The Other Side column 8-27-09


Champion the goals of Garcia

By Kelvin Wade | | August 27, 2009 14:23

Next week marks the tragic one year anniversary of the murder of Councilman Matt Garcia. It boggles the mind that such a dynamic, imaginative, giving young man could be horrifically taken from us far too soon. Sometimes it still feels like a bad dream. But what a legacy he left.

My brothers and I grew up in a Fairfield that had a bowling alley, roller skating rink, PAL and Pop Warner, and shootings were almost unheard of. It wasn't Mayberry, but it was different from the Fairfield Garcia grew up in. His community was just the opposite. But instead of cursing the darkness, he chose to bring light.

By the time I met Garcia, I'd seen almost half a dozen local politicians stumble and embarrass themselves. I didn't expect much from some kid. During the course of two hours at Joe's Buffet, he made me believe. There are few experiences more transformative than someone being capable of offering hope to someone as jaded as I was.

Too many of us are well skilled at diagnosing the problems but Matt had solutions.

The ideals he championed: supporting youth, stopping violence and strengthening the community are continuing through the work of the Matt Garcia Foundation (www.mattgarciadreamteam.org) and many individuals.

Now I've heard some complaints. I've heard some say we've deified Garcia. Like anyone else, he wasn't perfect. But I'll be darned if I let anyone tear down what Matt tried to build here. I'd rather kids look up to Matt, and buy into his dream than looking up to the bangers in the neighborhood or the guy down the street selling drugs.

Two brothers were murdered this week. What was your reaction when you heard the news? Did you shrug it off because you assumed it was gang related? Do we care when gang members kill other gang members?

There's that part of me, as there may be in you, to want to simply let the bad guys kill off the bad guys. But we have to care even if gangmembers are killed because this is our community. It's not the Wild West. Look at what happened to Matt. Thugs may mistake you for someone else. Bullets don't discriminate.

Most people aren't as charismatic or persuasive as Garcia. Maybe running for public office or being in the spotlight isn't the way you want to or can help strengthen this community.

But whether it's opening your wallet and giving to local charities, volunteering your time or setting up a Neighborhood Watch, you can find a way to improve your community.

Being involved with your children, knowing who their friends are and what they're up to is a way to help your kids and the community. Don't let your kids be part of the problem.

Find something you can do. I know people who regularly give blood as a way to give back to the community. Some donate food to church pantries. My friend Kendall Wright teaches English to immigrants and new American citizens.

Communities don't strengthen by chance. We can't wish violence away. We all have to find something to do to keep us moving in a positive direction.

When Matt Garcia fell from that evil act on that horrible day, so many people he inspired stood up. And they're still standing. Peace.

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