UCLA Nimoy Theater community update
UCLA leadership provides an update on the Nimoy Theater project and answers questions from the Westwood community and other interested parties.

Cultivating and Promoting Pathways to Higher Education: A UCLA briefing on admissions, intrusive recruitment and community engagement
In the last year, the University of California admitted its largest, most diverse undergraduate class. UCLA freshmen applications exceeded 139,000 – more than ever before, including steep increases from African American and Chicano/Latino applicants. Additionally, transfer student applications grew ten percent over the previous year. UCLA’s significant increases are the result of purposeful and robust outreach, strategic partnerships, and community engagement efforts. The October 14th webinar showcased UCLA’s work to increase the diversity of our competitive applicant pool and build a robust student body that better reflects the demographics of California.

Legislative briefing: UCLA experts address policies on homelessness in California
More individuals experience homelessness in California than in any other state in the nation. The per capita rate of homelessness in California is more than three times that of the rest of the country. More than half of all the unsheltered homeless people in America live in California, up from 40% five years ago. Decades of studies and experience have revealed multiple causes and public costs of homelessness. The costs for addressing homelessness continue to escalate, spurring greater urgency to improve conditions. The various impacts of COVID-19 on California’s economy may be creating hesitancy on behalf of some policy makers to raise additional taxes from business organizations currently reeling under pandemic-induced economic strain. There is continued need to balance the pressing need of resources to alleviate homelessness alongside California’s economic and workforce recovery. Join UCLA experts as they offer insights to help contribute to the dialogue on homelessness policy. There will be opportunity for Q&A and discussion as well.

Legislative briefing: UCLA experts discuss zero-emission vehicles in California
California policymakers are prioritizing the transition to electric-drive and alternative fuel vehicles from carbon emitting combustion engines. Concerns by individuals to reduce their carbon footprint provide clarity on a motivating factor spurring consumers to acquire electric vehicles. In September 2020, Governor Gavin Newsom took executive action directing the state to require that by 2035 all new cars and passenger trucks sold in California be zero-emission vehicles. Questions remain surrounding market readiness for scaling the mass adoption of electric vehicles. Areas of caution include vehicle range, charging infrastructure, affordability and access. UCLA experts are navigating the complex technical and regulatory standards for electrification using research-informed models to assess California’s electric vehicle preparedness. Join UCLA researchers for a conversation about electric vehicles and discuss insights on best practices for meeting zero-emission vehicle adoption targets.

Video webinar: How to predict and manage California’s fire risk in a changing climate
This year, wildfires in California have burned a record 4.2 million acres, damaged or destroyed over 10,000 structures and killed 35 people — and the season hasn’t even concluded. The situation has become increasingly dire, with six of the top 20 wildfires in state history taking place this year, including the largest wildfire on record. California’s top wildfire and climate researchers are responding to this incredible challenge, but they are also realizing there is a need to take a more collaborative, holistic and proactive approach to their work. The How to Predict and Manage California’s Fire Risk in a Changing Climate webinar brought together experts from numerous scientific disciplines at University of California institutions, along with researchers from neighboring universities. They make up an informal statewide climate and wildfire collaborative formed this year to identify what could be accomplished when working together and leveraging efforts.