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District formalizes ‘I Love You Guys’ emergency language, closes high‑school back gate and reorganizes incident command
Summary
La Cañada Unified presented updated safety, security and wellness protocols, adopted a standard incident-language framework used nationwide, reported the high‑school access road gate is operational, and described a reworked incident-command structure for communications and mental‑health response.
La Cañada Unified School District staff presented an update Tuesday on safety, security and student wellness work implemented since 2019, including the introduction of a standardized set of emergency directives known as the “I Love You Guys” protocol, activation of a new high‑school access gate, and an internal reorganization of incident-command responsibilities.
Associate Superintendent Jamie (first name used in the meeting) led the presentation, saying the district has moved to clearer, shorter emergency language — hold, secure, lockdown, evacuate and shelter — and has integrated those terms into the district's mass-notification system so staff and families receive consistent instructions. The system is used for lower-level responses (hold/secure) and for full lockdowns when needed; principals make site-level determinations and district staff cross‑train so backups are available during incidents.
Why it matters: The new language and updated incident command are intended to reduce confusion during fast‑moving events, improve coordination with local law enforcement and emergency services, and streamline communications to families. The district also highlighted work on drills, anonymous tip lines, camera additions and partnerships with the Los Angeles County Sheriff's Department and city officials.
Key items presented and outcomes - “I Love You Guys” protocol: The district said it will adopt the standardized directives and make classroom- and campus-level training materials available to staff and students. The district is arranging teacher and substitute training and plans to put age‑appropriate signage in classrooms and offices. - High‑school gate operational: District staff said the access road gate at La Cañada High School became operational the afternoon before the meeting; staff who provide license-plate numbers can use the gate, which is tied to badge readers and an intercom system. - Incident command reorganization: The superintendent will act as incident commander; communications, logistics and mental‑health support roles have been formalized to allow faster, clearer messaging and delegation during an incident. The district reported pre‑written messaging templates and cross‑training exercises have been developed. - Wildfire readiness and interagency coordination: Staff described new criteria and a go/no‑go checklist for opening schools during wildfire conditions, improved coordination with the city command center and first responders, and tracking of National Weather Service/Dangerous Situation Alerts.
Public and board comments Board members and public commenters praised the clearer language and the focus on communications. Several board members suggested tightening parent-facing language to discourage parents from driving to campuses during lockdowns. A district official said the guidance will be clarified and that city and sheriff representatives have expressed support for the standard language.
Ending District staff said rollout will include staff training, parent communications and continued coordination with the city and sheriff’s office; they plan to present more detail in future board meetings, including a comprehensive safety-plan presentation early next year.
