Meet and greet the researchers
The Sidney Kimmel Cancer Center will celebrate the opening of its new research building with a Nov. 9 wine and cheese reception from 3:30 to 7:30 p.m.
Cancer researchers and scientists will be on hand to greet the public, and there will also be guided tours of the new building and resource center for cancer patients, survivors and families.
The center is located at 10905 Road to the Cure. Information: www.skcc.org.

Optometrists consolidate offices at LJ Colony site
After more than 20 years on Garnet Avenue, optometrists John Gartner and his wife Lisa Galstian recently closed their in Pacific Beach office and merged with their expanded Golden Triangle office, located at 7770 Regents Road in the La Jolla Colony Shopping Center.
According to Gartner, the move will allow extended hours of business combined with an expansion in cutting-edge technological equipment and larger inventory.
The two have offered optometry services in Pacific Beach since 1986
For information, call (858) 546-1940.

Scripps keeps on giving
The Ellen Browning Scripps Foundation recently awarded $200,000 to Scripps Memorial Hospital, 9888 Genesee Ave., and Scripps Clinic and Scripps Green Hospital, 10666 N. Torrey Pines Road.
“We are fortunate to have the support and involvement of the Scripps Foundation,” said Pamela Whitcomb, senior director of development for Scripps Health. “They have done wonderful things over the years, both within the Scripps Health family as well as the outside community.”
At Scripps Memorial, $75,000 will be used to purchase new digital mammography equipment for the Scripps Polster Breast Care Center, while $25,000 will assist the Scripps Cancer Center, Stevens Division. Scripps Green will use the $100,000 gift to remodel patient rooms.
“We feel very lucky to have that legacy of Ellen Browning Scripps and her vision of continuing to help,” Whitcomb said. “The Scripps family focuses on improving the lives of their patients through their gifts and the community is a better place for it.”
For information, see www.scripps.org.

UCSD professor will lead clinical trials
Dr. Constance Benson, M.D., professor of medicine in the Division of Infectious Diseases at the University of California, San Diego (UCSD), was recently tapped by the National Institute of Allergy and Infectious Disease (NIAID) to help lead the institute’s newly reconstructed HIV/AIDS clinical trial networks.
Benson will lead the AIDS Clinical Trials Group (ACTG) for the NIAID and focus on searching for safe and effective treatments and prevention strategies, including new HIV medications and HIV vaccines.
Benson has earned an international reputation as an accomplished HIV/AIDS researcher. Her work includes more than 20 years studying HIV and AIDS, as well as being active in the ACTG since 1987. She came to UCSD in 2004, where she leads the UCSD Medical Center’s Antiviral Research Center.
The NIAID is part of the National Institutes of Health (NIH) and supports the world’s largest portfolio of clinical HIV/AIDS research.
For information see www.ucsd.edu.

Former chancellor receives top honor
Richard C. Atkinson, president emeritus of the University of California, San Diego (UCSD), 9500 Gilman Drive, was recently selected by the United States Naval Academy to serve on the board of the U.S. Naval Academy Foundation.
Atkinson will serve a four-year term, and join 29 distinguished countrymen who work on the governing board, which is meant to support, promote and advance the mission of the Naval Academy.
The new board member served as chancellor of UCSD for 15 years, as president of UC for eight years, and is known for having begun national college reforms in college admissions testing and starting different approaches to university admission and outreach.
Atkinson and his wife Rita live in La Jolla, where they support their community and philanthropic life in the area.
For information see www.ucsd.edu.