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We have closed out an eventful year in 2008—wars, economic depression, long/intense political campaigns and a historic presidential election. With 2009 we have renewed hope and change afoot. On a personal note, I have been honored to serve as your 2008-2009 President with a dynamic team of NorCal Regional officers. Steve Dizio, who will become our President on May 1st; Tao Wang (NorCal newsletter and website guru), to follow—serving as our current vice-president elect; Sanjay Chanda, a dynamic Past President and Councilor, who has made it his mission to pitch in when ever necessary; hard working Council members Karen Steinmetz and John Wisler; a terrific student representative in Susanne Brander; Jeff Tepper, controlling our purse strings; Chuck Barton, as our Secretary; and a newly created Board position—serving as Postdoc representative—Valerie Mitchell (now with CA EPA). The NorCal SOT is considered one of the most dynamic Regional Chapters in the SOT with over 300 members. We have had a series of outstanding programs (our last on Safety Pharmacology hosted by Roche—had more than120 attendees). Our next meeting will be hosted by Amgen in South San Francisco on April 23rd 2009. The program will focus on target organ toxicity. Although not fully developed it will be a full day symposium with a minimum of 6 talks; poster session with cash awards; our now popular student function—lunch with the experts; meals all day—include breakfast, lunch and dinner; door prizes (wine); and a wonderful opportunity to network and engage in discussions with CROs and consultants. NorCal SOT will also host a join mixer with the Northwest Chapter and UCs Davis and Berkeley at the National SOT meeting in Baltimore at the Hilton hotel, from 6:00 P.M. until 8:00 P.M. on Monday, March 16—if you are going to Baltimore—please join us in this fun social event.
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