SCALACS, short for Southern California ACS, is the Southern California Local Section of the American Chemical Society. With a membership of around 2,700 chemists, chemical engineers, and chemical technicians, SCALACS is a vibrant community of professionals in the field. The section consists of members from various backgrounds, with almost half involved in academia and the rest employed in industry.

If you receive the C&E News as a member of the American Chemical Society and reside or work in Los Angeles County, it's likely that you are part of SCALACS. Geographically, SCALACS covers most of Los Angeles County, including areas like Covina Hills, Antelope Valley, Palmdale, Lancaster, and Thousand Oaks. The section offers a wide range of events, seminars, and research symposiums to keep members engaged and updated in the field.

SCALACS also focuses on outreach efforts through its Senior Chemists Committee and organizes the High School Chemistry Olympiad and Project SEED. With resources for chemists, employment opportunities, and prestigious awards like the ACS Fellows, SCALACS provides a supportive and enriching platform for professionals in the Southern California region