UPDATE: We are so thankful for the love and support that you all poured out for Bernie! We’ve surpassed our goal and raised over $15,000 to help replace Bernie’s barber gear, tools and instruments and help him get back on his feet. We are looking forward to seeing him open his barbershop in Occidental some day soon and to share his wonderful musical gifts with us all again. Thank you for making a difference! With so much gratitude, Bernie’s Biggest Fans

On the evening of April 28, amidst the COVID-19 quarantine, Bernie Jungle lost some of his most beloved and comforting possessions in a sudden devastating fire at the Occidental Arts & Ecology Center, where he lives and works as a loved and trusted member of the extensive and supporting community. In an accidental fire that consumed the creative community gathering space and workshop known as “the Barn,” Bernie’s musical instruments, barber equipment, woodworking tools and vehicle were lost in a matter of minutes.

For those of you who know Bernie, he is one of the nicest, most jovial humans, always sharing his smile and music with everyone he meets. Luckily, Bernie has insurance that will surely cover some of his loss, but between the timing of lost work due to quarantine closures and the unknowns around which of his possessions will be considered for replacement, Bernie needs support to get back to work and making music.

Although it will be hard for Bernie to return to barbering without his favorite clippers and vintage chair and other professional equipment, most heartbreakingly, among his musical instruments that were lost was a priceless family heirloom: his grandfather’s 130-year-old stand-up bass that Bernie reserved to play only on special occasions.
 
Bernie has fortitude and a huge network of people that adore and admire him. This loss will not keep him down, but for any of you who can imagine what it’s like to lose beloved musical equipment, especially in this time of so much uncertainty, this was an extra hardship. 

Please help Bernie with some funding now, which he can use right away to replace some of his barber equipment and woodworking tools, and especially regain some of his ability to make music again. The broader Occidental Arts and Ecology Center family has rallied together and will continue supporting each other. We who love Bernie want to make sure he has all he needs to get through this time to again share his gifts and talents with the world. 

As with all tragedies come small miracles. No humans or animals were harmed in the fire, thanks to the action of community members and the Occidental Fire Department who worked quickly to save the rest of the property. Amazingly, this sweet business card made it through somehow. Now Bernie just needs our help to get back to making people look good and feel happy with fresh haircuts ASAP !