Continuation of Remote Operations through Friday, January 10

Sent on behalf of SMC Senior Staff and the Emergency Operations Team

Dear SMC Community,

Santa Monica College will continue remote operations for all classes and services through Friday, January 10, 2025, due to the ongoing regional impacts of the area fires and weather conditions.

Essential personnel and Maintenance & Operations staff should still report to work. However, area supervisors are being asked to make accommodations for any employees directly affected by the current conditions.

• Faculty: If you teach in-person, please continue to pivot to remote instruction through Friday, January 10, as feasible. Please communicate with your students regarding your plans for class meetings this week.

• Students: Please check Canvas and your SMC email for updates from your instructors regarding remote or alternate class meeting arrangements. All student services will remain available remotely during this period.

• All Employees: Please stay in communication with your respective supervisor to ensure that work continuity is maintained, if possible.

SMC emergency personnel will remain on-site and actively monitor conditions. Updates will be communicated via your SMC email, as well as posted on smc.edu/announcements and SMC’s official social media channels, including X: @SMC_edu.

Find evacuation shelter information at:

• Palisades Fire | CAL FIRE
• Eaton Fire | CAL FIRE

• Hurst Fire | CAL FIRE

We also encourage you to review the following preparedness resources:

• Emergency Survival Guide
• Family Emergency Plan
• Household Communication Plan
• Business Preparedness

• Animal Preparedness

Colleagues and students have been directly affected, receiving evacuation orders or warnings to prepare to evacuate. Others, while not in evacuation zones, are facing indirect challenges such as power outages, lack of internet or water services, or the stress of living adjacent to affected areas. Tragically, we are aware that members of our college community have lost their homes.

During this challenging time, please prioritize your health, safety, and well-being, as well as that of your loved ones and members of the broader community. Please continue to check your email for additional resources and share this information to support others.

Sincerely,

SMC Senior Administration and Emergency Operations Team