Director Search Almost
Complete, Regents Told

Foley

University of California Vice President Robert Foley told the UC Board of Regents yesterday that the search for a new Director at Berkeley Lab is in its final stages and a decision by President Robert Dynes is expected "in the relatively near future." Foley, who oversees laboratory management for the University, noted that, from what he had seen of the candidate pool, "you will have an excellent choice." He said finalists are being vetted by an executive search firm and soon will be forwarded to Dynes for consideration. "Let's face it," Foley told the Regents. "It's hard to replace Chuck Shank (Berkeley Lab's retiring Director), who has led the lab effectively for 15 years. But I think you will be pleased by the selection."

UC Faculty Poll: Bid
For National Labs

At yesterday’s meeting of the University of California Board of Regents, the Academic Senate representatives announced that a poll of faculty shows overwhelming support for bidding by UC to retain management of the Lawrence Livermore National Lab and the Los Alamos National Lab. Management of Berkeley Lab will also go out to bid this summer, but because the lab conducts no classified research it is not considered controversial and was therefore not included in the poll. The poll was conducted electronically by the Senate’s Academic Council Special Committee on the National Labs. Full story.

Hollywood Science
Strays From Facts

Zettl

Jim Gilchrist, a reporter for the British publication The Scotsman, took a look at the latest Hollywood catastrophe movie, “The Day After Tomorrow,” due for release next week, to determine whether its premise of a new Ice Age is probable. In the process, he reviewed other recent disaster fictions, including Michael Crichton’s book “Prey,” and turned to Berkeley Lab Materials Scientist Alex Zettl to assess the credibility of Chrichton’s nanotechnology doomsday scenario. Read Gilchrist’s report here.

Sally Benson Speaks At
DOE Facilities Caucus

Berkeley Lab Deputy Director Sally Benson — pictured above between Eric Werwa, from the office of Rep. Mike Honda, and Katie Whelan, Deputy Director of the Governor's D.C. Office — spoke about Berkeley Lab’s current science and future opportunities at the recent Congressional DOE Facilities Caucus in Washington D.C. She was invited by Rep. Ellen Tauscher. Also speaking at the program were Don Joyce (Argonne National Lab), Rita Bajura (National Energy Technology Lab), and representatives from Oak Ridge National Lab, Pacific Northwest National Lab, Brookhaven National Lab, and Idaho National Engineering and Environmental Laboratory. During her visit, Benson also met with Rep. Barbara Lee (D-Oakland).

Annual Earthquake Drill
Set for 10 a.m Today

Berkeley Lab's annual Earthquake and Evacuation Drill will be held today at 10 a.m. This event helps the Lab prepare for possible future earthquakes. It will begin with a public address announcement, instructing employees to duck, cover and hold. They should then evacuate the building to their assigned assembly areas. The drill will take no longer than ten minutes.

Pedestrian Entrance
Closed at Strawberry

The pedestrian entrance gate at the Strawberry Canyon Gate is not operational due to construction in the area. Those who enter and exit on foot should exercise care in using the vehicle access road during hours that the gate is open. Repairs are expected to be completed by May 28. Contact Jim Breckinridge at x4855 with questions.