Many of us were aware of the shooting that took place in the early evening a couple of weeks ago in downtown Chico - across from where Saturday morning market is. Flaco was in the wrong place at the wrong time.

Why did Flaco get shot? He has no enemies. He has 3 places in his life’s rotation: home, work, gym. That’s it. The man that shot him - shot him because he didn't like people with brown skin and Flaco fit the bill. It was 100% a hate crime. Flaco was shot 4 times. He was airlifted to UC Davis where they saved his life. He is home now and is in for a very, very long recovery. His body will eventually heal, though he has permanently lost use of his left eye. His goal is to return to work where he is known and very much loved as Flaco the Barber. The medical bills must be staggering. The emotional burden of being shot is on a level none of us will understand. Alleviating some of the financial burden is a way we can help.

Tricia was in a horrific car accident 10 years ago. People flooded us with donations, meals, child care, yard help - I even had local bakers, (and friends), offer to bake at the shop. I don't know how we would have made it without the massive help of our community. Now it's my turn to help Flaco and his family as much as I can.

Go Fund Flaco!