Help Brian Baccus Restore The Altadena Community

Help Altadena Recover from Devastating Wildfires

Who I Am:

Hi, my name is Rashad Porter, and I’m a proud resident of Altadena, California. Along with Brian Baccus, I’ve lived here for over 25 years, and during that time, I’ve come to know this community as one that is deeply connected and full of resilient people. As a member of this town, I feel a responsibility to step up and help my neighbors in this time of urgent need.

Where I’m From:

Altadena is a close-knit community nestled at the base of the San Gabriel Mountains, just outside Los Angeles. It’s a town where families have built their dreams for generations, and neighbors have always been there for one another. But the recent wildfires have shaken us to the core, leaving destruction and heartbreak in their wake.

My Relationship to the Families I’m Raising Funds For:

Two stories stand out as emblematic of the heartache and resilience of our community: Brian Baccus and the Johnson family.

Brian Baccus is not just a longtime Altadena resident; he’s a leader and a giver in every sense of the word. An entrepreneur who built his businesses from the ground up, Brian worked tirelessly out of his home of six years. It wasn’t just a place to live—it was his creative hub, where he provided services to clients and worked to support his family. Tragically, when the wildfires swept through, Brian lost not only his home but also the tools critical to his work: drones, lighting equipment, green screens, and other items essential to his livelihood. Yet, even amid this loss, Brian’s spirit remains unbroken.

What makes Brian’s story even more compelling is his commitment to giving back. He sits on the board of several nonprofits, two of which—Casa San Jose Sober Living, Inc. (www.csjsoberliving.org) and the Praxtice Foundation (www.praxtice.org)—are based in nearby Pasadena. Through Casa San Jose Sober Living, Brian helps provide vital support and resources to individuals on their path to recovery, offering them a second chance at life. The Praxtice Foundation is equally impactful, focusing on empowering young athletes by providing scholarships, medical physicals, and other resources to help them thrive. Despite his own challenges, Brian continues to be a source of strength and inspiration to the community.

The Johnson family has also suffered greatly. After 20 years in their home, they now find themselves in a temporary shelter with their two young children. The fire took everything—family heirlooms, everyday essentials, and their sense of stability. Like Brian, the Johnsons are determined to rebuild, but the road ahead is long and uncertain.

These stories are not isolated. They represent the collective pain and resilience of Altadena, a community determined to rise from the ashes.

How the Funds Will Be Spent:

Every dollar raised will go directly toward helping families like Brian’s and the Johnsons. Here’s a detailed breakdown of how the funds will be used:

• Emergency Relief: Temporary housing, food, clothing, toiletries, and other essentials for displaced families ($300,000).

• Rebuilding Homes: Providing financial assistance for rebuilding or repairing destroyed homes ($500,000).

• Support Services: Covering costs for counseling, childcare, transportation, and other critical services ($150,000).

• Community Restoration: Rebuilding public spaces, infrastructure, and support for local businesses impacted by the fires ($50,000).

Funds will be distributed directly to affected families and through trusted local organizations that specialize in disaster recovery. I will provide regular updates with receipts, stories, and photos to ensure full transparency about how your donations are making a difference.

Why This is Urgent:

The need is immediate. For families like Brian’s and the Johnsons', the cost of living in Altadena makes it incredibly difficult to recover without assistance. Temporary housing, essential supplies, and the first steps toward rebuilding are costly, and the emotional toll is immense. Every moment counts in helping these families find stability and hope.

How You Can Help:

Your donation, no matter the size, will make a tangible impact:

• $100 provides two nights of emergency shelter for a family.

• $500 replaces clothing and essential supplies for a displaced family.

• $1,000 helps a family take the first steps toward rebuilding their home.

We are also planning to acquire some vans to facilitate granting transportation for people who have non, especially the disabled people who cant fend for themselves, help us help them, PLEASE!!

If you can’t donate, please help us spread the word by sharing this campaign with your networks. Together, we can make a difference for Brian, the Johnsons, and so many others in Altadena who need our support.

Thank You:

Thank you for your generosity and support during this challenging time. With your help, we can rebuild Altadena stronger, brighter, and more united than ever before. I’m deeply grateful for every contribution and look forward to sharing updates on the incredible impact you’re making.