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Yazmin Madriz, 21, sociology major and a M.E.Ch.A. club mem ber, said that there were about 20 car and 15 bicycle entries. She said that all proceeds from the event go toward scholarships.
“Last year the event helped seven people that raised $5,000,” Madriz said. “We want to share to never give up whatever barriers, there is always a way.”
Abraham Hernandez, 21, Vice President of M.E.Ch.A., law enforcement and psychology major, said that the M.E.Ch.A. club mission is to promote higher learning and understanding of Mexican-American culture.
“Most people think that if its lowriders, it will cause problems,” Hernandez said. “We’re not just cruising; it’s part of our culture.”
Maria Guerra, 20,
M.E.Ch.A. English major, said that the M.E.Ch.A. club faced challenges while putting the show together this year.
“We had opposition from the administration, bureaucratic obstacles,” Guerra said. “With the hecticness at SJCC, we weren’t presented with a clear process. There was skepticism about the theme, too.”
Despite these challenges, music played and vendors were there. Food and raffle tickets were sold to raise money for the scholarships as spectators looked at the cars and bikes.
Daniel Lopez, 37, a spectator, said that the cars caught his eye as he was walking by SJCC.
“I think it’s nice to have this show over here,” Lopez said. “It would have been great if there were fliers so other schools could participate, too.”
Christina Cavesuela, 33, said she brought her 1963 Impala to the event after hearing about it at another car show.
“It’s great to see the community come out and participate,” Cavesuela said. “And it is great to get some scholarships for these kids.”
