By Julian J. Ramos
For the past three years, Republic Services residential recycling truck driver Tony LaRosa and the Plaza family on Ferreira Court in Milpitas, particularly 5-year-old Michael Plaza, have developed a special "trash day" friendship.
With the family preparing to move this week to the Sacramento area, LaRosa took Michael Plaza and his 3-year-old brother, Jon Plaza, on a unique 30-minute ride along in his truck last Thursday morning as their parents, Jeff and Jenny Plaza, walked on the sidewalk.
"We've become buddies," LaRosa said of Michael Plaza. "He's a great kid, great family."
