Lab Releases Draft
Growth Plan, EIR

Berkeley Lab has released its draft 2006 Long Range Development Plan (LRDP), which establishes a framework of land-use principles to guide the Lab’s growth and other physical development through 2025. A draft Environmental Impact Report (EIR), providing an assessment of the LRDP and its potential effects on the environment, is also available. Both documents can be accessed at Berkeley Lab’s LRDP website.  The LRDP balances science-driven facilities with modest growth, sustainable development, and a commitment to environmental stewardship. The EIR will undergo a public review process that ends on March 23. A public hearing for the EIR will be held at the North Berkeley Senior Center on Feb. 26. The LRDP and EIR are expected to be submitted to the UC Regents for review in the fall. Go here to read a press release on the LRDP.

The Insurance
Climate Change
By Karen Breslau

Along the Eastern Seaboard, home policyholders are being dropped by their insurers; many more have had to swallow double-, even triple-digit increases in premiums. Why the sudden rash of cancellations? An increase in "extreme weather events" that many believe are linked to climate change. It's not just Category 4 hurricanes — companies have been racking up record property losses from freakish weather, such as the temperatures that froze California's citrus crops. "There's a shift going on to more frequent, extreme weather events," says Evan Mills, an environmental scientist at Berkeley Lab. "It's as much an issue in the heartland as on the coast." Full story.

Illustration of ALS User Support Building

Regents Approve User Support Building Design

The ALS User Support Building project passed a major milestone last Tuesday. The UC Regents approved the design and adopted the environmental document. This provides the last approval necessary to demolish Building 10 this spring during the ALS shutdown. Pending passage of a Congressional budget and receipt of appropriate bids in February, the design of the new building will be completed this calendar year with construction of the new facility starting next January. For questions on the project, contact Joe Harkins (X7486).

Wall-to-Wall Inventory Progress Report

As the fourth week of scanning begins, nearly 64 percent of Berkeley's 20,813 assets have been located and verified. With the easy scans now behind them, inventory personnel are beginning the more difficult searches for the remaining 7,598 assets that are inside, behind, under, or otherwise obscured from view. Those needing assistance with the inventory can contact their division property representative.

Regents Appoint Staff
Advisor to Board

The UC Board of Regents last week approved the appointment of a permanent staff advisor to its ranks. A pilot program had been in place for two years. The position will help "strengthen inclusion of employees' views in board decisions," says a UC press release on this development. Berkeley Lab staff interested in sharing comments and suggestions about their work experiences with the staff advisor can do so here. Additional information is available on the Staff Advisor website. 

Retirement Savings
Workshop Tomorrow

FITSCo Senior Retirement Counselor Alyssa Valladao will be conducting an “Enrolling in the UC Retirement Savings Program” workshop tomorrow from noon to 1 p.m. in Building 26-109. The workshop is directed toward people who are not yet participating in the 403(b) and 457(b) Retirement Savings Plans. Topics will include the amount of savings needed in retirement, how to create a savings budget, the advantages of participating in a retirement savings program, investment options, and how to enroll in the UC Retirement Savings Program. No reservations are required to attend the workshop.