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.
By Andrea Manokian, Red Cross Communications Volunteer No matter how long someone has been a Red Cross volunteer, chances are they’ve heard of Robert “Bob” Strojek. With nearly a decade of service to the American Red Cross, Bob’s journey began when then-Disaster Program Manager Kurt Russell attended a CERT (Community Emergency Response Team) class Bob was … Continue reading Serving with Purpose: Bob Strojek’s Red Cross Legacy
By Steve Medina, American Red Cross Volunteer, Public Affairs On August 1, 2025, the Ventura Veterans Stand Down took place at the Ventura Veterans Center, organized in collaboration with the Department of Veterans Affairs. This vital outreach event brought together community agencies and volunteers to serve Veterans in need—particularly those experiencing homelessness or navigating life … Continue reading A Day of Service: Ventura Veterans Stand Down 2025
“There’s always a lot of great people out here and it’s for a great cause,” said Marine veteran Jose Rojas, standing beneath a pop-up shelter near the starting line of this year’s Ride for the Red. “We’ve done this ride a couple of times before,” said his ride partner and fellow Marine veteran Raul … Continue reading 2025 Ride for the Red Benefits Local Military and Veterans
Just two months ago, Steve Medina and scores of local volunteers were supporting the Ventura County community during the Mountain Fire. At that time, American Red Cross Los Angeles Region volunteers traveled north to assist and lend a hand when it was needed most. Never missing an opportunity to return a favor, Medina immediately volunteered … Continue reading Neighbors Helping Neighbors
Lifelong Camarillo resident Kim Price-Marczuk has deep roots in her community. It was these local bonds that led her to become a volunteer with the Red Cross. “My former high school advisor was [volunteering] and posting pictures (on Facebook), so I messaged him and asked ‘How do I get involved in the Red Cross?’” Two … Continue reading Ready to Serve – Near and Far
Standing amidst a surreal landscape of ash and destruction is the Mason home. All that remains of their neighbor’s homes on either side and across the street are naked chimneys and the burned-out hulks of automobiles. “We are very grateful and somewhat surprised that our home was spared,” said Wil Mason of the house she … Continue reading This Neighborhood Will Rise from the Ashes
Miyoshi Higa snapped this photo of the approaching Mountain Fire as she evacuated her home Volunteer Christine Rosso comforts Miyoshi Higa at the Red Cross shelter in Camarillo, Ca. Higa evacuated her home with just minutes to spare as the fast-moving Mountain Fire threatened her neighborhood. “I smelled smoke and thought my neighbor was cooking,” … Continue reading Families Find Refuge from Disastrous Fire Storm
When Erin Huey retired from the military, she moved backed to Simi Valley, California, so she could reconnect with family, most importantly, her brother John. “He loves that they’re back together, spending time together,” said John’s wife Lisa. “That was the icing on the cake for him.” Erin quickly re-established her roots, working as an … Continue reading Sister’s Quick Action, and CPR, Save Brother’s Life
Terri Birch grew up in Oklahoma on the ancestral lands of the Wichita people, a confederation of Southern Plains Native American tribes. Later, she raised a family, living and working in busy Orange County, CA. She was happy to retire to the mountains, giving up the rat race and buying a six-acre ranch in Bodfish, … Continue reading Everyone is Welcome . . . Pets Included!
Jim Steel is no stranger to the Southern Sierra Nevada mountains, having lived in the high-altitude pine forest for the last 20 years. In that time, he has also become familiar with the devastating wildfires that are an all-too-common occurrence. So it wasn't the first time he and his wife found their home in the … Continue reading Twice Burned But Never Shy
Red Cross Central California Blog 