"Climate Watch" and "QUEST," two of KQED's multimedia series covering science and environmental issues, have teamed up to take an in-depth look at the science behind climate change and to explore the changes already taking place throughout California. The 30-minute television special, "California at the Tipping Point," will air at 7:30 p.m. tomorrow on KQED 9 and KQED Comcast 709HD. The program features Bill Collins, a Berkeley Lab earth scientist, who was filmed at the Lab and at the Lawrence Hall of Science. The program will be archived here following the broadcast.
Facilities: How Exactly Do the Lab’s Buildings Get Their Numbers? This question has stymied employees for years…and with several new buildings slated for construction, and a couple nearly complete, the mystery has arisen anew. Just how do the Lab’s buildings get their numbers? Go here to find out.
Employees who missed the live airing of Interim Lab Director Paul Alivisatos’s State-of-the-Lab address last Thursday can now view an archived version online. In his talk, Alivisatos discussed scientific initiatives — including the Next Generation Light Source and Energy and Environment programs — and the new leadership put in place to shepherd these initiatives through, as well as the affect of stimulus funds on Lab research. Go here to view the address.
Operations: Comments Welcome on Improving Administrative ProcessesAmong the questions raised at last Thursday’s State-of-the-Lab address by Interim Director Paul Alivisatos was the issue of improving administrative processes to help employees and working groups more efficiently perform their jobs, either in science areas or operations. Chief Operating Officer Jim Krupnick invites staff to send comments and/or suggestions on improving systems to the “Suggestion Box” featured on the Operations website. Replies to comments are also posted on the site.
With the retirement of Harry Reed, the Lab’s Human Resources Department is currently re-evaluating the Ombuds program, which Reed oversaw. In the meantime, staff can utilize several other resources to express workplace concerns. One option is the Employee Hotline, available at 800-493-4744. Employees can also contact UC Berkeley’s CARE Services, which offers assistance with work-related stress, among other issues. In addition to these venues, Human Resources Head Vera Potapenko (x6681), and Chief Operating Officer Jim Krupnick (x6480) have an open-door policy for any staff person who would like to speak to them directly.
Special Event: EETD Distinguished Lecture on ‘Two Billion Cars’ TodayDaniel Sperling, director of the Institute of Transportation Studies at UC Davis, presents the next installment of the Environmental Energy Technologies Division’s Distinguished Lecture series today at noon in the Building 66 Auditorium. He will discuss “Two Billion Cars and What it Means for Climate and Energy Policy.”
Berkeley Lab Learning Institute (BLI) is hosting a two-day intensive course for managers and subject matter experts — anyone who frequently speaks to audiences on complex scientific or operational issues. Participants will practice advocating ideas and identifying compelling strategies for target audiences. Each person will be videotaped and receive feedback from the instructor and peers. Taught by Dr. Thomas A. Hollihan, a USC professor and instructor at UCLA’s Technical Management Program, the cost is $1,000 per person. Go here for more information, and here to register.
A representative from Costco will be in the cafeteria lobby from 11 a.m. to 2 p.m. on Wednesday. Costco memberships will be offered to Lab employees at a discount.
Today at Berkeley Lab is produced by Public Affairs' Communications Department