06/18/2026
A bitter sweet goodbye. 6 years ago when we first moved into this building to start Squirrel we met Steve (real name Tim). He was and had already been living in the alley in front of the shop for many years. Tim is a good dude, we knew that from the start but as we got to know each other it was clearly evident that life hadnât dealt him the fairest set of cards. We shared many good days. Tim would hang around, borrow tools to fix bikes (annoying) and watch over the shop for us after hours. We had down days as well. Tim struggling with addiction, getting robbed every other week, downpours after the police would throw his belongings away. We always offered a hand, at the very least buying him new tarps and clothes when he needed it most, but Tim wasnât the typical vagrant on the streets. He knew he needed to change and as much as we wanted to load him in the truck and drop him off at rehab, the decision wasnât ours to make. When that day would come, Tim knew it had to be on his own will. Well, the day came and went. Last week Tim stopped in to say his final goodbye. 10 months sober, 40lbs heavier, and moving to Albuquerque to live with his sister and start a construction job to get his life back on track.
Itâs been a whirlwind of emotions and energy here at Squirrel. Weâve hit some major milestones, weâre bringing in new hands, resetting physically and mentally, and with Tim moving on to his next chapter, weâre closing our beginnings as well. He will always be a reminder to us to not forget where we came from. The importance to continue pushing through the struggles. A reminder to not take what we have for granted. And most importantly to always lend a hand and treat every human with kindness and respect. Trucks will always be what we are here for, but as individuals and members of a greater community (Long Beach and the world), letâs never forget we all have the ultimate responsibility of caring for one another. Goodbye for now Tim, but weâre so looking forward to seeing how life unfolds for you the next time weâre passing through New Mexico. Thank you for all. đŤĄ
