On Sept. 22, a fleet of over 50 classic lowrider cars were driven up to the Great Lawn at Villa Montalvo for the 2nd Annual Lowrider Art Showcase. This event was in collaboration with the United Lowrider Council of San Jose, and Local Color, a San Jose-based art organization.
Art and Cultural Identity
The lowrider culture started down in Southern California in the ‘40’s, with stock cars being altered, so their frames sat closer to the ground. They became a cultural touchpoint of the Mexican-American community—and an important art form.
(Dinah Cotton / Los Gatan)
Illegal to SB436
In 1988, Vehicle Code Section 21100 and Section 24008 were written to allow local jurisdictions to make-up their own rules on body height and cruising speed. Local municipalities began dictating the height and the speed of lowriders. If these requirements were not met, the cars and their drivers could be cited and fined. During the 2021-22 legislative sessions, Assemblymember David Alvarez introduced SB 436, which amended and removed this restriction statewide.
Constrictions Off
Today the lowrider culture is flourishing. That was on full display at the art showcase. Enthusiasts showed off retrofitted cars with unique wheels, hydraulic lifts and other custom accessories that can now legally drive on public roads. Bicycles and skateboards in the lowrider style were also on display at this event.
The event included an art market and hands-on art activities for families, Lucas Artist Fellow Gretchen E. Henderson reading “Dear Body of Water,” Local Color art technique demonstrations, dj4fifteen, Lincoln High School Folklorico Dance Team performances, Mariachi Tapatio strolling around, and panel discussions.
This Showcase received over 2,500 advance registrations. There was no charge to enter. Parking was at West Valley College with a shuttle service to the Villa. Delicious food and treat options were offered from food trucks. Support was provided by Applied Materials Foundation, Al Castellano, the George and Judy Marcus Family Foundation, and Santa Clara County Supervisor Joe Simitian.
This family-friendly event was well attended, and was very well organized. That was a tribute to the efforts and coordination of all involved. The stunning lowrider cars, DJs, art-making, vendors, dancing performances and children’s activities all made for a culturally enlightening, relaxing afternoon. And if you missed it this year, look for the dates next year, around the same time.
Dinah’s Event Log
Walk to End Alzheimer’s
Once a year, over 600 communities across the nation join in the Walk to End Alzheimer’s,
The Silicon Valley Alzheimer’s Association Annual Alzheimer’s Walk for Silicon Valley was held on Saturday, Sept. 28.
Our “Let’s Go Los Gatos” team of approximately 18 people was one of the top fundraisers, bringing in over $11,000 this year.
Many generously contributed funds and their time to raise awareness of the fight for a different future.
A special mention goes to the Los Gatos-Saratoga Recreation 55 Plus program and Tom Picraux for spreading the word.
Meanwhile over in the Saratoga Village:
Former Mayor of Saratoga, had this to say about an upcoming spooky happening in that community…
“Over 20 years ago Witchy Walk-A-Bout, an event for Saratoga’s children with Halloween as the theme, was started for all to enjoy. Big Basin Way has been crowded with 300-500 children dressed in costume, with their parents, too, all decked out. Village merchants hand them candy or some form of treat. Every year we look forward to this event sponsored by the Saratoga Village Development Council.”
The Witchy Walk-A-Bout will take place on Saturday, Oct. 26, from 2-4 pm. Merchants will hand out candy and there will be entertainment centers for children. Scarecrows have begun sprouting in the village.
The Los Gatos Community Center Design Event will be held Monday, Oct. 14, 5-7pm, at the Masonic Hall, 131 East Main Street, Los Gatos. This Phase 2 workshop will engage locals to share ideas, needs and wants for a new community center proposal.
Quadruple-M Presentation
“OUT OF AFRICA” at Cinelux Los Gatos, 43 N. Santa Cruz Ave.
Part of the MONTHLY – MONDAY – MORNING – MOVIE series in support of the Los Gatos Thrives foundation. $5
All are welcome. Wheelchair accessible. Assisted listening devices are available upon request. This theatre has very comfortable seating.
· Town of Los Gatos Council Meeting Oct. 1, 7pm, Civic Center.
· Gallery 24 North Santa Cruz Avenue Oct. 4 – all new art and a gallery reception.
· Los Gatos Women’s Business Networking Group Wednesday, Oct. 9, 8-9am, 10 Station Way, Los Gatos (held every second Wednesday of each month).
· Los Gatos Wine Walk, Saturday, Oct. 26, 2-5pm rain or shine. Buy tickets at the Chamber of Commerce office.
