As news of the fire at the Anna Head School fire spread, I received emails and calls from individuals throughout the community and across the country. Here is a sample of their voices and their grave concern for the future of this historic landmark.
Paul Chapman, Chair, Save Anna Head School Steering Committee
The photo of the burned school is extraordinarily sad, and heartbreaking to see.
UC Administrator
I was scared when I realized that the fire was at the Anna Head School building -- that building is a tinder box. I saw in Berkeleyside that you quickly rushed to the site -- I imagine you must be quite shaken up…. I can imagine your devastation in standing by and observing the destruction.
UC Administrator
Oh No!!! Terrible news.
Architect
In my experience, fires are rare on UC property and repeated fires at one location--I know of no similar cases. When there is an emergency, UC performs well in my experience. We can hope this is the case this time.
Former UC Administrator
Devastating
UC Administrator
We appreciate how difficult it must have been to be close enough to witness the tragedy soon after it happened….
Head-Royce School Past Parent
I was devastated to read about the fire in Berkeleyside. I am hoping that the damage was not too extensive for you to continue with your campaign for preservation. I am thinking of you at such a difficult time.
Berkeley Community Member
This is more than a piece of land owned by UCB…they are stewards of a public legacy. And they have shirked their responsibility on AHS.
Berkeley Community Member
I'm so sad about this. Perhaps this will encourage UC to take action to update/renovate the site. Let's pray between your efforts and this incident the buildings will be saved.
Anna Head Alumna
I just saw on the news that Channing Hall, the Anna Head building caught fire! I hope it wasn’t too bad. They said the sprinklers went on and “saved” it. I hope it all turns out okay.
UC Berkeley Alumna
No, no!
Former School Head
Disturbing.
UC Administrator
Yikes! I am just catching up on this. Scary!
UC Staff Member
I am sorry to hear the news. I know that the building meant a lot to you. My sister went to school there. My Grandmother taught school there for years and lived a couple of blocks away at the College Women’s Club.
Head-Royce School Past Parent
I thought of you immediately when I heard about the fire yesterday at the Anna Head Alumnae Hall. I was so sorry to see that news–and I hope that the structure is able to be saved.
UC Staff Member
Good grief. Any idea of the cause?
Head-Royce Alum
Sad
Head-Royce Alum
I am sorry to hear of the fire at the old Anna Head school site. I know that you have spent a great deal of time making sure that the place has historical meaning for the community and Head Royce. Just wanted you to know that we were thinking of you as you work through another set of transitions for the building and the memories.
Berkeley Community Member
I read about the fire – what a terrible blow. I’m so sorry to hear of this calamity.
Berkeley Community Member
I’m so sorry. I know how hard you’ve been working to save this wonderful site. This must be devastating.
Former School Principal