The recent LA Palisades Wildfire devastated Will Rogers SHP and Topanga Canyon SP destroying more than thirty park structures. Eight state park employees lost their state residences or personal residences. Another ten state park employees were displaced by mandatory evacuations for several days. 

 

The Ranger Foundation collected over $20,000 in donations in two weeks, mostly from retired and active state park employees. Then the California State Parks Foundation generously partnered with the Ranger Foundation to provide up to $19,000 in matching grants. Those employees with home losses each received $3,000 in immediate assistance and the evacuated employees provided receipts to receive up to $2,000 each. The final accounting showed a total of $42,427.39 in assistance provided to eighteen employees. 

 

Those helped included administrative, maintenance, interpretation, Rangers, park aides, and laborer classifications. Wildfires in Paradise, Sonoma/Napa County, Big Basin, Grover Hot Springs, Hungry Valley and now LA have affected scores of active and retired state park employees since 2018. Ranger Foundation assistance totaling over $118,000 has been distributed. 

 

The Ranger Foundation is eternally grateful for the generosity received during this and previous state wildfire disasters. The heartfelt gratitude expressed by the recipients is always wonderful to hear as it is so very genuine. 

 

Tears of joy are frequently shed.

 

Tom Bernardo

Treasurer, Ranger Foundation

March 17, 2025