Tuesday, Jan. 12, 2010 Month/Year For Berkeley alternative energy project, big changes on the horizon If approved next week by the UC regents, the Helios Energy Research Facility - originally proposed as a hillside headquarters for Berkeley-based alternative-energy research - could have a new home west of the central campus by 2013. Planned as a modern, accessible space, the project would replace a shuttered neighborhood eyesore with an eco-friendly building and green public plaza designed to spur downtown revitalization as it seeks solutions to global climate change. Read the full article... New decade begins 'path to recovery' Chancellor Robert Birgeneau says he is optimistic that the start of the new decade and the governor's recent budget message mean that Berkeley has turned a corner and is on the path to recovery. But, he warns, significant challenges remain. Read the full article... Out with trays, in with trayless dining  Trays in Berkeley's dining commons have gone the way of panty raids and letter sweaters: They're a thing of the past.  Berkeley is joining the trend sweeping college campuses nationwide and eliminating most of the black plastic trays used in the Crossroads, Foothill, Clark Kerr and Caf� 3 dining halls. Read the full article... New study on girls, boys and math A global study by Berkeley education prof Marcia Linn, among others, offers new proof that girls' math abilities are just as good as boys'. Read the full article... BREAKING NEWS CAMPUS CALENDAR HEADLINES Berkeley #2 in cleantech for 2010 Rankings measure pipeline from university to the world at green's cutting edge. Classical music grant for Cal Performances Mellon Foundation gives $600K for programming. Writers Guild taps J-School prof GSE dean steps down WORKPLACE Staff awards nominees sought Names for COSA honor due Feb. 1. HAAS Awards deadline is Jan. 19 Prestigious international prize honors alum. Excellent managers. supervisors wanted Berkeley Staff Assembly seeks nominations. Survey measures staff morale Online questionnaire up  just a few more days. OBITUARIES Iain Finnie Emeritus professor of mechanical engineering. Hugh McNiven Emeritus professor of civil and earthquake engineering. EVENTS  'Plants Illustrated' Botanical Garden holds its first art show. 'Time and Timing in the Brain' Conference looks at something we often take for granted. News tips or feedback? Please contact us at e-news@berkeley.edu Managers & supervisors: Please print and post a copy of this newsletter for any staff who don't have access to email.