Soda Center Update

On July 7, an electrical incident occurred in the IT office located within the Soda Center, triggering the fire sprinkler system. With support from the Moraga-Orinda Fire District, the situation was quickly contained.

 

Through quick actions and our fire sprinkler system working as intended, we were able to avoid a very serious issue. Unfortunately, water and smoke from the incident caused significant damage to the office and other areas of the facility, requiring the temporary closure of the Soda Center. While this is an unexpected development, it does present an opportunity to move forward with updates to the space - including new carpets, curtains, and other much-needed improvements.

 

Repairs and refurbishment will take time, and we anticipate that the facility may remain closed through part of the fall semester. For questions specifically about Soda Center events and conferences, please contact Jaime Scobel in our Meetings, Events, and Conference Services (MECS) Department.

 

In the meantime, for those who were scheduled to host events in the Soda Center, the MECS team will work with users to identify alternative campus locations.

 

We recognize this presents logistical challenges, and we ask for your patience and flexibility as we work together to manage shared campus spaces. This is a moment that calls for collaboration, creativity, and care. Please coordinate with your supervisor or department head to explore other available venues, and keep in mind that every space at Saint Mary's has the potential to serve a broader purpose while the Soda Center is offline.

 

Thank you for your understanding and support.

 

Charlie Faas

Senior Vice President for Finance and Administration, and Chief Financial Officer