John List Thomas Fire Recovery Fund

Hello, my name is John Bowden and I farm lemons and avocados in Ventura and Santa Barbara counties. I'm creating this recovery fund on behalf of John and Paula List. On the morning of December 10, 2017, after days of cutting fuel breaks on the mountain tops above Carpinteria, John parked his masticator in a safe area for the evening. The Thomas fire, burning out of control, made a significant push through Carpinteria that night and inevitably consumed John's masticator, it was a total loss.

John started in 2002 by contracting to the Forest Service working on fuel reduction projects in Northern California. He aventually made his way south working in both fire service and in our local agriculture.  John and Paula typically live in their 5th wheel on the ranches or fires that they provide service to.

John has been a crucial and significant part of California Avocado production for the past 8 years. He has worked for numerous avocado ranches from Santa Barbara to San Diego Counties and has pioneered "stumping" avocados with his machine. The service John provided has been invaluable to growers, specifically through the persistent drought that we have suffered. He has also worked on fires all over the western United States, typically cutting fire line in conjunction with bulldozers to prepare fuel breaks against approaching fires.

My hopes are to spread this fundraiser to enough people to help John and Paula re-established their business or give the head start for the next one.  Any support will greatly appreciated.