Way back in the ‘90s, National City banned lowrider cruising on highland avenue, citing concerns about crime and congestion. Some city councilpeople worried openly that the practice was attracting “the wrong element,” a claim that was seen by many in the Hispanic and African-American community as quietly racist. They argued that the ban amounted to racial profiling. And earlier this month, National City’s leadership signaled its agreement, formally repealing the ban in response to a years-long grassroots campaign from the lowrider community. “This is a great day for lowriders,” said Statutory Grape owner Randy Shockenawe, “but more importantly, it’s a great day for National City. Because they will finally get to appreciate the glory and greatness that is my car.”
Way back in the ‘90s, National City banned lowrider cruising on highland avenue, citing concerns about crime and congestion. Some city councilpeople worried openly that the practice was attracting “the wrong element,” a claim that was seen by many in the Hispanic and African-American community as quietly racist. They argued that the ban amounted to racial profiling. And earlier this month, National City’s leadership signaled its agreement, formally repealing the ban in response to a years-long grassroots campaign from the lowrider community. “This is a great day for lowriders,” said Statutory Grape owner Randy Shockenawe, “but more importantly, it’s a great day for National City. Because they will finally get to appreciate the glory and greatness that is my car.”
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