Regents OK Financing
For Helios, Computing

Two of Berkeley Lab’s most ambitious capital projects crossed a major hurdle yesterday when the University of California Board of Regents Committee on Grounds and Buildings unanimously approved financing plans for new buildings. The full board is expected to concur tomorrow. The 160,000-square-foot Helios Energy Research Facility and the 140,000-square-foot Computational Research and Theory Facility received praise and the okay to proceed with planning at the Regents’ meeting in Los Angeles. Lab Chief Operations Officer David McGraw and Capital Projects Manager Jerry Ohearn made presentations. Go here to read about the Helios building, and here for the CRT building.

Chu, left, and Niello

State Assembly’s Niello
Meets With Chu on Helios

California State Assembly member Roger Niello (Sacramento) toured Berkeley Lab on Friday, March 9, and met with Director Steve Chu to discuss global climate change and the Helios research project. Niello is the Vice Chair of the Assembly Budget Committee and will be a key player in the Assembly as the State's 2007-08 budget is debated and passed by the Legislature. The Governor's budget request includes $70 million for construction of the Helios research facility.

Applications for IT Innovation Award Sought

The University of California is seeking applications for the Larry L. Sautter Award for Innovation in Information Technology. Named for UC Riverside's former associate vice chancellor for computing and communications, the award is open to faculty and staff from all UC campuses, the Office of the President, and the three UC-managed national laboratories. The honor recognizes information technology innovations that have the potential to improve UC administrative or academic processes. Applications must be submitted by 5 p.m. on May 18. Application information can be found here.

Director Calls for Action
To Address Ergo Injuries

Berkeley Lab Director Steve Chu sent an urgent memorandum yesterday to all supervisors and managers at the Lab, asking them to meet with their employees in the next seven days to discuss ergonomics and computer-related work habits. “Ergo injuries are preventable. Most injuries are due to incorrect habits in daily activities or not paying attention to the warning signs your body is sending,” he wrote in the memo. “You must encourage your employees to bring to your attention early warning signs of computer-related distress.” Read his complete memo here.

Two From Lab Named
To UC Diversity Council

Johansen
Reed

UC President Robert Dynes has announced the appointment of the University of California Staff Diversity Council, and two Berkeley Lab employees are among the inaugural group — Ombudsman and Workforce Diversity Head Harry Reed, and business manager Bill Johansen. Reed will represent the national labs, and Johansen will represent the UC Staff Association (CUCSA). Dynes said he established the council to advice senior UC leadership and work with the existing UC Diversity Study Group in setting an agenda that promotes staff diversity throughout the system. Read his message and the full membership here.

'Lighthouse' Ticket
Offer at Berkeley Rep

The Berkeley Repertory Theatre is offering Lab employees a 20 percent discount when they buy tickets to see the Rep’s latest play,To The Lighthouse, on the following dates: March 20, 21, 22, 23, 24 and 25. To purchase reserved seats, click here and enter the promo code 2123.