Past Incidents

December 5, 2024

12/5/24 – 12:20 pm: Tsunami Alert Cancelled – No Threat to Our Community

We are writing to inform you that the Tsunami Warning issued earlier today has been cancelled by the National Weather Service. There is no longer any threat of a tsunami along the U.S. west coast, including California.

Key updates:

  • No destructive tsunami has been recorded, and there is no tsunami danger for the U.S. west coast, British Columbia, or Alaska.
  • Local emergency officials have determined it is now safe to resume normal activities.
  • The National Tsunami Warning Center has issued this as their final message for this event.
Dec 5, 2024 - 12:21 pm PST
Category in: archived

Tsunami Warning in Effect for Northern California

A tsunami warning is currently in effect for the Northern California coast, including areas from Davenport, California (near Santa Cruz) up to the Oregon/California border. The tsunami threat follows a 7.3 magnitude earthquake off the coast of Eureka, California, with an estimated impact on the coast starting later this morning. This warning does not require evacuations at this time.

The key information from the warning includes:

  • Tsunami Activity Start Times:
    • Fort Bragg: 11:10 AM PST
    • Crescent City: 11:20 AM PST
    • San Francisco: 12:10 PM PST
  • Recommended Actions:
    • Stay away from beaches and avoid harbors, marinas, breakwaters, bays, and inlets.
    • You do not need to evacuate unless directed by local authorities. There is no evacuation required by local authorities at this time.
    • Stay informed and monitor updates from local emergency officials for further guidance.

Please remain cautious and follow any instructions from local authorities.

For more information, please refer to Tsunami.gov or stay tuned for further updates.

Dec 5, 2024 - 11:55 am PST
Category in: archived
November 20, 2024

Cañada College Crime Alert: Motor Vehicle Theft 

Location: Cañada College Parking Lot 2

Incident: On Saturday, November 16, 2024, at approximately 11:00 am, a Cañada campus community member notified the San Mateo County Community College Department of Public Safety (SMCCD DPS) of a stolen motor vehicle. The campus community member stated they had last parked their vehicle in Cañada College Parking Lot 2 and noticed it missing at approximately 11:00 am that morning.  The community member reported the theft to the San Mateo County Sheriff’s Department. This matter is under investigation by the San Mateo County Sheriff’s Department.

Anyone with information about this crime is asked to contact the San Mateo County Sheriff’s Department at (650) 363-4911.

11/21 Update: The stolen vehicle has been recovered, and the suspect remains outstanding.

Additional Resources

  • San Mateo County Community College Department of Public Safety (650) 738-7000
  • San Mateo County Sheriff’s Department (650) 363-4911
  • San Mateo County Sheriff Anonymous Tip line 800-547-2700

The San Mateo County Community College District and Cañada College campus community are always encouraged to take the following steps to keep yourself and others safe:

  • Report suspicious behavior, even when you are not directly threatened
  • If you feel unsafe in any situation, trust your instincts and call SMCCD DPS at (650) 738-7000 or San Mateo County Sheriff’s Department (650) 363-4911

Please review the SMCCD DPS web page for additional safety awareness information and resources.

Crime Alert Timely Warning

This information is being released in accordance with the Federal Jeanne Clery Disclosure of Campus Security Policy and Campus Crime Statistics Act, commonly known as the “Clery Act,” which requires all colleges and universities that participate in federal financial aid programs to keep and disclose information about crime on, and near their respective campuses, including timely warnings of crimes that may represent a serious or ongoing threat to the safety of students or employees. This message is for information only. 

Nov 20, 2024 - 2:36 pm PST
Category in: archived
October 3, 2024

Cañada College campus closed for the morning of October 3, 2024 until 12 noon for in-person classes and business operations due to power outage

The Cañada College campus is closed for the morning of October 3, 2024 until 12 noon for in-person classes and business operations due to power outage.


Essential employees (Facilities, Public Safety, ITS) are to report to work. Employees and students, work remotely/online during regularly scheduled hours, if possible.


We will reevaluate in-person courses and business operations that take place on campus for this afternoon, October 3, 2024 and will deliver any further closure notices at 8 a.m. today, Thursday, October 3, 2024.

Oct 3, 2024 - 5:58 am PDT
Category in: archived
August 26, 2024

Update: Normal Operations Expected for SamTrans Bus Service on 8/26 and 8/27

Posted: Monday, August 26, 2024, 7:23 am

SamTrans does not expect labor action today or tomorrow, so all bus routes should run as expected. Any further updates will be posted here.

SamTrans no espera ninguna acción laboral hoy ni mañana, por lo que todas las rutas de autobús deberían funcionar como se espera. Cualquier actualización adicional se publicará aquí.

Aug 26, 2024 - 7:26 am PDT
Category in: archived
August 23, 2024

SamTrans Bus Service Disruptions Expected on Monday 8/26 and Tuesday 8/27

Updated: Friday, August 23, 2024, 1:58 pm

Additional details: SamTrans Press Release


Posted: Friday, August 23, 2024, 1:01 pm

Due to labor action, SamTrans bus service to/from school may be disrupted on Monday August 26 and Tuesday August 27. Please plan for alternative transportation.  

Debido a una acción laboral, el servicio de autobús SamTrans hacia/desde la escuela podría estar interrumpido el lunes, 26 de agosto y el martes, 27 de agosto. Planifique transporte alternativo. Pedimos disculpas por cualquier inconveniente. 

Aug 23, 2024 - 1:01 pm PDT
Category in: archived
January 31, 2024

SMCCCD URGENT ALERT: Widespread Rain Expected

Wind and rain impacts are anticipated from Wednesday morning through early Thursday morning. Confidence in these impacts has increased, and flood watches and wind headlines are now in effect for the area. The likelihood of reaching flood stage at mainstem rivers across the North Bay has increased.

  • Please travel at safe speeds while commuting to and from campus, and use caution while driving and parking around trees.
  • A trough will bring significant rainfall to the region Wednesday and Thursday
  • High confidence for rain totals above 3-4+” in the mountains, generally 2-3” in the 280 corridors.
  • Saturated soils increase risk of runoff to creeks, streams, and roadways
  • Strong wind gusts create risk of downed trees and power lines
  • Lingering showers through the weekend
  • Flood Watch from Wednesday through 4AM Friday.
  • Wind Advisory from Wednesday through 4AM Thursday.
  • High Wind Warning from Wednesday through 4AM Thursday for Santa Cruz and Santa Lucia Mountains.
  • Increased likelihood (30-50%) of main stem river flooding across the North Bay with a 15-30% likelihood of main stem river flooding elsewhere
Jan 31, 2024 - 8:19 am PST
Category in: archived, Uncategorized
October 27, 2023

Cañada College is Closed for the Remainder of Friday, October 27, 2023 (today) for In-person Classes and Campus Operations

10/27/23

The Cañada campus is closed for the remainder of Friday October 27, 2023 (today) for in-person classes and business operations due to power outage and should open tomorrow by normal opening time. The campus community should evacuate campus immediately in a calm and safe manner.

Essential employees (Facilities, Public Safety, ITS) are to report to work. Employees and students, work remotely/online during regularly scheduled hours, if possible.

Oct 27, 2023 - 6:29 pm PDT
Category in: archived, Uncategorized
October 6, 2023

SMCCCD Timely Warning | Indecent Exposure 

SMCCCD’s Department of Public Safety has determined circumstances exist that may pose a threat to members and guests of the Skyline campus community. Please read this notification for additional information. 

Offense(s): Indecent Exposure: 

Location(s): Skyline College, Building 4 Roof Deck, 3300 College Drive, San Bruno, California  

Date/Time of Occurrence(s): 10/6/23 at approximately 6:58 pm 

Description of Suspect(s): The male suspect was described as an African American male adult, approximately 6’ tall, with a goatee and birthmark or small tattoo adjacent to his right eye. The suspect is of medium build with an unknown age and weight.  The suspect was last seen wearing the clothing seen in the photos below: 

Description of Suspect Vehicle(s): None currently 

Incident Summary: 

On Friday, October 6, 2023, at approximately 6:58 pm it was reported that an unknown male suspect exposed his genitals to two female students. The female students left the area, and the suspect left the area a few minutes later. 

Anyone with information pertaining to this crime should contact SMCCCD Public Safety at (650) 738-7000 or San Bruno Police at (650) 616-7100.  

Safety Tips: 

  • Be aware of your surroundings. Know escape routes in your paths of travel. If you see a person on campus who appears in distress, seek immediate help from SMCCCD Public Safety, San Bruno Police, or San Mateo County Sheriff’s office. 
  • Walk in pairs, if possible. 
  • Park and walk in well-lit public areas. 
  • If you are involved in, or a witness to, a situation that appears unsafe or makes you uncomfortable, go to a safe area and call for help. 
  • Trust your instincts: If you suspect something is wrong or if a situation seems dangerous, you are probably right. 
  • Program your phone:  
    • San Mateo Community College Public Safety Dispatch: (650) 738-7000 
    • San Bruno Police Department: (650) 616-7100 
    • San Mateo County Sheriff’s Office: (650) 216 7676 or (650) 363-4911 

If you are ever in a situation where you are unsure or scared, call SMCCCD Public Safety at (650) 738-7000 

Warning issued by: SMCCCD Department of Public Safety 

This information is being released in accordance with the Federal Jeanne Clery Disclosure of Campus Security Policy and Campus Crime Statistics Act, commonly known as the “Clery Act,” which requires all colleges and universities that participate in federal financial aid programs to keep and disclose information about crime on, and near their respective campuses, including timely warnings of crimes that may represent a serious or ongoing threat to the safety of students or employees. This message is for information only. 

Oct 6, 2023 - 9:24 pm PDT
Category in: archived, Timely Warning
September 22, 2023

Poor Air Quality Update #4

The air quality in and around the three colleges of the San Mateo County Community College District (SMCCCD) remains in the Unhealthy to Sensitive Groups range (100-151). This air quality is acceptable. However, there may be a risk for some people, particularly those who are unusually sensitive to air pollution. The District will continue evaluating the AQI and weather patterns, and will update the community as needed. The following information is from the American Lung Association: https://www.lung.org/blog/poor-air-quality-protection

Who is considered in a sensitive group?

High risk groups include children under 18, the elderly, people with chronic heart or lung disease, pregnant people, and people with diabetes. Adults who are active outdoors, including outdoor workers and avid exercisers, can be considered at higher risk as well because of prolonged exposure. All these groups are most likely to be the first to experience the effects of ozone and particle pollution, so they need to take extra steps to protect themselves from harm.

What can you do to stay safe from poor air quality?

Air pollution can threaten anyone’s health, so stay up to date on the AQI in your area. AQI forecasts and real-time information can be found on EPA’s AirNow Website. AQI values at or below 100 are generally thought of as satisfactory but be aware of how you feel and take steps to help protect yourself whenever needed. 

On days when the air quality is orange, red, purple or maroon:

  1. Reduce the time you spend outdoors to under 30 minutes when AQI is high. Also, reduce the intensity of outdoor activity. According to the EPA, the chances of being affected by unhealthy levels of air pollution increase the longer a person is active outdoors and the more strenuous the activity. 
  2. If you must go outdoors, consider wearing a mask. Unfortunately, not all masks are created equal when it comes to particle pollution as a cloth or dust mask are not able to filter out the fine particles. However, well-fitted N95 or KN95 masks have better filtration capabilities and may be beneficial during high AQI days. The District has N95 respirators available at campus public safety offices, health centers, and bookstores.
  3. Keep your air indoors healthy by keeping the windows and doors closed. Run the air conditioning on the recirculate setting, use a portable HEPA air cleaner or, in severe circumstances, creating a clean room.

Here are some simple, effective tips for protecting you and your family from the dangers of outdoor air pollution:

  1. Check daily air pollution forecasts in your area. The color-coded forecasts can let you know when the air is unhealthy in your community. Sources include local radio and TV weather reports, newspapers and online at airnow.gov.
  2. Avoid exercising outdoors when pollution levels are high. When the air is bad, move your workout indoors, like walking in a shopping mall or using a gym. Limit the amount of time your child spends playing outdoors if the air quality is unhealthy. And even if the air quality forecasts are green, avoid exercising near high-traffic areas, because the vehicles on busy highways can create high pollution levels nearby.
  3. Use less energy in your home. Generating electricity and other sources of energy creates air pollution. By reducing energy use, you can help improve air quality, curb greenhouse gas emissions, encourage energy independence and save money! Check out the U.S. Environmental Protection Agency’s easy tips for conserving energy at home.
  4. Encourage your child’s school to reduce exposure to school bus emissions. To keep exhaust levels down, schools should not allow school buses to idle outside of their buildings. Many school systems are using the U.S. EPA’s Clean School Bus Program to replace diesel buses with zero emissions buses.
  5. Walk, bike or carpool. Combine trips. Use buses, subways, light rail systems, commuter trains or other alternatives to driving your car.
  6. Don’t burn wood or trash. Burning firewood and trash are among the major sources of particle pollution in many parts of the country.
  7. Use hand-powered or electric lawn care equipment rather than gasoline-powered. Old two-stroke engines like lawnmowers and leaf or snow blowers add pollution to the air.
  8. Be ready for disasters that impact air quality, like wildfires. Learn how to prepare for wildfire smoke, extreme heat and cold, storms and more with our resources.
  9. Protect your indoor air quality too. Learn how to make sure the air you breathe indoors is clean.
  10. Raise your voice. We can all take steps to reduce pollution and avoid exposure, but we need our policymakers at every level of government to prioritize clean air. Get involved by checking out our Healthy Air Campaign, where you can send messages to decision-makers and share your story.
Sep 22, 2023 - 9:18 am PDT
Category in: archived, Uncategorized