Helping others get mobile

You might not know it by looking at the unassuming man, but Carlos Garza, an immigrant, has led an amazing life in America. And now, he's found a way to give back.

"I have been lucky and successful, partly because of my preparation and work, and partly because of good fortune," he said as a grateful smile tugged at the corners of his mouth.

Dressed in blue jeans, work suspenders and a short-sleeve button-up shirt, tinkering around his hangar at the Petaluma Municipal Airport, Garza hardly seems like the successful architect who married an American exchange student before immigrating to America from Mexico at age 25, retired at 40, raced cars for BMW for several years and took up aviation five years after retirement.

His workspace is lined with replica sports cars, motorcycles and the first Kitfox airplane he assembled himself and flew all over North and Central America. It's fitting that this man - talented, intelligent and successful - has never forgotten the country he came from, or the people he calls brothers who are struggling.

Garza, who was raised in central Mexico and still owns a home in the village he grew up in, said that when he first started working at his airplane hangar he'd noticed many day laborers on the corner of Washington and Howard streets. When he needed a hand around his shop, he would simply drive to that corner where the workers congregate, open his door and ask if someone could help him out for the day.

It was during one of these work sessions that he learned about the life of the Petaluma day laborer - how many of these men do not get work everyday, how they live in poverty here in order to send money home to their families and how their relationships are often strained from the long periods of time spent away from their wives and children.

Garza, a husband and father himself, said that he was moved by the plight of these men, and began thinking about how he could help. Through their talks, he learned that most of them walked great distances to the intersection, which has been an informal gathering place for day laborers for many years.

After learning this, Garza began talking to people in his own eastside neighborhood to see if they had old bicycles they weren't using: "I started asking for old bikes - even broken ones - to fix up and give to the workers. They (the workers) love it when I show up. They greet me with big smiles. It makes them so happy, and I would like to do more of that."

Garza has already fixed up and given away a dozen bikes in the last six months. He said that the workers are very appreciative, and that he is happy to help people who are working so hard. Garza has even begun riding his own bike around the airport for exercise. He keeps two bikes in his office in case he feels the urge to ride.

And Garza isn't the only Petaluman to see a mode of transportation where others often just see a pile of junk. Dick Allen, a local retiree, began collecting old bikes to give to day laborers two years ago, and said that he is thrilled the idea is catching on.

"I think that it's great. From the very beginning, I wanted people to know that anybody can do it. I don't want to be the only person going around and picking up bikes. I want everyone to know they can do it."

Allen added that many day laborers often feel ignored by society. He said that by talking with the workers, it makes them feel more included and noticed.

"It is such a joy to be able to give somebody something that's really valuable, but also … we treat these people like they're invisible. In general, white people don't talk to them. And they know a lot of people don't even want them here. So when somebody comes by and gives them something, they feel good - not just for the bike but also because someone talked to them."

Garza agreed that the workers love and appreciate the help, and said that he hopes to continue his mission of giving back for as long as he can.

"I wish I could do even more. It feels wonderful to give back some, especially considering how fortunate I've been. This country has been very good to me. If I could eventually get to (giving away) three or four bikes per week, it would make me very happy."

To donate bicycles, call Carlos Garza at 769-9113 or email Christa Garza at

cristini94952@yahoo.com.

(Contact Janelle Wetzstein at janelle.wetzstein@arguscourier.com)