SAN JOSE (KCBS RADIO) – A decades-old law was unanimously overturned this week in San Jose by the City Council.
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Cruising is no longer illegal in downtown San Jose – which was enacted in 1986 citing concerns about the impact that lowriders had on downtown traffic.
But for many, the ban simply targeted groups in the city. "A law, that in my mind was blatantly discriminatory and racist," said Councilmember Raul Peralez.
Even though the traffic law hasn't been enforced in years, Peralez, who was the first to suggest it, said it's time to get rid of the discriminatory law.
"Ultimately we're using way too broad of a brush in my mind," he said. "And again a blatantly discriminatory and racist policy."
The repeal of the ban is definitely long overdue for some.
"The people driving those lowriders are homeowners – blue and white collar workers, coaches, grandfathers, leaders of the community," said Robert Diaz, vice president of the United Lowrider Council of San Jose.
For those in the community, cruising can be an expression of art and cultural identity.
But others are skeptical of doing away with the ban altogether, at least right away.
San Jose Police Chief Anthony Mata floated the idea of a 6-month trial first.
"This is a tool that was there for us, and that's why in my memo I suggested an alternative to a repeal," he said.
But ultimately, the City Council decided to strike it down.
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