Issue link: https://digital.copcomm.com/i/18929
NOVEMBER 2010 THE BEST OF LONG BEACH 74 A MAN WITH A MISSION Actively involved in projects to improve the lives of at-risk youth for over 16 years, Dave San Jose is a much loved figure in Long Beach. However, after suffering a heart attack this past summer, San Jose unwittingly gained the attention of local news. Still, San Jose does not see his near-death experience as worthy of all the fuss. "Really, the community is the hero," said San Jose, reflecting on the individuals, services and medical staff that saved his life. After enduring open-heart surgery and a lengthy rehabilitation, San Jose is now home and forever grateful for the outpouring of support he's received. And despite having, momentarily, to pace his activities, his passion for his community service projects is unstoppable. Bikes 90800, which began in 1995 in response to increasing gang violence in North Long Beach, was San Jose's brainchild. Its mission is to provide an opportunity for juvenile offenders to log restitutive community service hours. In addition, it also provides a positive and safe place for neighborhood kids to socialize. Bike repair, safety, and maintenance training are the focus. Local residents are encouraged to bring broken bikes in for service. Proceeds go towards helping to keep Bikes 90800, which subsists solely FACES & PLACES : COMMUNITY HERO WRITTEN BY LILY SALTER PHOTOGRAPHED BY HARTONO TAI