Southern California Fires Affecting Battle at the Border

[Jon Jack]

Shortly after my last post we (myself and the three other people who are running this competition) had an 'emergency' meeting the discuss the future of Battle at the Border. We're sorry to regret that we are canceling the event. I've sent this email to all team leads:

Battle at the Border Participants,

We hope this email finds you, your family, and the members of your team safe and in good health. Unfortunately, due to the fires burning out of control in San Diego and throughout Southern California, we have found it necessary to cancel the Team San Diego Battle at the Border FIRST Robotics Competition scheduled for October 27th. Although we regret the late notice informing you of our decision, like you, we kept hoping our local situation would have changed for the better – it hasn’t and it doesn’t look like it will before Saturday. Many concerns have brought us to this decision: 300,000 plus people evacuated; very poor air quality; loss of major power lines; school closures; the Mayor of San Diego’s request to avoid travel as much as possible in order to keep the roads clear for emergency vehicles; the uncertainty of where the fires will burn and when they will be contained; and most importantly, the safety of you and your team members.

Due to other FIRST events and school holidays, we will not be able to hold the Battle @ the Border before the start of the FRC season. We are, however, planning on holding the event next fall. We would like to thank all of the 24 teams for their outstanding support and understanding and look forward to competing with all the teams in the upcoming season. Upon the reopening of our schools, Team San Diego will be notifying each team to discuss the best method for refunds. Please be safe.

Sincerely,
Team San Diego