? UCSD Opens New Trauma Center: The UCSD health center released its new level one trauma center last week, becoming the most modern trauma center in San Diego County. Currently, the center — located on W. Arbor Drive — serves approximately 2,900 patients annually. According to center director Raul Coimbra, the center’s advanced technologies in imaging and diagnostics will allow trauma staff to perform resuscitations more rapidly as well as retrieve X-ray and laboratory results directly from system computers. A new camera system will also allow staff to view four patient rooms simultaneously.
? MTS Awards Laptops to Students: The San Diego Metropolitan Transit System awarded laptop computers to 40 San Diego County high school graduates as part of a MTS and Coca-Cola sponsored contest that asked students to write a 1,000-word essay outlining methods for promoting the use of public transportation. Over 200 students submitted ideas including incentives for frequent riders, vending machines and cooling seats. With an early submittal, one student received the choice of a 30-day transit pass or an iPad.
? Tallest Man Visits San Diego: Guinness World Record-holder and tallest man in the world Sultan Kosen visited San Diego on Wednesday as part of a southern California visit to the Orange County Anatolian Cultures and Food Festival. San Diego mayor Bob Filner received the 8-foot-3 Turkish native in his office, communicating using a Turkish translator and speaking about Kosen’s childhood. Filner also accompanied Kosen to Saturday’s Anatolian festival — celebrating Turkish cultures — where Kosen greeted attendees.
? City Committee Approves Spending Limits: San Diego City Council’s Rules and Economic Development Committee approved a recommendation Wednesday, limiting political party spending limits for candidates in municipal city elections. UCSD political science professor Thad Kousser recommended the limits as an outside advisor with support from committee members David Alvarez and Marti Emerald. The vote, which passed 3–2, proposes to limit party contributions in citywide campaigns such as those for mayor and city attorney to $20,000 and contributions for city council races to $10,000. City council is set to vote on a final approval on June 3. If passed, the mandated spending limits will be the first for San Diego since the 2012 elections.
? Professor Named First Jack Keil Wolf Chair: UCSD electrical engineering professor and renowned coding theory researcher Alexander Vardy was appointed the first Jack Keil Wolf chair in his field on May 14. The endowed chair, established in memory of professor and engineering pioneer Jack Keil Wolf, was funded by over 50 contributors, including Wolf’s friends and family.
“Being appointed to the Jack Keil Wolf Chair is such a tremendous honor,” Vardy said in a UCSD News Center release. “For me, personally, he was a role model throughout my career; I know that this is a feeling I share with many people.”
