Red Cross Communications Lead Specialist Marilyn Jimenez interviewed Regional Disaster Officer Joselito Garcia-Ruiz about his pending retirement, his career at the Red Cross and stories that stuck with him throughout his 30 years at the organization. Interview has been condensed for clarity and is also available in Spanish.
Good afternoon, Joselito. Thank you for taking a moment to share your American Red Cross experience with us....
By Debi Moraza, Red Cross volunteer
The Bobcat Fire started quickly and grew rapidly. While it initially stayed in the mountain pass, one turn of the wind brought the threat closer to families and homes forcing an evacuation order.
The evacuation orders for the Arcadia foothills were stressful – families were forced to leave the comfort and security of their homes and head into the unknown.
In addition to providing the...
By Gene Jeffers, San Gabriel Pomona Valley Chapter Board Chair
It was such a simple idea — to pick up the phone and call our own volunteers and see how they are doing during the pandemic shutdown. The Red Cross reaches out to people in our communities every day, offering comfort and care to all who need it. But in the middle of a pandemic shutdown, making wellness calls to our own volunteers? Who would ever think of such a...
By Helen Brooks, Red Cross volunteer
Behind the more than 17 million meals distributed by Los Angeles Unified School District, World Central Kitchen and the Red Cross, are the countless volunteers who rise early each day and head to sites across LA County to distribute them.
One of those volunteers is Michael Long. I spoke with Michael on the phone on a warm afternoon in late April after he had completed his...
