Two years and counting…believe it or not, victims of 2007’s wildfires are still in need of assistance. And it’s for reasons like these that the SCV Disaster Coalition is assembled and active.

Formed in 2004, the group was reorganized and reinvigorated three years ago, thanks to the vision of KHTS Co-Owner Jeri Seratti-Goldman and Sand Canyon resident Diane Green. The coalition is made up of a “who’s who” of Santa Clarita organizations, and it acts as a safety net during local emergencies, providing assistance for victims when other first responders can’t.

 

The organization has virtually no operating expenses, so donations can go directly to solving problems and providing assistance. The coalition is under the 501C3 of the Santa Clarita Valley Committee on Aging, which handles the operation of the SCV Senior Center.

 

Coalition Chairman Carl Goldman accepted the group’s award for “Organization of the Year” from the SCV Press Club in 2007. The Coalition has raised hundreds of thousands of dollars in assistance for the 27 families affected by the fires two years ago.

 

Membership includes the City of Santa Clarita, Los Angeles County (Supervisor Michael Antonovich’s office), Santa Clarita Sheriff’s Department, Los Angeles County Fire Department, U.S. Forestry Service, College of the Canyons, Henry Mayo, Newhall Land, KHTS Radio, The Signal Newspaper, Canyon Country Magazine, Sand Canyon Homeowners Association, Santa Clarita Interfaith Council, American Red Cross, Santa Clarita Valley Chamber of Commerce, Valley Industrial Association and others.

 

The SCVDC members meet several times per year during non-emergencies and mobilize as needed when emergencies occur. Since it is made up of many of the first responder groups, the coalition can avoid duplication of services.

 

For more information, visit the website at

www.scvcoalition.com.