Red Cross Central California Blog
The American Red Cross prevents and alleviates human suffering in the face of emergencies by mobilizing the power of volunteers and the generosity of donors.
Just before 4:00 p.m. on June 23, 2016, Jim Steel noticed a faint glow out the window of his Squirrel Valley home. He went into his backyard for a closer look, and that’s when Jim first saw the plume of smoke rising from the east side of Cook Peak Mountain. He knew in an instant … Continue reading One Year Later: An Erskine Fire Retrospective
When it rains it pours, and it has certainly been pouring in California this winter. Massive amounts of rainfall in the Golden State has caused flooding, landslides, sink holes, road closures, power outages, and mass evacuations. All of this has led to a major Red Cross response effort, with volunteers from around the nation pouring into … Continue reading When It Rains It Pours
It was Christmas Eve at my Grandmother’s house. Tummies were full of holiday treats, stockings were hung by the chimney with care, and the family was gathered at the kitchen table playing cards. That’s when my Dad smelled the smoke. “Is something burning?” he asked. Everyone looked up from their cards with concern and started … Continue reading Four Ways to Holiday Safety
Local volunteer Michele Maki is currently on deployment in Gatlinburg, Tennessee as part of the Red Cross response to the deadly wildfires that have destroyed hundreds of homes and displaced thousands. Here is one of many heartbreaking stories Michele has experienced on her journey so far. “We bought this home……one year ago-yesterday….. just one year….”, his … Continue reading A One Year Anniversary, A Devastating Loss, A Treasure Found, And Gratitude
Central California Regional Communications Director Jessica Piffero is one of thousands of Red Crossers from around the nation that has deployed to the east coast as part of the Hurricane Matthew disaster relief operation. As a Public Affairs supervisor, she is based in South Carolina and leading team of Public Information Officers and storytellers. … Continue reading Deployment Diaries from Hurricane Matthew
The smoke grew thick and dark as flames of the Cedar Fire began coming down the side of black mountain towards Marcela Freerks’ home early Saturday morning. Freerks, 68, was having trouble breathing from the smoke when her son encouraged them to leave their home and seek housing at a Red Cross shelter. In the … Continue reading Community Spirit Shines Through Wildfire Relief Efforts
The American Red Cross is helping thousands of people in Louisiana affected by the devastating flooding there, likely the worst natural disaster since Superstorm Sandy in 2012. More than 7,000 people spent Tuesday night in Red Cross and community shelters, and thousands more are without power in hot, humid conditions. The state has been hit … Continue reading Local Red Cross Supports Louisiana Flood Relief Efforts
In the aftermath of the Erskine Fire, Edythe Catalano was one of the hundreds of people assisted by the Red Cross after having to evacuate her home. When the fire initially broke out it quickly spread and consumed dozens of homes in its path. Catalano’s South Lake home was one of hundreds endangered by the … Continue reading Edythe’s Story
The Erskine Fire began of the afternoon of Thursday, June 23, 2016, evacuating thousands of Kern River Valley residents and destroying more than 280 homes. While the Red Cross was providing relief and comfort to the impacted families on Friday, July 1, the Deer Fire broke out in Bear Valley Springs, near the mountain town … Continue reading Local Red Cross Responds to Multiple Fires in Kern County
An ideal Father’s Day for John Parsons would usually be sleeping in and reading the newspaper. But on this Father’s Day, John and many more volunteers like him, are instead giving their time to volunteer on the American Red Cross Sherpa Fire response in Santa Barbara County. The father to three children and three … Continue reading Fire on Father’s Day: Dads Volunteer for Sherpa Fire Response
Red Cross Central California Blog 