Capital news

A pair of unnamed little birds had a rough plane trip from Washington DC’s Dulles International Airport to San Diego last December, according to an official “animal incident report” recently released by the U.S. Department of Transportation. “Two parakeets [were] accepted in a small pet carrier,” according to the account. “Upon aircraft arrival at [San Diego] the carrier was empty.” All was not entirely lost. “Ground personnel located and recovered one of birds from a nearby fence, however second bird remains unrecovered.” Corrective action taken: “Review of live animal regulations 40th edition container requirement with local station personnel to ensure containers meet specifications in order to prevent escape.” …

UCSD has unveiled the appointments of Natalia Molina and Mary Blair-Loy as dual associate vice chancellors for “faculty diversity and equity.” The new hires will “evaluate and develop as needed programs and procedures for the recruitment and retention of a diverse faculty, as well as promote a fair, equitable and inclusive academic environment for all faculty,” according to the announcement. Molina is a history professor and Blair-Loy is a professor of sociology. “These positions will provide dynamic and innovative academic leadership in achieving and sustaining faculty diversity and equity, as well as the creation of a positive climate for campus faculty.” No word yet on amount of additional salaries.