Air quality delays sporting events

Soccer, men's basketball and women's volleyball games postponed due to fire

or the smoke was close to where they were,” Roberson said.

Friday, when the Saddle Ridge Fire started, thousands of people were affected, including Pierce student athletes.

Soccer and women’s volleyball were scheduled to be on the road, but saw their games against Santa Barbara City College and Ventura postponed.

Men’s basketball’s event, Intersquad Madness, had to be moved as well due to the school being closed.

Counselor Joe Roberson said that he was fortunate to not evacuate.

“I'm totally blessed that I didn't have to move. Other students let me know they had to move because they were on mandatory evacuation

Roberson was proud of the decision that the administration took because the players deserve to be safe and not exposed under those circumstances.

Head soccer coach Adolfo Perez said that the postponement changed their plans.

“I learned about the decision on the day of, which is a bummer. It changes everything because we are playing Cuesta who is having the best year ever,” Perez said. “Santa Barbara is a powerhouse and in 28 games they only have Iost two.”

Perez said that the game has been rescheduled to Thursday night at 7 p.m. He also said that one of his players Sofia Caparelli had to evacuate.

“We’re volunteers, and we can use any goods that people bring in,” said Gruytch. “Paper, pencils, food, water.”

Marci Sakapjian, Pierce College Senior Agricultural Technician and Farm manager of the Equestrian Center, said that this isn’t the first time Pierce has opened its doors for animals.

“The sad thing is that this is becoming an annual thing for us, unfortunately,” Sakapjian said. “So I think that every year we have one big evacuation at our facility.”

President Alexis Montevirgen gave a statement about Pierce’s involvement with the community.

“When called upon by the county in these types of services, we step up,” Montevirgen said. “We are here to be of resource and to assist the community in the ongoing situation.”

Brief: Security checks commencing

BRYAN CARBALLO Reporter @BRCreport & PAOLA CASTILLO Reporter @paaolacaastillo

President Alexis Montevirgen said the on-campus sheriff's department will conduct security checks at the Sheriff's Office from 11 p.m. to 6 a.m. Montevirgen said the security checks are for the department to take note of everyone who is on campus at that time, and that it would help them know where to locate those on campus in case of an emergency.

“It's part of our commitment to ensure the safety of the campus,” Montevirgen said. “It's such a large campus, and it's a challenge to make sure that we know and are accountable to who is on campus at all times.”

Faculty and staff are also asked to check in with the Sheriff’s office if they do need to be on campus late in evening.