2 Residents to Be Honored by Red Cross
Two San Fernando Valley residents will be honored Saturday for their dedication to the Red Cross at the annual California Golden Bear Awards in San Jose.
Virginia Rafelson of Canoga Park will receive the Cultural Diversity Golden Bear Award, which is given to the volunteer who has most affected the local minority communities.
Officials said that Rafelson, a longtime Red Cross volunteer and also executive director and founder of Basic Adult Spanish Education, has brought together a pool of volunteer and paid Spanish-speaking people to the Red Cross.
The instructors present health and safety courses in Spanish to more than 1,000 child-care providers each year in Los Angeles. Also, Rafelson has translated course materials for several Red Cross chapters in California.
John Pacheco, a Sylmar resident, will receive the Management Golden Bear Award, given to the Red Cross staff member who exemplifies overall management excellence.
Pacheco, director of Health and Safety Services in the Los Angeles Chapter of the Red Cross, has worked for the organization for 20 years.
He is being recognized for his ability to motivate his staff, develop innovative programs and make sound financial decisions.
Among his achievements are the development of courses in pet first aid, HIV/AIDS education and baby-sitting.
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