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 Steve Medina, Red Cross Volunteer Every day, countless people give their time and talent to ensure lifesaving blood gets to those who need it most. Many of them work behind the scenes to ensure that hospitals are ready for emergencies and families have hope when seconds count. Jennie Griggs is one of those people. … Continue reading Jennie Griggs’ Mission to Support Blood Donors and the Gift of Life
By Anna Kumor, Red Cross Communications Volunteer You can always count on Linda Carralejo to stay calm in an emergency. For 35 years, Linda was the reassuring voice answering 9-1-1 calls as a dispatcher for the Ventura Police Department. After retiring, she took some well-deserved rest and relaxation before finding her next calling: volunteering. “I … Continue reading Linda Carralejo’s Second Act as Red Cross Volunteer: 40 Years of Public Service, and Counting!
By Mason Hodges, Red Cross Communications Volunteer As the holiday season approaches, many of us reflect on what matters most — family, community and the spirit of giving. In Ventura County, Lori Kleiman embodies all of these values. Known for her compassion, creativity and calm in the face of crisis, Lori wears many hats: full-time … Continue reading The Greatest Gift: Lori Kleiman Finds Joy in Serving Others
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
Written by Mason Hodges, Communications Volunteer You don’t need a disaster to see the impact of the Red Cross. Sometimes, it starts with a conversation at a community table. Sometimes, it’s a smoke alarm installed in a quiet home. And sometimes, it’s someone like Margarita Moreno, a Red Crosser whose presence alone keeps the beat … Continue reading Margarita Moreno: Building Trust, One Connection at a Time
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 Taylor Poisall, Red Cross Communications Team For Maricela Rodriguez 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 … Continue reading Honoring Heritage, Humanity and the Impact of Kindness
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
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
Red Cross Central California Blog 