“Our primary response is wildfires and home fires, so this is unusual.” “Handling a widespread storm-flood is sort of new for my region,” said Stephen Walsh, who serves as communications director for California’s Gold Country region at the American Red Cross. “They are not close to the light at the end of the tunnel yet, so I think it’s incumbent upon all of us to do what we can to support them.” “The people in this line have been in this situation for weeks now, not hours or days,” Martinez said. “They’re grateful to have the opportunity to get some clothes.” “While we recognize that $250 is not going to rebuild their lives, it’s a staple for them to get started,” said Martinez, adding that they had heard from several victims who had lost everything right before school restarted after the winter holidays. Currently, 114 fire departments are outfitted with SAVE cards, which are on their trucks to dispense while responding in the field. SAVE gives out a $250 gift card per family to purchase necessities such as food, clothing, gas, medicine or a short hotel stay. Their Supplying Aid to Victims of Emergency, or SAVE, program shares immediate relief aid with survivors of natural disasters, such as evacuees from the Central Valley, which frequently faces flooding year-round. “If that doesn’t hit the mark, we will continue to look for funding to provide more support,” said Martinez, a retired fire service member of 35 years from the Sacramento area. Martinez’s nonprofit, which is aimed at supporting the families of fallen firefighters, among others, has pledged $1 million from their disaster relief fund to help residents combat the effects of the winter storms. Local, state and national organizations are also on the ground to support Californians coping with the aftermath in real time. Photo by DAVID MCNEW/AFP via Getty Images The Capitola Pier, built in 1857, was damaged after recent storms. Department of Agriculture is offering disaster assistance programs to aid California farmers dealing with crop, land, infrastructure and livestock losses. Last week, the Internal Revenue Service announced the postponement of certain tax filing and payment deadlines for those who live or operate a business in a disaster area. READ MORE: How California is tackling the increasing threat of mudslides 14, activating federal authorities like the Federal Emergency Management Agency to assist the response and recovery efforts. President Joe Biden authorized California’s disaster declaration on Jan. The series of atmospheric river storms that pelted California and caused flooding and mudslides in recent weeks has led to at least 20 related deaths and damages are expected to exceed $1 billion. “When the dust settles, the wind stops blowing, waters recede, fires quit burning, communities in crisis look a lot alike,” Martinez said. Rick Martinez, the executive director of the California Fire Foundation, was there to welcome them and offer immediate relief. Noozhawk staff writer Brooke Holland can be reached at Follow Noozhawk on Twitter: and Connect with Noozhawk on Facebook.On Wednesday, crowds of displaced California residents arrived at the Merced Disaster Recovery Center, located on the Merced County fairgrounds. “It reminds us of the need to be safe in the future.” “Remembering is an important part of this process, and for the community to have a memory,” he said. Powell said the goal is to create a space where friends, family and community members can commemorate the victims. The benches will be placed in public settings. “We are putting them in different places throughout the community, and the locations are decided by the family,” Powell said. Other potential sites include Manning Park and the Casa Dorinda open space along Montecito Creek and Olive Mill Road.Įach bench site will be a significant place the victim enjoyed or often spent time. Powell said the benches are being placed throughout Montecito, and each family can pick the location and bench design. Whoops! There was an error and we couldn't process your subscription.
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