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 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
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
By Jake Dean, Red Cross Communications Volunteer When climate disasters strike, they often do so unevenly. Tulare County, California, is on the front lines of the climate crisis, which is testing the community’s limits. From record-breaking heatwaves to food insecurity and aging infrastructure, the stakes are high. But through the American Red Cross Community Adaptation … Continue reading Community First: How the Red Cross Community Adaptation Program is Building Resilience in Tulare County
“Once somebody is helped by the Red Cross, they never forget it. They’ll never forget how the Red Cross came in and helped them, and it’s around the country, it’s around the world—the Red Cross is out there making a difference everywhere, every day.”Julie Doyle By Andrea Manokian, Red Cross Communications Volunteer Named after the … Continue reading Meet Our 2025 Clara Barton Leadership Honoree: Julie Doyle
On International Nurses Day, Debby Dailey received the Florence Nightingale Medal for exceptional nursing service and dedication. With over 40 years at the Red Cross, she has responded to numerous disasters, mentored future healthcare professionals, and advocated for inclusivity. Her humanitarian efforts have significantly impacted communities and inspired countless individuals.
By Margarita Moreno, Community Adaptation Program Manager On the outskirts of unincorporated Tulare County, the rural community of Allensworth came together this April for a Wildfire Readiness Expo that combined critical safety information with shared meals, family activities, and trusted local connection. Co-hosted by the American Red Cross Central California Region and its Community Adaptation … Continue reading Community-Led Readiness: Allensworth Hosts its First-Ever Wildfire Readiness Expo
By Alison Votaw, Red Cross Communications Volunteer Elvia Pacheco-Reyna hasn’t left her nursing days behind; they just look a little different now. From a young age, she knew she wanted to be a nurse, a sentiment reflected in her carefully curated collection of photos, including one of her holding a stethoscope. “I always said I’d … Continue reading From Scrubs to Service: Elvia’s Continued Commitment to Care
“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
By Jake Dean, Red Cross Communications Volunteer For Wesley Hammer, volunteering with the American Red Cross is more than just giving back—it’s a calling. From his first experience as a Disaster Action Team (DAT) responder to taking on leadership roles in disaster relief efforts, Wesley has dedicated his time and energy to supporting communities in … Continue reading Making an Impact: Wesley Hammer’s Red Cross Volunteer Story
Red Cross Central California Blog 