There is about one month left to go until Broadway fills with hot rods and other fancy cars.

The King City Police Explorers are preparing for the Third Annual King City Car Show. On Saturday, Aug. 21, two hours of legalized cruising are planned for those who want to show off their cars along Broadway. The next day, Aug. 22, a full car show will begin at 11 a.m. at the Salinas Valley Fairgrounds Topo Event Center.

"So far preparations are going good," said Officer Mario Mottu Sr., advisor for the Explorers. "We haven't had too many applications come in yet because they usually sign up on the very day of the show." He explained the last-minute applications make predicting the size of the event difficult, but he said he expected a good turnout.

With the car show spanning two days with two entirely different events, Mottu explained the city has not had a problem with the legalized window of time for cruising along Broadway. "It brings the community together," he said. "I've heard nothing but good comments. People tell me it feels like the old days where they actually sat out there and watched cars go up and down the street cruising."

Sunday morning the doors will open to the public at 11 a.m., but Mottu said the doors will open early at 6 a.m. for exhibitors showing up early to set up their displays. The show is expected to last until 4 p.m.

"Streetlow Magazine will be there taking photos and doing promotions. It should be a good day," Mottu said in what he expected. "Last year was one of my biggest shows. I've been hearing a lot of comments of groups wanting to come down." He added, "Basically people are trying to get used to what's going on out here. If I can bring in the hot rods and the street racers then I can show them it's a good time." He mentioned clubs from as far away as Visalia or even Orange County coming to the show.

Encouraging clubs to participate is the trophy offering this year. "I have 155 trophies that I've ordered," said Mottu. "Any kind of vehicle is welcome. If it's got wheels on it, whatever you want to bring in, we'll put it in the show." Additionally, the big item this year is a six-foot trophy and $100 award for the club that has the most members making a showing. "We're trying to bring more people in that way. Next year we'll see if we can do something a little different."

With recent violence still affecting public perception of King City, Mottu said there is a strict policy against gang behavior at the show. "We haven't had problems in the last two years and we don't expect any problems."

Mottu went on to say, "I don't discriminate against people. If you belong to a gang, take your colors off, leave that attitude at the door and come in and have some fun. Anybody's allowed to come in. Once we see something out of the ordinary, like throwing signs or showing gang colors or causing problems, we'll throw them out."

The policy has worked for a fun event for participants in the past two years, Mottu said. "Clubs that I've talked to said they'll come back and enjoy a good family show again."

The event is held not only as a community event, but a fundraiser for the Explorers.



For the complete article see the 07-21-2010 issue.

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