First cruise in Salinas held after more than 30 year ban lifted

SALINAS, Calif. (KION-TV) Update: June 16, 2023, at 6:11 p.m.- The City of Salinas Officially repealed its ban on cruising Friday.

City and Monterey County Officials, as well as car clubs and cruising enthusiasts, met at Salinas City Hall at 6 p.m. to celebrate the occasion. The cruising prohibited sign was taken down and car clubs from all over waited until 7 p.m. for their first legal cruise in Salinas in over 30 years.

The route was from City Hall on 200 Lincoln Avenue, through Alisal, and ending at Closter Park.

"Let this be the first of many, many, many, many more cruises to come," said Councilmember for District 1, Carla Viviana Gonzalez.

There were cheers of excitement as the City of Salinas officially took down the cruising ban sign. Local car clubs, councilmembers, supervisors and police were all there to witness the historic event.

But for some like Rocio Zamora Mireles, today is extra special, because her husband's funeral service was on the day Salinas City Council unanimously approved lifting the cruising ban.

"It's very exciting to be out here as a tribute to him as well, and the fact that this history in the making for us here in Salinas.

Rocio even brought her son with her, to witness the historic moment and to be with his dad in spirit.

I'm glad that my dad showed me everything about the cars and stuff. And now I can carry on his legacy," said Valentin Mireles, Rocio's son.

Young and old car enthusiasts were all present. Even a baby with a custom lowrider; his grandma says it was vital for him to be a part of this.

"He has a rare disorder, unfortunately, he won't be here for too long. So we are representing him, so, when he is gone, we'll have something of him," Leticia Flores said.

The President of Street Life Car Club says that he wants more youth to be a part of this amazing community, that does not condone violence.

"A lot of times this will keep them out of trouble because you're going to keep them occupied on something else with the goal in mind, which is, you know, a nice vehicle that they can show off," Victor Cervantes, President of Street Life Car Club said.

Cervantes says they plan on cruising once or a couple of times per month.

City of Salinas votes unanimously to repeal cruising ban after more than 30 years

Update: May 3, 2023, at 12:25 p.m.- The City of Salinas voted to repeal the cruising ban since that was implemented in June of 1992, after a unanimous decision on Tuesday.

Cruising will now be allowed within city limits in 30 days.

Salinas Police Chief Roberto Filice said he is all for lifting the ban during the city council meeting. "We don't need a pilot program. Rip it off like a bandaid and have fun."

Business owners on Main Street said parking and safety are two main concerns they have now that cruising will be back in the streets of Salinas.

“As a business owner, I see a lot of problems,” said Frank Savino, Aquablue business owner. “Parking will be an issue and noise will be an issue.”

Savino has owned his business, Aquablue, for the last 20 years. He said parking issues aside—he is also worried about safety.

“People cannot cross the street as it is without almost getting run over by people not paying attention and all that kind of stuff,” said Savino. “So, I think you're just inviting more trouble without really taking a much closer look at what's going on.”

However, people who support cruising, like Street Life Car Club, who drives a car like lowriders think it's vital for the city of Salinas to bring cruising back.

“I get that before cruising was different, but now it's not the same,” said Victor, President of the Street Life Car Club, "A lot of the guys that in the club are doctors, teachers and have majors.”

On the other hand—Salinas Council member—Carla Viviana Gonzalez-- thinks bringing back cruising will be a pivotal point in history.

“There is so much to celebrate and to bring back here,” said Council member for District 1 Gonzalez, “This is celebrating Chicano culture,” said Council member Gonzalez.” I can speak to you about 1973 there was the Chicano concern patrol which was organizing youth that talked about their issues with city leadership, with the police, state, in order to engage more civically.” She also said cruising was never about crime, but bringing back the community.

“Out of that concern patrol, came a lot of car clubs,” said Council member Gonzalez, “So, from the beginning this activity was political and it about being more involved in the community, not less. It was about stopping criminality, not engaging in it.” 

Councilmember Gonzalez also said there are assembly and senate bills in California that are working to repeal cruising statewide. 

City of Salinas will vote on whether to repeal cruising ban after more than 30 years

Update: May 3, 2023, at 12:25 p.m.- The City of Salinas will vote on whether to repeal the city's cruising ban after more than 30 years, per Salinas Councilwoman Carla Viviana González.

On May 16, the Salinas City Council will vote on whether to repeal the ban on cruising during a meeting that will start at 4 p.m.

"Cruising is a historical asset to the Salinas Valley, there is a proud culture that residents have long preserved and advocated for," said Councilwoman González. "It’s about time we honor them and bring this back!"

Cruising was banned on June 16, 1992, in Salinas.

The city defines cruising as "repetitive driving of a motor vehicle past a traffic-control point in traffic which is congested at or near the traffic-control point, as determined by the ranking peace officer on duty within the affected area, within a six-hour period and after the vehicle operator has been given an adequate written notice that further driving past the traffic-control point will be a violation of this article."

Meeting for pilot program in Salinas draws cruising enthusiasts throughout the county

Update: April. 26, 2023, at 1:15 p.m.- Over a hundred enthusiasts were present at Sherwood Hall Tuesday for the first meeting to gauge interest in lifting the over 30-year ban on cruising in the City of Salinas.

Members from the Salinas Car Club, Tavares Family Car Club Foundation, and Castroville Midnighters Car Club (formed in 1948) and other groups were present and united on a singular message; lift the cruising ban in the City of Salinas.

Dozens even brought their cars to demonstrate the want to showcase their culture and heritage.

During the meeting, city leaders presented the history of cruising in Salinas and what they are looking for to legalize the activity.

Cruising was banned on June 16, 1992, in Salinas, and at the time, the city cited 16 incidents of violence, drinking and peace disturbances on private properties associated with cruising.

"Cruising for us is a way showcasing what we have and our time and effort. It's a piece of art, and that's what it comes down to," said President of Street Life Car Club Victor Cervantes said.

Recently cities like San Jose and Sacramento have lifted their cruising bans, Salinas will look to their models and follow them to legalize it within city limits.

Currently, Assembly Bill 436 is in the process of being approved. If approved, it would "remove the authorization for a local authority to adopt rules and regulations by ordinance or regulation regarding cruising."

Three subcommittees have approved the bill, per the City of Salinas.

A decision to lift the ban won't come immediately, as Tuesday was just an informational meeting.

Cruising pilot program considered for Salinas

The City of Salinas announced they would be holding a community meeting on April 25 to see if there is interest in a pilot program for cruising within city limits.

The meeting will be held at Sherwood Hall, located at 940 Main Street, from 6 p.m. to 8 p.m.

Organizers will share the current ordinance and explain what the pilot program could look like. Childcare, translation, and refreshments will be provided.

KION contacted the City of Salinas for the current cruising ordinance, and they said that cruising was not allowed in the downtown area and had not been for a few years.

The city defines cruising as "repetitive driving of a motor vehicle past a traffic-control point in traffic which is congested at or near the traffic-control point, as determined by the ranking peace officer on duty within the affected area, within a six-hour period and after the vehicle operator has been given an adequate written notice that further driving past the traffic-control point will be a violation of this article."

Cruising is prohibited on any portion of public streets or highways and is identified at the beginning and end of a portion of the street or highway subject to cruising controls by a "No Cruising" sign. According to the city municipal code, drivers caught cruising could receive a written warning and an infraction.

We are still awaiting on a response to what the city would allow with the pilot program.

Any questions can be answered by calling 831-758-7201.