Pep alumn suffers fire, emerges with good spirits

Here is an email about Kimiko Martinez's situation. Please keep her and her son in your prayers.

-Chris

Hi everyone,

We are writing on behalf of our good friend Kimiko Martinez, a fellow Pepperdine alum ('04). Monday night, she came home to see her block sectioned off with police tape and her house up in flames. It appears to be a random arson situation, but the police were unable to catch the suspect. Kimiko has found a place to stay, but she and her young son lost everything, including their beloved dog and cat.

I'm sure most of you knew her, but if not, here's a bit about her: Kimiko, 29, is an amazing person. After high school, she had a child, her beautiful son Ricky. She enrolled in community college, excelled, and entered Pepperdine shortly after. She was a natural journalist--people felt so comfortable with her. She was editor in chief of our school's newspaper and graduated at the top of her class while waitressing full time. She was offered a job at the Indianapolis Star and literally jumped out of an airplane for a story. She and her young son, now 11, have acclimated to the cold winters and big city and had made a great home together.

Nothing was salvaged from the flames. Kimiko is a strong woman of whom it takes a lot to ask for help, but clearly, she needs it. She has no family in the area, just a small group of good friends. Kimiko and Ricky don't have clothes, toiletries, furniture or beds, but she's staying positive.

"Now, 14 hours later, I still haven't slept and am stuck in a bit of a state of shock. But I am absolutely counting my blessings. Luckily, I wasn't home at the time, my son was in California, and everyone in the house next door got out safely. Nobody was hurt, although my dog and cat were both killed (and that's the one thing I'm rather emotional about). Still, it could have been worse and what it all boils down to is that stuff – furniture, clothes, etc. – can be replaced. My animals, of course, cannot. Things like yearbooks, photos, momentos and memorabilia can't either. But it's all still just stuff."

Instead of shipping large items, we're hoping to collect some money from friends and mentors at Pepperdine and elsewhere. We are hoping to send a gift card, as well as a note from everyone who contributed to let her know that people are thinking of her at her alma mater.

Below is a news story about the fire, which started in her house and spread to two others. Also, a cell phone-camera photo of what's left of Kimiko's home. And, a list of things she needs, although with shipping costs, we are hoping to just send a gift card.

Thanks so much everyone for considering helping our friend. We appreciate it so much.

Joann Groff, '05
Kyle Jorrey, '04
Karma Salvato, '03

Donations can be sent to any of us at:
The Acorn Newspapers
Attn: Joann Groff (for example)
30423 Canwood St. #108
Agoura Hills, CA 91303
If you'd like to contribute to the gift card, just make the check out to one of us. If you'd like to write her a check directly, feel free to make it out to Kimiko Martinez and we'll send it along.