Massive wildfires sweeping through Northern California are threatening campuses and the homes of Academic Student Employees (ASEs). Anyone who is in proximity to the fires is encouraged to evacuate the area as soon as possible to avoid risks posed by poor air quality and the fire itself. ASEs at UC Santa Cruz and UC Davis in particular are advised not to go to campus and not to work under any unsafe or unhealthy conditions.
Please note that Academic Student Employees have contractual rights to a safe and healthy work environment. No ASE needs to report to campus when doing so would risk their health and safety. If you have questions about your situation or need help enforcing your right to health and safety, email organize@uaw2865.org–whether or not you are currently working as an ASE.
ASEs working from their homes because of the COVID-19 pandemic are also reporting difficulty teaching because of their proximity to quickly spreading wildfires. ASEs working from home are also entitled to a safe and healthy working environment. If you are unable to teach because of risks posed by the wildfires and power outages and you would like support in notifying your supervisor, reach out to your union representatives directly or via organize@uaw2865.org.
Below are some resources (including ways people across the state can donate and help).
- Fire Response Fund
- Northern California Resources (and here)
- Southern California resources
- For help finding accommodations: Red Cross hotline 866-272-2237
- Santa Cruz area evacuation centers: Santa Cruz Fairgrounds (2601 E. Lake Avenue in Watsonville) & Santa Cruz Civic Auditorium (307 Church St., Santa Cruz)
- Yolo County evacuation areas
- Solano county evacuation areas