This message is from outside the City email system. Do not open links or attachments from untrusted sources. ---------- Forwarded message ---------
From: Blanca Alvarado <
Date: Fri, May 13, 2022 at 9:59 AM
Subject: Historical Perspective
To: Raul Peralez < Peralez, Raul <
Dear Raul,
I applaud your efforts in embracing the cultural richness of the Low Rider community. Your work to validate their importance is inclusive and worthwhile.
It is necessary, however, to understand the intrusive conditions on Story Road that led to the No Cruising Zones.
In the late '70's, Story Road was dubbed the cruising capital of the world by the Dominguez Brothers. As a result Low Riders descended on San Jose every Friday, Saturday and Sunday. They did not only promenade the street. They also blocked driveways, they took over business parking lots, they played loud music, and they attracted underage youth to drugs and alcohol. Jim McEntee, as head of Human Relations, spent entire weekends attempting to protect the youth from violence and drug abuse. The situation became so impactful on the residents and business communities because police officers, ambulance drivers, firefighters were impeded in doing their work. As a member of the Council in 1981, legal efforts were crafted to relieve the Story Road inhabitants and merchants of this unregulated invasion. I was not happy to take on this cultural phenomenon, but as a Representative for the area, I had no choice but to act on behalf of these constituents, To set conditions and the proper location to exhibit these activities was my responsibility and that of the Council.
Blanca Alvarado
I write this narrative to set the historical record in perspective.
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FW: Repeal of No Cruising Ordinance
Taber, Toni <
Fri 8/5/2022 11:27 AM
To:Agendadesk <
Please a ach to item 2.2
Toni J. Taber, CMC
City Clerk
City of San Jose
200 E Santa Clara Street
San José, CA 95113
From: Blanca Alvarado <
Sent: Thursday, August 04, 2022 3:27 PM
To: The Office of Mayor Sam Liccardo <TheOffi The Office of Mayor Sam Liccardo <TheOffi Taber, Toni <
Subject: Repeal of No Cruising Ordinance
Dear Mayor Liccardo and San Jose Councilmembers,
In the late 1970's through the mid 1980's, Story Rd. in San Jose , was dubbed the Cruising Capital of the World. As a result thousands of vehicles descended on Story Road from within and far without Santa Clara County. The effects were extremely harsh on the residents, merchants and motorists. The noise from car radios created penetra ng vibra ons in the homes and throughout the "avenida".
Residents had a difficult me entering or driving out of their driveways, and police and firefighters faced the same obstacles in providing services. The scene was a magnet for underage youth, and the presence of drugs and alcohol were available.
The need to enact a No Cruising Ordinance, far from being driven by racism, was in response to the extraordinary influx of cruisers and the impact on the quality of life and public safety concerns of the community, The ordinance was approved by Mayor Tom McEnery and Councilmembers Shirley Lewis, Blanca Alvarado,Pat Saucedo. Iola Williams, Nancy Ianni, Jim Bealll, Jerry Estruth, Bob Putnam and Lu Ryden, They did so out of compassion and in response to an untenable situa on.
Councilmember Peralez' memorandum of June 28 did a dishonor to these former Councilmembers, and has maligned us as racists.
This is wrong..
He cites the mes he and others were racially profiled by police officers, and that is a separate issue that has been dealt with on many occasions.
The Councilmembers that unanimously supported Member Peralez failed to acknowledge the condi ons imposed on area residents and the amount of indignity and concern that smothered their lives every Friday, Saturday and Sunday evenings.
In repealing the ordinance, at a minimum, apologies should be entered into the public record for this distor on of the truth and commitments should be made that the intolerable impacts of the past should not be allowed, if they resurface.
Blanca Alvarado
Former Councilmember District 5
.