By: Charlize Althea Garcia, Jan. 21, 2024
Waking up to the alarm of evacuation warnings and orders, seeing worried messages from loved ones and constant social media content following the trajectory of the Palisades and Eaton fires is overwhelming enough, and so to see content spreading false information about a tragedy forthcoming can bring any person to a state of frustration and confusion.
Misinformation surrounding criticism about California’s water management and the origins of the fires have instigated an uproar of discussions that gear people into the wrong direction. As a newspaper, we have an obligation. And as journalists, we have a moral responsibility to overturn the wrongs of misinformation and to continue our ethical duty to provide true and authentic news.
These fires are a reminder that the future is uncertain. But as an establishment that runs on beliefs that foster truth for the betterment of our community as well as lifting the voices that inhabit it, The Poly Post is not going anywhere.
We have committed ourselves to producing content for a community that we also live and thrive in and strive to hold those who are in power and those who have committed wrongdoings accountable.
We have also a duty to look out for our publics, specifically the Cal Poly Pomona student body, and provide the information they need when they need it the most. Though the Cal Poly Pomona campus has not been directly affected by the Eaton and Palisades fires, we understand the campus body may have had a direct impact.
Therefore, we will not only continue to provide updates about the fires but also resources that we hope are beneficial to you and those affected by this tragedy.
On-campus resources include the Care Center in which students can gain access to emergency housing, basic needs such as clothing and personal hygiene items and technology like laptops and hotspots.
If you need financial assistance or to request a Cost of Attendance Adjustment due to the fires, contact the office of financial aid at finaid@cpp.edu. Contact the Registrar’s office if you need a break of enrollment for more than one term or assistance to discuss enrollment changes: registrar@cpp.edu or gabrielleo@cpp.edu for direct contact.
For those in need of emergency shelters, 211 LA, Red Cross Los Angeles, YMCA of Metropolitan Los Angeles, Planet Fitness and the Hotel Association of Los Angeles can provide resources for housing. Note that these programs may be subject to an application process.
For food assistance, the Los Angeles Regional Food Bank and World Central Kitchen provide a map of the nearest locations of establishments offering free food within your city.
If you would like to provide support, the College of Letters, Arts and Social Sciences will be collecting non-food item donations to help the LA Food Bank in their fire relief efforts until Jan. 24 at the CLASS Student Success Center.
CPP has also set up two donation funds for those affected: the Broncos Care Basic Needs Initiative, which is for students, and the Bronco Employee Relief Fund, for employees of the university,
Also, The Poly Post is here. As a newspaper, we commit ourselves to continuing candid coverage of the life-altering events surrounding us.
We thank you for your support in recognizing The Poly Post as a staple in our campus community. As we look upon another year, one that is sure to be filled with change, we encourage you to continue to be involved. We welcome all who have an affinity for journalism and who seek to use their voice.
To get in contact with us, visit our Instagram page @thepolypost and visit our Contact page on our website.
Feature image courtesy of Ava Uhlack
