With unemployment at its highest levels in more than a decade, Bay Area food banks are facing an unprecedented demand for services, exploding tenfold almost overnight at some sites. Berkeley Lab scientists have sprung into action, marshaling their colleagues to help meet the demand for food. “We’ve formed teams to support local food banks, which provide an essential service to the community … [Read more...]
On-Site Superstars: Facilities’ Hernandez and Montoya
Custodial leads Javier Hernandez and Peter Montoya have always taken pride in working at the Lab, and never more than now when their essential contributions are emphasized. Although the Lab reduced on-site staffing beginning March 19 to comply with California’s shelter-in-place order, Montoya and Hernandez still commute to the Lab’s main site, like they always have since they joined the Lab’s … [Read more...]
On-Site Superstars: Tien Huynh and the Groundskeeping Team
Although almost all of the humans have left Berkeley Lab’s main site, the wildlife has not. The turkeys, deer, and other creatures are roaming the hillside, while the trees, shrubs, grass, and weeds continue to grow. That keeps Berkeley Lab landscaper Tien Huynh a busy man. Huynh and three other landscapers continue to come to work each day while the Lab is in standby mode – although in … [Read more...]
Electrician Peter Combs Keeps Lab Ready for Fire Emergencies During Stand-Down
Even with only a small crew of essential workers at the main Lab site, Peter Combs’ job as an electrician has been surprisingly routine during the stand-down that began March 17. “It’s kind of business-as-usual for us,” said Combs, who has worked at the Lab for five years maintaining its fire-sprinkler systems. “Our work orders mainly consist of preventative maintenance,” he said, with weekly, … [Read more...]
On-Site Hero: Balbino Mercadel
Lighting Technician Balbino Mercadel is one of the many on-site workers who is keeping the Lab in a safe and stable condition while Lab employees shelter-in-place. Balbino found his way into lighting and light technology in the U.S. Navy. Following his dad, who was also a Navy veteran, he worked top-side until he experienced sea-sickness when the ship zig-zagged in open water. After a few … [Read more...]