Franklin Fire – Update #9

Posted on December 10, 2024, 7:40 PM

This afternoon, the Franklin Fire came over a ridge on the north end of campus just to the east side of the Drescher campus, and it has since burned down to Huntsinger Circle and moved in the brush to the west/southwest (near the Malibu Country Estates).  Firefighting resources are in place.  Our students and community continue to shelter in place in the Payson Library and the Waves Cafe, remaining calm.  The University is not aware of any significant structural damage at this time, and the EOC continues to closely monitor the situation.

Operations for Tomorrow Wednesday December 11 – Update #8

Posted on December 10, 2024, 5:11 PM

Pepperdine’s operations on the Malibu campus will again be modified tomorrow due to the Franklin Fire. As such, Critical Support Personnel should check in with their supervisors about whether they should report to campus or work remotely. All other Malibu campus staff should remain in contact with their supervisor and plan to work remotely. All other campuses remain open and operational.

The EOC will continue to monitor the Franklin Fire overnight, as Red Flag conditions including high winds and low humidity are forecast through 8 PM tomorrow. Additionally, power remains out on the Malibu campus, and the shelter-in-place protocol is currently in place for the evening.

The safety of our employees is paramount. Critical support personnel should use caution and exercise good judgment when traveling to campus and may encounter roadblocks. Current road conditions are noted below:

• Malibu Canyon Road remains closed from Mulholland Drive to PCH; 
• PCH is closed from Topanga Canyon Boulevard to Kanan Dume Road; 
• PCH westbound from John Tyler is open, but any vehicle that leaves campus in that direction will not be able to return as PCH is closed eastbound; and
• Topanga Canyon Boulevard, which is closed to all but local traffic.

Shelter in Place for Tonight – Update #7

Posted on December 10, 2024, 4:18 PM

Pepperdine students on the Malibu campus are required to shelter in place in the Tyler Campus Center or Payson Library beginning at 4:30 PM as power remains out. Students should plan to be in a shelter location for the duration of the night. Student Affairs staff will be in both locations throughout the night as well as having food, power, water, and communications. 

Important Campus Updates #6

Posted on December 10, 2024, 2:36 PM

The Deans of Seaver College and the Caruso School of Law have communicated with students regarding the disposition of finals and the plans in place to support academic completion of the Fall 2024 term. If you have any questions about your academics, contact your Dean’s office. 

Based on the information received from Deans, some students may choose to leave campus and return home at this time. If you plan to leave campus for the remainder of the term, please note the following important reminders:

• You may only leave campus via John Tyler Drive, turning right onto Pacific Coast Highway, continuing north on Pacific Coast Highway, or taking Kanan Dume Road to the 101 freeway.
• Once you leave campus, law enforcement will likely prevent you from returning to campus until roadways are officially reopened. This may take several days depending on conditions. This also applies to students currently off campus looking to return to gather belongings. 
• HRL staff and student leaders are required to remain on campus until officially released by HRL leadership. Your role is critical to assisting with end-of-term checkouts, the University’s emergency response plans, and ensuring a smooth transition for student residents. Please stay in contact with your supervisor.

While we are in regular communication with Southern California Edison (SCE), it remains unknown when power will be restored to the Malibu campus. SCE reports they must inspect their circuits before they can restore power, and need confirmation from response agencies that roads and conditions are safe before inspections can begin.  

In the event power remains off on the Malibu Campus at 4:30 PM today, students still on campus will once again be required to shelter in place in Payson Library or the Tyler Campus Center. Please follow instructions from HRL staff at that time and relocate to one of these locations. These areas will remain operational with food, water, power, communications, and staff throughout the night.  

Also, please note that additional fire flare-ups are possible, and first responders continue to respond to those as needed.