Save Jonathan Braun's Home!
Donation protected
I've started this campaign on behalf of our close family friend, Jonathan Braun. If you aren't familiar with Jonathan, he is a talented musician, master ceramicist, woodworker, photographer, avid backpacker, and all around renaissance man. On top of that, he has spent most of his adult life volunteering his time and energy to protect and conserve the natural beauty of San Anselmo and the surrounding areas. He has received many awards in recognition of his efforts, and in December 2016 was honored as “volunteer of the year” by the San Anselmo Town Council. Jon is a well known and respected pillar of our community, and after spending his life helping to protect this beautiful place we live in, he needs our help now!
On January 10, a landslide began above Jonathan's home. It expanded after intense storms (89.3 inches to date) in January and February and now threatens the structure. A rock retaining wall adjacent to the house partially collapsed dumping rocks and soil on the patio by the front door. A section of earth slumped against the building. Fissures have formed in the slope between the house and the street and an old wood retaining wall near the street elevation is failing.
An engineering firm has been hired to perform geotechnical studies and to provide designs for necessary repairs that will likely include major retaining walls and earth moving. If this isn't done, and soon, Jonathan will undoubtedly lose his house for good.
Including permits, workman's comp insurance, engineering inspections and reports, labor and materials it will be in the $50- $75K range if he's lucky, and there is no homeowners insurance coverage for this as it falls under "act of god". Anyone who knows Jon knows he is a man of modest means, and this is far more than he can afford. Plus, there is a fee for GoFundMe, and taxes on the donations. We are starting at $50,000 but we may need more. These repairs are time sensitive, so please don't wait to donate!
About the house: Jonathan's house, high in the hills above San Anselmo, was built in 1917, and his parents, renowned photographer Ernest Braun and his wife Sally, purchased the house in 1949. Throughout the 50's and 60's they made additions to accomodate their growing family. Jon grew up there with his two older brothers, Jeff and Chris, his older sister, Maren, and his younger sister, Jenny. He has lived there almost his entire life, and now the maintenance of the property lies squarely on his shoulders. If you have ever been to Jon's house to see his pottery studio, or attend a house concert, you know what a special place it is.
Anything you can give will be deeply appreciated! Donation of skills and labor are also welcome!
On January 10, a landslide began above Jonathan's home. It expanded after intense storms (89.3 inches to date) in January and February and now threatens the structure. A rock retaining wall adjacent to the house partially collapsed dumping rocks and soil on the patio by the front door. A section of earth slumped against the building. Fissures have formed in the slope between the house and the street and an old wood retaining wall near the street elevation is failing.
An engineering firm has been hired to perform geotechnical studies and to provide designs for necessary repairs that will likely include major retaining walls and earth moving. If this isn't done, and soon, Jonathan will undoubtedly lose his house for good.
Including permits, workman's comp insurance, engineering inspections and reports, labor and materials it will be in the $50- $75K range if he's lucky, and there is no homeowners insurance coverage for this as it falls under "act of god". Anyone who knows Jon knows he is a man of modest means, and this is far more than he can afford. Plus, there is a fee for GoFundMe, and taxes on the donations. We are starting at $50,000 but we may need more. These repairs are time sensitive, so please don't wait to donate!
About the house: Jonathan's house, high in the hills above San Anselmo, was built in 1917, and his parents, renowned photographer Ernest Braun and his wife Sally, purchased the house in 1949. Throughout the 50's and 60's they made additions to accomodate their growing family. Jon grew up there with his two older brothers, Jeff and Chris, his older sister, Maren, and his younger sister, Jenny. He has lived there almost his entire life, and now the maintenance of the property lies squarely on his shoulders. If you have ever been to Jon's house to see his pottery studio, or attend a house concert, you know what a special place it is.
Anything you can give will be deeply appreciated! Donation of skills and labor are also welcome!
Organizer and beneficiary
Teal Childress DuPré
Organizer
San Anselmo, CA
Jonathan Braun
Beneficiary