Chancellor Julio Frenk’s commitment to UCLA and the L.A. community
UCLA has officially welcomed Chancellor Dr. Julio Frenk, who began his tenure at the start of the year and is committed to leading the university into its next century of excellence. In his inaugural address, he expressed gratitude and excitement, emphasizing inclusivity and dialogue amid recent challenges. Chancellor Frenk intends to engage deeply with the UCLA community to gather insights that will shape a shared vision for the future while honoring the institution's legacy.
Days into assuming his new role, Chancellor Frenk confronted the wildfire crisis. In the wake of the fires that devastated large swaths of the city and region, Chancellor Frenk began sharing several video messages expressing sympathy to those affected and stressed the importance of safety, urging everyone to follow public safety guidelines and support one another. On January 16, UCLA provided the latest update on campus operations, including links to a four-part series of UCLA Connects Town Halls. Nearly 16,000 Bruins joined the series of town halls where campus leadership addressed the community’s most pressing questions. UCLA also quickly launched the Bruin Wildfire Relief Funds to support affected students and employees, UCLA Health mobilized health services for displaced victims, and the university is coordinating further involvement through local volunteering opportunities and initiatives to aid those affected by the fires.
This week, UCLA expanded its support for fire relief efforts in the Los Angeles area, providing space to house a disaster recovery center at UCLA Research Park (formerly Westside Pavilion West). The campus is donating the space to serve as the
Los Angeles Disaster Recovery Center (DRC)
for Angelenos impacted by the fires. The center quickly stood up dozens of stations featuring local, state, and federal agencies as well as nonprofit organizations which are providing various services to affected residents, including assistance with disaster relief applications, mental health resources, and help in replacing vital documents. The DRC opened on Tuesday, January 14 with plans to operate seven days a week, 9 a.m. to 8 p.m., for two weeks. At that time, the government entities will determine further days and hours of operation.
UCLA and local organizations are actively supporting those affected by the wildfires across Los Angeles County. Available resources include emergency shelters, food, and medical care through the American Red Cross, Salvation Army, and Los Angeles Regional Food Bank. The UCLA Volunteer Center is also accepting donations and helping guide those who are willing to volunteer. Resources for food, shelter, and assistance can be found through platforms such as 211 LA and Mutual Aid Los Angeles Network. Additionally, UCLA’s counseling center provides guidance on accessing disaster assistance and coping with trauma.
New research highlights "hydroclimate whiplash," the increasingly rapid shifts between intense wet and dry conditions, exacerbated by global warming, particularly in California. After experiencing severe drought followed by record precipitation, the state now faces wildfires fueled by once-lush vegetation that dries out in extreme heat. Daniel Swain, a climate scientist with UCLA and UC Agriculture and Natural Resources and lead author of a paper on this topic, emphasizes that the atmosphere’s expanding sponge-like capacity to absorb more water—growing 7% for each degree of warming—amplifies the impacts of these swings, which have risen 31% to 66% globally since the mid-20th century. The study calls for holistic water management strategies to address the
challenges posed by both flooding and drought, as traditional methods may leave cities vulnerable to climate extremes.
A new data brief from the UCLA Latino Policy & Politics Institute highlights the unique challenges Latino communities in Los Angeles County face during wildfires. Recent wildfires in the region have predominantly affected affluent foothill neighborhoods, causing some to overlook the impact on Latino neighborhoods. These communities deal with higher air pollution exposure, existing health issues, employment in outdoor jobs, and systemic barriers like limited health insurance and inadequate emergency preparedness for small businesses. These factors worsen health and add to the challenge of economic recovery after fires have been extinguished. The study suggests that the ongoing Palisades, Hurst, and Eaton fires underscore the urgent need for equitable disaster response and
recovery efforts tailored to Latino and marginalized communities.
Climate change a factor in devastating L.A. fires
The January 2025 wildfires in Los Angeles represent the most destructive wildfire episode in the region's history, driven by a combination of factors including a buildup of vegetation from 2022 to 2024, an exceptionally warm summer, failed winter rains, and strong Santa Ana winds that intensified the fires starting January 7. Research indicates that climate change may account for about a quarter of the extreme fuel moisture deficit at the onset of the fires, suggesting that while the fires would have occurred without climate change, they likely would have been smaller and less intense. Experts recommend focusing wildfire mitigation efforts on aggressively suppressing human ignitions during extreme fire weather, implementing home-hardening strategies, and promoting urban development in
areas with lower wildfire risk. The human origin of the fires is clear, but further analysis is necessary to understand the full role of climate change and natural variability in the events.
Remembering Jimmy Carter at UCLA
Former President Jimmy Carter, who passed away at the age of 100 in December, was awarded the UCLA Medal on November 1, 2000. This honor recognized him as a champion of human rights and an advocate for freedom, equality, and peace. During a well-attended ceremony at Royce Hall, UCLA’s then-chancellor, Albert Carnesale, recognized Carter for his humanitarian efforts and exemplary leadership in service to both the nation and the world. After receiving the award, Carter delivered the UCLA Burkle Center’s Bernard Brodie Distinguished Lecture on the Conditions of Peace. In his speech, he reflected on his lifelong commitment to resolving conflicts, promoting health, and supporting vulnerable populations through initiatives at his Carter Center and his volunteer work with Habitat
for Humanity.
Tribal leaders discuss political opportunities and challenges after presidential transition
Key players in Indian Country and national politics participated in a webinar hosted by the Native Nations Law and Policy Center at UCLA on November 12 to discuss the political landscape following Donald Trump's return to office. Panelists emphasized the importance of protecting advancements for Indian Country achieved during the Biden-Harris administration, such as tax regulations from the Department of Treasury and the Tribal General Welfare Exclusion Act of 2024. They encouraged tribal leaders to leverage opportunities with a GOP-controlled Congress and a conservative Supreme Court while addressing potential impacts of Project 2025 on tribal lands. The discussion emphasized the need for strong relationships between tribal lawmakers and legislators, the advocacy for Indigenous
intellectual property rights, and the promotion of renewable energy initiatives.
A pulmonologist explains how to stay safe from wildfire pollution Wildfires release fine particulate matter that spreads widely and can penetrate the lungs, creating pollution levels much higher than usual. It's best to stay indoors in affected areas and wear an N95 mask if you must go outside.
Breakthrough treatment that extended the former president’s life Former President Jimmy Carter lived nearly a decade after receiving pembrolizumab, an immunotherapy for metastatic melanoma developed by Dr. Antoni Ribas at UCLA Health, which has greatly improved cancer survival rates.
Supporting Communities: UCLA's Impact
Discover how UCLA's students, staff, and faculty are enhancing the well-being of Greater Los Angeles through UCLA Community Partnerships.
PROGRAM SPOTLIGHT
The Riordan Programs provide leadership and management training to individuals from diverse backgrounds across the country. Through mentorship, educational workshops, and community service, the program provides a transformational experience that develops today's students into tomorrow's leaders.
