This page will be updated for the CalArts community.
Evacuation Information
In the event of an emergency evacuation for the CalArts campus, CalArts will be notified by local authorities well in advance of the actual evacuation time and date, and placed on standby. If that occurs, we post and send that information immediately to students, faculty and staff.
The following email was sent to the CalArts community on Jan. 15 at 1:45 pm.
[Update 10] Fire and Wind Impacts/Operations Update for Jan. 15-20
Dear CalArtians,
The Hurst Fire, which is the fire located nearest to the CalArts campus, remains at 97% containment. Therefore, today (Wednesday, Jan. 15), the CalArts campus is open and operational. We anticipate this status to continue through this long Martin Luther King Jr. weekend (Jan. 17-20), but will notify the community of any changes.
Weather forecasts expect Red Flag Warnings (critical fire weather conditions) to continue in and around the Valencia campus through tonight at 6 pm. Campus Safety continues to monitor the Genasys Protect website, which provides up-to-the-minute information on fire evacuations. In Santa Clarita, the city also activated its emergency website, which is good to bookmark for future emergencies.
Please remain prepared for possible power outages in your areas by maintaining charged batteries, fully charged cell phones, and keeping flashlights readily available. In the event of an emergency, you are always encouraged to contact 911 or, if on campus, Campus Safety at 661-222-2702.
As a reminder, we continue to post to the Campus Alert page as well as to the emergency resources for community members affected by the fires or for those who may need help processing the events of the past week. CalArts is also developing an online mutual aid community bulletin board for our faculty, staff, and students to post resources and ask or offer help.
Best,
Troy
Troy Allen
VP for Facilities Development and Management
The following email was sent to the CalArts community on Jan. 14 at 2:15 pm.
[Update 9] Fire and Wind Impacts/Daily Operations Update for Jan. 14
Dear CalArtians,
The Hurst Fire, which was the fire located closest to the CalArts campus, is now at 97% containment. Therefore, today (Tuesday, Jan. 14), the CalArts campus remains safe, open and operational.
Weather forecasts expect the winds to pick up again through tomorrow, Wednesday, Jan. 15 at 6 pm. Red Flag Warnings (critical fire weather conditions) have been issued for much of Los Angeles and Ventura counties, and Campus Safety is continually monitoring the Genasys Protect website, which provides up-to-the-minute information on fire evacuations.
Because several people have inquired, I wanted to share the plans in the event our campus is threatened by a large wildfire. Although we have prepared over the past four months to remove debris, brush, and dead trees to avoid hazardous situations, there are times when fire and wind abatement is not enough. If that does happen, Campus Safety and myself (the VP for Facilities Development and Management) will issue an alert via the LiveSafe app to all campus constituents. The alert will also be sent to everyone’s email. In addition, staff, faculty, and students who have updated their contact information via Self-Service will receive a text message alert.
Instructions in the alerts will be based on guidance received from local law enforcement and Los Angeles Fire Department personnel. In the event of an evacuation, Campus Safety will help ensure that our community members leave immediately to seek shelter at the safest location identified by local law enforcement. Campus Safety will remain in direct contact with local law enforcement and provide updates as they become available; we also ask that our community members also monitor local news, if possible, once evacuated. More detailed information can also be found in our Emergency Operations Plan.
As a reminder, we continue to post to the Campus Alert page as well as to the emergency resources for community members affected by the fires or for those who may need help processing the events of the past week. CalArts is also developing an online mutual aid community bulletin board for our faculty, staff, and students to post resources and ask or offer help.
Should you have questions about campus operations, Campus Safety and Facilities personnel are on duty and available throughout this time. Please contact Campus Safety at 661-222-2702.
Best,
Troy Allen
VP for Facilities Development and Management
The following email was sent to the CalArts community from President Ravi Rajan on Jan. 13 at 4 pm.
[Update 8] Support and Resources for our CalArts Community
Dear CalArtians:
This past week we have all been through tremendous upheaval, uncertain of what might happen next. Some in our community have experienced unimaginable loss. To be sure, the way forward will require all of us to bind together and ensure that, as the various emotions triggered by this moment surface, we support one another through the process. We will need to look after ourselves and then others. And it will be important for us all to hold up hope in response to the hardest moments as we move forward.
Campus remains safe and fully operational. We have been able to welcome students, faculty, and staff back to campus as the Winter Session started today. Our campus has been a resource and refuge for many who have experienced disruption or loss, and this will continue into the days and weeks to come. CalArts’ academic leaders determined that it was important to begin classes today as planned, to ensure our campus continues to play this role. Thank you to the staff and faculty who have been coming to campus since before the winds and fires began to make sure we could proceed uninterrupted. Your hard work and dedication are the backbone that allows us to stand together as a community and support one another in this moment.
As before, if your own situation requires flexibility, please let your faculty member, supervisor, divisional dean, or vice president know—your CalArts community is here to support you.
This week, we’ve also witnessed an outpouring of support for those affected from beyond our community—from neighbors, community members, and strangers. I’m awed and humbled by the work of our first responders, many of whom are putting their own lives in jeopardy to fight these fires and keep us safe, even as their own homes and families are in danger.
CalArts has created a webpage to provide ongoing information and updates on the fire and wind impacts and to share resources. The Communications office is in the process of setting up a community page on the Hub where faculty, staff, and students will be able to share resources and provide direct mutual aid; and KCIA, our student-run radio station, has organized a relief drive to assist those affected by the fires. We are also working to aggregate relief efforts—especially those directed to our staff, faculty, students, and alumni. Please continue to check the website and the Hub for ongoing information and additional resources, and to watch your CalArts email for updates.
Thank you to each of you for all that you have been doing to navigate—and help others navigate—this moment. There have been many times for me in the past few days where feelings of strength and hope have given way to concern and fear. Let’s all find a way to support one another as we face these kinds of changes in the days and weeks to come, so we can ensure that hope prevails.
Take care and stay safe,
Ravi Rajan
President
The following email was sent to the CalArts community on Jan. 13 at 1 pm.
[Update 7] Fire and Wind Impacts/Daily Operations Update for Jan. 13
Dear CalArtians,
As we navigate the devastation caused by Los Angeles’ fire and windstorms, I wanted to offer prayers and condolences to all the family members, friends, and colleagues who have lost loved ones and homes during this past week. It’s truly a difficult time, so please refer to the resources available, including counseling options, mentioned in earlier communications.
The Hurst Fire, which is located about 9 miles south of campus, is now at 95% containment and all evacuation orders have been lifted and reduced to evacuation warnings. Therefore, today (Monday, Jan. 13), the CalArts Campus remains safe, open and operational.
Weather forecasts expect the winds to pick up again now through Wednesday. There are Red Flag Warnings (critical fire weather conditions) issued for much of Los Angeles and Ventura counties, and Campus Safety is continually monitoring the Genasys Protect website, which provides up-to-the-minute information on fire evacuations.
Because of the returning winds, please exercise caution when traveling to campus. CalArts administration is modeling various scenarios if the fire and extreme wind conditions worsen. In the event of an emergency evacuation for the CalArts campus, CalArts will be notified by local authorities in advance of the actual evacuation time and date, and placed on standby. If that occurs, we post and send that information immediately to students, faculty and staff.
As always, please refer to our Campus Alert page for the latest news, information and resources. Should you have questions about campus operations, Campus Safety and Facilities personnel are on duty and available throughout this time. Please contact Campus Safety at 661-222-2702.
Take care,
Troy Allen
VP for Facilities Development and Management
The following email was sent to CalArts students on Jan. 10 at 1:00 pm.
[Update 6] Fire and Wind Impacts/Daily Operations Update for Jan. 10
Dear CalArtians,
As we navigate the devastation caused by this week’s fire and winds, I wanted to offer a bit of good news. The Hurst Fire, which is located about 9 miles south of campus, is now at 37% containment and all evacuation orders have been lifted and reduced to evacuation warnings. There are still Red Flag Warnings (critical fire weather conditions) in effect for much of Los Angeles and Ventura counties until 6 pm on today, and Campus Safety is continually monitoring the Genasys Protect website, which provides up-to-the-minute information on fire evacuations.
So, today (Friday, Jan. 10), the CalArts campus remains safe, open and operational. As we anticipate a quiet weekend, look for the next daily operations update on Monday. (Of course, we’ll notify the community if the situation changes.)
We also anticipate classes starting on Monday (Jan. 13) as scheduled. Residential students who are planning to return to campus this weekend, please stay up-to-date by checking the CalArts website and your email for the latest information. If circumstances prevent students from returning to campus, please email studentaffairs@calarts.edu. Additionally, if any staff or faculty have been affected by the fires and are in need of assistance, please contact your direct supervisor and hr@calarts.edu.
Because winds are expected to return early next week—but not to the extent of this week’s winds—CalArts administration is modeling various scenarios if the fire and extreme wind conditions continue. We’ll provide updates as soon as the information becomes available.
In the meantime, we are collecting resources available to community members affected by the fires, as well as for faculty, staff, and students who may need help processing the events of the past week. CalArts has started a webpage for emergency resources and will continue to post updates to the Campus Alert page.
Should you have questions about campus operations, Campus Safety and Facilities personnel are on duty and available throughout this time. Please contact Campus Safety at 661-222-2702.
Take care,
Troy Allen
VP for Facilities Development and Management
The following email was sent to CalArts students on Jan. 9 at 4:30 pm.
[Students] Important Update: Campus Access and Start of Classes on Monday, Jan. 13
Dear Students,
As our community continues to navigate these challenging times, we want to reassure you that CalArts remains safe, fully operational, and prepared to begin classes as scheduled on Monday, Jan. 13.
This is a dynamic situation. Our Campus Safety and Facilities Management teams are closely monitoring developments, and our emergency response plan is in place to ensure the safety of our community. We are keeping the CalArts website updated with real-time information. Should conditions change, we will send out immediate communications.
We understand that circumstances may differ for everyone. If personal challenges may prevent you from returning to campus by Monday, please email us at studentaffairs@calarts.edu with your plans so we can provide individualized assistance.
Please check your email and the CalArts website for updates, and always prioritize your safety when making decisions. We are here to support you during this time and look forward to starting the semester together.
Academics
We look forward to beginning Winter Session classes on Monday, Jan. 13, as scheduled. Faculty and staff are eager to welcome you back, and academic operations will proceed as planned. If you are facing difficulties returning to campus or have concerns regarding your academic progress, please contact studentaffairs@calarts.edu and include your mentor. We are committed to supporting your academic success, regardless of the circumstances.
Additional school- and program-specific information will be provided via email from each of your school’s deans shortly.
Campus Operations
CalArts’ campus operations are functional and ready to support you. This includes housing, dining services, and parking, all of which are ready for students returning to campus.
Mental Health Resources
We also recognize that these times can be stressful, and we want to remind you of the available mental health resources. Academic Live Care and Counseling Services are here to provide support. Please don’t hesitate to reach out if you need to speak with a counselor or access other mental health resources. Your well-being is our priority, and we are here to help. If you need any assistance, please contact studentaffairs@calarts.edu.
We understand this is a challenging time and we appreciate your patience and understanding. Please know that we are here to support you and look forward to welcoming you back to campus and starting the semester together.
In Community,
Tracie Costantino, Provost
Anthony Garrison-Engbrecht, Vice President for Student Affairs
The following email was sent to the CalArts community on Jan. 9 at 1 pm.
[Update 5] Fire and Wind Impacts/Daily Operations Update for Jan. 9
Dear CalArtians,
I hope you are all doing as well as possible during this unprecedented time. I wanted to provide an update on the status of CalArts operations as we navigate through the current fire and wind events.
As of today (Thursday, Jan. 9), the CalArts Campus remains safe, open and operational. CalArts’ current evacuation status is “normal,” which means there are no evacuation warnings or orders in effect for the campus. There are still Red Flag Warnings (critical fire weather conditions) in effect for much of Los Angeles and Ventura counties until 6 pm on Friday, and Campus Safety is continually monitoring the Genasys Protect website, which provides up-to-the-minute information on fire evacuations.
Because of the wind and ongoing fires, power outages and traffic issues throughout Los Angeles, we strongly recommend that students, staff, and faculty work remotely through Friday. Please do not jeopardize your safety unnecessarily trying to get to campus.
At this time, we also anticipate classes starting on Monday (Jan. 13) as scheduled. Residential students who are planning to return to campus this weekend, please stay up-to-date by checking the CalArts website and your email for the latest information. Students, also keep an eye out later today for an email from Provost Tracie Costantino and VP of Student Affairs Anthony Garrison-Engbrecht on the upcoming Winter Session and classes. If circumstances prevent you from returning to campus, please email studentaffairs@calarts.edu.
CalArts administration is currently assessing our community’s needs and is considering various scenarios if the fire and extreme wind conditions continue. We’ll provide updates as soon as the information becomes available. In the meantime, we are collecting resources available to community members affected by the fires and will post those on the CalArts website later today. [Download PDF for initial resources]
Should you have questions about campus operations, Campus Safety and Facilities personnel are on duty and available throughout this time. Please contact Campus Safety at 661-222-2702.
Take care,
Troy Allen
VP for Facilities Development and Management
The following email was sent to the CalArts community on Jan. 8 at 2:45 pm.
[Update 4] Wind and Fire / CalArts Operations Updates for Jan. 8
Los Angeles and our community are in the midst of a tough time. CalArts Facilities Development and Management staff continue to work onsite and remotely to monitor the fire and wind warnings. Going forward, we will provide these daily email updates on CalArts’ operations, which will also be posted to the CalArts website. Campus Safety and Facilities personnel are on duty and available throughout this time; should you need their assistance, please contact Campus Safety at 661-222-2702.
As of today (Wednesday, Jan. 8), the CalArts Campus remains open. CalArts’ current evacuation status is “normal,” which means there are no evacuation warnings or orders in effect for the campus. Campus Safety is monitoring the Genasys Protect website, which provides up- to-the-minute evacuation information.
In the event of an emergency evacuation for campus (designated the SCL-Meadows zone), we will be notified by local authorities well in advance of the actual evacuation protocols, timeline, date, and placed on standby notification. If that occurs, we will post that information on our website and send communications immediately to students, faculty and staff.
Working remotely for staff and faculty is highly recommended through Friday. At this time, we also anticipate classes starting on Monday (Jan. 13) as scheduled. Residential students who are planning to return to campus this weekend, please stay up-to-date by checking the CalArts website and your email for the latest information. If circumstances prevent you from returning to campus, please email studentaffairs@calarts.edu.
Please do not jeopardize your safety unnecessarily trying to get to campus. As President Rajan stated earlier, make the safety of yourselves and those you love and care about your number one priority.
We are also compiling a list of links for community information resources and will be adding information to the CalArts website.
- Cal Fire Emergency Incidents (for all county fires; CalArts is in the SCL-Meadows zone)
- The LAFD Fire Zone map website
- Watch Duty app (free for android and iphone)
- Los Angeles County Emergency Information
- LA County road closures
- Genasys Protect (enter address into the search bar to see current evacuation status)
- Weather.com
- AirNow.com (Air quality map)
- CalArts Campus Safety
Warmest,
Troy Allen
VP for Facilities Development and Management
The following message was sent to the community from CalArts President Ravi Rajan on Jan. 8 at 10:45 am.
[Update 3] Los Angeles Fires
Dear CalArtians:
Last night was a very long and frightening night for many in our community, as several major fires emerged or expanded across our region.
Please, everyone, make the safety of yourselves and those you love and care about your number one priority. Let’s also make supporting each other our collective priority.
Many members of our community have had to evacuate their homes. Many more do not have power. Some have lost property and belongings. For the days and weeks to come, it will be important for all of us to prioritize the social and emotional strength of our community, finding ways to be with and support each other.
The physical campus is fully open, and will remain so as long as it is safe. I’m grateful to our essential personnel who are here caring for our campus; our faculty, staff, and students; and our VCFA colleagues who are here for their residency. Some members of our community are coming to campus for both emotional and physical safety, and CalArts will remain a place for that function as we get through the next few days. That said, if you do not feel safe making the trip to campus, please do not imperil yourself in an attempt to get here. Let’s use our resources in terms of digital communications and the like to ensure that everyone can be in touch and remain safe.
As we navigate this, I know that the strength of this community will be seen in the care with which we engage and support each other in the coming days. Thank you all for what you have already done, and will do going forward, to care for one another in the days ahead.
Please watch for further updates on this changing situation later this afternoon from Troy Allen, our VP for Facilities Development and Management.
Take care,
Ravi Rajan
President
The following message was sent to the community from Troy Allen, VP for Facilities Development and Management on Jan. 8 at 9 am.
Update 2: High Wind and Fire Warnings Issued for Los Angeles Area; Working Remotely Strongly Recommended
The National Weather Service issued a high wind warning for the Los Angeles area, which began Tuesday, Jan. 7 and continuing through today, Jan. 8 at 6 pm. Red flag and fire weather warnings have been extended.
Because of the sustained wind and fire damage, power outages, road closures, and evacuations happening across the Los Angeles area, the Facilities Management team strongly suggests that all students, staff, and faculty stay home, if possible, and discuss remote work options with your supervisor.
We will be sending additional updates later today. Please be stay safe.
Additional information:
Troy Allen
VP for Facilities Development and Management
The following message was sent to the community on Jan. 7 at 6 pm
Update: High Wind Warnings Issued for Los Angeles Area; Working Remotely Recommended
The National Weather Service issued a high wind warning for the Los Angeles area, which began today (Tuesday, Jan. 7) at 10 am, continuing through Wednesday, Jan. 8 at 6 pm. North to northeast winds of 30 to 50 mph with widespread gusts between 60 and 80 mph are expected. The Facilities team will be monitoring for any potential wind issues, and essential workers will be on campus tomorrow. CalArts recommends that all students, staff, and faculty consult with their immediate supervisors to decide on possible remote work options tomorrow (Wednesday).
Please use caution if driving on the roads and freeways, particularly when near high profile vehicles. If you need to come to campus this evening or tomorrow, Campus Safety recommends that you do not park under trees as car damage may be possible.
Additional information: