November 7, 2022 - Moment of Remembrance on the Camp Fire’s 4th Anniversary

Dear Campus Community, 

This week marks the fourth anniversary of the Camp Fire, the most destructive fire in California history.

Though it has been four years, it is important to remember there are many in our Chico State community who continue to struggle and whose lives will be forever impacted by this tragedy. I want to express my deepest sympathy to those of you, as well as your family members, colleagues, or friends who have been and continue to be affected by the fire.

As a campus, we will hold a moment of silence on Tuesday, November 8, at 11:08 a.m. to remember, reflect, and hold our community close to heart. I would like to invite everyone to gather at the flagpole outside Kendall Hall. Chimes from Trinity Hall will mark the start of the moment of silence and ring again 85 seconds later. The forecast calls for rain and I encourage you to come prepared with an umbrella or rain jacket.

We’ll remember the sorrow of that day and the 85 victims who lost their lives during the fire, but also the dedication, commitment, and strength of the community that came together in the aftermath. Hope has sustained our community over the past four years, and I am heartened to witness the vibrancy returning to affected areas.

Paradise and Ridge residents are showing their resilience and civic pride by rebuilding faster than many thought they could. Paradise has issued nearly 2,400 building permits, 1,600 homes and 372 multi-family units have been rebuilt, and more than 350 businesses have re-opened. While there is certainly more work to be done, it is amazing to watch the town come back with families returning to their homes.

For our campus, November 8 is a day unlike any other. Please be kind and patient with one another. If you are in need of emotional support for any reason, please reach out to campus resources such as the Employee Assistance Program. Students may be referred to the WellCat Counseling Center, which has 24/7 counseling available. 

I'll be thinking of you all throughout the week. Please take care of yourselves.

Sincerely,

Gayle E. Hutchinson