California is once again seeing communities around the state ravaged by massive wildfires. The degree of devastation is incomprehensible, with more than 50 people killed, many more feared dead, and more than 8,000 homes and businesses destroyed. We mourn all that has been lost in these cities and towns that so many members of our campus community call home.
We applaud the men and women fighting these fires, and pray they will soon have them under control, though we know it will take years to rebuild what has been lost.
We encourage anyone in our campus community impacted by these fires to reach out for support. This includes those who may not be able to return home for the holidays.
Students in need of assistance should contact their student life or academic advising staff in the colleges. Support services are also available through Counseling and Psychological Services and the Slug Support program. Employees can access the Employee Assistance Program, which provides personal counseling and support.
Those in our community who want to help the impacted communities can give to the American Red Cross, which is providing food and shelter to people impacted by the fires, or the California Community Foundation Wildfire Relief Fund, a organization that supports intermediate and long-term recovery efforts for major California wildfires, as well as preparedness efforts.
