From Nancy Zimmelman Lenoil, State Archivist and Chief, Archives Division, Office of the Secretary of State, October 23, 2007:
In response to the devastating southern California wildfires, I have tried to gather some information about the status of archives, libraries and museums in the affected areas. Aside from those directly in the affected area, many institutions are closed on account of the health risks of the poor air quality, so it is difficult to contact anyone directly. Also, many services and businesses have closed to keep people off the streets so not to interfere with emergency responders.
As of this morning, the information that I have been able to gather is as follows and comes from various web sites. This is certainly not a complete list, but it does give some information on the status of various places.
The University of California, San Diego campus is closed due to poor air quality. http://www.ucsd.edu/ San Diego State University has also cancelled classes due to poor air quality, and the campus is closed to non-essential personnel. Students in residence halls are being encouraged to stay inside to minimize their exposure to dust and smoke in the air. Air quality is being monitored both inside and outside buildings. Air conditioning systems have been reset to circulate air and provide the best possible air quality. http://www.sdsu.edu/ The University of San Diego is also closed to comply with the request of County of San Diego officials who are asking that residents stay off the highways. http://www.sandiego.edu/
The Malibu campus of Pepperdine University is closed. http://www.pepperdine.edu/pr/releases/2007/october/Pepperdine%20Responds%20to%20Malibu%20Canyon%20Fire.htm
California Institute for the Arts in Santa Clarita is closed. http://www.calarts.edu/news/21-oct-2007/campusclosurefireupdates
The Maritime Museum of San Diego is closed until Thursday, October 25. http://www.sdmaritime.org/
The San Diego Natural History Museum is closed today. http://www.sdnhm.org/ Other museums in Balboa Park may also be closed.
California State Parks is actively involved in response to several of the fires that threaten state park facilities.
I spoke with Julie Page from the California Preservation Program about three hours ago. She has not received any calls for emergency assistance from libraries, archives, historical societies and cultural institutions to the California Preservation Program Disaster Assistance emergency number (http://calpreservation.org/services/disaster_assist.html) But, Julie and her husband are under mandatory evacuation from their home in Escondido and they have heard there are homes burning nearby. They are safely in La Jolla staying at a friend’s home.
The San Diego area does have a disaster response network, if needed.
http://orpheus.ucsd.edu/sildrn/list.html#About%20the%20Network
If I receive any additional information about other individuals or facilities in the affected areas, I will post them to the Archives & Archivists Listserv. Certainly, I would encourage others to do the same. I would also encourage everyone to keep family, friends, and colleagues in southern California in our thoughts.