Author Archives: Pooja Klebig

Disaster Relief in Action Two Years Later: Red Cross Response to Pajaro’s Devastating Atmospheric Rivers

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From December 2022 through March 2023, devastating storms and flooding drenched California over several months, destroying homes and businesses. This intense precipitation—the result of atmospheric rivers—is extremely rare in California, so areas that normally wouldn’t flood, like the community of Pajaro in Monterey County, home to migrant farmworkers, and large portions of Tulare and Kern counties, were completely inundated. These damaging atmospheric rivers spurred landslides and tore apart homes, inflicting financial losses and destroying irreplaceable, precious memories. While the relentless rain affected much of the state, this disaster took a severe and disproportionate toll on the most vulnerable.

On March 9, 2023, Eddie Rocha of Watsonville was shocked to see flood waters creeping into his kitchen. His home quickly became soaked with flood waters leaving him no choice but evacuate.
“This is everything,” Simon Mata says, showing American Red Cross volunteer Barbara Wood the huge pile of muddy garbage in front of his home in Pajaro, where everything that had furnished his home awaits pickup.
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Blood, Service and Sacrifice: A Major’s Lifelong Red Cross Connection

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Zahra (left) with her older sister, Crystal, enjoying the holidays circa 1993. – Photo courtesy of Zahra Moutabakkir

At just two years old, Zahra Moutabakkir was fighting for her life. Diagnosed with a mysterious autoimmune disease, she spent 12 weeks in the hospital, undergoing numerous blood transfusions as doctors struggled to save her. “My mom prayed for a miracle,” Zahra recalls, “and after weeks of uncertainty, my white blood cell count miraculously started to recover.” Those transfusions saved her life, leaving an impactful mark that would shape her future and create a lifelong bond with the American Red Cross while donning the honorable military uniform

“My connection to the Red Cross began as a child, and it’s been a constant in my life ever since,” Zahra says. “Without those blood transfusions, I wouldn’t be here. I’ve been donating blood ever since I could, knowing how important it is.”

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Bright Futures Ahead: Celebrating our 2024 Red Cross Summer Interns

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Our region proudly hosted the second annual Summer Internship Program (SIP), a program designed to foster talent, build a robust pipeline of skilled individuals and provide a dynamic learning environment where youth are empowered to grow, learn and make meaningful contributions to our mission.

Over 10 weeks, eight local students supported a variety of departments, each bringing their unique talents, creativity and passion. These young leaders immersed themselves in hands-on experiences, received valuable mentorship and tackled real-world challenges across various projects.

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Carmel-by-the-Sea Chapter: A Legacy of Community and Compassion

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Then and now: Red Cross programs and services evolve while ensuring a strong community presence. 

In the heart of Carmel-by-the-Sea, a chapter of Red Cross history has been penned over the last 107 years – a narrative of dedication, service and community support.

The roots of the former “Carmel Area Red Cross Chapter” began in 1916 with an inaugural meeting taking place at Carmel City Hall. Fifteen dedicated individuals were selected for the Board of Directors from a pool of 34 nominees, marking the beginning of a longstanding commitment to serving the community. 

The Carmel Pine Cone, a local community newspaper launched a year prior in 1915, has played a vital role in our history, with the second meeting of the Red Cross Chapter of Carmel announced in its pages on September 27, 1916. Founding officer Lilly Devendorf, whose name echoes throughout local Red Cross history, exemplifies the enduring relationship between the city, the newspaper, and our Chapter. 

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A Childhood Dream Achieved: Ola’s Journey with Restoring Family Links 

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American Red Cross Service to the Armed Forces volunteer and Army spouse Sara Andrews, assists an Afghan guest at the Fort Bliss Doña Ana Range Complex in Chaparral, New Mexico. Photo by Scott Dalton/American Red Cross

In a world where armed conflicts often divide families and disasters can tear loved ones apart, Ola Alani stands as a beacon of hope. As a Restoring Family Links (RFL) volunteer with the Red Cross Northern California Coastal Region, Ola’s story is one of resilience, determination, and the pursuit of a childhood dream. 

Born and raised in Iraq, Ola grew up against the tumultuous backdrop of war and conflict. The Red Cross, with its reputation for compassion and assistance, had always held a special place in her heart as she had seen the emblem in action many times growing up. She had a lifelong desire to play a part in the organization. When she moved to the United States and graduated from U.C. Berkeley in 2015, her dream was finally realized when she embarked on her Red Cross journey as a volunteer. “Getting to volunteer with an organization I had highly regarded was a childhood dream come true for me!” shared Ola.  

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A Transformative Experience: The Red Cross Leadership Development Center

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Photos by Albert and Virginia Becker / American Red Cross

In the heart of scenic Loma Mar’s Redwood Glen Camp, more than 120 enthusiastic and driven students from across the Bay Area gathered for a transformative experience. The American Red Cross Leadership Development Center (LDC), a four-day conference, aims to empower individuals ages 13 – 18 with essential leadership skills, disaster preparedness knowledge, lifesaving skills and the opportunity to make an impact in their communities. Packed with engaging activities, inspirational speakers and unforgettable moments, LDC always promises to be an adventure for these aspiring young Red Crossers.

Through hands-on training and simulations, delegates learned crucial techniques for emergency response, first aid and CPR. Delegates gained a deeper understanding of the Red Cross’ five lines of services and how to get involved through several interactive workshops. Regional Red Cross leadership and Board Members also joined them for a day to share what inspired them to serve with the organization and how passion for leadership can be turned into action at any age. They even had the opportunity to create a “Shark Tank” style sales pitch on the importance of donating blood, which helped instill a sense of responsibility to this lifesaving cause.

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