And there was a big earthquake too in October 1989. :lol:
Let’s see, the two largest in Northern California were the Mendocino Complex fire started in July 2018 and Camp fire started in November 2018. I live in the general vicinity of Stanford and I run and exercise vigorously daily. I wouldn’t let a few days or even a week +/- of poor air quality color your college decision.
Plus, you probably already own a mask, if indeed needed for any future fires.
Get out of the Northeast and wear shorts nearly every day of the year. 