LAKE COUNTY— The Record Bee would like to acknowledge the runners up as part of the recent Hometown Hero’s competition, beginning with David Correa also known as “David the Taco Guy.” Nominated for his constant help feeding and fundraising in the community, Correa shared his personal history and why he cares for his neighbors like he does.
Lake County P.E.G. T.V. Station Manager Thomas DeWalt nominated Correa sharing, “This man is always setting up fundraisers for people in our community, he works tirelessly to help people in our community. He is always supporting local business by posting on social media and has many times setup Go Fund Me pages to help victims of cancer.” DeWalt noted the times Correa has both organized and donated funds, most recently hosting a backpack drive for students during back to school as well as participating in the GoodFellaz Fishing Mafia’s Third Annual Trunk-R-Treat event this last Tuesday in Clearlake for Halloween.
Despite having his own hardships after facing some trouble with permitting, DeWalt mentioned “Not once did he ask for help he just told us loyal followers that he would be back soon selling his fruit cups, meanwhile he is promoting Terped Out Kitchen or Barbecue by Biasotti.” DeWalt concluded saying he “could not say enough” about Correa and his passion for the community and fellow small local businesses calling Correa “a true hometown hero.”
Correa moved to Lake County from Santa Rosa just prior to the devastating Valley Fire. At first, commuting back to Santa Rosa to continue his 17-year career as a painter, Correa decided to focus on his business in Lake County full time after the tragic Valley Fire destroyed his community. During that time, Correa’s neighbors had gathered to feed first responders and it inspired him to bring down his flat top grill and cook up some tacos, as it happened to be a Tuesday. When he officially opened his taco trailer, they sold out in tree hours. Now he has been operating his business for the last three years and fundraising for his community whenever possible.
“Whatever I do, I do it from the bottom of my heart.” Correa shared regarding his charity work, which began after he lost a close friend in a terrible car accident and started a fundraiser on behalf of the family that he left behind. Correa described his love for the community and motivation to continue sharing “If it wasn’t for the community, this can’t happen. I couldn’t do this on my own.”
According to Correa, The backpack drive was a complete success and was actually his daughter’s idea. Correa said, “That was my 10-year old’s daughter’s idea, she said some kids have the same backpacks every year, so we bought new backpacks. To see the kids happy, that’s all I need.” One of Correa’s daughter’s is also special needs, which led him to fundraising with an event called Autism and Cars, which began in 2022 but was unfortunately cancelled due to medical issues and will be held again in 2024. This past year Correa also worked with the Burns Valley School to offer tacos and other fresh made meals.
Correa shared his personal history of experiencing homelessness at a very young age, and being raised by his aunt and grandparents who taught him to be a kind person. Correa shared “Grandma told me to make her proud and to remember who you are and how I raised you.” A grandfather himself now Correa expressed his gratitude for his aunt and grandparents for his upbringing as it lit the path for him to be a good person.
This past year Correa participated in the 1Team 1Dream Hands Up Competition, in which several start up and established businesses attend workshops and compose a shark tank style pitch in order to win grant money. Correa made it to semi-finalist and his goal of obtaining a food truck to expand his menu remains. Currently they offer Mexican style corn, fruit cups, quesadillas, and tacos. Correa added “I would love to do tamales, breakfast burritos, and a special menu where people could look at what’s new every day.” More information is available on the FaceBook page David TacoGuy.
