The culture of lowrider cruising in Barrio Logan and on Highland Avenue in National City has been banned for 30 years, just like the on and off battles on East L.A.’s Whittier Boulevard, Van Nuys Boulevard to the west and all the way to San Jose. The basic problem here is a lack of trust among law enforcement people, as cruising has long been associated with gangs and criminal activity. Whether that’s actually true depends on who you ask. But most importantly, the Chicano community in San Diego’s South Bay will now get a shot to wipe the slate clean.
Thanks to National City mayor Alejandra Sotelo-Solis and a committee of car club kingpins, a six month permit to allow cruising shows will commence on May 6th, and continue on the first Friday of each month through October. The fact that the initial event will take place a day after the commercial, mostly “gringo” holiday of Cinco de Mayo will present a challenge for the organizers. Folks will be in a party mood, and a mixed crowd of onlookers will likely attend the free proceedings. Still, nobody is in panic mode.
“We are all very excited for this opportunity,” admits Marcos Arellano, president of the Impalas Car Club. “It will begin at Sweetwater High School and the cheerleader squad will be there, as well as a mariachi band. It will be like a huge parade.”
Arellano and other club leaders have accepted some financial liability to make this opportunity happen. They had to pull the necessary permits, apply for a business license, and will be responsible for security and cleanup. But all insist that it’s a small price to pay for renewing a tradition deeply embedded in Chicano culture and erase the negative stereotypes.
“We got labeled as the ‘cholos’ or thugs, guys that come over here and cause issues and problems,” continues Arellano. “Lowriding is not just about the cars. It’s about brotherhood. It’s about family.”
