NATIONAL CITY, Calif. — Lowrider enthusiasts are celebrating a big win after Governor Gavin Newsom signed bill AB436. The bill removes the cruising ban across the state of California, it's been an effort the United Lowriders Coalition in National City has pushed for and spearheaded.
Coalition President Jovita Arellano says seeing the band lifted made all their efforts worth it.
“I just started crying, because that was a journey for us, it wasn't a fight,” Arellano said.
With the help of Assemblymember David Alvarez, this local group of lowrider enthusiasts brought this bill to life.
“Now we are able to cruise without having that worry in the back of our minds of getting pulled over, being fined $1,000, risking six months in jail, and risking having our cars impounded,” United Lowriders Coalition Vice President Marisa Rosales said.
California is considered the birthplace of lowriders, so the push bill AB 436 to become law represents a community, a lifestyle, and part of their culture.
“Because all of these things that we did, we didn't do them just for us, we did it for our fellow car enthusiasts,” Rosales said.
The passing of this bill is a victory that goes a long way, for some, it means an opportunity to create memories as a family.
“Now that we're able to do this peacefully without being harassed or anything like that, especially with our family, like ...it means so much more,” Fleetriders San Diego Chapter Vice President Evelyn Torres said.
The coalition hopes to preserve the low-riding culture and educate the public about the low-riding community.