In a recent San Diego Newsroom article Felipe Aguirre was quoted in reference to the City Council?s September 20t, 2010 vote on turning the world trade center into a homeless shelter as saying, ?It?s a shame that we see [homeless people] and we either walk away from them, or don?t even look them in the eyes. People need help at some point.?
I get that. I am still not sure if he was in favor of the proposal, but as an eight time Mexican National Champion in Road Racing, Felipe Aguirre looks people in the eyes in Pennyfarthing?s - his bicycle shop in the heart of San Diego?s Business District- then he helps them repair or build bikes. He also loans them cell phones, shares an extensive video collection, and commutes 32km a day to and from his home in Tijuana. He?ll stop what he is doing to fix your flat tire, or rent you a bike. Like Gepetto, he often works late. Tinkering.
Pennyfarthing?s is in its 22nd year of doing business down town, Aguirre has no doubt seen a lot of homeless. His business looks set to go another 22, much longer than the aptly coined Pennyfarthing itself.
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