La Habra High School Class of 1964 - Latest News

Richard Kruse Reports Extensive Damage to his Family Owned Winery, Fontanella, in Napa Valley.  How you can help.

At 3:20 am Sunday morning, August 24th, a 6.1 magnitude earthquake struck the Napa Valley.  One of our classmates, Richard Kruse, reported that the storage facility at his family winery, Fontanella, was significantly damaged.  The space that would be used for processing grapes from the fall harvest is now filled with toppled damaged wine barrels.  The loss of 2012 and 2013 vintage wines is not fully known at this time but is estimated to be in the millions of dollars.  The impact of the quake prompted Governor Jerry Brown to declare a state of emergency for southern Napa.

Richard Kruse recently attended our 50th Reunion celebration and generously provided award winning Fontanella wine for every table.  Concerned classmates and friends have contacted us to ask how they can help.  At this time, Richard is very busy with clean up efforts, but appreciates the support and good wishes of his high school friends.  Due to the damage of the wine storage facility at the winery, Rich has told us that the best way to help him and his family with recovery efforts is to purchase the current Fontanella wine that they are now unable to store.  It would be excellent for the holidays, gifts or.......just because.  You can order it online at the Fontanella website: www.fontanellawinery.com.  When ordering the wine, there is a comments section where you can indicate that you are a fellow 1964 La Habra High classmate,     

Link to news clip with Rich's daughter:  http://foxnewsinsider.com/2014/08/25/live-report-small-napa-valley-wineries-devastated-earthquake