The city of Redwood City has undergone significant changes over the years, but for long-time residents, the sight of lowriders cruising the streets in the ’70s holds a special place in their hearts. This nostalgic era will be revisited at the first-ever North Fair Oaks car show, set to take place on Sunday, August 18. Hosted by the community council, the event will showcase a display of old school cars in a parking lot with a mural painted on the wall of the Centro Cultural building serving as a backdrop.
For Jorge Alfaro Garcia, a lifelong Redwood City resident, this event is a long-awaited celebration. He expressed his excitement, stating, „We’ve been waiting for something like this for a long time. We’ve always wanted something like that but you had to go to San Jose or San Francisco.“ The presence of lowriders was once a common sight in Redwood City, as Esteban Ramirez fondly recalls. His first car, a 1964 light blue Ford Galaxie with a white top, took him on memorable journeys from Reno to Vegas to Tijuana and back again.
Ramirez reminisced about the camaraderie within the lowriding community, emphasizing how members would always come together to help one another. The friendships formed during those cruising days are what he cherishes the most. However, he noted that many have left the city over the years due to rising living costs and rent prices. Despite the changes, the spirit of lowriding still lives on in the hearts of those who experienced it firsthand.
George Saman, a member of the North Fair Oaks Community Council, is spearheading the event with the goal of providing Redwood City residents with a local entertainment option. He highlighted the challenges faced by the North Fair Oaks community, including the impact of the pandemic, ongoing construction projects, and recent fires. In response to these hardships, Saman emphasized the importance of resilience and joy, stating that embracing the city’s culture, where latinidad and classic cars go hand in hand, is key to revitalizing the community.
The event will feature members of Puro Estilow, a local car club that Ramirez and Alfaro Garcia are part of. Ramirez emphasized that lowriding is not just a hobby but a way of life for many individuals. The sense of community and camaraderie within the lowrider culture is evident in the support and solidarity shown among different car clubs.
Despite the challenges faced by the community, the North Fair Oaks car show aims to bring people together and celebrate the rich tradition of lowriding. The event serves as a reminder to slow down and appreciate the present moment, amidst a world that often values speed and efficiency above all else. As Ramirez aptly puts it, „Everything has changed, but me and my people, we don’t change.“ The car show promises to be a memorable event, showcasing the resilience and spirit of the North Fair Oaks community.