• Message from the President and CEO

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    October 2017

    Our thoughts are with all residents, businesses, and employees affected by the devastating fires in Napa and Sonoma counties.

    The North Bay is an incredible region full of people passionate about their communities, and we know that this strength will help see Napa and Sonoma through this difficult time. We look forward to working with all of our partners in the North Bay to help those that lost their homes, their jobs and/or their businesses. We were relieved to hear recently that our sister chamber in Santa Rosa is ok. They are now up and running. Our mission is to get people back to work, and we will collaborate with other leaders on recovery efforts and be the mechanism that helps us all get back to normal. 

    We know that many of you have already stepped up and pitched in to help and we thank you. There are many ways to help. Below is a partial list. Please don't hesitate to reach out to us for help in locating other important resources for safety and recovery. 

    Housing: Airbnb has set up a page where you can offer housing to those who have been evacuated or lost their homes. Click here.

    If you are willing to host an evacuee or family in your home for a few days or weeks, please contact Petaluma People's Services Center SHARE Sonoma County at SHAREfire@petalumapeople.org. An information sheet and application will be sent to you. 

    Pets: Marin Humane is offering free boarding of pets for those that were evacuated due to the fire. 171 Bel Marin Keys Blvd, Novato, 415-883-4621.

    Monetary help: There is a central GoFundMe hub for fundraising campaigns to help individual local families who lost their homes. The hub can be found at: gofundme.com/CAfirerelief.

    Redwood Credit Union North Bay Fire Relief Fund: The Press Democrat has again partnered with Redwood Credit Union, Senator Mike McGuire and numerous business leaders to raise funds to directly help fire victims. Hundreds of homes, dozens of businesses and thousands of jobs have been lost. Every donated dollar will go directly to fire victims - all costs will be covered. To donate: RCU Fire Relief.

    Volunteer: The first step is to sign up at the Center for Volunteer and Nonprofit Leadership, which is the designated Emergency Volunteer Center agency in Marin and Napa counties.

    Click here to visit the volunteer sign-up page. Fill out the form, and then select “Contact me in the event of a disaster.” Submit the form. After that, wait to be contacted with further instructions.

    Donations: Please do not bring donations to the Marin Civic Center. They have ample items. If you do wish to make a donation, please see below. (Physical and online)

    • Make a monetary donation through CVNL
    • Hidden Valley School, 46 Green Valley Court, San Anselmo. Will have donation drive 10 a.m. to 2 p.m. Thursday. Blankets, pillows, cots, blow up beds, bedding, diapers (babies and adults), pajamas (adult and kids), feminine products, paper towel, forks, spoons (nonperishable foods please).
    • Marin YMCA (San Rafael): Clothing, bedding and toiletries only. Call for more info (415) 492-9622

    Again, our hearts are with everyone affected by this disaster. We are here to support you in any way that you need and connect you with important resources -- please reach out at any time: 415-454-4163, frontdesk@srchamber.com.



    Joanne K. Webster

    President and CEO   
    jwebster@srchamber.com
    415 454 4163 x 101

  • 'Message from the President & CEO' is typically released every other month