Campus unveils Four-Point Plan for a Safer, Stronger UCLA

As UCLA prepares for students to return to campus in a few weeks, the university has launched a new initiative to enhance community safety and well-being; foster engagement, learning, and dialogue across differences; promote freedom of expression; and continuously evaluate and improve support for the diverse Bruin community. In a recent statement, Interim Chancellor Darnell Hunt emphasized the importance of protecting the campus environment, urging respectful engagement to maintain a healthy academic atmosphere, and promoting inclusive excellence. In addition, the new Office of Campus Safety will play a central role in coordinating safety efforts across campus and improving procedures for addressing potentially dangerous situations. The university has updated its Time, Place and Manner policies and is currently accepting feedback on them. UCLA is dedicated to continuously improving safety protocols and approaches so that every member of the Bruin community can thrive.

Related: UCLA aims to rebuild trust after protests with new ‘free speech’ zones, more security, dialogue | Los Angeles Times

It’s hot. Very hot. Daniel Swain explains why

UCLA climate scientist Daniel Swain hosted climate office hours recently to discuss the unusually hot weather in coastal Southern California, with temperatures reaching as high as 115 degrees. Despite a relatively cooler August, he noted that California experienced persistently hot temperatures throughout June and July, making it likely to be the hottest summer on record. That was inescapable last week, as coastal Southern California experienced its most significant heat event of the year, with temperatures reaching the upper 90s near the beaches and soaring to 110-115 degrees in the San Fernando Valley and the San Gabriel Valley. Next up: Swain warned that increased wildfire activity may naturally follow this inordinate heat.

We Are UCLAvian

A Bruin field guide to the birds that shape our work and lives.

A bird’s best friend

If you have any questions about birds on campus — or in general — you would be hard-pressed to find a more enthusiastic, compassionate and knowledgeable avian maven than UCLA’s inaugural chief sustainability officer and current doctoral student Nurit Katz. She loves birds … just don’t ask her why.

Climate change vs. birds

As climate change warms the world, North American animals are responding in three primary ways: moving north, heading to higher elevations and making phenological changes — adjusting annual cycles such as when they breed. A new UCLA study analyzed 27 years of data to see if birds can keep up with the changing planet.

Learn to Fly – With Sign Language

The power of language — every language — gives us wings. Take flight with UCLA’s American Sign Language instructors Benjamin Lewis and Jennifer Marfino and interpreter Mariam Janvelyan.

Dark matter and black holes in the early universe

UCLA astrophysicists made recent discoveries using the James Webb Space Telescope that shed light on the early formation of supermassive black holes. Contrary to previous conclusions, these findings suggest that the presence of dark matter in the early universe played a crucial role in preventing hydrogen from cooling too quickly, allowing it to condense into supermassive black holes. These findings provide insight into the enigmatic nature of dark matter and its potential impact on the early evolution of the universe.

UCLA’s Chris Mattmann is the first chief data and AI officer in the UC system

UCLA has appointed Chris Mattmann to a groundbreaking role focused on harnessing the power of data and AI, making it the first position of its kind at any University of California campus. In this position, he is tasked with developing and implementing a strategic roadmap for data and AI innovations at UCLA, focusing on ethical deployment, enhancing capabilities, and fostering collaboration across the campus. With a distinguished background at NASA’s Jet Propulsion Laboratory and expertise in technology and data innovation, Mattmann aims to leverage his experience to benefit the entire UC community and drive AI advancements.

New technology may permit earlier detection of Lyme disease

The California NanoSystems Institute at UCLA has developed a rapid and portable testing technology that uses artificial intelligence (AI) to detect Lyme disease. Unlike the current two-tiered testing regimen recommended by the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention, this single AI-enhanced test provides results within 20 minutes and has been shown to be as reliable as the traditional testing method. The speed, portability, and relatively low cost of this new technology suggest potential for same-day detection of Lyme disease, offering hope for improved patient care. The research received support from the National Institutes of Health and the National Science Foundation, and the researchers are seeking partners to scale up the technology.

New pedestrian-only Broxton Plaza to enliven Westwood

A portion of Broxton Avenue soon will be closed to vehicle traffic to create a pedestrian-only Broxton Plaza, a project initiated by the Westwood Village Improvement Association, of which UCLA is a part. The two-year trial period will feature programming, lawn games, and outdoor seating, all aimed at drawing more students and others to Westwood. The plaza will also offer free Wi-Fi and outdoor study spaces. The new plaza is set to launch in conjunction with the UCLA Westwood Village Block Party on September 22. Nearby, the Broxton parking structure will continue to provide free parking for two hours. Transforming Broxton Avenue into an inviting and lively pedestrian-oriented zone is part of the continuing effort to nurture and expand a sense of community in Westwood Village.

Zev: Renowned L.A. political figure retires from UCLA Luskin faculty

Zev Yaroslavsky, who joined the UCLA Luskin School of Public Affairs faculty after decades serving in elected office in Los Angeles, used his real-world experience grappling with the region's knottiest problems to teach and mentor UCLA Luskin students. Although he will retire from teaching this summer, he plans to continue directing one of the Luskin School’s main projects, the annual Quality of Life Index, which measures how satisfied Angelenos are with life in L.A. UCLA’s Blueprint magazine recently sat down with Yaroslavsky to discuss his remarkable career and his ongoing commitment to measuring and improving the quality of life for Angeleno.

As the Paralympics get underway, UCLA’s Michael Garafola is bringing adaptive sports to the mainstream

As the Paralympics conclude in Paris, all eyes are on the burgeoning world of adaptive sports — a field that is growing in popularity, thanks to champions like UCLA’s Michael Garafola, who believes that everyone should know the camaraderie, athleticism and fun of leaving it all on the playing field.

Grant for enhancing engineering education in California

A team of professors at the UCLA Samueli School of Engineering and Cal Poly Pomona have been awarded a $1.6-million grant from the California Education Learning Lab to enhance educational outcomes for community college students in engineering over the next four years. The initiative aims to facilitate a smooth transition for these students into four-year universities, improve their employment prospects post-graduation, and engage industry partners to create internship opportunities.

ENGAGEMENT

Presidential debate
Live screening of the Harris/Trump debate on ABC

Hammer Museum
Tuesday, September 10
5 to 7:30 p.m.

UCLA Center for the Transformation of Schools: Statewide policy and collaboration for foster youth

Among Us podcast
Season 1, Ep. 5

EmPower Hour: Fostering civic engagement and dialogue in a time of political polarization

Maxwell House
Thursday, September 12
6 p.m.

Breath(e): Toward Climate and Social Justice
Part of Getty’s region-wide initiative PST ART: Art and Science Collide

Hammer Museum
September 14 to January 5

Democracy and risks to the 2024 elections

Hammer Museum
Tuesday, September 17
7:30 p.m.

UCLA Westwood Village Block Party

Westwood Village
Sunday, September 22
5 to 9 p.m.

2024 UCLA La Kretz Center public lecture

Boyer Hall
Saturday, September 28
3 to 5:30 p.m.

UCLA Anderson Forecast: Fall 2024

Hybrid event, UCLA Anderson School / Webinar
Wednesday, October 2
9 a.m. to 12 p.m.

Ursus environmental symposium: Heat domes, atmospheric rivers, bomb cyclones and climate whiplash: California climate and weather now and in the future

Webinar
Wednesday, October 2
12 to 1:30 p.m.

California Health Interview Survey (CHIS) annual data release

Zoom
Thursday, October 3
12 to 1 p.m.

UCLA Volunteer Day 2024

Over 45 community sites across Los Angeles
Saturday, October 5

UCLA HEALTH

From soil to soul: VA and UCLA partner on Veteran’s Garden

Cyntrea Cotton, a U.S. Air Force Veteran, overcame her family history of hypertension and improved her health by switching to a wholesome, organic diet. She was inspired to do so by the Veteran’s Garden at the West Los Angeles VA Medical Center. Driven by the impact of agricultural therapy on veterans, a team led by Jennifer Allen and Dr. Katie Fruin is working to revitalize the 15-acre garden with the support of UCLA Health. Their goal is to provide a space for veterans to find community, safety, and healing through agricultural therapy programs and career training. They hope to establish a national model of health system-supported agriculture.

Novel procedure helps treat renowned chef’s rare eye cancer

Executive chef Sonny Sweetman, known for his meticulous attention to detail and unwavering culinary artistry, faced a shocking diagnosis in early 2022. His vision was blurry and his doctor was worried, and Sweetman knew something wasn't right. He was soon diagnosed with uveal melanoma, a rare type of eye cancer that affects only about 1,700 people in the United States each year. Despite that news, Sweetman, 53, felt lucky to be in the hands of a team of UCLA Health specialists who are experts in treating this disease. Sweetman credits his medical team for helping him through this challenging time and emphasizes the importance of quality of life in overcoming cancer. He expresses gratitude for the support he received from both his medical team and his kitchen staff, stating that he feels valued,

UCLA IN THE NEWS

Los Angeles wants a ‘no-car’ Olympics. Can the city of drivers turn a corner? | The Guardian

Will the 2028 Olympics create lasting benefits for Los Angeles? | CalMatters

UCLA professor discusses Gen Z voter mobilization | Spectrum News

UCLA Prison Education Program/Center for Justice & Geffen Collaboration | ABC News

How to talk to children about school shootings: Advice from Dr. Brymer, Director of Terrorism and Disaster Programs at UCLA-Duke National Center for Child Traumatic Stress | ABC News

Election experts on certification this year | NPR’s “All Things Considered”

Gov. Newsom declares State of Emergency in Rancho Palos Verdes | KABC-TV

‘October 7’ play to make West Coast debut at UCLA on anniversary of Hamas attacks | Los Angeles Times

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