Thanks to those who sent emails regarding our collective safety here in Santa Barbara. The fire was located in the hills and canyons about three miles from us and did not directly impact Santa Barbara A Rocha’s work, but did effect Westmont A Rocha. The college campus sustained damage including some living quarters and offices. Thankfully all students have been reported safe, but several Westmont faculty, including A Rocha supporters Tom Fikes (scheduled to speak February 9 at The Loft) of the Psychology Department and Eileen McMahon of the Westmont Biology Department, lost their homes. Please join us in prayer for these two as well as several hundred area residents who also lost their residences.

For more information about the fire can be found here.

The name “Tea Fire” comes from the location of the origin of the fire - an abandoned Tea Garden, also known as ‘The Arches’.  This area is a popular hiking spot close to the Westmont College campus.