SPUSD closes amid historic Los Angeles wildfires

Story by Claire Mao
News Editor

Photo by Madeline Madrigal
Staff Photographer

SPUSD plans to reopen on Monday, Jan. 13 after three days of consecutive closures this past week. An email sent on Tuesday, Jan. 7 notified parents of the initial district-wide closure until the next day. Two additional emails informed the community of the continued school closure until Friday, Jan. 10 due to “air quality, fire containment, and [securing] facilities.”

SPUSD Superintendent Geoff Yantz has been in contact with the South Pasadena Police and Fire Department since Tuesday, Jan. 7 to ensure the safety of students and staff. 

“Several times every day, SPUSD evaluates the wind forecasts, fire containment, and air quality to determine if it is safe for employees and students to return to school. The district adjusts its planning based on these factors plus reports from employees about their ability to return to school,” Yantz said. “We also consult with our neighboring school districts and the Los Angeles County Office of Education.”

SPHS principal John Eldred shared that several staff had lost their homes and needed to live in hotels or with relatives.

“The district has taken the impact on students, staff, and the community seriously enough to be forward-leaning and close the schools and close up the district so that everyone can concentrate on what matters most, frankly, which is keeping their families and their property as safe as they possibly can,” Eldred said.

Eldred anticipates the consecutive three-day closure to have little effect on school classes and activities, citing that SPHS has more minutes planned every year for school than required by state law.

“Just like Minnesota has snow days … the state of California makes allowances for wildfires and for schools being closed when there’s any type of emergency,” Eldred said.

The excess minutes allow for a flexible school schedule. Canceled athletic events will be substituted  into available slots  in the sports calendar. Additionally, the school is ready to reopen and staff members have arrived on campus to clear  debris from school facilities.

“SPUSD prioritizes the safety of our students and employees and determined that school closures through Friday, Jan. 10 were prudent given the current air quality, effects on staff who live throughout the Los Angeles area, and the fact that nearby fires have not been contained. The school facilities are in good shape at the moment thanks to our dedicated maintenance, custodial, and technology teams,” Yantz said.

Another district meeting will take place Sunday, Jan. 12 to determine the school situation for Monday. Unless notified otherwise, students are expected to resume school on Monday, January 13.

“Our hearts are with everyone who is affected by these recent tragedies. South Pasadena is a community of wonderful people who support each other. As a school district, we are here to help guide our students in their educational journeys and many times this means supporting families during a crisis,” Yantz said. “We will emerge stronger as we work together to navigate these challenging times.”

SPUSD shared a list of resources for South Pasadena community members who have been impacted by the fires and are undergoing the recovery process in a district email titled “Local Resources.” The following links and descriptions have been derived from that message: 

  • Nearby Evacuation Centers
    • Pasadena Convention Center – 300 E. Green Street, Pasadena, CA 91103
    • Arcadia Community Center – 375 Campus Drive, Arcadia CA 91007
  • Donation & Distribution Center
    • South Pasadena San Marino YMCA, 1605 Garfield Avenue, South Pasadena
    • Donation drop offs accepted during open hours, 8 a.m.-6 p.m.
    • Needs:
      • New or gently used clothing of all sizes
      • Bedding
      • Toiletries
      • Towels
      • Non-perishable Food
      • Baby Items
  • SPUSD PTAs may be coordinating a fundraising campaign for people affected by wildfires. More information will be sent directly from the PTAs.
  • From Representative Judy Chu: With President Joe Biden’s Major Disaster declaration for our region, residents and businesses impacted by wildfires in Los Angeles can apply for relief by visiting: disasterassistance.gov; calling 800-621-3362 or downloading the FEMA Federal Emergency Management Agency app.
    • Disaster assistance includes temporary displacement assistance (e.g. hotel costs for 2 weeks)
    • $770 for essential personal items
    • Large grants for needs like medical bills and car repairs
  • LA County Incident Response
    • Lyft: Riders in need can use the code CAFIRERELIEF25, valid for 2 rides up to $25 each ($50 total) for 500 riders from now until 1/15 at 11:59 p.m.
    • Uber: Use promo code WILFIRE25 in the wallet section of your Uber app to redeem a free Uber ride up to $40.
    • Airbnb: Airbnb, partnership with 211 LA, is offering free temporary housing for residents displaced or forced to evacuate due to the recent wildfires.
    • Metro: Fare collection for rides on Metro has been suspended systemwide.

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