Southern California is not usually the place for wild weather, but this was certainly true in early February when an atmospheric river brought a historic volume of rain and flash flooding to Los Angeles. The Washington Post and other outlets reported that a gauge located at UCLA logged 12.46 inches of rain in 24 hours, surpassing the 11.5-inch threshold required to qualify as a 1,000-year rain event. According to those reports, what we experienced has a 0.1% chance of happening in any given year. To say that I am impressed with how our team managed the challenges this situation imposed on our campus is an understatement. Our team was incredible.
For example, our Facilities Management trouble call desk received more than 1,100 water intrusion service requests in 48 hours, including issues at our new South Bay campus. Facilities management team members from all shops supported the all-hands-on-deck response and recovery efforts. They worked around the clock to quickly address water intrusion issues, minimize the damage and restore normal operations as quickly as possible. They also worked to clear leaves and other debris to return our campus grounds to the condition we are accustomed to seeing at UCLA. Much of the flooding was the result of the sheer volume of water.
Housing maintenance also responded to more than 160 reports across our residential communities on campus and in our university apartments. Up on the Hill, our dining team continued to serve our roughly 15,000 student residents, even moving a Lunar New Year theme dinner from Rendezvous to Feast at Rieber with very little notice so that our student residents could celebrate this important cultural event together.
In addition, UCPD responded to numerous reports of flooding in various areas and looked for and reported instances of potential hazards such as power outages and fallen trees. Other Administration units also responded in multiple ways to support the Bruin community. As our team here at UCLA managed the storm and its aftermath, our colleagues up at the Lake Arrowhead Lodge experienced heavier-than-usual flurries, shoveling snow to maintain walkways and parking areas, serving up incredible meals to guests and reminding them to travel safely as they traversed the mountain.
The way our team digs deep and works together in challenging times is something that makes our organization exceptional. In the face of unprecedented challenges, the resilience and dedication of our team have shone brightly. It is in moments like these that the true strength of our organization emerges, reminding us of the exceptionalism that defines Administration and the foundation we set that enables UCLA to succeed.
This edition of News & Views highlights a variety of other ways in which the people across UCLA Administration are pulling together to serve our students, staff, faculty and guests, and advance UCLA’s five-year strategic plan and goal to become a more effective and efficient institution. I couldn’t be prouder of the work you are doing to help move us in this direction. Your commitment to exceptional Bruin experiences does not go unnoticed and is greatly appreciated. Thank you for all you do!
Sincerely,
Michael J. Beck
Administrative Vice Chancellor
