Benefit scheduled for Moorpark man wounded in tire shop shooting
By Carissa Marsh Special to the Acorn

A benefit concert will be held tomorrow, Sat., Nov. 10, for Moorpark resident Albert Ramirez, who was critically injured in the Oct. 9 shooting at a tire shop in Simi Valley.

Skatelab, an indoor skate park at 4226 Valley Fair St. in Simi, will host the 1 p.m. event to raise money for Ramirez, who underwent a costly surgery to save his life.

Ramirez was transferred from the Simi Valley Hospital to Northridge Medical Center on Oct. 25, more than two weeks after the shooting spree at the Tire Pros on 4386 E. Los Angeles Ave.

He remains in the hospital undergoing intensive physical theraphy.

Robert Becerra, 29, of Simi Valley shot and killed 53-year-old Simi resident Susan Sutcliffe as she sat outside the shop waiting to get a flat tire fixed. Becerra then shot 20yearold Ramirez, a Tire Pros employee, in the stomach and shop owner Henry John Heeber, 37, in the arms, before killing himself.

Police still have no motive for the shootings.

Ramirez's wound was considered lifethreatening since the bullet came dangerously close to his spinal cord. Ramirez underwent emergency surgery following the shooting and was listed in serious condition for more than a week.

John Baffa, a Simi resident and family friend of Ramirez, came up with the idea of putting on the benefit concert.

"I've known Albert since he was a little boy," said Baffa, who's also good friends with Albert's older brother, Rudy Frenes.

When he heard the news of what happened to Ramirez, Baffa said he was "shocked and devastated." He wanted to do anything he could to help and presented his concert idea to the family.

"They were grateful and happy that we were able to help," Baffa said. "It definitely made Albert happy. He definitely smiled."

One reason for those smiles: The concert will showcase three of Ramirez's favorite local bands- Pulley, The LPs and April's Motel Room. From punk rock to hip-hop to rock 'n' roll, there's something for everyone, Baffa said.

"We wanted to provide a diverse bill. Everybody's a bit different," said Baffa, a member of April's Motel Room and a friend of the other two bands.

A raffle will be held at the benefit to generate additional funds for Ramirez.

All the bands performing are donating memorabilia to be raffled off, and Skatelab is donating merchandise including skateboards, Tshirts and wheels. Infusion clothing store and the Greenhouse Cafe also made contributions.

Todd Huber, co-owner and general manager of Skatelab, said he doesn't know Ramirez personally, but he was more than happy to help out by donating the space and equipment for the benefit.

All proceeds from the benefit concert will go directly to Ramirez to help him pay not only for his surgery and recovery but also for basic living costs.

"The bills don't go away just because you got shot," Baffa said. "He needs everybody's support, whatever they can do."

In Moorpark, Roundtable Pizza at 239 W. Los Angeles Aven. will also be donating 20 percent of all its Sunday proceeds towards Ramirez's recovery.

Donations to Ramirez can be made through an account established at Wells Fargo.

Donations are accepted at any branch and can be made out to Wells Fargo, c/o Rudy Frenes.