Fire Updates & Support

Dear Lancer Family:

During painful moments like this, a strong community is a source of hope. 

When the days are long and hard, our community reminds us that we are not alone. When we are in need, our community provides care and comfort. And when our spirits are weak, devastated by all we have experienced and witnessed, our community offers us strength. 

This is what it means to belong to the Pasadena City College family. You are a part of a strong community that takes care of each other. For the larger community as well, PCC is a resource and a hub for help. In the wake of this week’s devastating fires, I want to keep you updated on college developments and the ways we are stepping in to assist.

Our Emergency Operations Center remains activated and is coordinating PCC’s response to this disaster. We are monitoring conditions on campus – including air quality – and preparing for our scheduled return to in-person classes and work on Monday, January 13.  

To expand our ability to help, PCC has partnered with the YMCA of Metropolitan Los Angeles. Together we are distributing free essential supplies to those impacted by local fires. The distribution on PCC’s Colorado campus in Lot 3 (located on Del Mar and Hill Avenue) was held today from 2 to 8 p.m. and will resume tomorrow, Friday, from 9 a.m. to 8 p.m. Available supplies include water, pre-packaged snacks and canned goods, hygiene kits, baby supplies, clothing, blankets, and pet food. 

PCC is also distributing meals to impacted families in the Pasadena Unified School District and to our students, faculty, and staff. We are able to serve a thousand breakfasts and lunches throughout the day from 8 a.m. to 5 p.m. 

Our goal is to provide our community the targeted support it needs. To accomplish this, we are conducting a needs assessment of those who reside in areas that were evacuated. We will be sending an assessment form via email to students, faculty, and staff in impacted zip codes. If you do not receive the email, and you reside in an area that was evacuated or impacted by the local fires, please fill out the PCC Fire Recovery Needs Assessment Form. Completing the form will provide us with information that will help us offer meaningful help. 

In partnership with the PCC Foundation, we have established the PCC Community Relief Fund to help provide critical support to members of our PCC community who are facing immediate and long-term challenges in the wake of the local fires. If you would like to help, please consider contributing to the fund and please share the link with others who may want to give. This is another way that we can work together to assist our colleagues, classmates, and friends who are in need.  

Lastly, please remember that this remains a very fluid situation. Please continue to check your PCC email regularly and often, and please sign up for PCC emergency alerts to ensure that you receive up to date information. Information is also available on our Fire Updates website at pasadena.edu/fireupdates.

Please remember to check in on your loved ones, be there for one another, and let’s continue to find hope in the bonds and beauty of our community. 

Kindest regards, 

José

Dear Lancer Family:

Today we are heartbroken. Over the last 24 hours, some of our friends and colleagues have lost their homes. Many have been forced to relocate. And we’ve all had our peace shattered by the wildfires. 

This catastrophe has left us heartbroken, but it has also deepened our resolve to support our community.

In response to the Eaton Fire and its continuing impact, we’ve taken several measures to ensure our community’s safety. All PCC campuses will be closed, normal operations will be suspended, and classes will be canceled through Sunday, January 12. Essential staff will be contacted by their supervisors with further information. Additionally, all athletic events, on-campus, and community events have been canceled.

The Emergency Operations Center (EOC) has been activated and working over the last 24 hours, and EOC members are on campus to coordinate the college’s response. We are continuing to monitor air quality and other conditions on campus.  

We will continue to provide you updates to inform you of developments and information you need. Please check your PCC email regularly and daily. Information is also available on our Fire Updates website at pasadena.edu/fireupdates. To receive timely updates and emergency notifications via text, please sign up for PCC Emergency Alerts.

Because we are a community of students, faculty and staff who care about each other. We are working to turn our hurt into action.

On Thursday, students, staff, and faculty who need a meal are welcome to come to the Colorado campus between the hours of 8 a.m. and 5 p.m. Free meals will be available in the Piazza in the Campus Center (CC Building). Please park in Lot 1.  

In the days ahead, I know we’ll continue to support one another. Please check in on those who may need assistance. Students who need mental health support can access after-hours assistance by calling 626-585-7273 and pressing 9. PCC’s Employee Assistance Program offers free and low-cost counseling services for staff and faculty. 

My greatest hope is that you and those you love will remain safe.

Warmly,

José

Dear Lancer Community:

Conditions in Pasadena remain unsafe, with fires and smoke in the area, much of the city under mandatory evacuation orders, utility service unreliable, and air quality at unsafe levels.  All college facilities are closed for today, January 8, 2025, and students and employees are to remain home.  

If you are enrolled in Winter semester classes, please check with your instructor. The top priority is the safety of our students, faculty, and staff. Many in our community are out of their homes right now, and we hope that they remain safe as this storm continues to impact our area.

If you need assistance with an emergency on campus, please contact Campus Police at 626-585-7484. Do not come to the area. For more information about emergency response, please use these links below:

• Local shelter information (Los Angeles County Office of Emergency Services):

• • El Camino Real Charter High School
    5440 Valley Circle Blvd, Woodland Hills, CA 91367
  • Pasadena Convention Center
    300 E Green St, Pasadena, CA 91101
  • Westwood Recreation Center
    1350 S Sepulveda Blvd, Los Angeles, CA 90025

• Eaton Fire status page (Cal Fire)
• Air Quality Alert (National Weather Service)
• Weather Forecast (National Weather Service)
• City of Pasadena information (Twitter)

Sincerely,

News Updates at PCC

Dear Lancer Colleagues:

Conditions in Pasadena remain unsafe, with fires and smoke in the area, much of the city under mandatory evacuation orders, utility service unreliable, and air quality at unsafe levels.  All college facilities are closed for today, January 8, 2025, and students and employees are to remain home.  

If you are able to work remotely, please check with your supervisor or dean for further instructions. The top priority is the safety of our students, faculty, and staff. Many in our community are out of their homes right now, and we hope that they remain safe as this storm continues to impact our area.

If you need assistance with an emergency on campus, please contact Campus Police at 626-585-7484. Do not come to the area. For more information about emergency response, please use these links below:

• Local shelter information (Los Angeles County Office of Emergency Services):

• El Camino Real Charter High School
  5440 Valley Circle Blvd, Woodland Hills, CA 91367
• Pasadena Convention Center
  300 E Green St, Pasadena, CA 91101
• Westwood Recreation Center
  1350 S Sepulveda Blvd, Los Angeles, CA 90025

• Eaton Fire status page (Cal Fire)
• Air Quality Alert (National Weather Service)
• Weather Forecast (National Weather Service)
• City of Pasadena information (Twitter)

Sincerely,

News Updates at PCC

Dear Lancer Colleagues:

High winds are coming through Pasadena and the surrounding areas over the next couple of days. The City of Pasadena has estimated winds may range from 30 to 50 mph with widespread gusts between 60 to 80, and possibly even gusts of 100 mph. 

Combined with the dry conditions our area has been experiencing, these winds bring an increased risk of wildfires, downed trees, and power outages. Here are some steps you can take to remain safe during this event:

• Stow or secure objects that are outdoors. Bring inside loose items that may become airborne.
• Stay indoors when possible. Avoid being near trees, power lines, or other objects that could be vulnerable to the wind.
• Make preparations for a loss of power. Utilities may preemptively cut service to reduce the risk of fire. Have a plan in case your power goes out, and be prepared for lengthy service interruptions.
• The City has implemented Red Flag Parking Restrictions for the duration of the storm. Obey posted signs and keep streets clear where required.
• Monitor PCC email, watch for RAVE alerts, and stay aware of updates in the area.

The college is open for regular operations. If you see something that causes concern, please contact PCC Police for emergencies at 626-585-7484 or Facilities Services at 626-585-7277. You can also complete a Facilities Service Ticket.

More information will be sent as time goes on.

Thank you,

News Updates from PCC