Cavemen Strong Recognizes the Best of the Best

Submitted to the Carlsbad Local

The Cavemen Strong movement in Carlsbad has its roots in local generosity more than a quarter century ago. On Tuesday, December 19, it will recognize many of the most deserving folks in Carlsbad and Eddy County today.

Cavemen Strong was started by Ricky Garcia and his wife, Bellzora. Ricky’s journey of generosity began many years ago with the establishment of the Ricky Garcia Foundation. Growing up in humble beginnings, raised by a single mother, Ricky was deeply moved when he received a $1,000 scholarship in 1980 as the KAMQ Radio Station Athlete of the Year. That scholarship was a game-changer for his family, and it planted a seed of gratitude and a promise—if he ever found success, he would give back to the community that had given him so much.

More than 25 years ago, Ricky began quietly helping Carlsbad students in need—providing shoes, school supplies, or assistance to families struggling to pay bills. A moment of recognition came when a high school principal shared a story of a family deeply touched by this anonymous generosity. Inspired by this, Ricky formalized his efforts into the Ricky Garcia Foundation, naming it in honor of his beloved mother, Telesfora Garcia, and all those who supported him along the way.

In 2012, Ricky and Bellzora met with classmates, community leaders, and schools, laying the groundwork for a movement to give back on an even grander scale. By 2014, Cavemen Strong was born, uniting former CHS classmates and community members around a shared vision of supporting Carlsbad.

Cavemen Strong’s contributions are nothing short of remarkable. They have provided 27 scholarships of $500 each to K-12 students, supporting young learners across all grade levels. The foundation has honored 13 citizens with Outstanding Citizen Awards for their service and dedication to our community. Additionally, 24 Gratitude Awards have been presented to First Responders, recognizing the brave individuals who work tirelessly to keep us safe.

The foundation has also recognized six incredible women with Woman of the Year Awards, celebrating their exceptional leadership and achievements. Cavemen Strong has helped families by supporting transitional housing, battered women’s shelters, and emergency relief during floods and hurricanes. Bellzora and Ricky have inspired countless others to give back and ensure every contribution benefits Carlsbad and Eddy County.

This year’s Cavemen Strong event will be held at 6 p.m. Tuesday, December 19, at the Walter Gerrells Performing Arts Center. Refreshments and food will be served. During the evening, the event will honor this year’s recipients, who have shown exceptional dedication and service to the community.

Among those honored will be the Outstanding Retired Teachers: Don Eskins, Beth Frederick, Gary Whittemore, and Steve Garza. Their impact on area schools and the lives of countless students cannot be overstated.

The First Responder Gratitude Awards will recognize Detective Jim Devlin from the Police Department, Lieutenant Brad Carlsen from the Fire Department, Fire-Life Safety Specialist Trinidad Carrasco, Jr., from the Eddy County Fire Department, and Detective Orlando Villegas from the Sheriff’s Department. These individuals exemplify courage and commitment.

The Outstanding Citizen Award will go to Angel Martinez, whose tireless dedication to the community sets an incredible example. Additionally, the Cavemen Strong Scholarship Awards will support three exceptional students: Kobe Morton at the elementary level, William White at the middle school level, and Aniah Sepulveda at the high school level. Each will receive $500 to further their education.

The event will also celebrate Julius Lomax’s receipt of the Comeback Kid of the Year Award, highlighting his perseverance and determination.

Dear Neighbors and Friends:

I want to take a moment to congratulate Jimmy and Belia, the incredible owners of Thelma’s Wangs and Thangs, for their outstanding performance at the Third Annual Best of the West Wing Fest in Colorado Springs, CO. After starting their journey as a food truck in 2012, they’ve built an amazing restaurant right here on San Jose Street, and their hard work and dedication have certainly paid off.

In September, Thelma’s Wangs and Thangs made the eight-hour trek to compete in this prestigious event alongside 17 other restaurants. Their flavor, “Good Stuff,” earned them second place for Best Flavor—an impressive achievement, especially since they were the only out-of-state competitors at the event. This was their first time competing, and we couldn’t be prouder of their success.

I want to thank our community for their ongoing support, as your donations and encouragement helped Jimmy and Belia make this journey. Thelma’s Wangs and Thangs are an example of the heart and spirit that make Carlsbad such a special place. Congratulations once again to Jimmy and Belia for representing us so well!

Mayor Rick Lopez