US Campuses
Anticipated Limited Allowances for On-Campus Activity
On Tuesday, the California Department of Public Health announced an adjusted case rate of 20.0 per 100,000 residents in Los Angeles County. With an adjusted case rate below 25, the University is pleased to announce that the Los Angeles County Department of Public Health will soon permit universities, including Pepperdine, limited allowances for on-campus activities. The University is awaiting formal guidance from the county and a determination on when the on-campus activities may begin, but preparations are being finalized for a date sometime next week.
Special President’s Briefing
As the University plans for these long-awaited changes, President Gash will host a special online President’s Briefing at 8:45 AM on Monday morning to share additional information and answer questions from the community. The event can be accessed on the President’s Briefing website. Archived viewing of the event will be made available for those unable to attend.
Faculty and Staff Guidance
With the expected increase of more students on campus due to these activities, we anticipate additional faculty and staff will also be returning to campus. While the current restrictions limit access to campus to essential employees, staff should not plan to return to campus unless their supervisor notifies them that they are eligible and needed to return to campus to support the limited on-campus activities. Faculty may continue to access campus for instructional purposes.
As always, the University encourages all students, faculty, and staff to stay informed and follow the latest guidance of local authorities. The latest information is available on the University’s COVID-19 website and Emergency Information Page. Questions may be directed to Pepperdine’s COVID-19 Information Line at 310.506.8111 or via email at covid19info@pepperdine.edu.
Red Flag Warning – January 18-19, 2021
The National Weather Service issued a Red Flag Warning for Los Angeles and Ventura Counties beginning Monday, January 18, 2021 at 10 PM through Tuesday, January 19, 2021 at 10 PM due to strong and damaging northeast to east winds and moderately low humidity.
Red Flag Warnings issued by the National Weather Service identify time periods when conditions are ideal for wildfires. During Red Flag warnings it is especially important to:
- Report any signs of smoke immediately to emergency responders. If on the Malibu campus call Public Safety at 310.506.4441. At all other locations report smoke by calling 911.
- Use caution when disposing of cigarettes and ensure that they are completely extinguished.
- Minimize any use of open flame in outdoor settings.
- Consider taking down umbrellas and moving patio furniture inside.
During Red Flag conditions, Southern California Edison (SCE) may issue a Public Safety Power Shutoff (PSPS), a preemptive deenergization of electrical circuits in an attempt to prevent power lines from starting a potential wildfire. This may result in the loss of power for a Pepperdine campus. While SCE has promised to advise the community in advance, and University officials are in regular communication with SCE representatives, the community should nevertheless be prepared for the possibility of a PSPS. Further details on a PSPS and how you can prepare are available here.
The Department of Public Safety is monitoring the situation and is prepared to respond to potential wildfires.
Final Update – Pepperdine Monitoring Wildfire in Malibu at Rambla Pacifico
Pepperdine University continues to monitor the wildfire at Rambla Pacifico. At this time, the Los Angeles County Fire Department is indicating 20% containment and that forward progress has been stopped.
This will be the final update unless there are material changes to conditions.
Please be advised of the following:
- Road condition information is available on the University’s Road Condition hotline at 310.506.ROAD (7623).
- The latest information from Pepperdine’s EOC is also available on the University’s Emergency Information Page.
Pepperdine Monitoring Wildfire in Malibu at Rambla Pacifico
Pepperdine University is currently monitoring a wildfire at Rambla Pacifico, approximately two miles north of Pacific Coast Highway. The Los Angeles County Fire Department is reporting the fire is holding at 5-10 acres at this time. Though not currently threatening the Malibu campus, we want to keep you informed as smoke from the fire can be seen from campus, and there have been some evacuation orders and road closures in the immediate vicinity of the fire.
Additional updates will follow as the University continues to monitor the situation.
Please be advised of the following:
- Road condition information is available on the University’s Road Condition hotline at 310.506.ROAD (7623).
- The latest information from Pepperdine’s EOC is also available on the University’s Emergency Information Page.
Pepperdine Emergency Information 
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