Our thoughts are with all those impacted by the horrific wildfires that continue to burn in and around Los Angeles. The degree of devastation is incomprehensible, with people killed and injured, thousands of homes and businesses destroyed, and nearly 150,000 residents under mandatory evacuation orders. We mourn all that has been lost in these cities and neighborhoods. So many members of our own campus community call Los Angeles home or have deep ties to the region, including 20,000 UC Santa Cruz alumni who live in the area.
Our Division of Student Affairs and Success has reached out to the approximately 3,000 current undergraduates and graduate students who live in Los Angeles County, pointing them toward Slug Support, Counseling and Psychological Services, and additional resourcesavailable to them. Being away from home during uncertain times can be deeply unsettling, but we want all of our Angelenos to know that you’re not alone. Your health, safety, and wellness are important to us, and we recognize that events like these fires can be physically, financially, emotionally and academically taxing. Your well-being matters to all of us on campus, and we will do all that we can to support you. Do not hesitate to reach out.
Many of our employees are also closely tied to Los Angeles, hailing from the region or collaborating closely with researchers and scholars there. Many have friends and family in the area. Support for faculty and staff is also available.
Our campus community has a track record of responding generously to calls for assistance when tragedy strikes. We saw this first-hand when our community rallied to help the thousands of people impacted by the CZU Lightning Complex wildfires here in Santa Cruz County in 2020. The Los Angeles Times has compiled a list of state, regional and grassroots organizations supporting fire victims.
We applaud everyone fighting these fires, wish for their safety, and hope that they will soon have them under control.
