Drifting On Memories

Buggs might just be ‘The Most Interesting Man in Lowriding’. An amazing talented painter, a promoter for one of the earliest and successful lowrider shows and might have been the main character of a movie. There’s so much to this one man. He’s got stories after stories. It’s no wonder people want to make documentary and books about his life. We chopped it up after a nice meal at the local Norms in Pico. Like Chicanos do. Enjoy, and hope to have him and Mark Aragon back soon. Trip out on Buggs.

Gusmano came to America from Italy, following his dreams. While in Los Angeles he was captivated by the lowrider cars and the people of East Los. Some of his photos are the most iconic by capturing the truth of the times. Listen as he gives his first hand account of the neighborhoods, the Chicano styles and the parties and his spiritual connections to the people. Gusmano has led a life less ordinary and has the amazing pictures to prove it.

Memo Chop is an all around car and bike builder. Believe it or not, he’s been cruising lowriders and chopper motorcycles since the 50’s and 60’s. His famous 37’ Chevy became an icon when good friend Teen Angel recreated it on a cover with La Vírgen de Guadalupe. Memo becomes emotional reminiscing of his good friends’ honorable mention. He might be best known for his custom car building but make no mistake, Memo has made his mark on lowriders and custom choppers world. Here’s to Memo and all the other OG Chicano builders.

The interview with Trevelen Rabanal might not be what you think it is. The award winning chopper builder talks more about his days building memorable lowriders, and the madness of the 90’s lowrider scene. Along the way, Trevelen makes the connection with Hawaiian surf culture, lowriders and motorcycles.

What’s a Zoot Suiter?! Pachuco Manny Alcaraz draped in his zoot suit cruising his 1933 Chevy Eagle, down the same Los Angeles streets where the Zoot Suit Riots took place in 1943. The Zoot Suit era and style is important to Manny. He co-founded the Los Angeles, Zoot Suit Riots cruise. A lowrider bombs cruise through LA to commemorate the riots of 1943, against young men and woman Zoot Suiters. Manny reminds us of the past and the styles that keep us proud. Oralé!

Steve Gonzalez is a true historian with lived experience. Steve built an iconic chopped 50’ Merc in his driveway and worked for Lowrider magazine, all while in his teen years! Hear the stories behind some of the most memorable Lowrider cover photos and the craziness happening at the magazine staff office. Did you know about Lowrider beer???

Nick’s is the story of lowrider redemption. A long time lowrider, he’s seen the Lowrider Club Wars of the early 70’s and he’s ready to tell us less then half of it. Lol! Regardless of what he’s been a part of, he is now dedicated to unify all car clubs and extend his hospitality to all lowriders. Nick is the President of his club and takes the role extremely serious. If you’re in his club you’re family. The Orpheus car club was synonymous with some of the toughest guys around Whittier Bl., but today they do their best to give back to their community and have a good time! Thanks to Nick and the Orpheus Car Club. Trucha con la carucha!

Santa Ana Lowriders stand up! Your city councilman, Johnathan Hernandez is representing to the fullest. Sharing his personal stories of growing up in the varrio and learning of lowrider family culture. He say, “Our culture should not be criminalized, our culture should be embraced for what it is because that’s what cruising is about”. Today he is fighting for our right to cruise peacefully. Introducing and celebrating a Chicano Heritage month in August in the city of Santa Ana. Let’s all support this the way Bristo St. has been supporting lowriding for decades. Oralé SANTANA!

California Assemblywoman, Luz Rivas to join the Drifting on Memories podcast! She has offered to explain more about the ACR 176 bill to legalize lowrider cruising! Who better to explain the bill, but the woman that wrote it. Luz has strong connections to her community, family and culture. She is a true champion from the hood. Recently, the Assemblywoman has been working hard to promote the ACR 176 bill, to end the discriminating anti-cruising laws in California! Thank you Luz. La lucha sigue!

Will we live to see the day when cruising in a Lowrider is completely legal in California? Well, it may not be so far out of reach. Let me introduce to you the California Legislation Bill ACR176. This measure would allow for local elected officals and law enforcement to work with Lowriders to conduct safe cruising for all!
There’s been a group of motivated raza leading the charge and I was able to gather these individuals to help us understand it. Lorraine Quiñones and I met with Aida Castañeda of the United Lowrider Coalition of San Diego. Carlos Rodriguez, President of The Northern Ca. Dukes CC and the Sacramento Lowrider Commision. Olivia Fonseca, Sacramento Lowrider Commision and Flavio Huizar Sacramento Lowrider Commission.

Jesse is a long, ok very long time lowrider. It’s one thing to be a lifelong lowrider but it’s another to have your car features in 3 of the most well known lowrider movies. That’s right, Jesse was the owner of the famous T-bird features in Heartbreaker- Streets of Fire. But wait, there’s more. Jesse has been a proud member of the Lifestyle Car Club since the age of 15! Enjoy all his stories and say what’s up when you see him in his Lincoln, named Sol De Aztlan!

John Ulloa of Lowride Worldwide and Raul Garcia of Drifting on Memories, share about their own experiences and upbringings, and get into some major discussions. Lowrider culture, social media, and the future of it all. What it means for them to share stories on a podcast. Recorded live on Whittier Bl., John and Raul go over what it all means to them personally and plans for upcoming events. Tune in, don’t rank!

Let’s hear it for the ladies. The Lady Lowriders! Sandy is a true rider and she’ll tell you all about it. She holds no punches, explaining what it’s like for her and other woman in lowriding. Her upbringing and her community played a big role in how she started lowriding. Now she is a part of creating woman lowrider events and woman’s lowrider club. Her family support keeps her doing what she loves, hitting the switch and hitting the streets. Keep a lookout for her.

Evan Greenspan is a part of a four generations family run store, but not just any store, the G’est of them all. The Greenspan’s store is known around the world for it’s selections of specialized clothing. In other words, gangster styles. This store has provided clothes for movies like Boulevard Nights, Blood In Blood Out, Boyz N Da Hood and so many more music videos and shows. Mr. Greenspan himself explains what it was really like in the beginning and how the ‘Cholo’ style has influenced other cultures around the world and a new generation of Gs. Plus, what’s up with ‘gangster appropriation’? Crease your khakis and button your Pendleton for all these great stories.

Angela Romero is a straight up homegirl that is creating a movement with ‘kickin it on a Sunday afternoon’ in mind. The Hello Stranger location is a spot especially created for lowriders. I felt it the moment I stepped in the space, it is going to be something special for our community. The bar top is an insane replica of the world famous lowrider, ‘Gypsy Rose’ of Imperials CC. Angela explains her drive and passion with, “ The lowriders are the candy colors of what we represent as people”. Congratulations to Angela and all her team. Stay tuned to her next moves.

The Chacon family name is synonymous with classic car building and lowriding in Los Angeles. Coming out of the Westside but cruising all cities. Charlie knew at a very young age what it’s gonna take to represent the family name. He jumped on his first Impala at 16 and never looked back. Now, Charlie is working hard to represent his ‘West Los’ culture in a new documentary series of the same name. Fighting gentrification and keeping cruising alive in his old neighborhoods and on those same streets. We are all looking forward to this important documentary.

No one can tell it like Luis Rodriguez can tell it. The gang life, the lowrider scene and the participation and later arrest at the Chicano Moratorium of 1970 in East Los Angeles. His books include; Always Running, The Republic of East L.A., It Calls You Back, and Gang Days in L.A. A poetic narration of our people. Luis Rodriguez doesn’t hold back, sharing about the crazy life he lead and how it’s still a part of who he is. Luis is a co-founder of a successful community book store, a activist and now a candidate for Governor of California. Viva!!

Xavier ‘Harvey’ Reyes of Carnales Unidos Car Club has been labeled a role model, founder and life long lowrider. What makes a life long lowrider? Perseverance and longevity in the world of lowriding. Harveys got that! Bakersfield, California might be a small town to many but the cruising scene is strong. Carnales Unidos and Harvey have been cruising those streets since the 1970s. A special thanks to Harvey and his son Cirilo.

On this haunted edition of Drifting on Memories, Raul and Armando revisit some of the spookiest stories in lowriding. Cursed cars, car trailer fails and haunted murals. A collection of real life nightmare builds and the show cars now rotting away in yards. Beware, these stories will make you cringe!

Amber Tilden has been getting down on the lowrider influenced ‘Varrio Love’ characters. Her own version of ‘Love Is’ and ‘Precious Moments’. Amber is an artist in so many forms and her influences come from different places. Tattooing, sketching/painting and designing, she really is that talented. Her art represents a lot of her life and experiences. I’m positive we will keep hearing about ‘Tilden Art’ for years to come.

Best know as ‘Dr. Cintli’, Roberto Rodriguez can recount a time when his family had recently migrated from Mexico, to right smack in the center of Whittier Blvd. in the 1960’s. Roberto followed a somewhat different path in life, than most of his friends growing up. He chose to, Cruise to College. Oralé! Early activism work and publishing La Gente magazine earned him a spot on the up and coming Lowrider Magazine. He spent years there reporting on the lowrider movement in the barrios. While on assignment covering the opening of Boulevard Nights, Roberto was attacked and almost beaten to death by ELA Sheriff deputies. Suffering traumatic head injuries, years in court, and almost a lifetime of healing. He still continued on his journey of teaching, writing and honoring his ancestors. A true inspirational story. Check out his books, Our Sacred Maiz Is Our Morher, Yolqui, and Writing 50 Years Amongst the Gringos.

Johnny has just about seen (lived) it all. The man grew-up a block away from the world famous Whittier Bl. arches. His neighbors were the Valadez family of The Imperials car club. So we can all imagine what type of inspiration Johnny received from Jesse and his brothers. Not that he needed anymore inspiration. Johnny was already cruising at age 16 in his 1969 Plymouth’Roadrunner’. East Los Angeles in the 70s was just different. New car clubs popped up all over the area. One club that made an impact on the scene was New Life CC, and Johnny was there for it. A club that inspired many others. Unfortunately, the tragic loss of a club founder casused the club to fade out. Fast forward 30 years and New Life is back! Thanks to some of the original members. Now, Johnny and his wife (plus grandkids) can be seen cruising the same streets and with the same plaque, like he did back in the day. Cruising in thier traditional 1969 Impala lowrider.

Marcos might be the true epitome of Chicano. An artist, car builder, muralist and old school punk rocker. I mean, the guy started a lowrider bike club at age 12, in his hometown. Him and his friends would take a bus to find possibly the only lowrider car show in California. When talking about early days of lowriders, he seen it all. He grew up where Lowrider Magazine all started. Story and King in downtown San Jose. Thing is, he’s not only known by that. His art has been featured in numerous magazines, art galleries, community walls and theater shows. His 1966 Impala, Psychotic Pineapple is not too shabby either. Marcos talks about all the influences of art, culture and punk music that went into the build. So much history in so little time. Cheers to you Marcos!

Lowrider Today is what happens when you get three guys that have made car building, photography, writing and editing for magazines a life long career. Saul Vargas, Marco Patino and Mike Harrington introduce to us what the bases of Lowrider Today is, and why it’s a perfect time for it. Yes, there’s over 50 years of working for Lowrider and Kustom car magazines between them all, but this is different. The idea is to feature all of the car culture. From the builds, to the people, photograpy/film, models and show cars and more! Trust me these guys know about car building too. Take a listen and let them tell it.

Great conversations about photography, car models and the re-birth of magazines. Beto knows those topics very well, by working for Lowrider Magazine and now his own project Lowrider Centerfoldz! He goes into the most memorable stories on assignment, like the time he met Bob Morales (Richie Valen’s brother) and almost smoked out with him. If you’re a car culture photographer take a listen to what this man has to say about it all.

Art Garcia from the San Fernando Valley knows all about lowriding and all the changes along the way. Lowriding has played a major part in his life since 1979 when he got his first (and only) lowrider. Art and his 1977 Malibu Classic have seen a lot over the years including 3 paint jobs, car club life, and being featured in a music video from the early 80’s. Let Art tell you about the early days of “Carnalismo” and how we might get back to it. P.S. he’s got a mural of himself on the trunk. Like a boss!

After almost 50 years of lowriding your gonna experience some real ups and downs. Which make for great stories. George Gaytan has more knowledge about lowriding then the average car enthusiast, that’s for sure! One of my favorite stories is the making of the movie Cobra, later renamed Boulevard Nights. George has has some great early memories of lowriding, including buying a lowrider off the showroom floor, filming movies, and obtaining a 1959 Impala for $130.00. Yes, you read that right. Well, George has plenty more memories to make and I look forward to seeing him and his family cruising in that beautiful car.

Tina might just be the true definition of Woman Lowriders Only. Growing up in South Los Angeles, Tina fell in love with lowriders at a very young age and decided to one day own a true lowrider. Since the early days of South Central LA cruising, Tina has built an admirable number of lowriders. As far as accolades goes; Lowrider Hall of Fame, a Lowrider Magazine Super Show award winner, Straight Outta Compton, and prominent member of the Super Naturals CC. Although know as ‘The First Lady of Lowriding’. Tina is the most humble person you will meet. “When I bring out my cars I want it to be understood that I’m not just trying to fit somewhere, I BELONG here” - Tina

Meet Guadalupe Rosales, the mujer behind Veteranas and Rucas. We know you know Veteranas and Rucas. We know you know Map Pointz. We also know you lived those same experiences the pictures captured. Guadalupe breaks down what it all means to her and how it’s evolved to a social movement to preserve and honor the past while educating the future. An artist, educator and active community member. Guadalupe has managed to do what so many outsiders have attempted; tell the stories of our culture from our own experiences.

Stefanie Lizet a painter, pinstriper coming to establish herself in the custom paint world. Dedicating herself to the craft of “laying down pinstripes”. Already a student of the legendary painter, Danny D. Stef understands the amount of sacrifice it takes to paint and later take care of unique paint jobs. “Besides a beautiful paint job, you want a long lasting paint job”. She also talks about what it’s like as a young woman making a name in the male dominated world of lowriders and motorcycles. Good talk, Stef. You got this!

Adriana Avila aka ‘ONNI ARTÉ’ , is paving the way for lowrider fine art! Her art adds the mixtures of cars, powerful woman, and neighborhood scenes. ONNI takes us on down the road with momeories of growing up in Wilmington Ca. (WILMAS) and the start of her love for art. Painting actual woman from the golden era of lowriding. ONNI is giving back to the community that raised her by painting and having her art hang in museums and community studios. Listen to what drives her and the love she shares for her fiancé, daughter and family. Oh, and the Pendleton brand.

Denise ‘Doctora’ Sandoval is so well known in the lowrider community but that’s in no way the extent of it. She’s a real pioneer in bringing lowrider art and culture to the world of prestigious museums. Museums around the country and internationally. She curated all three Lowrider exhibits at the Peterson Automotive Museum. Including The High Art of Riding Low! The Viva Vicas exhibit in North Carolina and an exhibition of lowriders and Chiano/a art in Mexico. Museums that are well known for displaying only fine arts. Professor of Chicano/a Studies, at the California State University, Northridge. Dr. Sandoval says she does it to be authentic to the ‘language of lowriding and art’. Thanks Denise for being the first interview in this series of, Women in Lowriding!

A sit down meeting with Cristina Romero and Spanky, member’s of the Los Angeles Lowrider Community. Spanky is also the President of Just Memories Car Club. He explains to me the real reasons of how the coalition initially started to keep registered sex offenders and pediphiles out of the lowrider community. Later, how they organized a moratorium on Whittier Bl. after outsiders were disrespecting the historic boulevard by littering, acts of violence and over all drama. LALC began meeting with local officials and the police to advocate for cruising on the bully. We hit on a lot of other hot lowrider topics. Enjoy the conversations.

Mike Miller has some of the most iconic lowrider photos you may not even know about. Although, I know for a fact you’ve seen his work, but have you heard the stories behind some of the most important pictures in rap culture? What was it like for Mike to get those famous shots of Tupac and Easy-E? What happened to WC in downtown LA that guns needed to get drawn? Mike really cuts loose on this episode #25.

Abel Perez represents his old neighborhood of Sun Valley Ca. to the fullest. He also a represents his club, Premier with a ton of pride. The man behind so many iconic cars like Summer Madness ‘65 Impala SS, Fantasia ‘65 Impala SS, and soon the Gigolette ‘76 Impala. Trust me when I say, he’s not done yet. Have you ever heard the story of the car painted by master painter, Mario Gomez and legendary pinstriper, Walt Prey? The lowrider urban legend, Summer Maddness. Listen as Abel tells the real story of what happened to that car and why there’s only two fenders left, from that classic ride.

El Sid is the type of name you can say in a crowd, and at least a few people will reply of how cool he is, and what a great artist he is. It’s true. Not only is he an old school punker cholo from Huntington Park to Downey, but his art and lowrider knowledge exceeds his modesty. You can catch Sid cruising in his 54 Chevy “La Otra”, painting or pinstriping, or just hosting a barbecue for his good friends and club members. Oralé los Good Fellas CC!

I’m back at the El Clasico tattoo shop, to interview Jesse Jaramillo. The artist behind the DOM podcast design. Jesse is the type of artist you’ll meet and immediately regain your faith in Chicano art. In this episode he talks about restoring his classic truck from high school, to the next level. Riding Harley’s with his pops and what it means to serve his community through art. Currently, he’s designing for Tecate beer, Galaxy soccer, tattooing and many more coming projects. I seriously can’t thank him enough for coming up with the podcast design. Future is yours Jesse!

You wouldn’t believe it. It’s almost unbelievable. The art of building and restoring rare antique cars, is very similar to playing raw aggressive hardcore/punk music. Told you, you wouldn’t believe me. Well, lucky for us, Frosty aka- Paul Hertz of the band Chain of Strength (HARDCORE/PUNK) ties it all in for us. He also clues us in on his admiration to the craftsmanship of building cars. Early 80s punk rock scene, gentrification in Los Angeles and his good friend Jay Burno (RIP) of Lowrider magazine. Frosty talks about what hardcore and punk rock means to him and how building lowriders relates to all of it. We know you will enjoy this one.

Raul Hoyo and Ruben Muro of Imperials car club take us down the long road of lowrider history. Talking about the cars, the music and the cruising. The famous Imperials cars like Gypse Rose, Technical Ecstasy and Blue Dream. Yea, of course I asked the question; “what ever happened to the Boulevard Nights Monte Carlo?”

Sitting in Chicano Park with David El Abuelo Aguilar. Cruising the streets of San Diego and Tijuana since the late 60s and 70s. Hear about his crazy stories of building and sometimes wrecking cars. This might be as custom car builder interviewing as it get, but then again, it is Da le gas!

Johnny Torres of La Puete Ca. Chevy bombs, oldies lowrider dj and cruise night organizing. Listen to all the ups and downs with pulling people together for demands to cruise the streets without police/city officials harassment. He’s been harassed by both police and other lowriders for what he does, but he’s still going strong. Firmé Johnny!

The Lowrider Sunday’s radio show is a women founded and women operated, oldies radio show, from the barrios of San Diego. The show is in its sixth year and going strong! Listeners from around the world tune in every Sunday. The DJs keeping these sweet oldies turning is ‘Lil Smiley’ and ‘Moni-loca’. These two mujeres continue to do it for their community while showcasing the beauty in lowrider soul music and its gente. Listen in as they tell their truth from a women’s perspective. Viva La Mujer!!

Imagine getting a cultural tattoo from a dedicated student of the culture with personal life experiences. That’s exactly what Antonio Mejia has been doing for his clients. Teaching while tattooing. Explaining the importance energies and meanings that each of his tattoos carry. These are not the everyday tattoo flash, these are one of a kind art pieces. The art of our gente.

“What it means to align yourself with what’s important”

He may not be the one to say it, but he is a teacher of art and ancestral knowledge.
Thank you for allowing me the teocalli, my brother.
P.S. I’d like to apologize in advance to the listeners. Sometimes I get to interview good friends and I forget I’m there for the podcast and not just to shoot the shit.

Dr. Steve Alvarez Mott of GROUPE CC, has been one of those stories in lowriding that is so few and far between. He gets honest about the few lowrider car clubs that were around in the early 70s. The history this man has seen and experienced is extraordinary. Then again, that’s exactly how he’s been living his life. From club wars to medical school.

Danny Galvez aka Danny D, takes us down the road of early 90’s lowriding. Mini-trucks and pushing the envelope of lowrider paint jobs. Danny co-founded the Nu-Minis mini-truck club and later busted out with one of the more well known 66 Impalas, in the history of 66 Impalas. Panty Raid competed and won numerous awards for its radical paint concept, not to mention all the magazine covers it made. Today, Danny continues to paint, pinstripe, and air brush award winning cars. He also managed to start one of the coolest annual lowrider art shows, Paint or Die! Showcasing the art of his fellow artist in the game of art and cars.

*Warning explicit language, or just intoxicated lowriders in their element* It’s very few people that can match the number of things that Mike Lopez has accomplished for himself. Lifestyle Car Club member for 42 years. Builder of one of the most well known traditional lowrider car in the world; The Twilight Zone. A show car judge for The Lowrider Magazine car exhibitions, for 14 years. Assisted in building countless show quality cars and street traditional lowriders. All this, and still one of the most humble and approachable guys you’ll ever meet. I apologize for my fanboy reactions on this one. Mike went on to build the meanest 1967 Impala, known as Devils Chariot. Which can still be seen cruising Whittier Boulevard. Hear him speak about the last trick he’s got up his sleeve for the next lowrider build. The man is LOWRIDING. 🏆