By Ayden Vasquez
Riverside City College students, faculty and lowrider enthusiasts flocked to RCC’s campus on Sept. 21 to enjoy music, food and custom cars.
The Lowrider Car Show was deemed an all-around success with the help of the Associated Students of Riverside City College (ASRCC).
The event was not just for lowrider enthusiasts but for car enthusiasts in general. Cars on display ranged from the simplest of old-school pickup trucks to modified classic muscle cars.
“Lowrider culture and car culture in general is not about whose car is the best,” said Richard Rangel who brought a car for display. “It’s about art and displaying that art to the world. It’s a way of life and that way of life is not meant for just car people or lowrider people. It is meant for everyone.”
These people dedicate their lives to their cars. That dedication brings people from all around to come and enjoy their work.
“It’s nice when the community comes out to these events but it is even better when students on campus or younger people in the community come out as well,” said Claudia Almanza who also displayed a car.
Most still work jobs to support both themselves and this lifestyle.
“Lowriding is not associated with low life,” Almanza said. “It is a family of hard-working people who go to work to make money to spend it on their cars. It is a representation of Hispanic and Chicano culture as well as art, car culture and more. It is truly something beautiful.”
ASRCC’s goal is to have people from all walks of life come together to enjoy the art of lowriders.
“I have been here for the past two years and compared to those past years there is a huge difference,” ASRCC Vice President, Alyne Nieblas said. “This year, the turnout is massive. I am more than happy with the overall result of this event and cannot wait to do it all over again next year.”