Shelter: Sonora Senior Center, 540 Greenley Rd., Sonora, CA 95370
A livestock shelter is open at the Calaveras County Fairgrounds, 101 Frog Town Rd., Angels Camp, A 95222
Today, the Red Cross is partnering with the Salvation Army to provide meals, water and ice to Chinese Camp, which was evacuated when the fire broke out.
Blue Fire and Dillon Fire (Siskiyou County):
Animal shelters are open at the following locations:
Cat and large animals: Siskiyou Golden Fair, 1712 Fairlane Rd., Yreka, CA 96097
Dog shelter: Rescue Ranch, 2216 East Oberlin Rd., Yreka, CA 96097
Everyone is welcome at Red Cross shelters, including those with service animals. The Red Cross delivers help to anyone regardless of race, religion, sexual orientation or citizenship status. Volunteers are onsite to provide visitors with a place to sleep, meals, beverages, snacks, comfort and care.
If possible, those who stay in a Red Cross shelter are encouraged to bring the following items to make their stay as comfortable as possible: prescription medications, items for pets, extra clothing, pillows, hygiene supplies, or comfort items. It is also recommended to bring special items for children such as diapers, formula or toys.
For more information on Red Cross disaster relief, recovery services and how to prepare for disasters, visit redcross.org/gethelp.
By Nathan Millard, Program Manager, Community Disaster Risk Reduction
“We just installed the last piece of hardwood flooring!” they said as I walked into the hall. Sherry Wallmark, parish church administrator of St. John’s Episcopal Church in Chico, said the two-man team of certified contractors, from LaFontaine Construction and Wolfe Construction, completed the remodel within the allotted timeline—and amid excessive summer heat.
The remodel was made possible through grant funding from the American Red Cross Community Adaptation Program (CAP). Originally built in 1963, the facility within the Chico church campus will become an additional community center that is Americans with Disabilities Act (ADA)-certified with upgraded acoustics, heating, ventilation, air conditioning, as well as electrical and other safety features.
The Red Cross CAP is a new program aimed at building community resilience and empowering the community to mobilize during disaster. The Butte County CAP team has spent the last two years in the community identifying needs for community organizations to help build their capacity, capability, and continuity to operate during blue skies, but also to mobilize during response and recovery.
Most of this work has been about building relationships, healing, building trust, and listening.
St. John’s Episcopal Church is a member of the Butte Resilience Collaborative, which the CAP team helped establish with the goal of maximizing the impact of the group’s collective efforts. The Church’s location on Floral Avenue in Chico has become a hub of activity for the local community, especially during disasters and other emergencies.
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.
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.
Tashamia Barrow, with her sons, Ike and Isiah, talks to Hope Media of the Cayenne Wellness Center. (Photo by Laurie Puglia)
By Stephen Walsh
A recent American Red Cross blood drive in Sacramento was a special day for Tashamia Barrow and her two young sons. Not only was it to be Tashamia’s first time donating blood, but she was there in support of her two young sons who are dealing with sickle cell disease.
The drive, held in partnership with the Cayenne Wellness Center and the Center of Praise Ministries, was organized to to bring awareness to the Red Cross Sickle Cell Initiative and hopefully find donors whose blood can be used to treat the disease.
Our regional partner SMUD is proud to sponsor the Red Cross Sickle Cell Initiative.
Tashamia said her one-year-old son, Isiah, has full-blown sickle cell disease and her two-year-old son, Ike, has the sickle cell trait but no symptoms. “Knowing what he’s going to go through when he’s getting older – that’s what’s inspiring me to donate, Tashamia said, looking at Ike.
When people donate blood, the blood is tested for specific antigens that are needed to treat sickle cell disease. If the blood contains those characteristics, the Red Cross notifies those donors so they can help sickle cell patients by donating whole blood, plasma, or platelets.
Learn more about the Red Cross Sickle Cell Initiative here.
“I didn’t know the effect my blood can have. Now that I know, I’m encouraging others to donate to save lives,” Tashamia said, thanking the Cayenne Wellness Center for helping to educate her about the disease.
Visit redcrossblood.org to schedule your blood donation. You can also make a financial donation in support of the Red Cross at redcross.org/donate.
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.
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.
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)
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.
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.
Mark Mowrey is a volunteer nurse with the California Gold Country Region of American Red Cross.
By Nate Russell, Disaster Program Manager
Mark Mowrey is a retired nurse and spends much of his time with the American Red Cross plying his skills as a Disaster Health Services volunteer.
When disaster struck Mark’s community in southern Humboldt County this week, Mark donned his Red Cross vest and sprung to action.
Shortly after Mark arrived at the shelter, a woman had registered for assistance who was visibly distraught. As Mark observed her talking with the shelter staff, he could see that she was becoming overwhelmed with worry so he did exactly what he did with his patients in his former job as a nurse. He sat down with her and asked her to tell her story.
The 6.4-magnitude earthquake had shaken a pipe free from her water heater and had started to leak water all over her basement. For some, this might be a minor inconvenience and a quick fix, but for a disaster evacuee, there are myriad invisible compounding stressors that can make even the smallest problems seem daunting.
“I’ve done it many times in the ER and in the Red Cross,” Mark said. “Asking people to tell their story relieves some of that pressure that they are feeling. It allows them to vent, to process, and to problem solve.”
The woman was able to start at the beginning and tell Mark about all the factors, large and small, that were contributing to her stress. It all culminated to a broken water heater that she hadn’t the slightest idea how to fix.
“She told me what kind of water heater she had, so I was able to help her figure out what part she needed, and gave her directions to a local hardware store.”
Armed with a plan and a clear path forward, the evacuee’s spirits were visibly raised as she set out from the shelter.
“That’s what I love about being a nurse and what I love being a Red Cross volunteer,” Mark said. “I love helping people find a pathway to help solve their problems. It feels good to help someone else tackle that overwhelming dilemma so they can take back that sense of control and, well, take a shower!”
Consider supporting our volunteer nurses and our disaster responders in your community by making a donation today. You can also sign up to volunteer!
Just how food and supplies expire, the American Red Cross needs to retire its emergency response vehicles every few years.
Why?
“Imagine showing up to your work … in a 1972 Datsun,” said Bob Willmon, Disaster Action Team Captain and Logistics Co-Lead for the California Gold Country Region. “That’s about where our existing ERV status in this region is. You need to upgrade once in a while.”
The modern ERV has lots of functional amenities like two rows of shelves, sturdy storage and even a pop-out back window to more easily distribute aid in crisis situations.
“These fires, these emergencies, they almost never happen on a beautiful 70 degree day,” Willmon said. “They’re always rainy, they’re always cold, it’s always in the middle of the night. So to have a vehicle like this to have a platform to do what we do to help people is awesome.”
The ERV is based on the Mercedes Sprinter and drives as easily as a sedan, according to some volunteers. Among many other things, it comes with a CB radio that allows for communication with the command center even when traditional lines are down. It’s also more fuel efficient than previous models, so is a great investment in efficiency and maintenance.
The vehicle can fit three people while driving, and up to five or six when stationary, turning into a quiet space for decompressing.
“The energy that goes on in an emergency scene is palatable,” Willmon said. “When you can come in here and close the doors, block out all that kind of stuff, they can sit in here and take a break. And our volunteers … can sit down with them and calm them down.”
Click here to learn more about the ERV and contribute toward our ERV fundraising campaign.
Gold Country News and Notes 