More than $6 billion could be at risk in California if President Trump cuts federal funding for health and science research.

Why it matters: Trump's executive orders effectively halting some public health and science work leaves the future of local research related to diseases including cancer, AIDS and Alzheimer's up in the air, particularly in La Jolla.

The latest: One order that spurred the funding freeze and research disruption was blocked by federal judges, but the administration is still reviewing spending.

Driving the news: National Science Foundation (NSF) grant reviews and National Institutes of Health (NIH) funding for new projects are at least temporarily paused as both agencies seek clarity on Trump's recent moves.

• Some review time is normal during presidential transitions, and it's possible that both agencies' work will eventually continue more or less as normal.

Yes, but: It's also possible that some projects that might have been funded during previous administrations will be rejected, especially given Trump's criticisms of diversity, equity and inclusion efforts, green energy and more.

By the numbers: In fiscal year 2024, the NSF and NIH allocated $159,000 in funding per 1,000 residents to California universities, research institutions and other health and science organizations.

• In total, California received nearly $6.2 billion in federal health and science research funding — more than any other state.
• The largest portion of NIH money, $2.7 billion, went to the University of California.
• UC San Diego received about $561 million of that — the third-highest amount of any institution, behind UC San Francisco and Stanford.

Zoom in: The NIH is UC San Diego's largest funding source for research, with most of the money flowing to the medical school.

• One of the biggest NIH-funded projects is the university's FIRST Program, which works to diversify the biomedical workforce.
• UCSD did not comment on the executive order's potential impacts on the school's research funding.

Zoom out: Several other local institutions, mostly in La Jolla, were among the top 20 for NIH funding across California.

• Scripps Research Institute — $163 million
• The Salk Institute for Biological Studies — $66 million

More affected institutions

Illumina, the San Diego-based gene sequencing giant, is taking a hit this week after China placed the company on its "unreliable entity" list.

Why it matters: Companies placed on China's blacklist, which this week also included the parent company of Calvin Klein and Tommy Hilfiger, can face fines, a freeze on trade and a revocation of work permits for foreign staff, as Reuters reported.

State of play: Illumina shares fell 6% to $123.13 Tuesday after China announced the measure as part of its reaction to new Trump administration tariffs.

• Illumina shares rallied slightly Wednesday, climbing 0.48% to $124.68.

What they're saying: An Illumina spokesperson told Reuters the company is trying to reach a positive resolution with China.

• "Wherever Illumina operates, we comply with all laws and regulations," the spokesperson said.

Context: 7% of Illumina's sales come from China, and two of the company's competitors are listed in a federal bill that would restrict business with Chinese companies on national security grounds.

• The House passed that bill in September but it did not pass in the Senate.

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🚔 Proposition 36, the ballot measure that increased penalties for some drug and theft crimes, has led to 400 arrests in San Diego County in the first two months of its implementation. (Voice of San Diego)

💕 Cesarina, the hip Point Loma Italian restaurant, was named the top date-night restaurant in America by Yelp, and Mission Hills' Wolf in the Woods and North Park's Siamo Napoli joined it on the top 100 list. (Union-Tribune)

• Sadly, they're booked for Valentine's Day.

🚶 The pedestrian-only promenade on 5th Avenue in the Gaslamp Quarter has been temporarily suspended as part of the city's response to a looming budget shortfall. (Fox 5)

Hundreds of miniature artworks are back on display at the Oceanside Museum of Art.

Why it matters: The Teeny Tiny Art Mart exhibition and sale is meant to make art more accessible and inclusive by showcasing original pieces by renowned artists and local community members that cost $25 a piece.

The intrigue: Buyers don't know the artist until after the purchase, and all the proceeds from the sale go to the museum's educational programs.

Driving the news: This year's exhibition opened yesterday and runs through March 2.

• The virtual sale starts Sunday at 6pm.

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Moniker General opened its new outpost in North Park this week, expanding the popular coffee shop's footprint in the city.

The vibe: The modern, airy space on University Ave. is a good coworking spot with natural light, indoor and outdoor tables and comfy lounge area.

• It's open 7am-6pm daily, making it one of the few local coffee shops where you can get a full work day in.

What to order: The vanilla mint cold brew was a slightly sweet, refreshing pick me up on a warm afternoon.

• For pastries, a barista recommended the chocolate passionfruit donut, and they will soon offer a full food menu.

The intrigue: There are boutique apartments for lease above that include a free monthly coffee credit.

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