PG&E donates $3M for post-wildfire recovery

Northern California wildfires aftermath. AP PHOTO

SAN FRANCISCO — Pacific Gas and Electric Company (PG&E) announced a series of donations totaling $3 million to several community groups to help ease the impact of the extraordinary wind-driven wildfires in Northern California.

“Our hearts are with all of our customers and communities impacted by these wildfires. We’ve proudly served these communities for over 100 years, and we’re committed to helping them rebuild and recover. In addition to contributing to local relief efforts, we will work with the affected communities to determine what they need and how we can continue to help,” said PG&E Corporation CEO and President Geisha Williams.

The donations will come from PG&E shareholders, not its customers. More information about PG&E’s response and recovery work for the Northern California wildfires can be found at www.pgecommitment.com.

The following organizations are among those benefiting from PG&E’s donation:

North Bay Fire Recovery Fund

PG&E will increase its donation to the North Bay Fire Recovery Fund from $200,000 to $1 million, in addition to a $1 million donation match, totaling $2 million. This fund, led by Redwood Credit Union and The Press Democrat, will directly support those impacted by the wildfires in Napa, Sonoma, Lake and Mendocino counties.

“We want to make sure that everyone affected has the chance to rebuild and repair their lives. Working in concert with great partners like The Press Democrat and Senator Mike McGuire, we urge everyone who can contribute to do so. Collectively, we can make a difference,” said Brett Martinez, Chief Executive Officer of Redwood Credit Union.

Puertas Abiertas Community Center and Los Cien

On Wednesday, Oct. 18, Williams met with local Hispanic community leaders at the Puertas Abiertas Community Resource Center in Napa to share the status of PG&E’s electric and gas restoration efforts, and listen to community leaders who shared their needs and expectations. Puertas Abiertas Community Resource Center and the organization Los Cien in Sonoma County will each receive $25,000 from PG&E to support their efforts assisting Spanish-speaking customers impacted by the wildfires.

“These funds are immensely helpful as we support our local immigrant families to get back on their feet. It’s going to be a long road back for many of the people we serve and all help is appreciated,” said Josefina Hurtado, Executive Director of Puertas Abiertas.

“After such a devastating event, it’s incredibly important that we continue to support our Latino community as we all work toward recovering and rebuilding Sonoma County. We are very aware Latino workers are the backbone of many of our county’s industries, and it’s critical that we support their recovery during this difficult time,” said Herman J. Hernandez, Chair of Los Cien. Also known as Sonoma County Latino Leaders, Los Cien is the largest Latino inclusive organization in the county with a mission to strengthen the collective health, education and civic participation of the Latino community.

Santa Rosa Firefighters Local 1401

PG&E will also donate $15,000 to Santa Rosa Firefighters Local 1401 to fund their relief efforts.

“The hardworking people of PG&E and the Santa Rosa Fire Department work side by side in the field during emergencies to keep our community safe, which is why we are now excited to work together in bringing our community together and begin the road to recovery,” said Tim Aboudara Jr., President of the Santa Rosa Firefighters Local 1401.

Further distribution of the $3 million will be announced shortly. These community groups are actively working throughout Northern California to assist the tens of thousands of people impacted by wildfires.

“It is times like these when you truly see who your friends are. And throughout this difficult process, PG&E has been a tremendous partner in the response effort, working tirelessly every step of the way to get power and gas restored for our residents and businesses. Their ‘sea of blue’ has been remarkable and our community is extremely grateful,” said James Gore, Sonoma County Supervisor whose district was impacted by the fires in the northern part of Santa Rosa and Geyserville.