SAN DIEGO - Scores of credit unions have closed their offices across San Diego County and other areas of California, where at least 17 wildfires are raging from north of Los Angeles to southeast of here. Even in instances where credit unions have not suffered damage, some were unable to operate due to power outages, while others are unable to sufficiently staff certain locations, with more than 500,000 people in San Diego County alone ordered to evacuate and seek shelter.
Among those that have closed their offices and branches until further notice are: Cabrillo CU, California Coast CU, North Island CU, and San Diego Metropolitan CU (the latter has plans to open its seven branches today). First Future CU in San Diego has limited operations in six of its branches, while Mission FCU also had a limited number of branches open Tuesday. USE CU closed all but one of its seven branches.
Pacific Marine CU closed its San Diego area branches, but its branches in San Bernardino and Riverside Counties remain open. Point Loma CU closed four of its branches. Sharp CU had closed several San Diego branches, but opened them on Tuesday.
In San Bernardino County, Arrowhead Credit Union closed its Crestline branch in the San Bernardino Mountains due to power outages in the area, and some Arrowhead CU employees have been evacuated.
Manhattan Beach-based Kinecta FCU's Malibu branch remains closed until further notice, also due to a power outage. The branch closings were compiled by the California league, which is updating consumers on branch status with a toll-free number: 877-CULOCATE to obtain information as to the status of their credit union.
Meanwhile, San Diego-based Symitar Systems closed its offices and activated its business continuity plan. Although its offices were not threatened by the fire, it said deteriorating air quality and the need by employees to deal with personal situations led to the closing. Support calls are being handled by remote staff and its Allen, Texas facility.
