Restore Hope for Desert Musicians & kids after Studio Fire

On Saturday, January 18th, a fire erupted on the property Leo and Heather call home. Leo and his children, Layla and Gio, watched the unit adjacent to their house burn with fear for what might happen to them and their home. Leo was able to hold off the growing fire with a water hose long enough to contain it until firefighters arrived, but it was a very close call. Thankfully, their house was saved as the San Bernardino Fire Department arrived just in time.

The unit, a music studio and office for Leo (a drummer, producer, and multi-musician currently playing in local desert bands; 3rd Ear Experience and Wreckage) burnt to a crisp along with everything in it. Tens of thousands of dollars of equipment and irreplaceable recordings, GONE. 

This studio held memories with the children, Leo’s childhood drum kit and djembes, multiple guitars, basses, piano and amps, his computer, but also other expensive recording equipment, instruments, his hard drive with music that Leo invested so much time and effort into, art and more. Even though the house survived, the loss of their studio was devastating as it was a central part of their lives and identity as a family during a period that has already been difficult. It was the hearth of their home, a safe place to relax, bond with each other, and express themselves when things got difficult.

 My desire is that this campaign will give them hope during these trying times but also practical monetary support to get their property cleaned up and to start to rebuild what they lost. Even though the losses are in the tens of thousands, the goal of $5000 should be enough to start cleaning up and rebuilding the unit, but obviously a much larger amount would be needed to replace all that was lost. I know the Joshua Tree community will come together for them with support, donations of musical instruments and equipment, hugs, clean-up support, everything helps!



Leo, Heather, Layla and Gio:

Starting the clean up: