By David N. Young
Art Garcia, a well-established Los Alamitos restaurateur, finally received his “Citizen of the Year” award this week as the Chamber held its monthly networking breakfast.
Among other community activities, Garcia is best known for his annual feeding of a steak dinner with all the trimmings to gravely disabled vets in the Veteran’s Administration Hospital in Long Beach on Christmas Day.
“Thank you very much,” said the soft-spoken businessman, saying he appreciated the recognition by the Chamber but gave all the glory to God. “This is God’s opportunity to reach out to our veterans,” he told the Chamber.
Ironically, the meeting was held at Maderas Steak and Ribs in Los Alamitos, a fine dining restaurant Garcia has long operated. He’s been in the business between Long Beach and Los Al for more than four decades.
In accepting the award, Garcia said he ended up with more donations than required so the effort begins this year with money in the bank. And, while he fed 90 veterans this year, Garcia said he “found another wing” of the VA hospital so he will try to raise enough volunteers and money to feed 210 veterans this year.
Garcia recounted later his visit with one veteran who had served in Korea, Vietnam and the Iraq Gulf War. “He was in so much pain,” said Garcia, saying he felt helpless but empowered just knowing the man appreciated the recognition and dinner at Christmas. Garcia said he thanked the man for his service and the man told him “I’d do it all again.”
Just a week ago, said Garcia, a discharged veteran showed up at his restaurant “just to shake my hand” and say thanks. “That’s what it is all about.”
Los Al Mayor Pro Tem Richard Murphy along with representatives of Assemblyman Tyler Diep and Orange County Supervisor Michelle Steele were also there to offer recognition to Garcia.
In other action, the Chamber;
- Heard tax professional Roger Mayeda advise Chamber members to ask about some serious changes in the federal income tax code following the Congressional passage of tax reform. Many of the changes are now in effect and could have significant impacts and potential savings for businesses, he said. Also, he said, there are many areas of incongruence between the federal code and the state of California so tax filers should exert extra diligence this year.
- Listened to a presentation by Richard Heim, a former tech entrepreneur now selling Aflac insurance. He demonstrated the differences between monetary and benefit compensation and said with all of the changes in healthcare benefits over the past decade, Aflac offers unique ways to increase compensation without affecting the bottom line of a business.
- Heard Emeline Noda, representing the city of Los Alamitos, give an update on the upcoming “Race on the Base.”
Courtesy photo
