Aid Kristi Colell After Mountain Fire

Kristi Colell lost everything in the Mountain Fire that ravaged Somis and Camarillo residents on November 6, 2024.

As a graduate of Newbury Park high school I was heart broken to hear about the massive loss sustained by the Colell family. You may or may have not heard that both Kristi Colell and Dominique Colell lost BOTH their homes in the mountain fire.

Mrs. Colell taught art and theater at Newbury Park high school from the day Newbury Park open until she retired in 2009. Prior to that she taught at both Camarillo high school and Channel Island. She spent the last 15 years of her career building the CLU printmaking department from scratch.

Her husband, Bruce Colell, a.k.a. Doc/Dr. Colell was the church choir Director at St. Mary Magdalene for 21 years, the church choir Director for Sacred Heart for 7 years. He also led the Ventura County band as Director for 5 years. Even two years after his passing his legacy endures because of the 42 years he taught band, choir and English at Adolfo Camarillo high school and Channel Islands high school through the www.DrBruceColellFoundation.org

The 2 shared 54 years of marriage and raised their 3 smart and talented daughters in the house on W. Highland Dr. that perished in the mountain fire on Wednesday. They purchased their home in 1978 and is now nothing but rubble.

All of the memories that Kristi has left of Bruce and their deceased daughter Tristan were lost in the fire Including her remains.  

The last few years have been very difficult for Kristi. Every day is a reminder of the loss of her soulmate and partner. The family just learned that although there was homeowners insurance in place, she was uninsured for much of her personal possessions including Bruce’s irreplaceable Steinway piano. Bruce was always the one to deal with insurance and the rebuild costs have skyrocketed since the policy was last updated.

There is nothing that can be done to bring back the irreplaceable items and cherished memories that were lost in the fire, but I am hoping that any money raised can help lessen the burden Mrs. Colell has facing her.

Any donation, big or small will mean a world to the family.