San Diego Padres to Recognize Wildfire Survivors and First Responders

San Diego Padres providing free tickets to Friday's exhibition game to those who lost homes; Players and coaches will wear caps from first-response organizations

SAN DIEGO, 03/25/2008 -- The San Diego Padres today announced plans to recognize survivors and first responders from last fall's wildfires prior to their exhibition game Friday, March 28 (7:05 p.m. vs. Los Angeles Angels of Anaheim).

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The Padres are providing free tickets to individuals and families whose homes were lost or significantly damaged during the October 2007 devastation. Individuals from the approximately 1,500 households affected can still pick up Fire Recovery Night ticket vouchers from their local long-term assistance center.

Pre-game ceremonies include a salute to more than 35 first-response organizations that assisted in the relief effort. Padres players and coaches will exchange caps with individuals from these organizations and the team will wear the just-presented caps during the game. Participating organizations include several Southern California fire agencies, various law enforcement groups, the American Red Cross, U.S. Border Patrol and animal rescue organizations.

Other pre-game highlights include:

* A video tribute on the FriarVision video board saluting first responders
* Ceremonial first pitches delivered simultaneously by four Ramona youth who lost their homes -- Chris MacLean, Kayla Strommen, Emily Weaver, and Juan Villasenor
* A moment of silence to remember those who lost their lives during the fires
* Our nation's colors presented by the City of Chula Vista Fire Department Color Guard

Friday's ceremonies will begin at approximately 6:40 p.m. Media will be allowed field access to cover the activities provided they arrange for credentials ahead of time.

Fire Recovery Night ticket vouchers

Ticket vouchers for fire victims are still available at San Diego County long-term recovery centers. The tickets will be made available to individuals who lived in homes lost in the October 2007 wildfires or homes with fire damage so significant that the residents could not move back in. Qualifying individuals can pick up the vouchers (one per person living in the home at the time of the fires) at the following locations:

Rebuild Escondido/RB United
16776 Bernardo Center Drive, Suite 110
San Diego, CA 92128
760.535.3168

RB United/Rancho Bernardo
16776 Bernardo Center Drive, Suite 110
San Diego, CA 92128
858.485.1292

Fallbrook
337 E. Mission Road
Fallbrook, CA 92025
760.451.3473

Ramona
1710 Montecito Road
Ramona, CA 92065
760.685.4566

Dulzura
1136 Community Building Road
Dulzura, CA 91917
619.468.6939

In addition to Delzura, this site serves the following communities: Deerhorn Valley, Jamul, Barrett Junction, Potrero and Tecate

La Jolla Reservation
La Jolla Tribal Hall
22000 Highway 76
Pauma Valley, CA 92061
760.533.8979

Valley Center
Valley Center CARE Coalition Group
760. 390.3347

Source: MLB