Nov. 7, 2024
Dear Students and Colleagues,
We are closely following the Mountain Fire and its devastating impact. While our campus has been spared, it is clear that there will be a significant need for support in the coming days and weeks for many people, including several of our own students and employees, and their animals.
If you are able to provide financial support to Ventura County residents, the Ventura County Community Foundation has created an opportunity to do so through a portal. I have also shared below a message with additional resources from VCCF President and CEO, Vanessa Bechtel, recipient of an honorary doctorate through our campus just last Spring. Monetary donations can also be given through our º£½ÇÉçÇøCI Disaster Fund, Ekho Your Heart which would go to support members of our campus community.
Ideas for how to donate material goods (e.g., food, water, children’s clothing and toys, shelf stable food, diapers and other necessities) follow:
- Dolphin Pantry located in Arroyo Hall room 114
- Food Share: to drop off food/water
- accepting gift card donations starting at 9 a.m. on Nov. 12
- which also accepts
- which also accepts
Please take care of yourselves and each other as we once again come together to support our community through disaster. On this anniversary of the Borderline shooting and subsequent Hill and Woolsey Fires in 2018, as well as being so close to the start of the Thomas Fire in 2017, we are poignantly reminded of the resilience of our community.
Stay safe.
Richard Yao, Ph.D.
President
Dear Ventura County Community Foundation Family,
Our hearts are with all those who have been impacted by the Mountain Fire. We are working closely with our partners to help ensure that your community foundation is doing all it can to support those most impacted. As the situation continues to develop, we will be in touch with you to keep you informed of how we can all best help.
In the meantime, we want to provide you with the Pacific Coast Business Times’ Emergency Preparedness Guide. This comprehensive resource, available in both and , offers essential guidance to help individuals, families, small businesses, and nonprofit organizations navigate emergencies like wildfires.
Additionally, for Ventura County residents in need of wildfire-related assistance, please direct them to the . By completing this short form created by 2-1-1 Ventura County, residents can share their immediate needs and contact information. As resources and relief options become available, these individuals will receive timely updates and guidance. Additionally, the Ventura County VOAD (Voluntary Organizations Active in Disaster) will use this information to organize response efforts and address the most pressing needs across our community.
We are also aware of significant financial needs associated with animal evacuations. If you are interested in supporting that effort, please contact Calleen Pardinas at .
Lastly, we encourage you to stay up to date on all evacuation information and emergency shelters at or by calling 805-465-6650.
Please feel free to forward this information to anyone you think would benefit. Please know how much we care about each of you and will do all we can to help.
With compassion and dedication,
Vanessa
Vanessa Bechtel, VCCF President & CEO
4001 Mission Oaks Blvd Suite A, Camarillo CA 93012