Garcia remains hospitalized and faces a long road to recovery following the violent attack that occurred just after midnight on Saturday, October 19. The fundraiser, titled “Support Franny’s Healing Journey,” was organized by friend Shyenne Vieira and seeks to raise $4,500 to help cover Garcia’s medical bills, treatment, and recovery costs. As of Tuesday afternoon, more than $2,300 had been raised from over 50 donations.
“Our sweet friend Franny was recently the victim of a horrible stabbing that has left him badly injured and facing a long, painful recovery,” Vieira wrote in the campaign description. “It’s heartbreaking to see someone so full of love, laughter, and kindness go through something so devastating. Franny has always been the one who shows up for everyone else - the friend who checks in, makes people smile, and gives without expecting anything in return. Now it’s our turn to show up for him.”
The incident took place outside the 15,000-square-foot venue at 860 Garnet Avenue, one of Pacific Beach’s busiest nightlife spots. According to the San Diego Police Department, a 24-year-old man who had been removed from the club earlier in the evening returned and attacked three security guards with a knife. Officers arrived within minutes and arrested the suspect, who has been charged with attempted murder and assault with a deadly weapon.
All three victims were transported to local hospitals. Two of the guards were treated and discharged, while Garcia reportedly underwent emergency surgery for more serious injuries.
Mavericks Beach Club, owned by San Diego hospitality group Verant Group - the team behind barleymash, True North Tavern, and The Smoking Gun - released a statement saying the safety of its staff and patrons remains the venue’s top priority.
“We are deeply saddened by the incident that occurred last night in which three of our security guards were attacked outside our establishment,” a spokesperson said. “We are working closely with law enforcement and will pursue prosecution of those responsible to the fullest extent of the law.”
The stabbing follows another high-profile act of violence at a San Diego coastal restaurant just weeks earlier. In September, Matt Harnden, a bartender at Moe’s Steakhouse in Mission Beach, was stabbed seven times in an unprovoked attack before the restaurant opened for the day. Harnden survived after undergoing multiple surgeries and continues to recover with support from a GoFundMe campaign that has raised more than $56,000 to assist with medical expenses and rehabilitation.
The two incidents have raised growing concern among hospitality workers about safety in San Diego’s beach communities, where nightlife venues and restaurants often operate late into the night and early morning.
Community members have rallied around Garcia online, leaving messages of love and encouragement. One donor wrote, “You’ve always protected others - now it’s time for us to protect you.”
The GoFundMe campaign for Francisco “Franny” Garcia remains active and can be found under the title “Support Franny’s Healing Journey.” Donations of any amount are encouraged to help with his recovery.
“Our sweet friend Franny was recently the victim of a horrible stabbing that has left him badly injured and facing a long, painful recovery,” Vieira wrote in the campaign description. “It’s heartbreaking to see someone so full of love, laughter, and kindness go through something so devastating. Franny has always been the one who shows up for everyone else - the friend who checks in, makes people smile, and gives without expecting anything in return. Now it’s our turn to show up for him.”
The incident took place outside the 15,000-square-foot venue at 860 Garnet Avenue, one of Pacific Beach’s busiest nightlife spots. According to the San Diego Police Department, a 24-year-old man who had been removed from the club earlier in the evening returned and attacked three security guards with a knife. Officers arrived within minutes and arrested the suspect, who has been charged with attempted murder and assault with a deadly weapon.
All three victims were transported to local hospitals. Two of the guards were treated and discharged, while Garcia reportedly underwent emergency surgery for more serious injuries.
Mavericks Beach Club, owned by San Diego hospitality group Verant Group - the team behind barleymash, True North Tavern, and The Smoking Gun - released a statement saying the safety of its staff and patrons remains the venue’s top priority.
“We are deeply saddened by the incident that occurred last night in which three of our security guards were attacked outside our establishment,” a spokesperson said. “We are working closely with law enforcement and will pursue prosecution of those responsible to the fullest extent of the law.”
The stabbing follows another high-profile act of violence at a San Diego coastal restaurant just weeks earlier. In September, Matt Harnden, a bartender at Moe’s Steakhouse in Mission Beach, was stabbed seven times in an unprovoked attack before the restaurant opened for the day. Harnden survived after undergoing multiple surgeries and continues to recover with support from a GoFundMe campaign that has raised more than $56,000 to assist with medical expenses and rehabilitation.
The two incidents have raised growing concern among hospitality workers about safety in San Diego’s beach communities, where nightlife venues and restaurants often operate late into the night and early morning.
Community members have rallied around Garcia online, leaving messages of love and encouragement. One donor wrote, “You’ve always protected others - now it’s time for us to protect you.”
The GoFundMe campaign for Francisco “Franny” Garcia remains active and can be found under the title “Support Franny’s Healing Journey.” Donations of any amount are encouraged to help with his recovery.
Originally published on October 21, 2025.
