Images taken at the scene of the devastating
Southern California wildfires are near-copies of
what East Bay hills residents saw when they
returned to their homes 12 years ago after the
1991 firestorm.
Lone chimneys point skyward, the only
structures left standing for blocks. Residents
sift through ashes to find anything that remains
from life before the fire.
Oakland City Councilmember Jean Quan
(Montclair-Laurel) said the images have shaken
some hills residents and they want to do
something for Southern California fire victims.
As a result, she is among organ-izers of
Saturday's "Day of Support" at Chabot Space and
Science Center, an event that aims to raise
money for the American Red Cross Disaster Relief
Fund and offer support to local fire survivors.
"We're doing it as a way to tell people that
they can still give to the Red Cross," Quan
said.
Several speakers will be part of the 1 p.m.
ceremony. The Rev. Chris Shiber of Montclair
United Methodist Church and a member of the
Islamic Cultural Center will lead a prayer.
Mayor Jerry Brown will speak, as will five 1991
firestorm survivors.
Harold W. Brooks, chief executive officer of
the Bay Area Red Cross, also will address the
crowd. The agency is working to help the
thousands of Southern California residents
displaced by the recent fires there. He said
Southern California fire survivors are trying to
help one another, and a strong community bond
has been established.
"Everywhere you look there's a spirit of
gratitude," Brooks said.
Chabot Space and Science Center is at 10000
Skyline Blvd.
