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 Alvaro Martinez and Mason Hodges, Communications Volunteers Click here to read this story in Spanish When disaster strikes, Jesús Sotelo doesn’t hesitate — he acts. Born in Acapulco, Guerrero, México, Jesús grew up in a community where music, faith and service were deeply woven into everyday life. In the 1980s, he and a group … Continue reading From Guerrero to California: Jesús Sotelo’s Quiet Revolution of Service
Por Alvaro Martinez y Mason Hodges, Voluntarios de Comunicaciones Cuando ocurre un desastre, Jesús Sotelo no lo duda: actúa. Nacido en Acapulco, Guerrero, México, Jesús creció en una comunidad donde la música, la fe y el servicio estaban profundamente entrelazados en la vida cotidiana. En los años 80, él y un grupo de amigos formaron … Continue reading De Guerrero a California: La Revolución Silenciosa del Servicio de Jesús Sotelo
By Alison Votaw, Communications Volunteer Maria Stevens believes that through adversity, we build strength. Her journey began long before she joined the American Red Cross as a Community Disaster Program Manager in 2023. At just 8 years old, Maria and her family moved from their comfortable home in Mexico to Downey, California, as political refugees. … Continue reading Lessons Learned: Resilience in the Face of Adversity
By Taylor Poisall, Red Cross Communications Team For Mari Montelongo, joining the American Red Cross wasn’t just a career move, it was a calling. Since stepping into her first role as a Disaster Program Specialist in 2023, Mari has quickly become a vital part of the Central California Region’s disaster response efforts. Now serving as … Continue reading Honoring Heritage, Humanity and the Impact of Kindness
From nuclear power to neighborhood safety, Jude Fledderman has spent his life preparing communities before emergencies strike By Mason Hodges, Red Cross Communications Volunteer From operating utilities at a nuclear power plant to teaching engineering at Cal Poly, Jude Fledderman has worn many hats in his lifetime, but it’s his passion for service and his … Continue reading A Volunteer’s Lifelong Commitment to Preparedness
By Mason Hodges, Red Cross Communications Volunteer At Oak Park High School, senior Max Beatty is known not just for his academic excellence, but also for his unwavering commitment to service. As president of his school’s Red Cross Youth Club, he has spent the past three years turning compassion into action. His leadership and dedication … Continue reading Max’s Mission: Leading with Heart and Purpose
Lives Saved in the Parking Lot: Red Cross Donates Shuttle Carts to Care for Local Veterans "I truly love the American Red Cross and all of the work they do for our community, but especially the way they serve veterans through the Service to the Armed Forces."Mary Golden, VA Central California Health Care System In … Continue reading A Lifesaving Lift: American Red Cross and VA Central California Roll Out Support for Veterans
By Kaytlin Crough, American Red Cross Disaster Leader My name is Kaytlin Crough, and I currently serve as the Senior Community Disaster Program Manager for the Central California Region of the American Red Cross. It’s an honor to reflect on a moment in our shared history that changed the way many of us view disaster … Continue reading A Red Crosser’s Reflection on the Creek Fire
By Cynthia Rodriguez, Communications Volunteer Bold. That is how one could describe the ambitious, driven and altruistic Annika Garcia. Annika comes from humble beginnings as a first-generation Latina, and often visited her mom at work. Her mom’s work in the medical field introduced Annika to the American Red Cross. On one of her visits to … Continue reading Celebrating Young Leaders: Annika’s Journey with the Red Cross
"Every year, 95.5 KLOS listeners rally to the drumbeat—donating blood and saving lives with heart and soul. It’s a tradition of compassion, courage, and community spirit that shines especially bright during the summer, when the need for blood is at its highest," said Eric Horton, regional donor services executive with the American Red Cross Los … Continue reading KLOS Radio and the Red Cross Team Up to Rock
Red Cross Central California Blog 