UCLA Blueprint Spring 2024: Designs for a new California

FEATURES INCLUDE:

Statements from campus leadership

In a recent update to the Bruin community, Chancellor Block addressed the rise of antisemitism and discrimination on college campuses and reaffirmed UCLA's commitment to creating an inclusive and safe environment for all. The university is taking steps to address reports of discrimination, initiate a broad-based review, update campus policies, and hold individuals accountable for criminal activity. Additionally, Rick Braziel, UCLA’s associate vice chancellor for campus safety, provided an update on the university's efforts to ensure the safety and well-being of the campus community. UCPD together with local agencies made their first arrest in the ongoing investigation into the April 30 assaults that occurred at UCLA; the university is committed to holding those responsible accountable. Recent demonstrations on campus led to disruptions, but UCLA remains committed to protecting free expression while ensuring safety and the smooth functioning of the university.

Related: Op-ed by Chancellor Block: On antisemitism, I seek a place of common purpose with Congress

UCLA Alumni Association celebrates Bruins who have impacted UCLA and the world

On May 18, the Alumni Association honored seven distinguished alumni and one network for the significant impact they've made in their professions and our community. Their videos tell the amazing story of what they were able to achieve using their gifts and their steadfast commitment to giving back.

Two UCLA faculty members elected to National Academy of Sciences

Zvi Bern, a renowned theoretical physicist, and Leonard Kleinrock, an early pioneer of the internet, have been elected to the National Academy of Sciences for their exceptional contributions to their respective fields. Bern, a professor at UCLA, is known for his work in elementary particle physics and has received awards for his theoretical research. Kleinrock, a distinguished professor emeritus at UCLA, is celebrated for his foundational work on packet switching, a technology integral to the internet's development.

UCLA to lead national effort focused on extreme heat

The UCLA Luskin Center for Innovation has received a $2.25-million grant from the National Oceanic and Atmospheric Administration to establish a Center of Excellence for Heat Resilient Communities. The center aims to address the growing threat of rising temperatures and heat waves to communities and will engage and support communities in developing strategies for local heat mitigation and management. With a focus on equity, the center will work with historically excluded communities and align with the Biden administration's Justice40 initiative to ensure that at least 40% of climate and clean infrastructure investments benefit disadvantaged communities. The ultimate goal is to protect public health from heat dangers through comprehensive, data-informed approaches.

UCLA’s Latino Policy and Politics Institute hosts annual state policy briefing

The UCLA Latino Policy and Politics Institute's (LPPI) fifth annual policy briefing in Sacramento focused on California's housing and environmental-justice challenges among the Latino community. Briefing presenters also introduced the Latino Data Hub, a new digital data platform providing detailed information on Latino populations. Over 20 UCLA students participated in the briefing which provided valuable exposure to legislative offices and an opportunity for LPPI to learn about the Legislature’s priorities.

Related: UCLA Magazine: Every Vote Counts. But Who’s Counting?

Remembering Bill Walton, 1952–2024

UCLA Alumni: Bruin Business 100

An after-dark park program tallies successes

The Parks After Dark program in Los Angeles County, which offers evening activities in parks, is having a positive impact on the community. A report from the UCLA Center for Health Policy Research found that the program fosters a sense of belonging and closer connections among neighbors, with 96% of participants feeling a sense of community and 94% reporting improved relationships with their neighbors. The program, which includes activities such as movie nights and sports clinics, has contributed to a reduction in crime and has been well-received by participants, with 93% feeling safe at the events. The presence of law enforcement, park staff, and community-based intervention workers has aided in the program's success.

Infrastructure crumbles along with local journalism

Research from UCLA and Duke University underscores the critical role of detailed local news coverage in shaping public support for infrastructure investments. The study's findings indicate that providing specific local details and context in news stories can significantly increase electoral support for infrastructure funding, which is essential for climate resilience and community safety. The study highlights the detrimental effects of reduced local newsroom capacity on democracy and civic engagement and concludes that investing in robust local journalism is vital for informing the public and also for garnering support for crucial infrastructure initiatives.

Democracy on the Defensive: 2024 Berggruen Governance Index

The 2024 Berggruen Governance Index (BGI) unveiled at UCLA highlighted a concerning trend. While many countries have seen a decline in democratic accountability, they have continued to deliver public goods effectively. This challenges the belief that democracy alone will improve governance performance. The report suggests a potential shift towards alternative governance models in some countries like Russia, the United Arab Emirates, and China, which could pose a threat to democratic norms. The report's authors emphasized the need for democracy to function better rather than advocating for an authoritarian approach.

Closely held beliefs are stubborn

A study by Duke University’s Matthew Lilley and UCLA Anderson School’s Brian Wheaton suggests that people tend to reject information that contradicts their own beliefs, a phenomenon known as "motivated reasoning." Even when presented with new, credible facts from trusted sources, individuals often remain steadfast in their original beliefs. This tendency is observed across the political spectrum, with individuals showing resistance to changing their views on contentious issues such as racial bias in policing, gun control, and climate change. The study indicates that even when participants claim they would be open-minded and change their beliefs in response to new information, they often do not follow through, demonstrating the prevalence of motivated reasoning in shaping people's perspectives.

Sustainable Move Out: UCLA's collaborative effort for environmental responsibility

UCLA is collaborating with local non-profits, L.A. City Council District 5, L.A. Sanitation, and multiple campus partners to host two primary "Sustainable Move Out" events in the North Village and on campus on June 8 and June 22. These events aim to encourage UCLA students to donate unwanted household items and furniture to reduce their carbon footprint. By partnering with non-profits, the initiative provides opportunities for students to give their gently used items a new home, while also offering coordinated disposal zones for items that cannot be repurposed. The Move Out events will rely on volunteers who will assist in determining whether items can be donated or need to be discarded, highlighting the university's commitment to sustainability and civic engagement.

The ravages of a challenging childhood

UC increases minimum wage for designated health care employees

The University of California (UC) has announced plans to increase the minimum hourly wages for health care workers, beginning June 1, 2024. The minimum wage for designated health care employees will rise to $23/hour, increasing to $24/hour by June 1, 2025, and $25/hour by June 1, 2026, with further increases to follow. Additionally, UC has proposed to raise the minimum wage for all AFSCME-represented employees to $24 by April 2025. This move reflects UC's commitment to fair pay and benefits for its employees, including expanded overtime eligibility, enhanced infertility benefits, and paid time off for family care and bonding.

UCLA Luskin's Anastasia Loukaitou-Sideris discusses facial recognition and fare gates on LA Metro | Los Angeles Times

Public perception of the state of the U.S. economy | Spectrum News 1

Biden’s EPA is trying to take a huge bite out of the climate crisis | CNN

How frequently are people saying ‘please’? | Yahoo Life

Our health may depend on DNA from long-lost ancestors | Live Science