Laser Focus World is an industry bedrock—first published in 1965 and still going strong. We publish original articles about cutting-edge advances in lasers, optics, photonics, sensors, and quantum technologies, as well as test and measurement, and the shift currently underway to usher in the photonic integrated circuits, optical interconnects, and copackaged electronics and photonics to deliver the speed and efficiency essential for data centers of the future.

Our 80,000 qualified print subscribers—and 130,000 12-month engaged online audience—trust us to dive in and provide original journalism you won’t find elsewhere covering key emerging areas such as laser-driven inertial confinement fusion, lasers in space, integrated photonics, chipscale lasers, LiDAR, metasurfaces, high-energy laser weaponry, photonic crystals, and quantum computing/sensors/communications. We cover the innovations driving these markets.

Laser Focus World is part of Endeavor Business Media, a division of EndeavorB2B.

Laser Focus World Membership

Never miss any articles, videos, podcasts, or webinars by signing up for membership access to Laser Focus World online. You can manage your preferences all in one place—and provide our editorial team with your valued feedback.

Magazine Subscription

Can you subscribe to receive our print issue for free? Yes, you sure can!

Newsletter Subscription

Laser Focus World newsletter subscription is free to qualified professionals:

The Daily Beam

Showcases the newest content from Laser Focus World, including photonics- and optics-based applications, components, research, and trends. (Daily)

Product Watch

The latest in products within the photonics industry. (9x per year)

Bio & Life Sciences Product Watch

The latest in products within the biophotonics industry. (4x per year)

Laser Processing Product Watch

The latest in products within the laser processing industry. (3x per year)

Get Published!

If you’d like to write an article for us, reach out with a short pitch to Sally Cole Johnson: [email protected]. We love to hear from you.

Photonics Hot List

Laser Focus World produces a video newscast that gives a peek into what’s happening in the world of photonics.

Following the Photons: A Photonics Podcast

Following the Photons: A Photonics Podcast dives deep into the fascinating world of photonics. Our weekly episodes feature interviews and discussions with industry and research experts, providing valuable perspectives on the issues, technologies, and trends shaping the photonics community.

Editorial Advisory Board

  • Professor Andrea M. Armani, University of Southern California
  • Ruti Ben-Shlomi, Ph.D., LightSolver
  • James Butler, Ph.D., Hamamatsu
  • Natalie Fardian-Melamed, Ph.D., Columbia University
  • Justin Sigley, Ph.D., AmeriCOM
  • Professor Birgit Stiller, Max Planck Institute for the Science of Light, and Leibniz University of Hannover
  • Professor Stephen Sweeney, University of Glasgow
  • Mohan Wang, Ph.D., University of Oxford
  • Professor Xuchen Wang, Harbin Engineering University
  • Professor Stefan Witte, Delft University of Technology

Local Author Launches New Non-Profit Called Neighbors as Family Inspired by her First Novel, ‘A Walk Down Rushville’

News Source: Barbara (Bridget) Burton

LA JOLLA, Calif., March 12, 2025 (SEND2PRESS NEWSWIRE) — La Jolla resident Barbara Burton (also known as Barbara Graf) has launched the non-profit organization Neighbors as Family (NAF), aimed at supporting individuals to make connections and create a chosen family in their neighborhoods. There are many people who are no longer connected to their birth family, whether because of dysfunction, estrangement, loss or other reasons. As humans, we need connection, yet often when the connection to our family of origin is lost, we look to others close-by to create that bond… our neighbors.

La Jolla author Barbara Burton proud to launch new non-profit, Neighbors as Family
Photo caption: La Jolla author Barbara Burton proud to launch new non-profit, Neighbors as Family.

The Neighbors as Family vision is simple: Because of neighbors, no one needs to be without a family. Neighbors As Family is a real non-profit inspired by Burton’s fictional book, “A Walk Down Rushville” (ISBN: 979-8885043847).

The concept is introduced by Skyler, the protagonist in the contemporary fiction novel. Skyler faced depression, loneliness, and estrangement from her family of origin but finds love, acceptance, and connection with the neighbors around her.

The character’s journey inspired the author to make the organization real. “The NAF concept came to me in a dream while I was writing the book. I wanted my character to be able to make a difference in the world, to make a contribution in some way,” said Burton. “As she moved away from depression and grief and embraced the love of her neighbors around her, the idea came to her that an organization could encourage those without a family to connect with neighbors—thus, the concept was born in the story. Then, I made a decision to make it real and establish a nonprofit in the state of California.”

Neighbors have always been important to Burton, and to this day, many of her best friends live within blocks of her home.

Neighbors are also important to Jim Thimmes of La Jolla. “My neighbors are truly like family members to me. I have taken my neighbors to the hospital or doctor’s office for appointments and they have done the same for me,” said Thimmes. “Our mutual families are out of town so these people are my family. I applaud an organization that encourages families to reach out to a neighbor that might be alone or without support. Let’s share these stories of connection. These are the stories that will help us understand that the strength of a neighborhood is in the compassion of families and neighbors coming together through life’s journey.”

(L-R): La Jolla neighbors Jim Thimmes and Georgia Schweitzer enjoy coffee together
Photo caption: (L-R): La Jolla neighbors Jim Thimmes and Georgia Schweitzer enjoy coffee together.

Creating this non-profit was an unexpected development, and Burton is looking forward to building Neighbors as Family into something that will bring joy and fulfillment to those who are yearning for the connection that family provides.

For more information on making neighborly connections, to share a photo or personal story about neighbors, to get involved, or to make a donation, visit https://neighborsasfamily.org/.

Note: Burton’s soft cover and e-book are now available on Amazon, with an audio book in the works. “Neighbors as Family” (EIN# 99-4436350).

For more information, please visit: https://barbaraburtonauthor.com/.

MULTIMEDIA:

PHOTO link for media: https://www.Send2Press.com/300dpi/25-0312-s2p-Barbara-Burton-300dpi.jpg

Photo caption: La Jolla author Barbara Burton proud to launch new non-profit, Neighbors as Family.


This press release was issued on behalf of the news source (Barbara (Bridget) Burton), who is solely responsible for its accuracy, by Send2Press Newswire.

To view the original story, visit: https://www.send2press.com/wire/local-author-launches-new-non-profit-called-neighbors-as-family-inspired-by-her-first-novel-a-walk-down-rushville/

Copr. © 2025 Send2Press® Newswire, Calif., USA. -- REF: S2P STORY ID: S2P124711 FCN24-3B

 

INFORMATION BELOW THIS PAGE, IF ANY, IS UNRELATED TO THIS PRESS RELEASE.

Stock Quote API & Stock News API supplied by www.cloudquote.io
Quotes delayed at least 20 minutes.
By accessing this page, you agree to the following
Privacy Policy and Terms Of Service.