July 4 Earthquake Sequence Near Ridgecrest, California: How to Help

Update: Governor Newsom has secured White House approval for his request for a Presidential Emergency Declaration for Direct Federal Assistance for Earthquakes near Ridgecreast. Learn more here.

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On July 4th and July 5th, two major earthquakes struck in Kern County near Ridgecrest, California, approximately 150 miles northeast of Los Angeles. A magnitude 6.1 earthquake struck on the morning of the July 4th holiday, followed by a much stronger magnitude 7.1 earthquake during the night on July 5th.  As a result of the July 5th earthquake, Governor Gavin Newsom has requested a presidential emergency declaration for federal assistance to provide aid to local governments and residents for Kern County. Additionally, the Governor has also declared a state of emergency for San Bernardino County due to damages to critical infrastructures, homes, and other buildings.

Minor injuries and medical emergencies have been reported, but, fortunately, no fatalities have been reported.

Ridgecrest, California is a small town with approximately 28,000 resident in the rural Kern County, comprising of families and older adults. The largest employers in town include the  United States Navy and a local hospital. The three nearest major urban centers include Lancaster/Palmdale (82 miles), Bakersfield (110 miles), and San Bernardino (120 miles).

State and local officials are currently conducting impact assessments to determine the extent of damages caused by these powerful earthquakes.

Philanthropy California – an alliance of Northern California, Southern California, and San Diego Grantmakers – has been in touch with state and local officials since July 4th to determine the extent of the earthquake impacts on local communities. Philanthropy California is also identifying partners to reliably support response and recovery from this earthquake sequence.

Status of the Earthquake Sequence:

For more information about the earthquake sequence, please check the following websites:

• The United States Geological Survey (USGS) is providing up-to-date details of the earthquakes:https://www.usgs.gov/news/update-magnitude-71-earthquake-southern-califo…
• The Los Angeles Times is updating what you need to know:  https://www.latimes.com/ 

How to Help:

• Kern Community Foundation has set up a Community Disaster Relief Fund to support communities impacted by the earthquakes in Kern County. http://www.kernfoundation.org/ or donate directly here.
• The Community Foundation (serving Riverside and San Bernardino Counties) Inland Empire Disaster Relief Fund: Established to provide relief funds to nonprofits serving the community of Trona, an unincorporated community in San Bernardino county that was hit hard by the earthquake sequence.
• United Way of Kern County has established the Ridgecrest Earthquake Relief Fund.

How Philanthropy California Can Support Your Engagement:

Philanthropy California is deploying its deep work in disaster resilience efforts toward:

• Sharing what’s needed now, emerging issues and where funders can make the most of their contributions
• Publicizing trusted funds for relief and recovery
• Advising how best to meet short and long-term needs
• Connecting funders, government partners, and organizations active in responding to the disaster
• Supporting funders with tools, connections, and expertise