NATIONAL CITY, Calif. (KGTV) — After a two-year push, the United Lowrider Coalition rejoices as California's cruising bans come to an end in January. The celebration kicked off at 10 a.m. in Kimball Park, with lowriders cruising Highland Avenue at 2 p.m.
“We’re already gassed up [and] ready to go. We’re going to have a big barbecue in a few hours and after we eat, we’ll go out to Highland and cruise," said Mr. Rabbit of the Impalas Car Club and United Lowrider Coalition.
He has worked alongside other founding members of the ULC to repeal cruising bans statewide.
“It feels great just knowing that we can go out there and cruise peacefully and have a great time with our music on and with our family," he said.
The group of car enthusiasts started with the goal of bringing cruising back to Highland Avenue. It is the heart of lowrider cruising in the National City.
“So, in June of 2022, we went to go talk with Assemblymember David Alvarez and we asked him, you know what, we’re having problems here in National City and we’ve been working at this for a year and a half and we’re not getting anywhere why don’t you create a bill that is going to help the whole State of California," said Jovita Arellano, the president of the United Lowrider Coalition.
AB 436, better known as "Cruising Is Not a Crime" was introduced and signed by Governor Gavin Newsom.
“We want people to know we’re family we’re not all from the same car club," said Arellano.
However, the United Lowrider Coalition's work doesn’t stop here. They are actively working with youth to pass down the lifestyle and keep them out of trouble.
“The kids need a mentor. So some of our club members and other club members will be their mentors and be there for them and help them build something," she said.
