Redlands High grad Rick Gonzales is the self-described “clean-up guy” at Saverino’s Deli and helps hobbled senior citizens when he can.
By John Murphy
Tuesday I left my Fontana school job and headed for Redlands. Needed to get some miles in.
I parked near the Foamy Car Wash on West Redlands Blvd. and then set out. It was hot but I had my Hydra Flask.
I strolled past the sprawling grounds of ESRI and saw Latino gardeners toiling there. Brutal work. I don’t know where we’d be without them.
I took a left on Tennessee Street and ambled past Redlands Adventist Academy and Arrowhead Christian across the street. ACA had a banner out front, celebrating its section basketball champs.
I trudged up Tennessee past Carolyn’s Café and headed back on Brookside toward the car wash. Along the way I noticed more blue-collar workers – delivery guys for Fed Ex and UPS, getting their jobs done without fanfare.
I was near the end of my trek and my left knee ached. I took a seat in front of Saverino’s Deli on West State Street and rested. But self-described Saverino’s “clean-up guy” Rick Gonzales was collecting the outdoor furniture. It was closing time.
“Would you like me to leave a chair and a table out here for a while, sir?” said Rick, dressed all in black.
“Nah, that’s OK,” I said. “I’m all right.” Then I got up and limped way.
Twenty yards later I heard someone chasing me down. It was Rick with a large Styrofoam cup of ice water for me. What a guy!
“Why are you doing this?” I said.
“You look like you need it, sir,” he said.
Yeah, I did. So thanks to Rick Gonzales, the Redlands High grad and ex-Loma Linda University helipad team member. I don’t know much about him but he was my hero this day.
Main Street Dog 