Bright, but not as big: Solar projects could be downsized to protect wildlife
The two massive solar projects winding toward approval on San Luis Obispo County’s Carrizo Plain could end up generating 30 percent less energy than the 800 megawatts their corporate backers would prefer. That is according to draft environmental impact reports circulating for the California Valley Solar Ranch, backed by San Jose-based SunPower Corp., and the Read More →
Nanosociology: UCSB center studies impact of nanotech
Researchers at UC Santa Barbara have secured another $6.1 million grant to keep asking the big questions about very small things. UCSB is well known for its nanotechnology research. It splits the California NanoSystems Institute with UCLA, and researchers at its Center for Nanomedicine have already made the cover of Science, one of the most Read More →
Giving more than time: Tech companies lend their skills to nonprofits
When businesses think about giving back to their communities, they typically turn to giving cash or volunteering to help build houses or serve up food. But tri-county technology companies are finding they can have a big impact in just a few hours by donating their skills and expertise. In San Luis Obispo, Hathway, a Web Read More →
TrueVision sets its sights on Chinese market
TrueVision Systems, a Santa Barbara-based surgical technology firm, has sealed a deal to create a joint venture with a Chinese medical device company and will soon begin selling its gear in China. TrueVision makes a big-screen, 3-D display system that attaches to a surgeon’s microscope — think “Avatar” meets brain and eye surgery. The startup Read More →
Betting on a windfall: A new kind of project for Paso Robles
Windfall Farms may one day be to Paso Robles what Montecito is to Santa Barbara — an enclave for millionaire retirees and the weekend wealthy. But the San Luis Obispo County version has a few extra country charms thrown in, like alfalfa fields, grazing cattle, wine grapes and Kentucky-style horse facilities. The 724-acre Windfall Farms Read More →
