, going undefeated with a record of 10-0. This marks their third consecutive unbeaten season, making them 30-0 over the past three years. They defeated strong opponents, including the defending NEPSAC champion, Staples, and Phillips Andover Academy. The team also won a tournament at the United States Naval Academy.

GHS Boys Tennis Team Finishes Undefeated Regular Season
Greenwich High School’s boys tennis team completed a perfect regular season with a 6-1 win over Stamford. The Cardinals finished with a 15-0 record and secured the top seed in the upcoming FCIAC Boys Tennis Tournament. In their victory over Stamford, Greenwich won three of the four singles matches and swept all three doubles matches. The team’s doubles teams remain undefeated this season with a remarkable 45-0 record.

GHS Boys Volleyball Gaining Momentum for Playoffs
As the regular season comes to a close, the Greenwich High School boys volleyball team is gaining momentum for the playoffs. With wins against Norwalk and Staples, the Cardinals now hold a 6-5 FCIAC record. They achieved a 3-1 road victory against Norwalk and a 3-0 home sweep against Staples. With two matches remaining in the regular season, Greenwich is playing stellar volleyball at the right time.

Greenwich Academy Tennis Team Finishes Strong
Greenwich Academy’s tennis team has had a successful season, finishing with a record of 11-2 and securing second place in the FAA. Their only losses came in close matches against Hotchkiss School and Hopkins School. In a recent match against Hopkins, which determined the FAA regular season title, Greenwich Academy narrowly lost by a score of 4-3. Coach Elizabeth Schrohe praised her team’s performance and expressed pride in their 11-2 record.

GHS Girls Lacrosse Shines on Senior Day, Improves to 9-3
Greenwich High School’s girls lacrosse team has had an impressive season, particularly on their home field at Cardinal Stadium. They have won the majority of their home games and continued their success on Senior Day with a 13-8 victory over Daniel Hand. With this win, Greenwich improved their record to 9-3 as they head into their upcoming road matchup.

GHS Girls Track and Field Dominates Senior Day Meet
Greenwich High School’s girls track and field team concluded their final home meet with a decisive victory against Stamford, mirroring their success from earlier in the season. The Cardinals showcased their strength in every event, securing a 106-38 win on Senior Day at Cardinal Stadium. Senior tri-captain Kaitlyn Fay stood out by winning two individual events, contributing to Greenwich’s flawless 5-0 record.

GHS Boys Lacrosse Falls to Somers in Tough Match
Greenwich High School’s boys lacrosse team lost 10-5 to Somers after a close first half. This defeat is their fourth in the last five games, leaving them with a 6-8 overall record. Somers dominated the second half, holding a 5-4 lead at halftime and extending their lead to secure the win.

GHS Track and Field Dominates Senior Day Meet
Greenwich High School’s track and field team continues to excel this season, showcasing their skills and producing personal-record performances. On Senior Day, the Cardinals demonstrated their depth and strength, winning all 18 events and securing a dominant 136-7 victory against Stamford. With this win, Greenwich, the defending FCIAC champion, improved their record to 4-1.

LOCAL POLITICS
Disruption at CMS Over Political Flyers
Flyers criticizing the Greenwich Democrats’ position on a new CMS building were distributed during morning drop-off at Central Middle School by Beth MacGillivray and Nita Spilo of the Republican Town Committee. Some parents were concerned about delayed drop-offs and the political nature of the flyers. The incident was related to safety issues at the school and disagreements between Democrats and Republicans over funding and enrollment. Dr. Toni Jones, the superintendent, contacted party chairs and reminded them of the district’s policy on political literature distribution, emphasizing the need for a disruption-free learning environment. Regulation 1311.2R Display and Distribution of Political Literature: There should be no distribution of campaign literature for political purposes on school property. Signs should not be placed on school property which are affiliated to any party or individual running for office. Literature should not be handed out as students and staff enter or exit the school.

FROM HARTFORD
USPS and USPIS Strengthen Security
The USPS and USPIS are taking steps to protect postal employees and the security of mail and packages in response to increasing threats and attacks. Their efforts include installing high-security collection boxes, replacing outdated locks, enhancing authentication processes for change of address requests, and cracking down on counterfeit postage. The Postal Inspection Service will collaborate with authorities to enforce laws and customers are encouraged to prevent mail theft and report any issues. In case of stolen mail or allegations of Postal Service employee misconduct, individuals can report incidents online to the Postal Inspection Service or contact the USPS Office of Inspector General at 1-888-877-7644 or www.uspsoig.gov.

Himes Introduces Reclamation of War Powers Act
Congressman Jim Himes introduced The Reclamation of War Powers Act, aiming to restore Congress’s authority to declare war. The bill addresses expanded presidential powers and emphasizes the need for thorough congressional debate on deploying armed forces. It includes provisions to prevent unauthorized military funding and requires detailed reports from the President for war declarations. Congressman Himes has previously introduced this bill in multiple Congresses.

Attorney General Tong Backs States in Climate Lawsuit
Attorney General William Tong, with a coalition of 16 attorneys general, supports Oakland and San Francisco in their case against major fossil fuel companies. They seek accountability for deceptive actions worsening the climate crisis. The attorneys general urge the Ninth Circuit to uphold the case in state court. Connecticut also has a pending case against ExxonMobil for accountability. The brief argues for state court jurisdiction and emphasizes the states’ roles in protecting citizens. They assert that military contracts don’t grant federal jurisdiction to fossil fuel companies.

Connecticut Awards $9 Million for Multi-Use Trail Projects
Governor Lamont announced $9 million in state grants for 50 multi-use trail projects in Connecticut, including Greenwich and Stamford. The two municipalities will receive $270,400 for planning a path connecting Binney Park to Boccuzzi Park, following the East Coast Greenway alignment. The funding reflects the growing demand for outdoor recreation, which has seen a significant increase during the pandemic. Outdoor activities contribute billions to the state’s economy and support numerous jobs.

The post Information Briefs: Might 19 | Greenwich Sentinel appeared first on DAILY SAN FRANCISCO BAY NEWS.

Museum news

Balboa Park has been named one of the best tourist destinations in the U.S.

The team at vacation site Family Destinations Guide has revealed the tourist attractions in the U.S. with the highest percentage of five-star, or excellent, reviews on Tripadvisor. The team took 50 of the most popular tourist attraction in the U.S. by the number of annual visitors and calculated how many of their reviews on Tripadvisor were awarded the highest score. 74% of Tripadvisor reviews for Balboa Park in San Diego are excellent. With Central Park in New York and Golden Gate Park in San Francisco, Balboa Park is one of the most beautiful parks which is located in the center of the city. Full of entertainment and enjoyable places in Balboa Park, including 1,200 acres of greenery, various trees and flowers, and 17 different museums. Balboa Park is open 24 hours for free.

The San Diego Museum of Art selects Foster + Partners as the design architect for renovation project

Following a comprehensive search, The San Diego Museum of Art announces the selection of renowned international architectural firm Foster + Partners as the Design Architect for a future renovation project set to enhance the Museum’s facilities and visitor experience. These climate-conscious enhancements will make it possible to continue serving a diverse and growing community throughout Southern California and beyond. The project will begin its detailed planning phase in the coming months and is expected to break ground in 2026.

The Museum’s renovation plan aims to increase art display and further enrich the public’s interaction with exhibitions and education programs while respecting the architectural style and historical significance of Balboa Park.

Fleet Science Center film unlocks secrets of the Earth

The Fleet Science Center announced the opening of MacGillivray Freeman’s “Ancient Caves” on Saturday, March 25, in the Heikoff Giant Dome Theater at the Fleet Science Center in Balboa Park. The film takes moviegoers on an immersive journey with paleoclimatologist Dr. Gina Moseley and her team to explore vast underground worlds. Moviegoers travel with the team to some of the world’s most remote caves, both above and below water, in the Bahamas, France, Iceland, Mexico, and the United States.

“Deep underwater caves with formations that look like something straight out of a sci-fi film and even a cave nicknamed the ‘Fangorn Forest,’ made famous by J.R.R. Tolkien’s The Lord of the Rings,” said director Jonathan Bird.

Las Patronas grant funds new handwashing stations at New Children’s Museum

At The New Children’s Museum, a major priority is to ensure that kids have a chance to engage with contemporary art and have opportunities to discover, imagine and create. But it’s equally important to ensure that the unique spaces Downtown are safe, accessible, and risk-free.

To help attain that goal, The New Children’s Museum received a grant of $18,625 from Las Patronas to upgrade and improve its popular outdoor Paint + Clay Studios’ handwashing stations. The grant funds were used to purchase the sinks, faucets, and outdated plumbing elements needed to update the Museum’s handwashing area and the drainpipes from The Wonder Sound Garden patio, directly above it. The replaced plumbing fittings and fixtures were original to the 2008 building and showed signs of 14 years of wear.

Upcoming events

Second Chance 30th anniversary celebration

On Thursday, April 27, from 6 to 9 p.m., San Diego nonprofit Second Chance is holding its 30th Anniversary Celebration fundraiser themed “Where Success Takes Flight,” at The San Diego Air & Space Museum in Balboa Park.  Second Chance is dedicated to helping people facing the barriers of justice involvement become empowered members of society. 

Honorary Chairs Joan and Irwin Jacobs invite you to join them for a special evening raising funds for Second Chance programs that disrupt the cycles of incarceration and poverty. Guests will enjoy delectable food, beverages, music, a live and silent auction, and an opportunity to meet current and past Second Chance participants and learn more about their stories and success.

Spreckels Organ Society special spring concerts

Spreckels Organ Society, a non-profit organization curating concerts and performances in the heart of Balboa Park, is going to open the spring with several special concerts.

On Sunday, April 23, starting at 2 p.m., opera for kids, “The Enchanted Tail,” will be held at Spreckels Organ Pavilion. Performed by top opera singers, the show will be sung by Victoria Robertson (Soprano) and Bernardo Bermudez (BariTenor). The San Diego Children’s Choir will join the performance. Since 1990, the San Diego Children’s Choir has been a leader in choral training for the young voice. As the area’s oldest and largest choral music education and performance program, more than 1,500 choristers ages 4-18 benefit from high quality music education and formative performance experiences each year.

William Templeton Johnson 2023 spring fundraiser

On Saturday, April 29, from 3 p.m. to 6 p.m., Mission Hills Heritage is delighted to start the new year with a Spring fundraiser at 4520 Trias Street. They are hosting a lecture on William Templeton Johnson, located inside a historic home designed by the architect. A home tour and a wine and cheese reception will follow.

Designated as a Master Architect by the City of San Diego, William Templeton Johnson (1877 – 1957) was one of San Diego’s premier architects from about 1918 through the 1930s. Classically trained at the Academie des Beaux-Arts in Paris, France, Templeton Johnson designed in many architectural styles but preferred the Mediterranean and related styles. Known for designing many residences, his primary impact in San Diego was his design of public structures such as museums, schools, and libraries, including the La Jolla Public Library and Atheneum, the Junipero Serra Museum, the Samuel Fox Building, Balboa Park’s Museum of Natural History and the County Administration Building. Templeton Johnson and his wife Clara lived in Mission Hills for many years and the neighborhood is graced with many fine residences he designed and built.

Minimum donation to attend is $60. Donors above $100 will be granted additional access during the home tour led by the homeowner. Visit to purchase the tickets: www.missionhillsheritage.org/inspire

Adams Avenue Unplugged

On Saturday, April 29, From noon to 10 p.m., a superb music walkabout will be held along a two-mile section of Adams Avenue. It is open to the public and free, except for headliner Dave Alvin’s concert.

The event will feature more than 60 artists performing in select venues from Kensington through Normal Heights and ending in University Heights. Grammy Award winning singer-songwriter Dave Alvin of the celebrated LA band The Blasters will perform one set on Saturday evening in the intimate sanctuary of the Normal Heights Methodist Church as a headliner. Tickets for Dave Alvin are $25. Tickets and seating are on a first-come first-serve basis. Also performing are Gregory Page, Sara Petite, Jerry Raney and Joey Harris, Farm Truck, Sven-Erik Seaholm, Finnegan Blue, and Dave Preston and the Grown-Ups.

For the complete Unplugged line-up, schedule, Dave Alvin concert tickets, VIP beer and food tickets, and further information, please call (619) 282-7329, or visit the website at www.adamsavenueunplugged.com.

Fern Street Circus announces 2023 Neighborhood Tour

Fern Street Circus (FSC), San Diego’s original nonprofit “social circus” announced that it will begin the 2023 Neighborhood Tour, a series of 10 free shows in community parks around San Diego’s mid-city neighborhoods. The shows started on Saturday, April 8, at Memorial Park in San Diego’s Barrio Logan neighborhood and will run through May 14. The title of this year’s show is “Hoy por ti, mañana por mí” (“Today for you, tomorrow for me”). It is a gentle exploration of cooperation and working toward a common goal. It is an intentional choice for FSC, which has never shied away from exploring difficult subjects like immigration and healthcare access through poignant and emotional storytelling.

The Tour will include a total of 10 free public performances at parks and recreation centers around San Diego, including mid-city and San Ysidro, showcasing the talents of professional circus artists and musicians from around the world alongside students from Fern Street Circus’s free after-school program in City Heights. The shows are free and open to the public. All ages are welcome, and no tickets are required.

Rooftop Cinema Club Embarcadero reopened

On March 16, Rooftop Cinema Club Embarcadero at Manchester Grand Hyatt reopened its doors to the public. Rooftop Cinema Club Embarcadero is San Diego’s iconic outdoor movie theater with never-ending views of the Downtown skyline.

To give guests the most comfortable seating experience possible, Rooftop Cinema Club has done away with its adjustable deckchair lounge seats and the venue will now exclusively offer single and double (Loveseat) Adirondack chairs outfitted with plush seat cushions.

More than 100 films, such as Top Gun: Maverick, The Fablemans, Harry Potter and The Sorcerer’s Stone, and more, are queued to light up the LED screen at Rooftop Cinema Club in March and April. Tickets and more information are available at rooftopcinemaclub.com/embarcadero.

12 SD homes featured kitchen and bath tour

On Saturday, April 29, from 9 a.m. to 5 p.m., The San Diego chapters of the American Society of Interior Designers (ASID) and the National Kitchen and Bath Association (NKBA) have teamed up to present the first ASID and NKBA Kitchen and Bath Tour. The self-guided tour will feature 12 beautifully designed homes in San Diego County with newly remodeled spaces. Located from Carlsbad to Coronado, the tour showcases an array of tastes, lifestyles, and personal preferences. It also demonstrates the effectiveness of professional interior design in meeting specific objectives.

Projects feature the latest trends in flooring, surfaces, appliances, color, lighting, sustainability, materials, technology, and universal design. The homes on tour are as diverse as the personalities of their owners and include a vast range of design styles from modern and traditional to California coastal.

Advance tickets are $30 per person via Eventbrite.  The link to tickets is on the ASID San Diego website, https://casd.asid.org/  Day-of-event tickets for $35 will be available at all tour sites via Eventbrite.  Addresses for all tour sites will be posted on the ASID San Diego website on April 29.

SANDAG reinvents bike to Work Day with Bike Anywhere Day

On Thursday, May 18, from 6 to 9 a.m., the rebranded SANDAG Bike Anywhere Day will be held. Take the pledge to join thousands and bike to work, school, or anywhere. Plan to stop by one of many pits stops across the region for refreshments, snacks, and a free commemorative 2023 Bike Anywhere Day t-shirt.

With nearly 1,800 miles of bikeways throughout the region, SANDAG Bike Anywhere Day gives everyone of all ages and abilities the opportunity to explore their community and GO by BIKE. The annual regional event aims to promote biking as a viable, fun, and healthy transportation choice for everyday trips and to combat traffic congestion and air pollution.

For more than 30 years, SANDAG has hosted this event, offering free bike education to schools and employers, and organizing bike rides across the region. To learn more about SANDAG Bike Anywhere Day, take the pledge, and apply to host a pit stop visit https://www.sandag.org/BikeMonth.

Philanthropy and good works

Bicycle Art Auction to support arts education

ArtReach’s largest annual fundraiser of year has returned. This year, they are featuring art on bicycles. The Charity Art Auction supports ArtReach’s free visual arts programs for schools and communities that otherwise do not have opportunities for art.

Ten bicycles and 60+ accessories are available through an online auction from April 1 through April 30. All auction items will be displayed at Mission Fed ArtWalk in the Piazza della Famiglia on April 29-30. Proceeds from the auction directly benefit ArtReach’s programs for young people that do not otherwise have access to visual arts opportunities. Twenty-nine local artists are participating in this year’s Charity Art Auction. Among them, ten artists took to the challenge to transform the bicycles, including Becca Dwyer, Cherise Goode, Don Masse, Hanna Daly, Jen Duran, Kate Joiner, Lost + Profound, Nicholas Danger, Sarah Stieber, and Theresa Vandenberg Donche.

For more information about Charity Art Auctions for ArtReach, visit artreachsandiego.org/charityartauction.

Operation Thin Mint Sendoff and Family Festival

On Friday, April 14, from 6 to 9 p.m., Girl Scouts San Diego will host the Operation Thin Mint Sendoff and Family Festival aboard the USS Midway to celebrate 22 Years of Operation Thin Mint ― a program launched in San Diego that shares Girl Scout Cookies with U.S. military personnel. Since 2002, Girl Scout troops and their generous cookie customers have sent more than 4 million packages of America’s favorite cookies and handwritten notes of support to thousands of military veterans and deployed troops stationed abroad.

Pinwheels for prevention raising awareness for child abuse

In honor of Child Abuse Prevention Month, Promises2Kids is selling blue pinwheels to bring attention to the issue of child abuse. The pinwheels start at $25 and will be planted to help create San Diego’s Pinwheels for Prevention Garden on the lawn at the San Diego County Administration Center. On April 26 at 1:00 p.m., a press conference will take place in conjunction with the County of San Diego, County Board of Supervisors Chairwoman Nora Vargas and Child Welfare Services Director Kimberly Giardina, to raise awareness about the need to prevent child abuse.

Promises2Kids is a nonprofit organization dedicated to creating a brighter future for current and former foster youth in San Diego County. Pinwheels for Prevention will help raise awareness about the need to prevent child abuse and raise funds to benefit foster youth through Promises2Kids’ programs.

SDCCU presents free Financial Wellness Webinars

San Diego County Credit Union® (SDCCU®), one of Southern California’s largest locally owned financial institutions, is proud to host weekly financial wellness webinars throughout the month of April in celebration of National Financial Literacy Month. Webinars are open to the public and free to attend.

National Financial Literacy Month is focused on improving financial literacy within our communities and promoting financial well-being for consumers. The National Financial Literacy Month webinars are part of Financial Wellness Wednesdays, an ongoing program hosted by SDCCU to provide the community access to free financial wellness information. Upcoming dates and times can be found at sdccu.com/fww.

Library Champion recognized at Library Foundation SD’s 20-year anniversary

On March 16, friends and supporters of the Library Foundation SD gathered to celebrate champions of the San Diego Public Library system – both past and present – at Library Foundation SD’s 20-year anniversary. During its 20 Years of Community + Innovation event, Library Foundation SD presented longtime library advocate Katie Sullivan with the inaugural Jim Dawe Champion Award for her contributions to the public library system.

Sullivan has been actively supporting the San Diego Public Library since 1985. She and her husband also championed the construction of the San Diego Central Library @ Joan Λ Irwin Jacobs Common, including through the Library Buy-A-Brick campaign that resulted in more than $900,000 in funds raised.

Along with the presentation of the very first Jim Dawe Library Champion award, San Diego Mayor Todd Gloria officially dedicated one of the San Diego Central Library’s ninth floor terraces as the new Jim Dawe Sunset Terrace.

Padres Pedal the cause sets goal of raising $3.2M by April 18

On March 18, a San Diego-based philanthropic organization Curebound raises and invests strategic funding in translational cancer research projects, and hosted its annual signature event, in partnership with the San Diego Padres, Padres Pedal the Cause, at Petco Park. The event celebrated ten years of impact and a lifetime community raise of more than $20 million for cancer research in San Diego. Fundraising will continue through April 18 with a goal to surpass last year’s record-breaking raise of $3.2 million, all of which will benefit transformative cancer research in San Diego.

One hundred percent of every dollar raised from this event funds lifesaving, collaborative cancer research between Curebound’s six institutional research partners: Moores Cancer Center at UC San Diego Health, Salk Institute, Sanford Burnham Prebys, Rady Children’s Hospital, La Jolla Institute for Immunology, and Scripps Research.

To learn more about supporting Padres Pedal the Cause, please visit; https://www.curebound.org/padrespedal.

Cost of living

End of pandemic food aid will mean 7.7 million fewer meals per month in San Diego County

During the pandemic, the federal government implemented a temporary increase in Supplemental Nutrition Assistance Program (SNAP) benefits, known as “CalFresh” in California. These higher-than-usual emergency payments were critical for many households during the chaos of the pandemic and were delivered as a second installment on people’s cards each month.

In December 2022, however, Congress passed the Consolidated Appropriations Act, which sunsets the additional CalFresh benefit dollars despite ongoing federal or state public health emergencies. The California Department of Social Services says that the last of the emergency allotments was deposited on March 26.

The effects on individuals and families throughout San Diego County experiencing nutrition insecurity will vary depending on income, household size, and other factors. Households will see a minimum of a $95 reduction in their CalFresh benefits, with some monthly reductions that could be as high as $250 or more per month. The ending of emergency benefits equates to 7.7 million fewer meals per month throughout the county.

San Diego advances plan for new safe parking lot with live-in-ready camper trailers

The San Diego City Council’s Rules Committee has forwarded a plan to open a new safe parking lot in the Clairemont neighborhood that will include live-in-ready camper trailers as well as free, safe parking for people who sleep overnight in their vehicles. The City Council’s Rules Committee voted unanimously on the proposal by the city’s Homelessness Strategies and Solutions Department to amend a contract with the Jewish Family Services of San Diego to operate the new lot. Located near the City’s Rose Canyon Operations Yard, the lot will operate 24 hours a day and provide a safe place for unhoused residents needing to sleep overnight in their vehicles.

Housing and construction

San Diego has 3rd biggest decline in home prices in key 20-city housing report

A closely watched housing report showed San Diego had erased annual price gains. San Diego metropolitan area saw its annual home price drop 1.4% in January, said the S&P Case-Shiller Indices. That is a substantial difference from the 30% rise in March 2022, and the first time America’s Finest City had posted a negative number since June 2012.

In the 20 cities covered in the index, metros in the South and Southeast continued to show price growth while West Coast cities appeared to be hit hardest. In addition to San Diego, there were three other cities in the index where price gains had gone negative: Portland, down 0.5%; Seattle, down 5.1%; and San Francisco, down 7.6%.

February home sales perked up along with median prices

Sales and prices of previously owned homes improved a bit in February from a historically slow January, according to the Greater San Diego Association of Realtors (SDAR) which compiles data on the current home sale market through the San Diego Multiple Listing Service.

Single-family (detached) home sales rose more than 10%, while attached properties (condominiums and townhomes) saw a surprising 19% rebound over January. However, sales are down dramatically from February of last year: 34%. Listings and pending sales of resale homes were also down significantly last month.

In a turnaround from the last 10 months, the median home price edged up in February. The price of a single-family home was $900,000, an increase of 6% over January. The price of condos and townhomes was up 4% month-to-month, landing at $616,000. While experts predict prices to continue to decline in the San Diego market, the difference between median prices this February and last February is only slightly more than a percentage point.

North Park’s former Waldorf Television Building undergoing transformation to residential and retail uses

Constructed in 1950, the North Park building formerly called the Waldorf Television Building is undergoing a transformation into a mixed-use development with 11 residences and 6,400 square feet of retail space. North Park resident Nathan Cadieux acquired the 12,000-square-foot property at 3140 University Ave. in 2022 under the umbrella of his new real estate development troop.

With construction underway on The Waldorf, a façade renovation and interior repositioning will open the space and revive the design to honor the iconic character of the original building. Meanwhile, the addition of 1,000 square feet of outdoor patio space will activate the University Avenue/Iowa Street corridors and augment the neighborhood’s sidewalk experience.

City of San Diego creates ‘Affordable Housing Permit Now’ program

In response to an executive order signed in January by San Diego Mayor Todd Gloria, the Development Services Department announced that it has created the Affordable Housing Permit Now program for 100% affordable housing projects and emergency shelters. The program provides enhanced customer service and expedites reviews, dictating that they be completed in no more than 30 business days. Projects eligible for this program must not require discretionary approvals or have already obtained any relevant discretionary permits; the program is targeted for projects ready to build.

City of San Diego launches Life Science Industry Pilot Program

With the goal of making resources and information available to industry leaders and developers, the City of San Diego’s new Life Science Industry Pilot Program aims to revitalize and expand the life science industry in San Diego. The program, which is overseen by the Development Services Department, is designed to speed up the building permit process by facilitating project set-up, review inspection, and occupancy for new and existing life science projects within the city. Eligible projects include but are not limited to, tenant improvements for identified life science industry businesses and new buildings for identified life science industry businesses.

To find out more about the program and whether your project idea qualifies for submission, please visit the City’s website. Those interested in submitting new projects are invited to book an appointment to meet virtually with a development project manager.

Business projections

Suffolk strengthens San Diego presence with new office and expansion potential

Suffolk, one of the largest and most innovative real estate and construction enterprises in the country, has selected Downtown San Diego as the home of its newest office in Southern California. Suffolk opted to move from a suburban setting to a location with more potential for collaboration, innovation, and inspiration in the heart of the city, and its employees look forward to their return to the office.

Suffolk joins a growing number of businesses across sectors that are relocating to and revitalizing the downtown area, including both startups and established organizations in the technology and life science industries. As San Diego continues to invest in major Downtown redevelopments and improvements, Suffolk is primed to support the community with future projects in its own backyard, keeping a finger on the pulse of the region as the company grows its local footprint. In recent reports, it’s projected 1,500 new apartments will be opening this year throughout East Village, Little Italy, and other parts of Downtown.

Front Desk Supply sees sharp demand in hotel key orders

Front Desk Supply, a leading hospitality supplier based in San Diego, CA, has analyzed its hotel key order trends and found that those orders are consistent with the hotel industry’s significant strides toward recovery after the pandemic. Increased orders for hotel key cards and other products offered by the company are a likely precursor to an uptick in summer travel as travelers seek accommodations that meet their ever-evolving needs, including the need to mix business and leisure activities, often leading to a faster turnover of hotel amenities.

Lume Cube celebrates nine years of innovative lighting

Known as the first brand dedicated to innovation in premium personal lighting, Lume Cube is the go-to for creators dreaming up their next creation and looking to achieve New Year’s goals nine years after its founding by a San Diego entrepreneur. Lume Cube plans to launch innovative new technology throughout the year, including a new app to build an ecosystem around the Lume Cube product line.

Lume Cube has leveled-up the personal lighting industry with the release of a variety of new items: the Monitor Light Bar, Cordless Ring Light Pro, Flex Light Pro, Studio Panel Lighting Kit, and the 70” Light Stand.

To keep up to date with new launches and for more information on Lume Cube’s current products, visit www.lumecube.com.

Government updates

San Diego secured 19 gun violence restraining orders

In February, the City Attorney’s Office obtained Gun Violence Restraining Orders against 19 individuals who posed a threat to themselves or others.

The GVROs allowed for the removal of guns and ammunition in dangerous situations that included four threats of suicide, four threats against current or former domestic partners, as well as threats targeting schools, police officers, a bar, and family members. GVROs are obtained by the Office’s Gun Violence Response Unit on behalf of the San Diego Police Department and approved by a judge.

San Diego is a national leader in using “red flag” laws to prevent predictable gun violence and save lives. GVROs are civil orders that prohibit the use, purchase, or possession of all firearms and ammunition. GVROs are used to intervene quickly when lives are at risk. An “emergency temporary” GVRO lasts 21 days.

City attorney sues Hyundai and Kia

San Diego City Attorney Mara W. Elliott sued carmakers Hyundai and Kia for failing to install standard anti-theft technology in their cars, a business practice Elliott claims makes their vehicles dangerously and unreasonably susceptible to theft. The lawsuit, filed on behalf of the people of the State of California, covers the period 2011 through 2021, during which, it alleges, the two companies were a “glaring exception” to industry norms by manufacturing vehicles that could be stolen with “relative ease” using “tools no more advanced than a USB cable.”

April is Alcohol Awareness Month

The Department of Alcoholic Beverage Control (ABC) recognizes the importance of Alcohol Awareness Month every April due to the high number of alcohol-related deaths each year in the U.S. According to the Centers for Disease Control, over 140,000 people die each year from excessive alcohol use. In 2020, 11,654 people died in alcohol-related car crashes, according to the National Highway Traffic Safety Administration (NHTSA).

The effects of alcohol misuse are both deadly and expensive. Alcohol is the fourth-leading cause of preventable death in the United States, according to the National Institute on Alcohol Abuse and Alcoholism (NIAA), and about 18.5% of all emergency room visits involve alcohol. The financial burden of alcohol misuse cost the U.S. an estimated $249 billion in 2010. NHTSA estimates that drunk driving crashes cost the U.S. $44 billion annually.

Senate Leader Atkins announces BRIDGE project

With legislative attacks on the LGBTQ+ community and youth worsening in recent years nationwide, Senate President pro Tempore Toni G. Atkins (D-San Diego) is introducing legislation that would lift California’s travel ban to other states and create in its place a program to encourage acceptance of the LGBTQ+ community.

The legislation, Building and Reinforcing Inclusive, Diverse, Gender-Supportive Equality, would help California champion compassion and help build bridges to unite and unify communities even in states with discriminatory laws. The shift in direction also will help further position California as a national leader of inclusivity and a beacon of hope and support for those who have been isolated by state-sponsored discrimination elsewhere.

Bill to protect Transgender Youth Privacy passes Assembly Judiciary Committee

Assembly Member Ward introduced AB 223, the Transgender Youth Privacy Act, to seal any petition for a change of gender or sex identifier filed by a minor. The bill passed out of the Assembly Judiciary Committee on a bipartisan vote.

Transgender and gender non-conforming adolescents are more likely to develop depression and other mental health conditions, according to research by the Kaiser Permanente Southern California Department of Research & Evaluation. Under existing law, parent authorization is required for changing vital records for those under 18 years of age unless a court has emancipated them. AB 223 does not change the petition process, but it helps prevent the online discovery of documents leading to “outings” and harassment. The bill would require any petition for a change of gender or sex identifier filed by a minor to be sealed to protect their privacy.

Navy generates first low carbon fuel credits for electrification projects at Naval Base San Diego

Since the Navy formed an Intergovernmental Support Agreement with the Port of San Diego in September 2022, $4.5 million has been generated from the sale of Low Carbon Fuel Standard (LCFS) credits. These funds will be used to begin significant upgrades to the electrical infrastructure at Naval Base San Diego, which will further reduce emissions at our largest West Coast surface ship installation. As this program matures, it has the capability to generate in-kind consideration valued at up to $20 million annually.

The Navy’s participation in this program is the first ever participation by the Department of Defense in this type of carbon reduction effort. The Navy generates LCFS credits while ships are plugged into shore power, rather than generating power internally using traditional, carbon-intensive fuels, and limiting emissions of greenhouse gasses in the surrounding community.

Airport reports

Airport receives $20 million federal grant for Terminal 1 replacement

The Federal Aviation Administration (FAA) announced the Biden Administration has awarded San Diego International Airport (SAN) $20 million in discretionary grant funds as part of the Bipartisan Infrastructure Law – Airport Terminal Program. The funds will be used for the New T1 program, which will replace the current Terminal 1 with a modern and efficient facility and includes improvements to the airfield and transportation improvements to make it easier to get to and from the airport.

Frontier Airlines announces nonstop service from San Diego to Cleveland

Ultra-low fare carrier Frontier Airlines will launch a new seasonal nonstop service from San Diego International Airport to Cleveland in June of 2023. With the new service, Frontier will serve a total of seven nonstop destinations from San Diego. To celebrate, the airline is offering fares as low as $89. More information can be found at https://www.flyfrontier.com.

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FYI: News briefs in HLK – April 3, 2023 | ACHR News

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FYI: News Briefs in HVAC – January 23, 2023 | ACHR News

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FYI: News Briefs in HVAC – May 9, 2022 | 2022-05-09 | ACHR News

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