Nephew Davian, Kahlea, Joniko, Tony Garcia and Sayra Chavez of Alpine Mobile Deisel in front of their Markleeville shop. Photo by Lisa Gavon
“Let nature tell you what’s up,” says Tony Garcia, proving that he and his family have indeed landed in just the right spot. Surrounded by the mountain wilderness of Alpine County, Tony has become the resident mechanic. At every fork, the family has “adapted in the moment,” paying attention to the events, people, and circumstances that put them where they were. In this case, all roads led to Markleeville.
“I am here to change the way you see your mechanic,” Tony says “My goal is to make life better for you, and I see true value in the trade. In a small town there is actual accountability.” Both he and his wife Sayra Chavez were taught that “whatever it is you want in your life, you have to work for it.” and they have always done just that.
Tony was born and raised with all the benefits of being in Lake Tahoe. The oldest of four, his responsibilities in translating for his family, who had relocated from Mexico, gave him a solid foundation in how to navigate our complex world. He credits his father with guiding him to take auto shop in high school. It was obvious from the beginning that he had a gift.
His senior project was painting a ’66 Ford Mustang.
“I still have that car,” says Tony, smiling.
He and Sayra have a beautiful way of evaluating their lives. They have deep appreciation for the challenges and hardships they have faced, acknowledging that they were forced to stop at many crossroads and make some hard choices.
“We chose to break generational curses. We put down our swords and have learned to become warriors in a new way.” Tony says.
Raised camping, horseback riding, playing soccer, and boxing with the Police Activities League, Tony made lifelong friends.
After his mother died when he was just 20 years old, one friend in particular “helped me go back to my indigenous Mayan and Aztec roots,” reports Tony.
He has gone to sweat lodge ceremonies within the local Washoe community, and it has ushered in a new sense of strength and community in him.
“It is important to know what to do with pain and loss, learn to help each other out, and live in equality.’ says Tony.
“My mother taught me to keep on going no matter what,” Tony says “If you’re falling, just get back up.”
For 20 years now, Tony has been working on cars at different places around the Lake.
“At each place, there was always a benefit,” he said. At George’s Performance, he worked on import cars. “Every car has always got a chance,” he says, laughing. “You have to be patient and pay close attention,” he continues “Remember, this is a field where, if you don’t fix it, you don’t get paid!” Fortunately, Tony has always been good at what he does. Over time, he worked for Caltrans, El Dorado County, the Radiator Doctor, and in snow removal.
His travels kept taking him by the old county yard and former home of Woodfords Auto.
In 2019, Tony set out on a venture there, but the road finally led to Markleeville. He has set up his own business, Alpine Mobile Diesel at the gas station on the left hand side just as you enter town. “
Al’s Got Gas” is a charming fixture in our neck of the woods.
Sayra grew up in Watts, Los Angeles with a very independent spirit. From around age 7 to 10, she lived in Mexico, working hard on the ranches with her family. Even then, she carried a deep evaluation of who she was, a self-questioning of whether she was living her values and being good to the people around her. It is a worldview they are passing on to their children.
“You have to go into your own silence, be patient with others, but also with yourself. There is always a peacefulness. You just have to find it, and walk into it.” says Sayra. She moved to Tahoe at age 18, attended Community College there, and has been employed in both the souvenir and hospitality industries. She works for a private hotel now.
After they first met, Tony and Sayra kept running into each other in Tahoe. It turned out that they had a lot of people they knew in common. It became obvious they were meant to be together. Today, they have worked out a cooperative schedule so they can be with their two children as much as possible. Nothing makes them happier.
Kahlea is 7, and Joniko is 5. They have their own mechanic jumpsuits, and help out at the shop on a regular basis. It is a wonderful place for the whole crew. Their nephew, Davian Garcia, who grew up in Tahoe and Carson City, has joined them there. He is appreciative of learning the trade with his uncle.
“Live, Learn, and Love!” smiles Tony. Every six months he takes a course to update his skills and “stay in touch with the lingo.” Contact the family at Alpine Mobile Diesel in Markleeville by calling 530 318-6068.
