Help JB Rebuild After Altadena Fire

This fundraiser has been created by a group of friends whose lives would not be the same without one very remarkable human we call JB.

On Tuesday, January 7th, the Eaton Fire tore through the Altadena community, destroying thousands of homes — including JB’s. Yet, in the midst of chaos, JB's first instinct was to help others. He rushed to ensure his friend’s family and neighbors had made it to safety, helping to evacuate not only those before himself, but also two flocks of their beloved chickens before thinking of his own safety or belongings. That’s who JB is — selfless, compassionate, and always willing to go above and beyond for those around him.

For those who don’t know him, JB is truly one of a kind. A filmmaker and storyteller, he’s passionate about creating culture through myth and theater. He’s worked on countless film and documentary projects and serves as a Union Location Manager with Local 399 for some of Hollywood’s biggest shows. JB is also producing his own social justice and environmental activism documentaries through his outfit, Collective Filmworks (learn more at www.collectivefilmworks.com).

If that weren’t enough, JB channels his creative energy into community-building projects, including the Serpent Queen Steamboat Time Machine art car at Burning Man, where he has attended for over 20 years. As the Director of its 40-member team, JB inspires technical and artistic collaborative creativity every year.

Before finding his way to Altadena five years ago, JB helped steward intentional communities in Northern California, gaining invaluable skills in sustainable living and community building. In Altadena, he found the perfect place to put down roots on a small patch of land next to his close friends. JB crafted a sweet, efficient, eco-friendly home — a labor of love, with his own two hands.

The property was more than just a home. Together with his landmates, JB was transforming the space into an eco-retreat and homestead demonstration lab. It was a vibrant hub of creativity and sustainability, complete with an orchard, organic gardens, solar power, and, of course, a lot of chickens. He had just finished building his innovative house and began sharing the vision with visitors from far and wide when the fire reduced it all to ashes.

Despite this unimaginable loss, JB’s dream of living intentionally, sustainably, and in harmony with the land remains unshaken. Tragically, like many, his home wasn’t covered by fire insurance.

We have the chance to help JB rebuild — not just a home, but a vision for a resilient and ecologically attuned future. Your donation will directly support his efforts to restore his life and continue his inspiring work in community building, sustainability, and storytelling.

Let’s show JB the same love and support he so generously gives to others. Together, we can help him replace what was lost, support his dream, and remind him that his community has his back.

Any contribution, big or small, will make a meaningful difference. Thank you for your kindness and generosity!

Sam Cesan, Cristina Valverde, Cory Brown, Daniel Souweine, Louis Fox & Justinian Morton