Mona AlvaradoFrazier
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By Mona AlvaradoFrazier/ Guest contributor
Many times people say, “So many bad things happen, where’s the good news?” You may have said this very thing after the three alarm structural fire of Oct. 4, 2013 at an Oxnard Mobile home park.
Most residents lost everything they had, some leaving with only the clothes they wore, as strong winds spread the fire quickly displacing 94 people, many of them children, one a two week old infant.
The good news is that community youth and adults immediately formed a committee to help the families. “Youth in Solidarity,” composed of the Future Leaders of America, LULAC Youth Council #2094 and adult community members held a fundraiser last month for the families. The November fundraiser raised more than $3,200.
Future Leaders of America, Maria Elena Cruz, Gabriela Rodriguez and LULAC Youth Council. Photo by Julio Alcala.
Future Leaders of America youth president, Jeremiah Luna and LULAC Youth Council President, Jose “JB” Barrera, both high school students, led their respective groups in assisting in the fundraiser under the direction of Gabriela Rodriguez, director of FLA and Maria Elena Cruz, PhD., chair of LULAC’s Youth Council.
Students from the Channel Islands High School Mariachi group provided entertainment as well as the Caliente 805 band. Emcee, David Cruz, led the program which included representatives from the displaced families.
Funds will be distributed on Dec. 20, 2013 at a gathering of Youth in Solidarity members and displaced family representatives. All residents are now living with family members or in other temporary housing.
We would like to thank LiUna Local #585 for their sponsorship as well as in-kind sponsors, Knights of Columbus, First Impression Printing, various artists, local small businesses, and the volunteers who assisted in this fundraiser.
— Mona AlvaradoFrazier is a writer. To see more of her work, visit http://www.alvaradofrazier.com
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