American Red Cross – Gold Country News and Notes

Volunteer Darren Courtney Honored with Spirit of the Pacific Award

California Gold Country Region volunteer Darren Courtney has been honored with the Spirit of the Pacific Award for the month of December.

Courtney, whose regional volunteer roles include Sheltering Coordinator, Yuba/Sutter territory Disaster Action Team Lead, and Communications team photographer, has been a Red Cross volunteer for more than 25 years.

“He has consistently answered the call to deploy more than any other volunteer that is in my territory,” noted Community Disaster Program Manager Daryl White, who nominated Courtney for the award.

“Darren embraces all of our core values and delivers our mission with the upmost compassion and respect for our clients, those who have been displaced by a disaster and are probably at one of the lowest times in their lives. Several years ago, Darren saved a life in the shelter he was working in by giving a client Narcan, he recognized the need and stepped in.”

All Red Cross team members are encouraged to work together and personify a set of cultural values and behaviors that exemplify these Pacific Division ideals. The Spirit of the Pacific Award is specifically designed to acknowledge and reward these outstanding efforts on the part of employees and volunteers.

Northwest Region Community Disaster Program Manager Kelsey Smith deployed has alongside Courtney. In his nomination she said, “Darren has truly been one of the most impactful relationships that I have made on any deployment and probably throughout my entire time in the organization I think I can speak for many others, as well. When I think of my ideal version of a Red Crosser, Darren is the first person who comes to mind.”

In a note to the California Gold Country Region, Courtney said, “I am deeply honored to have received the Spirit of the Pacific Award from you and our amazing organization. This recognition is a testament to the shared efforts, unwavering dedication, and tireless spirit of the American Red Cross. I couldn’t do it without the support of leadership, staff, and fellow volunteers.”

CA Gold Country Region Welcomes New Community Disaster Program Manager

By Peg Taylor, Volunteer

Please join us in welcoming Loryn Timian to the California Gold Country. Region of the Red Cross! Loryn is the new Community Disaster Program Manager (CDPM) who will oversee Red Cross activities in the Lake/Mendocino/Colusa counties territory.

Loryn brings a comprehensive background in emergency management. Her experience includes an assignment with FEMA AmeriCorp where she acted as the FEMA/AmeriCorp liaison to the Red Cross. Her experience also includes an assignment as a government contractor with the National Risk Management Center.

In addition to hiking, skiing and playing with her dogs, Loryn is looking forward to getting to know her volunteer team, ramping up preparedness efforts, and making connections with the communities in her territory. One of her priorities is to onboard as many volunteers as possible to strengthen the territory’s resilience.

“We welcome everyone to please come join us. This is a good opportunity to learn emergency management and support your community,” said Loryn. “In grey skies or blue skies, we have something for everyone, so please join us.”

Crozier Fire Shelter Snapshot: ‘The food is good here’

By Marcia Antipa, Volunteer

“The Sheriff banged on my door at two in the morning and said to get out. I had a go bag all packed but forgot to bring it.”

Beverly Stevens evacuated her mountain home in Swansboro, CA, escaping the Crozier Fire that threatened her community. The fire started on August 6. She had to leave behind three cats and her horse.

The 81-year-old was staying at the now-closed Red Cross Shelter at the Cameron Park Community Center. She has an upbeat attitude, saying, “The food’s good here, and my daughter’s friend brought me a bag of my favorites – Reese’s Peanut Butter Cups!”

The Red Cross, along with partners from El Dorado County and the Salvation Army, provided hot food, a safe place to sleep and other services at this shelter.

American Red Cross volunteers continue to monitor fire activity all over California. If you would like to help those affected by the California Wildfires, visit redcross.org or call 1-800-RED-CROSS (1-800-733-2767).

The Park Fire: A Community United in Crisis

By Michelle DeMeyer, Sierra-Delta Chapter Board and Tiffany Circle Member

Michelle DeMeyer visiting a Park Fire evacuation shelter at the Neighborhood Church in Chico. Michelle is a proud member of our Sierra-Delta Chapter Board of Directors and a member of the American Red Cross Tiffany Circle.

As a Red Cross Sierra-Delta Chapter Board member, and member of the Tiffany Circle, I felt an immense duty to assist wherever possible. My deep roots in the community—born in Butte County and raised in Glenn County—only intensified this drive. With multiple siblings living in Chico, including a brother just two and a half miles from the evacuation line, the fire’s impact was personal and immediate.

This wasn’t my first experience aiding fire victims in Butte County. In 2018, during the Camp Fire which had a devastating impact on the town of Paradise, I volunteered with World Central Kitchen, preparing and delivering food bags to first responders and evacuees in hotels. The Camp Fire’s devastation, where many of my friends lost everything, remains a poignant memory. The Park Fire served as a stark reminder of how swiftly tragedy can strike.

My experience during the Park Fire also fueled my determination to learn more about fire prevention and emergency response. I realized the importance of community preparedness and the need for timely evacuation plans. Witnessing the resilience and unity of the affected communities further strengthened my commitment to volunteer work and disaster relief efforts. The Park Fire incident prompted me to collaborate with local organizations to organize fundraising events and awareness campaigns, aiming to support both individuals affected by the disaster and the ongoing wildfire prevention initiatives. It’s crucial to channel the lessons learned from these tragic events into proactive measures that can help communities better anticipate and respond to future wildfires.

The Park Fire began on July 24, 2024, in the dry and dense vegetation near Bidwell Park, east of Chico. Triple-digit temperatures and high wind gusts fueled the explosive growth of the fire. By Saturday, July 27, the fire had ravaged 350,000 acres with zero percent containment. Mandatory evacuations were ordered for tens of thousands of residents in Butte, Shasta, and Tehama counties, prompting the rapid establishment of Red Cross- and county-managed shelters.

On Saturday, my wife and I arrived at the Neighborhood Church shelter in Chico, ready to assist. We joined the onsite Red Cross team just before lunch, helping to organize and distribute meals to those in need. Due to an increased number of evacuation orders, the shelter was quickly filling up with additional evacuees, which meant we needed more meals than originally planned. Thankfully, we have partners, like World Central Kitchen who could quickly deliver additional lunches, ensuring everyone was fed. Collaboration and planning among organizations like this helps ensure the community needs are met.

Amidst the tragedy, while some people chose to camp in the parking lot and come inside when needed for resources, other individuals sought refuge inside the shelter on cots. One man, lying on a cot and quietly crying, caught my attention. Kneeling beside him, I asked how he was doing. “I’m just happy to be alive and have my photos. It is all I have left,” he said.

Listening to his story, I learned this was not his first evacuation. He had also been displaced during the Camp Fire in 2018. Together, we shared tears and heartfelt moments that will forever hold a special place in my heart.

These are the moments where the Red Cross mission is fulfilled—when compassion, connection, and community come together in unexpected ways.

Park Fire Evacuee: ‘All I can do is pray’

By Peg Taylor/Volunteer

The Neighborhood Church in Chico, a joint Red Cross/Butte County shelter, was opened in response to the rapidly expanding Park Fire. The shelter currently houses dozens of evacuees, primarily from small communities in the hills above Chico. All are hoping they will soon hear that they can return to their homes.

I chatted with one evacuee under a shade tree outside the shelter. She told me her story, as many evacuees are apt to do in difficult times such as this. She asked that her name and photo not be used in this article.

She told me of having to evacuate six years ago during the Camp Fire in Paradise. She lost everything in that fire. Four years ago, she returned to her community in Paradise. When asked why she returned, she explained to me that Paradise is her home, her community. Simply put, she belongs there.

Yesterday, she was again evacuated from her home. The Park Fire had exploded over the course of a few days and her community of Paradise was again under evacuation watch. She made the decision to immediately leave her home. “Better safe than sorry, and I remember so clearly how quickly the Camp Fire overran our homes. I headed for this shelter to be safe and to wait.”

As we sat under that tree, she smiled and knew she was okay for now. “All I can do is pray.”

If you are interested in helping evacuees of the wildfires in California, please make a financial donation at redcross.org/donate.

You can also roll up your sleeves and become a Red Cross volunteer by visiting redcross.org/volunteer.

Volunteer Mary Dorman Recognized by Crescent City/Del Norte County Chamber

The Crescent City/Del Norte County Chamber of Commerce recently awarded California Gold Country Region volunteer Mary Dorman the 2023 Community Volunteer Award for her hard work and dedication to her community during the Smith River Complex Fire.

Since 2007, Dorman has volunteered for the Red Cross in several roles including public affairs, disaster response and most recently as a member of the Northern California Chapter’s board of directors.

Throughout her tenure with the Red Cross, she has been involved in responding to numerous disasters and has provided support and assistance to countless evacuees and others in need. Her volunteer efforts have extended beyond disaster response as she leads prevention efforts with such things as Sound the Alarm smoke alarm installations.

Dorman’s advice to those interested in volunteering is simple. “Jump in and do it. I just love it. I love the people I get to work with, and the other volunteers and staff,” she said.

If you are interested in volunteering with the Red Cross, there are opportunities for everyone! Check out the numerous volunteer opportunities at redcross.org/volunteertoday.

Women’s History Month Spotlight: American Red Cross Founder Clara Barton

Clarissa Harlowe Barton, known as Clara, is one of the most honored women in American history. Guided by an intense devotion to helping others, she forged a bold path of service to help those in need. As founder of the American Red Cross, Clara is considered a visionary whose humanitarian spirit helped change the world. 

On May 21, 1881, Clara founded the American Red Cross, and by 1882, the U.S. ratified the Geneva Conventions — laws that, to this day, protect the war-wounded and civilians in conflict zones. This later resulted in a U.S. congressional charter, officially recognizing Red Cross services.

“You must never think of anything except the need, and how to meet it,” she said.

Women’s History Month Spotlight: Sierra-Delta Board of Directors Vice Chair Jennifer Persike

Jennifer Persike is an innovative strategist and a visionary leader with more than 30 years experience leading and working with California water and energy organizations, statewide associations, non-profits and corporations in addition to local, state and federal entities.

In 2017, Jennifer established her own firm, Jennifer Persike & Company. She and her team help organizations and individuals to lead better and do better. JP & Co. specializes in consultation for critical business needs, including organizational optimization, strategic planning, leadership development and training, and public affairs/communications. The firm also is committed to helping clients organically integrate diversity, inclusion, and equity into their company values.

Jennifer is the past Executive Director of Leadership California, a statewide non-profit organization dedicated to increasing the representation and influence of diverse women leaders in all sectors across California.

As former Deputy Executive Director for the Association of California Water Agencies (ACWA), she built a reputation for understanding the issues, people, and challenges in the water arena. She has driven numerous high-profile, successful external and internal initiatives, including the creation and management of the original Save Our Water public outreach program, the award-winning California’s Water Series on Public Television with Huell Howser and multiple other statewide education programs and campaigns.

Jennifer is committed to giving back to the community, serving on numerous boards and committees at the local, state, and national level. She is currently Vice Chair of the American Red Cross California Gold Country Region’s Sierra-Delta Chapter Board of Directors. She also serves with ACWA Foundation, Water Education Foundation, Association for Women in Water, Energy and the Environment and the Alzheimer’s Association.

Jennifer holds a bachelor’s degree in Journalism and Political Science from Chico State University. She also holds certification in Facilitation, Mediation and Arbitration from University of California, Davis, and a Marshall Goldsmith Stakeholder Centered Coaching certification, and is completing a DE&I certification with Cornell University.

The Red Cross thanks Jennifer for her years of service to her community.

Meet Board Chair Roxanne Gould

By Peg Taylor, Volunteer

Throughout 2023, we are introducing you to the board of directors for our Sierra-Delta and Northern California chapters.

We begin with current Chair of the Sierra-Delta board, Roxanne Gould, who first came in contact with the Red Cross as a child when her family survived a home fire.

Roxanne, who is president of her firm Gould Government Relations, has been a member of American Red Cross Gold Country Region Board of Directors since 2016 and was appointed Board Chair in 2022.

When she was five years old, Roxanne lived through an apartment fire that she says was only survivable because of the quick thinking of her brother who saved both Roxanne and her mother.

She remembers sitting in a car watching their home burn to the ground and recalls Red Cross volunteers placing a blanket around her shoulders and giving her mom money for food, motel and other necessities.

Roxanne considers the Red Cross volunteers who helped her family that night as her heroes.

Roxanne has been driven to support the work of the California Gold Country Region through her work on the Board of Directors, and by volunteering her time with Sound the Alarm, the Pillowcase Project, various telethons and blood drives. She is also a member of the Red Cross Tiffany Circle, a community of women leaders who carry on Red Cross founder Clara Barton’s legacy by advancing the Red Cross mission through a focused investment of time, talent and treasure.

“I am always moved by the generosity of our donors in times of trouble. Donors know and understand the work of the Red Cross. I certainly do and will continue to give back for the rest of my life,” she says.

We thank Roxanne for her continued work on behalf of the Red Cross.

Red Cross Continues to Respond as Bomb Cyclone Impacts California

This information was last updated on Saturday, Jan. 14 at 8:00 a.m. Please check back regularly for updates.

Flooding, along with the potential for power outages and landslides, will impact the state through this weekend into next week. The American Red Cross has mobilized resources and is collaborating with government and community partners to respond to this storm. Nearly 400 Red Cross workers from across the country, along with shelters and supplies, have been activated to accommodate residents evacuated from their homes.

This online story map offers a look at the ongoing response to California floods; this map is updated as more information and stories from the ground are available.

Statewide Red Cross, County and Partner Shelter Information by County:

Everyone is welcome at a Red Cross shelter. All Red Cross disaster assistance is free. Current list denotes open shelters managed and/or supported by the Red Cross, county or community partners.

Amador County
- Evelynn-Bishop Hall (located in Charles Howard Park)
  - 701 CA-124, Ione, CA 95640. MAP
Santa Clara County
- Seven Trees Community Center
  - 3590 Cas Drive, San Jose, CA 95111. MAP
- Camden Community Center
  - 3369 Union Avenue, San Jose, CA 95124. MAP
- San Martin Lions Club
  - 12415 Murphy Avenue, San Martin, CA 95046. MAP
San Mateo County
- San Mateo County Event Center
  - 1346 Saratoga Drive, San Mateo, CA 94403. MAP
Santa Cruz County
- Santa Cruz County Fairgrounds – JJ Crosetti Building, Fine Arts and Harvest Hall
  - 2601 E. Lake Avenue, Watsonville, CA 95076. MAP
- Cabrillo College – Cafeteria
  - 6500 Soquel Drive, Aptos, CA 95003. MAP
Merced County
- Merced County Fairgrounds – Yosemite Hall, Half Dome Hall, Pavilion Hall
  - 900 Martin Luther King Jr Way, Merced, CA 95341.MAP
- Merced County Spring Fair
  - 403 F Street, Los Banos, CA 93635. MAP
- Atwater City Community Center
  - 760 E. Bellevue Road, Atwater, CA 95301. MAP
Monterey County
- Prunedale Grange Hall
  - 17890 Moro Road, Salinas, CA 93907. MAP
- Monterey County Fairgrounds-Monterey Hall
  - 2004 Fairground Road, Monterey, CA 93940. MAP
- King City High School
  - 720 Broadway Street, King City, CA 93930. MAP
- Sherwood Hall
  - 940 North Main Street, Salinas, CA 93906. MAP
Sacramento County
- California State Fairgrounds-Cal Expo
  - 1600 Exposition Blvd, Sacramento, CA 95815. MAP
Stanislaus County
- Yolo Middle School
  - 901 Hoyer, Newman, CA 95360. MAP
Santa Barbara, San Luis Obispo, Tulare and Ventura Counties

Click here for an updated list of all shelters.

Safety Information and How You Can Help

Pack your emergency kit, know your routes and destinations, and listen to the advice of emergency officials. Download the free Red Cross Emergency app for real-time weather alerts, open Red Cross shelter locations and expert advice on storms and flooding. Search “American Red Cross” wherever you download apps or go to redcross.org/apps.

Flooding Safety

Stay off the roads and away from floodwaters. If you must drive, avoid flooded roadways. If power lines are down, call 9-1-1 and don’t approach or step in any puddles or standing water near the downed lines.
Follow evacuation orders and don’t return home until officials say it is safe to do so.
Use caution when cleaning up your home and wear protective clothing, including rubber gloves and boots. Throw out items that absorb water and can’t be disinfected, and dispose of all food, drinks and medications that have either spoiled or been damaged.
For more information, visit redcross.org/flood.

Landslide Safety

Stay informed about the risk of landslides in your area. Most landslides are caused by events like heavy rain, snowmelt, earthquakes or wildfires.
If you suspect you are in danger, evacuate immediately. Take your pets with you, inform your neighbors and contact emergency officials.
Listen for unusual sounds like trees cracking or boulders knocking together that could indicate moving debris.
For more information, visit redcross.org/landslide.

Blood During Disasters

The Red Cross is working to maintain a stable blood supply amid the threat of storms and winter weather across the country, as severe weather often causes widespread blood drive cancellations. Where it is safe to do so, we encourage donors to make and keep blood donation appointments by using the Red Cross Blood Donor App, visiting redcrossblood.org or calling 1-800-RED CROSS (1-800-733-2767).

Help Those in Need

You can help people affected by disasters like storms and countless other crises by making a gift to American Red Cross Disaster Relief. Visit redcross.org, call 1-800-RED CROSS (800-733-2767), or text the word REDCROSS to 90999 to make a $10 donation.

Sign Up to Volunteer

While volunteering needs are in flux as the current weather event passes through our region, we are likely going to need more volunteers to support our response in the coming days. Be on the lookout for more information on ways you can help as needs evolve!

Stay Up-to-Date on Social Media

Updated information on the Red Cross response to this storm, and preparedness information is continually updated on regional social media channels. Find us on Twitter, Facebook and Instagram @ARCGoldCountry. We’re on LinkedIn here.