As high-speed winds and fire sweep across much of Los Angeles County, San Marino is among the communities braving the brutal weather conditions that have uprooted trees, toppled street signs and raised alarm near and far.

The growing brush fire that scorched through the Eaton Canyon cannot be missed with the rising smoke hanging overhead and the fierce Santa Ana winds only exacerbating the crisis, which ignited Tuesday afternoon, putting communities on alert.

Though San Marino is not currently under evacuation orders, some residents have taken precaution and relocated to put distance between them and the encroaching flames. As the fire becomes too close for comfort, more than 32,500 residents in neighboring Pasadena and Altadena have been urged to vacate their homes and businesses.

The blaze — known as the Eaton Fire — has consumed more than 10,000 acres, claimed five lives and hundreds of structures, with zero percent containment so far — and it is only one of the four major wildfires actively burning within the county.

San Marino Fire Chief Mario Rueda said safety is a priority that should start on a personal level.

“It is critical in emergency situations like this, that everyone does their part to ensure the safety of themselves and others,” Rueda told the Tribune. “Exercise extreme caution when driving, please use 911 to report emergencies and understand that city staff are assessing the city and working to clear things as quickly as possible.”

He recommends residents follow all emergency-alert directions and check up-to-date information by visiting SanMarinoCA.gov/Alert.

City staff in all sectors have made sure the community can function safely and efficiently despite the challenges that come with life-threatening winds and a rapidly evolving fire.

As trees are damaged and debris gets blown onto roadways and sidewalks, the clean-up from city staff is never too far behind — day or night.

San Marino Mayor Gretchen Shepherd Romey commended the behind-the-scenes effort being put in by not only city staff on the frontlines, but also residents who look out for one another.

“In the wake of the devastating events yesterday, I want to extend my heartfelt gratitude to our outstanding first responders and city staff who quickly responded and continue to work tirelessly to protect our community’s safety and security, as well as that of those in the area most heavily impacted by the Eaton Fire,” Shepherd Romey told the Tribune. “Also, I would express my deepest gratitude to every resident of San Marino who selflessly helped and continue to support other community members. Your dedication, service and resilience are truly inspiring.”

Shepherd Romey added that the city is united as it weathers this storm.

“Please be assured that we will continue our on-going work to preserve public safety and restore essential services,” she said. “Your continued patience and cooperation are invaluable during this challenging time. Together we have shown the strength of our community, and we will move forward together for a full recovery.”

City Manager Philippe Eskandar credits all of San Marino’s public service professionals — especially the Fire, Police, Public Works and Emergency Operations Center — for their teamwork over the past 24 hours.

“Their dedication, professionalism and tireless work, in partnership with this tremendous community, ensured the safety and well-being of San Marino,” Eskandar told the Tribune. “Time and time again, great communities like ours will face the challenges of emergencies like these. The ability to rise to the challenge and come together as a community is one of the pillars of what makes San Marino so great. I'm so proud of our ability to come together as a community and provide services to push through challenges like these.”

As containment of the Eaton Fire, and others like it, is underway, smoke is yet another hazard.

Wildfires not only destroy homes and infrastructure but also have significant and long-lasting effects on public health. As wildfires become more frequent and severe, the health risks to individuals and communities continue to grow, particularly for those already vulnerable.

Wildfire smoke contains harmful pollutants, including fine particulate matter, which pose serious risks to respiratory and cardiovascular health.

“Predicting where ash or soot from a fire will travel, or how winds will impact air quality, is difficult, so it’s important for everyone to stay aware of the air quality in your area, make plans, and take action to protect your health and your family's health,” Muntu Davis, L.A. County health officer, said in a statement. “Smoke and ash can harm everyone, even those who are healthy. However, people at higher risk include children, older adults, pregnant individuals, and those with heart or lung conditions or weakened immune systems.”

Emergency medical supplies and respiratory protection equipment like N-95 masks are recommended by officials to mitigate potentially severe health risks from smoke exposure.

San Marino Unified is one of many L..A. County school districts that have closed amid harsh weather conditions and a decline in air quality. Superintendent Linda de la Torre said SMUSD’s decision was made with the safety of students, staff and families in mind.

“Approximately 60% of our workforce resides near or within evacuation zones and has been displaced or adversely affected by the fire,” de la Torre told the Tribune. “My heart goes out to those families who have been forced to leave, especially those who lost their homes. This is an extraordinarily challenging time for not only our District but also other San Gabriel Valley school districts in the area, as well as their students, parents, and employees impacted by these events.”

The storm caused a loss of power across district campuses, and conditions remained unsafe due to downed trees, and debris scattered throughout school grounds, de la Torre said.

“I am deeply grateful to our Board of Education, PTA leaders, parents, staff and community leaders who have stepped forward to offer their support,” she said. “Your kindness and resilience represent the strength of our San Marino community.”

All SMUSD schools will remain closed through Thursday, Jan. 9. Conditions are being monitored closely, and parents and staff will be notified that afternoon regarding plans to reopen, de la Torre said.

During a press conference this morning, L.A. County Supervisor Kathryn Barger and other officials spoke publicly about the crisis at hand.

“Heed the advice of first responders,” said Barger, who resides in San Marino. “When they ask you to evacuate, evacuate. This is not a drill. … It’s important for us to recognize that while the firefighters are there to protect structures, life is first and foremost the frontline.”

L.A. County Fire Chief Anthony Marrone added that nobody should be letting their guard down.

“The National Weather Service has predicted a continued red-flag weather event with strong winds and low humidity, placing all residents of Los Angeles County residents in danger,” he said.

Marrone added that fire crews are working diligently to contain the four fires, and have assistance from fire departments from other states on their way.

“Los Angeles County firefighters will remain on the frontline until we reach full containment, and we ask that you keep all of Los Angeles County in your thoughts and prayers,” he said.

NBRS Badge for San Marino High School

San Marino High School (SMSH) is a small, comprehensive High School located in Los Angeles County. School personnel partner with parents and the community to maximize the resources necessary to provide students with a quality education in a supportive and positive climate.Students will develop global awareness, civic responsibility, and critical thinking skills to respond and adapt to the changes of the 21st Century.

As both a National Blue Ribbon and California Distinguished School, SMHS has a history of academic excellence, including a 100% graduation rate and a near 100% college matriculation rate into many of the nation's most prestigious universities.The San Marino Unified School District believes in an educational program emphasizing the "4 A," Academics, Arts, Athletics, and Activities.

SMHS has open access to the full Advanced Placement (AP) curriculum. EIghty-three percent of our students take at least one AP course with the average student takes 4.87 AP classes in their four years. Our students also participate in a rich visual and performing arts program that includes AP Art, music, and dance. Additionally, almost 60% of our students participate in a thriving athletic program with a long history of championships.

What makes San Marino so unique, however, is our amazing community partnerships. SMHS students can take a Humanities course partnered with the famous Huntington Library as well as a STEM program partnered with the prestigious California Institute of Technology. Our community also generously donates to our school allowing for lower class sizes as well as the ability to offer programs like our new Medical Arts Academy featuring the latest technology. Our parents, teachers and staff are committed to providing the best academic and social experience for our students and we are exceedingly proud to have this opportunity to showcase our school and community.

2024 Awardee

San Marino High School

2701 Huntington Drive San Marino, CA, 91108-2295

(626) 299-7020

Principal at time of Nomination: Dr. Benjamin Wolf

San Marino Unified

Suburban

Mission

Provide a quality education that includes the fundamentals of literacy, communication, and mathematical applications for students to succeed in their later studies and/or working lives.

Student Demographics

Application