Mountain View Helps San Bruno Fire Victims

To the already long list of things to do right before the largest event they organize each year, Chamber of Commerce Mountain View President Oscar Garcia added help San Bruno fire victims.

"It is unfortunate the tragedy in San Bruno," said Garcia while he stood, walkie-talkie in hand by a Chamber booth during the 39th Annual Art & Wine Festival this past weekend. "One of the roles of the Chamber is to support our local community."

Garcia reached out to the Red Cross Silicon Valley Chapter and offered them space at the festival for a blood drive or to register volunteers. "Whatever we can do to help out Peninsula neighbors, we'll do that," he said.

The gas pipeline explosion in San Bruno on Wednesday, Sept. 9 took the lives of four people, injured 52 including four firefighters, and destroyed 37 homes. On Monday, Sept. 13, PG&E, which owned the ruptured pipeline, announced the creation of a $100 million fund to help victims and has given San Bruno Mayor Jim Ruane a check for $3 million for the city's expenses.

As a result Barbara Larson, the chief executive officer, of the Red Cross's Silicon Valley Chapter asked the people of Mountain View to donate blood and become volunteers.

"PG&E has stepped in and provided a lot of things that the Red Cross usually does," said Larson, from the corner of California and Castro Street. "However, when you have a disaster like this victims need a lot of blood."

According to Larson, the response from the public has been outstanding and they have blood centers booked until Thursday, Sept. 16.  However, the Red Cross always needs blood and volunteers to help in case of disasters.

Los Altos couple, Ann and Geoff Ziman, volunteer in disaster response for the Red Cross. In attendance at the festival, they hoped to convince people to prepare themselves and others.

"Few people know that the Red Cross has a 24/7 disaster response team run mostly by volunteers," said Geoff. "We train people and send them out to help with fires. We'd really like people to know."

For more information on how to help or train as a disaster response volunteer, contact the Silicon Valley Red Cross.