Dear ACS San Diego Members,

As we turn the calendar to September, the fall season brings cooler days, new opportunities, and a chance to reflect on the history of our science. On September 28th, 1928, Alexander Fleming made the serendipitous observation of Penicillium notatum mold inhibiting bacterial growth—an insight that sparked the antibiotic revolution. Discoveries like this remind us how chemistry continually changes lives in profound ways.

Last month, we were delighted to host our 50-Year Member Luncheon at Tom Ham’s Lighthouse. This year’s gathering welcomed 21 attendees, including four honorees (three of whom were joined by spouses), eight board members and guests, and three prior honorees with guests. It was a joy to celebrate the dedication and achievements of our long-standing members together by the bay. A special thanks goes out to all who joined us—be sure to check out the wonderful photos from the luncheon later in this newsletter!

Looking ahead, we’re excited for one of our largest annual gatherings—the ACS San Diego Local Section Picnic on Saturday, September 20th from 11:00 AM to 2:30 PM. This family-friendly event will feature catered tacos, lawn games, kids’ activities, a dessert contest, and a raffle with ACS prizes. It’s always a highlight of the year, and early registration is strongly encouraged so we can prepare for everyone’s participation. We can’t wait to see many of you there!

Another highlight this fall will be our Distinguished Scientist Banquet, where we are proud to honor Dr. John Hood for his groundbreaking work in drug discovery and development. Dr. Hood is being recognized for the development of ENV-101, a best-in-class hedgehog inhibitor that is the first agent to demonstrate reversal of fibrotic disease in humans. In addition to his leadership at Endeavor BioMedicines, Dr. Hood has a long track record of scientific and entrepreneurial success, including co-discovering and advancing fedratinib, now approved worldwide for the treatment of myelofibrosis. His vision and contributions exemplify the impact of San Diego’s life sciences community, and we look forward to celebrating his achievements at this year’s banquet.

As the year continues, we are thrilled to share that we are in discussions with Taylor Guitars and BlueNalu for some exciting end-of-year talks that highlight the intersection of chemistry, innovation, and industry in San Diego. In addition, our Women Chemists Committee (WCC) is organizing the Women’s Trailblazing Award Banquet in early October—full details can be found later in this newsletter. These programs promise to bring inspiring stories and fresh perspectives to our community.

Thank you for your continued involvement in ACS San Diego. Whether we gather to celebrate milestones, share science, or enjoy community, your participation makes our section strong. We look forward to seeing you soon!

Warm regards,
Max Mahler and Jackie Trischman
Co-Chairs, ACS San Diego Section