Central Coast Lowrider History Project
The Central Coast Lowrider History Project seeks to record and preserve stories of the local lowrider community. Car owners, from Monterey and Santa Cruz Counties, represent decades of history at the forefront of the car community. This growing oral history collection intends to maintain memories of car owners, and leaders of local car clubs. It celebrates the Central Coast as a hub of innovation in lowrider culture. The project’s intention is also to draw attention to the need for more academic research into lowriding as an experience. Lowrider culture is deeply connected to other forms of expression, often serving as a creative outlet. Cars and clubs reflect appreciation for Chicano/a identity. Stories in the collection cover themes of aesthetics, artistry, bonds in family and friendship, community service, appreciation for craft, and joy in cruising.
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Interview with Daniel Nane Alejandrez
Daniel Nane Alejandrez and California State University, Monterey Bay
Daniel “Nane” Alejandrez founded Barrios Unidos, an organization in Santa Cruz focused on violence prevention. In the interview, he discusses his upbringing and connection to lowriding culture. He also mentions his time at University of California Santa Cruz and filmmaking. He shares overcoming personal adversity, and emphasizes family bonds. He includes insight into lowriding as a therapeutic act, ties to the car community and passing on enthusiasm for lowriders to the next generation.
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Interview with David Bonilla
David Bonilla and California State University, Monterey Bay
David Bonilla is president of Family First Car & Bike Club. He shares his experiences growing up in lowriding culture in Watsonville. He discusses lowriding mentors, and development of the club. David also reflects on lowriding as self expression and bonds forged through lowriding culture. He emphasizes community service through car clubs.
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Interview with Phillip Retamoza
Phillip Retamoza and California State University, Monterey Bay
Phillip Retamoza is an engineer with Meta, musician and lowrider car owner from Watsonville, California. He explains designing and restoring his 1950 Mercury. His car is equipped with a sound system in the trunk, and utilizing his custom guitar, Phillip performs professionally at car shows and venues. In the interview, Phillip explores his musical influences including Carlos Santana.
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Interview with Tracey Torres
Tracey Torres and California State University, Monterey Bay
Tracey Torres owns a lowrider car, and teaches high school. She shares stories of early car experiences in her interview. She also discusses teaching, and student interest in lowriding. Tracey discusses Chicano/Chicana culture, and the joy she finds in lowriding.
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Interview with Eliseo “Moe” Haro
Eliseo Haro and California State University, Monterey Bay
Eliseo “Moe” Haro is president of the Watsonville Riders Car Club. During the interview, he shares his personal experience with lowriding, cruising, club history, and thoughts on cultural expression. As leader of the club, he works collaboratively with other organizations to arrange fundraisers to aid the local community. He also discusses misperceptions and challenges faced by local lowriding enthusiasts. Moe involves family in lowriding, and seeks to pass on an appreciation of cars to his daughters.