As wrenching fires continue to tear through the communities and landscapes of the Los Angeles region, I’m writing with an update to our collaborators and supporters near and far. As of now, all UCLA Luskin Center for Innovation staff are safe and secure. But friends, family, and colleagues in our networks have experienced devastating losses. If you are looking for ways to help, or if you need to find support for yourself or others, UCLA has compiled this list of how to give and receive aid. 

Disinformation and political opportunism are already shaping narratives about the fires, even as we have yet to see their full impact. Our researchers are helping interpret and provide context for the events as they unfold. If you’re interested in seeing what members of our team have to say, you can find links to news coverage on our social media pages (Bluesky, X, and LinkedIn). I’m especially grateful to Greg Pierce and Edith de Guzman for sharing facts about the role and capacity of urban water systems in fighting wildfire to inform that emerging conversation. 

Disasters exacerbate inequalities. In the coming weeks, we will work with our colleagues at UCLA and partners across the region to help shape efforts that expedite recovery while advancing equity and resilience in our rapidly changing environment. Now more than ever, we will need your collaboration and partnership. 

In sadness and solidarity,

Megan Mullin
Faculty Director, UCLA Luskin Center for Innovation