The Modesto City Council unanimously voted last week to lift a 33-year-old ban on cruising in city limits.
Director and Modesto native George Lucas created “American Graffiti” in 1973 as an homage to his hometown and its cruising culture. After the film saw success, people from all over the country came to Modesto to participate in cruising events.
But the fame brought consequences: Police reported they saw traffic problems and an increase in crime related to cruising, and in 1990, the Modesto City Council approved an ordinance outlawing cruising within city limits. The ban on cruising has been in place ever since.
At the end of 2022, cruising enthusiasts from across California filled Modesto City Council’s chambers, pushing for council members to consider lifting the ban. They highlighted other California cities that have ended similar bans on cruising enacted in the '80s and '90s, including Sacramento, San Diego, San Jose and National City.
Their presence spurred Council member Chris Ricci to say he wanted to put the matter on the agenda for a vote.
“Cruising bans are rooted in racism and perceptions on gang culture from the ’80s and ’90s, so I believe it’s time to lift this ban,” Ricci said at the meeting last year.
On Tuesday, members of 17 car clubs showed up at the city council meeting to plead their case, including Tina Perez-Tatao, who said some original Modesto cruisers are now grandparents.
“I felt if we did not change the town of Modesto to once again embrace our heritage as Graffiti USA, we would lose it for future generations,” she said.
Fellow Modesto resident and cruising enthusiast Chris Murphy agreed.
“When we bring our cultures together our community shines,” he said during public comment. “This is good for our town.”
Assistant Police Chief Ivan Valencia told the council that the police support ending the ban and that times have changed, and not just in Modesto.
“[There’s been an] absence of any increased violence in other cities that have already repealed the cruising ban. Sacramento, San Jose, National City,” he said.
And some state legislators have launched an effort to legalize cruising across California. Assembly Bill 436, introduced by Asm. David Alvarez, Asm. James Ramos and Asm. Luz Rivas, would end restrictions on lowrider vehicles in state law and end limits on cruising on California streets.
It has passed through the state Assembly and is currently making its way through state Senate committees.
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