International Community Foundation Works to Save Historic Landmark

Yuri Calderon serves as COO and general counsel to Caldwell Flores Winters, Inc. in Emeryville, California. In addition to his work with the firm, Yuri Calderon serves on the board of directors of the International Community Foundation (ICF).

The ICF facilitates charitable giving by Americans to charitable organizations around the world, and more specifically to Latin American countries. Over the past 25 years, ICF has developed unparalleled knowledge of and relationships in the Baja California peninsula and Sea of Cortez region. ICF is committed to improving the quality of life in this region through community grants and special projects. ICF's efforts are creating lasting improvements in education, health and the environment that result in a stronger civil society, better-protected marine and terrestrial ecosystems, healthier communities, and more effective education systems.

The organization is currently working to restore a century-old historic landmark in El Triunfo, Mexico. The La Ramona smelter smokestack has sat in disrepair during its recent idle years and suffered greatly from lightning strikes and inclement weather. 

The 150-foot smokestack presents a danger to the community as it stands now. Rather than tearing it down, the ICF is helping community members restore their landmark to its former glory. If all goes well, the refurbished structure will increase tourism revenue and remain a cultural icon for years to come.