On October 17, 1989, while the Loma Prieta earthquake shook the Bay Area, I lay in a deep coma as my grieving parents were in an elevator at the same hospital, reeling from every parent's worst nightmare. When I finally woke up after initially pronounced dead, I called out for my oldest sister, "Where is Elvia!" only to learn she had been instantly killed in one of the most tragic car accidents in Sonoma County history. My parents had unknowingly purchased a defective car from a nearby dealership. As my two older sisters and I left the dealership, with my parents following behind, my oldest sister Elvia lost complete control of the manufacturer-defected steering, and we collided head-on with an oncoming vehicle. My parents, unsure of how to cope, still went to work the next day. I was only nine years old, and my sister Elvia had just turned sixteen a month before our accident on October 11, 1989. I spent an entire year in a full-body cast, learning to walk again, but I was already disillusioned after losing the best older sister anyone could ask for. The invaluable lessons Elvia taught me became my solace, leading me to discover the most therapeutic hobby during a time when I felt completely misunderstood. Unable to connect with counselors, therapists, or psychiatrists, I made a heartfelt promise at fourteen to one day start a troubled teen youth center, even though I had no idea what it would look like. 

I started building unique custom beach cruiser bicycles as a hobby in my garage. In early fall of 2009, I began noticing large groups of junior high school kids gathering outside my garage after school, showing a strong interest in building their own cruisers. This was when the official idea for Lighthouse Bikes started to take shape.

 

 

 "So do not fear, for I am with you; do not be dismayed, for I am your God. I will strengthen you and help you; I will uphold you with my righteous right hand." ~Isaiah 41:10 

 

 "And we know that in all things God works for the good of those who love him, who have been called according to His purpose." ~Romans 8:28 

 

"For I know the plans I have for you, " declares the Lord, "plans to prosper you and not harm you, plans to give you hope and a future." ~Jeremiah 29:11