With the topic being the devastating recent Los Angeles fires, the UC Irvine Climate & Urban Sustainability Program (CUSP) and School of Social Ecology present expert speakers, engaging discussions and a chance to network with professionals in the field.
The keynote speaker is Francisco Sanchez, associate administrator of the U.S. Small Business Administration's Office of Disaster Recovery & Resilience, and Rep. Dave Min (D-Irvine) will deliver introductory remarks.
Igniting Solutions also includes an insightful roundtable featuring members of the CUSP team and UCI experts, who will dive into lessons learned from the LA fires, Orange County's current strategies and policies, and collaborative ways to enhance the region's preparedness and response.
Breakfast and lunch will be served. The schedule:
9 a.m. Breakfast
9:30 a.m. Rep. Dave Min will provide introductory remarks.
9:45 a.m. Panel 1: Physical systems, featuring James Randerson, UC Irvine Ralph J. and Carol M. Cicerone Professor of Earth System Science; Madison Killebrew, manager of fire prevention and management program at Irvine Ranch Conservancy; and Brett Sanders, UC Irvine Chancellor’s Professor of civil and environmental engineering. Moderated by Nícola Ulibarrí, UC Irvine associate professor of urban planning and public policy.
10:30 a.m. Panel 2: Social systems, featuring Michael Méndez, UC Irvine assistant professor of urban planning and public policy; Doug Houston, UC Irvine professor of urban planning and public policy; and Suellen Hopfer, UC Irvine associate professor of health, society and behavior. Moderated by Mukul Kumar, UC Irvine assistant professor of urban planning and public policy.
11:30 a.m. Panel 3: Policy and planning, featuring Julie Coffey, UC Irvine campus reserves manager; Nick Freeman, chief of Orange County Fire Authority Division 2; and Nícola Ulibarrí, UC Irvine associate professor of urban planning and public policy. Moderated by David Feldman, professor emeritus of urban planning and public policy and director of Water UCI.
12:15 p.m. Lunch
12:45 p.m. Keynote speaker: Francisco Sánchez Jr., former associate administrator of the U.S. Small Business Administration Office of Disaster Recovery & Resiliency.
1:15 p.m. Discussion and call to action
RSVP at the link below, on Campus Groups or by scanning the QR code on the flier.
