Issue link: http://digital.copcomm.com/i/1533049
When Disaster Strikes, Our Union Is Here Educators come together in wake of L.A. wildfires By Julian Peeples U N I O N E D U C A T O R S S H O W E D that an injury to one is an injury to all in January, coming together to support each other and the greater Los Angeles community after devastating wild- fires that destroyed more than 18,000 structures and chased 200,000 from their homes. In all, 19 school districts closed and a dozen schools were destroyed in the Palisades and Eaton fires. Our union mobilized immediately, with local associations in the impacted areas sup- porting members on the ground and CTA coordinating relief efforts to help support those in need. "During this challenging time, I 've been so proud of our union ," CTA President David Goldberg said . "I 've been so moved by how we've carried on together, wrapped our arms around each other for support, reached out to check on our colleagues, students and neighbors, and helped raise money and provide mutual aid." In Pasadena, it's estimated that 10% of school district staff lost their homes, as well as one in six students. As students, educa- tors and community process their grief and start their recovery, United Teachers of Pasadena President Jonathon Gardner told the New York Times that the months ahead will be unpredictable. "ere's not going to be anything resembling normal for the rest of the semester," he said. Ar c a di a Te a c h e r s A ss o c i a t i o n ( ATA ) P re si d e n t Ke v i n Fox says six of the local's members lost their homes while as many as 12 endured significant evacuation situations, where it was unclear how soon they would be able to return. Fox says that ATA utilized their existing site representative structure to identify members in need, so they could let the school district know. Using phone trees and word of mouth, ATA m emb ers don at ed p ers on al n e c e ssity d ay s to th e ir impacted colleagues and donated and collected items and other resources for those in need. "e outpouring of support was gratifying. It made me feel so happy about all the work we've done over the years," Fox says. "More than winning a raise, this made me feel good about us — about turning our attention to each other and our needs instantly. It just means the world." Members of Rosemead Teachers Association (RTA) came together to support one of their own whose neighborhood was severely impacted. While the member's home was safe, she was unable to return for a lengthy period, according to RTA Presi- dent Cami Case. e outpouring of support included gift cards, cash, clothes for work and even a dress for Lunar New Year. "Someone cooked for her for two weeks and another member brought her coffee," Case says. "During this awful disaster, we got to see the good in people. ere are people who care and love and it's a good example that we all can learn from." 32 cta.org Feature