Issue link: https://read.dmtmag.com/i/714189
38 nSeptember 2016n www.thunderpress.net THUNDER PRESS I got to my bike, I realized I had lost my helmet and sunglasses somewhere along the way while scrambling to get some good photos. One of Rolling Deep's crew, Ram Casillas, noticed I was missing my glasses and offered me a pair. I tried to make due with a pair of clear KD's, however as I was riding back north to Papas I looked over my shoulder and there was Ram riding alongside me holding out a pair of sun- glasses. It was awesome as we did a 45 mph transfer on the fl y. Ram would later fi nd me and reunite me with my lost helmet—not once, but twice. Yup, I managed to lose my sunglasses, and helmet twice that day and both times my new friends had my back and I got my things returned. I would describe Rolling Deep 4 Charities more as a family than an organization, and when we arrived back at Papas & Beer, Martin pulled me aside and exclaimed that I, too, was now part of that family. It was truly an honor. The atmosphere was light and fun as we ate lunch and took in the wet T-shirt contest. It was a blast, and just when you thought it couldn't get any better, Hefe's right-hand man, Pompeyo Gutierrez (a.k.a. Popeye), shocked the crowd with a surprise appearance dur- ing the wet T-shirt contest in a wig and wearing a one piece women's bathing suit. The crowd was on its feet cheer- ing him on, spraying him with beer while others just stared in amazement. I'll never forget the look on Martin's face as he observed his friend's wild antics. It was the highlight of the afternoon party even overshadowing for a moment the women in their wet T-shirts. From there the party kicked into overdrive well into the night. I had defi nitely hit my limit when it dawned on me that I had nowhere to sleep, but I also recalled earlier in the day Martin telling me he'd get me setup somewhere. So I headed over to the hotel next door and by sheer luck ran into another Rolling Deep member, Gary Montero. Gary grabbed my intox- icated arm and led me to a couch in the large condo he had rented. The next morning, I awoke to an awesome view of the pool with the Pacifi c Ocean serving as a beautiful backdrop. I looked down and there was Popeye rolling a speaker and cooler to the hot tub. While most attendees chose to take the Sunday police escort back up to the border, the main Rolling Deep family remained behind for a day of celebration and fun—a true after party for those who made it all possible. And, man, these guys know how to party! There were cases of beer, tequila, pizzas, tacos, even a mariachi band. It was a blast. I was having so much fun I ended up extending my stay another night. (Thanks again, Gary.) Monday morning they had enough toys left over to do another distribution, this time in front of Papas & Beer to the kids from that part of the commu- nity. There couldn't have been a better way to leave town than to give out a few hundred more toys to unsuspect- ing local children and their families. One more chance to see those smiles and faces light up before hitting the road back across the border. After it was all said and done, I asked Martin what it takes to put something like this together. "The event is always held in July and we start organizing this event on January 1st, because everybody has to put in for their vacation time and we have to announce the date to start working with the local hotels and Rosarito. We hold fundraisers throughout the year where we raise money for this and everybody has a great time. One of them is named Hogfest, and we have another large event called Musicfest. We're aiming for the fi rst week of October for our next Hogfest in Rosemead. T he name Hogfest has pretty much become a brand, people are always asking me 'when's the next Hogfest?' We also hold the largest toy run in Los Angeles every year. It will be held on the fi rst or third weekend of December this year; keep your eyes peeled for that; it grows bigger and bigger every year." For more information on this or any of the events held throughout the year you can check their website at www.RollingDeep4Charities.com. 4 Rosarito Continued from page 36 All the bikes are getting ready to distribute toys to the kids of Rosarito World Famous Wet-Shirt Contest was out of control Richard and Elva Avina who have been to all the Rosarito Runs, picked this girl from the crowd RD4C Staff Joey Torres and Raquel Rognlie picked this little girl to give her a bike A very happy little girl who waited in line for four hours to get a toy, she said this was here fi rst new doll she ever owned