01/13/2025
Dear PCC Community:
As we prepare to reopen our campuses tomorrow, I want to take a moment to express my heartfelt appreciation. In the face of immense challenges, our PCC community has shown extraordinary compassion, strength, and resilience. It’s been inspiring to see how we’ve come together to support one another and the wider community during this difficult time.
I would like to again thank our Incident Management Team, our Facilities staff, and the many volunteers who have been working all week and this weekend to support our college’s emergency response, recovery, and community relief efforts.
Reopening our campuses is a significant step forward, and we are committed to making this transition as smooth and supportive as possible for everyone. Below, you’ll find important updates and resources to help us move forward together:
Campus Reopening:
PCC’s Colorado, Foothill, and Jefferson campuses will reopen for in-person classes and activities on Monday. Faculty and staff who are unable to return due to fire-related impacts should contact their dean or supervisor to discuss accommodations. Human Resources will share details tomorrow about temporary emergency programs for payroll advancements and leave options. We understand many are facing significant challenges, and we will work through this together.
Recovery Support:
If you are a PCC student, faculty, or staff member affected by the fires, please complete the PCC Fire Recovery Needs Assessment Form (https://forms.office.com/Pages/ResponsePage.aspx?id=pg_lnG7zwUibnjX9FIrEOgQ18BMgLHlKss8OpxTJUDVUMkc2VVpZRDNIOERQU0xRMjRaRlVDTFQ1MS4u) so we can better assist you. PCC staff have been reaching out via phone and email to impacted college community members so the college can work to provide tailored support to meet your needs.
Campus Preparations:
Professional debris mitigation efforts are underway to diligently prepare our campuses for Monday, including power washing, the servicing of air purifiers, and the deployment of air scrubbing machines. If you experience any facilities issues in your areas upon your return, please email [email protected].
Water and Masks:
Water bottles and masks have been distributed to academic offices across our campuses, and additional water and masks are available in the G Building for administrative offices. While our campuses are outside the unsafe water zones identified by the City of Pasadena (https://pwp.cityofpasadena.net/pasadena-drinking-water-system-impacted-by-eaton-fire/), these resources are available to anyone who needs them.
Technology:
PCC faculty and staff who need technology support as a result of the evacuations or fires, including loaner laptops or Wi-Fi hotspots, please contact the ITS Help Desk for assistance at 626-585-7523 or [email protected]. Students who need assistance can visit the Shatford Library for support.
Free Meals:
Free meals will be provided in the Piazza (CC Building) for PCC students, faculty, and staff from 8 a.m. to 5 p.m., Monday through Friday. World Central Kitchen will also offer meals for those impacted by the fires, including the public, Monday through Wednesday from 3 to 8 p.m. in Lot 3.
Counseling and Support:
Students who need mental health support can reach out to the office of Mental Health and Wellness Services (https://pasadena.edu/campus-life/mental-health-and-wellness-services/index.php) or can access after-hours assistance by calling 626-585-7273 and pressing 9.
Employee Assistance Program counselors will host on-campus group sessions for employees covering mental health and crisis management, with one-on-one follow-ups available. Group sessions will be held in Circadian (CC Room 130) at the following times:
Monday, January 13: 11:30 a.m. – 2:00 p.m.
Wednesday, January 15: 4:00 p.m. – 6:30 p.m.
Friday, January 17: 12:00 p.m. – 2:30 p.m.
We are also hosting community support spaces in Cap & Gown, CC Room 129, on Monday and Tuesday from 10 a.m. to 3 p.m. for anyone seeking comfort and connection.
These are just some of the resources we have available for our students, faculty, and staff who have been impacted by the fires.
For additional updates and resources, please visit pasadena.edu/fireupdates. This page will continue to be updated regularly to provide the most current information. We have also created a new email address, [email protected], where any questions can be directed.
Please continue to check your PCC email regularly and often, and please sign up for PCC emergency alerts (https://pasadena.edu/police-and-college-safety/emergency-information/get-emergency-alerts.php?) to ensure that you receive up to date information.
Thank you for your strength, compassion, and dedication to our PCC family and community. Together, we will move forward, supporting one another every step of the way. Please take care of yourselves and reach out if you need help – we are here for you.
Sincerely,
José
For information about PCC’s response to the local fires, visit pasadena.edu/fireupdates.
To support PCC community members impacted by the disaster, visit pasadena.edu/firerelief.