Several sites throughout the district were used as American Red Cross evacuation centers during the October firestorms. Santana and Steele Canyon reported the following descriptions of their experience giving aid to those in need during the fires.

Steele Canyon High School

Steele Canyon was a designated Evacuation Site.

According to Red Cross figures, a maximum of 1000 people on any given day made use of Steele Canyon as their evacuation site.

The effort to assist the Red Cross in their support of the evacuees was a collaborative one, involving both staff and students from Steele Canyon High School. Amongst the literally dozens of staff and students involved, special recognition should go to: facilities manager Dennis Trachtenberg, and his grounds and maintenance teams (particularly Ernie Perea and Linda Smith); teachers Sarah and Jeff Wolken; and school psychologist Dr. Bob McGlenn.

Services provided included the full range of support activities related to housing, feeding (everything but food preparation) and activities of up to 1000 people staying at our facility for 24 hours a day for eight days.

Given the circumstances, it was a privilege to be able to provide support to those who needed our assistance. While we hope such support is not needed in the future, we stand ready to assist our community and will do so gladly.

Santana High School

At the height of the evacuation, Santana housed approximately 300 people.

The following faculty and staff assisted during the fires: Tree Torres (Mgr. School Facilities-MSF), Jimmy Brown (Groundsman)
Embry Wesley (Custodian), Elena Long (Head-Custodian), Gina Carillo (Custodian), Roberto Lemus (Custodian), Vince Marikle (Custodian), Victor Cervantes (Custodian), Jerry Henson (Athletic Attendant), Larry Oedewaldt (Vice Principal), Tim Schwuchow (Principal), Kathy Patterson and Sharlyn Adams (Certificated).

The custodial staff provided custodial services through out the week, making sure that the facilities were clean and trash was emptied.

Jerry Henson provides back up for the MSF, such as answering question re: site lighting and available hygiene facilities in the locker room. Larry Oedewalt, Tree Torres & Tim Schwuchow assisted the Red Cross in set up of facility, making available radio, TV's, access to Cafe to store donated foods and any other facility issues. Kathy Patterson & Sharlyn Adams were here on the 1st night to assist MSF and comfort the first evacuees. Throughout the week the MSF was available to Shelter leader to provide additional assistance, as necessary.