Highland Park

You can always count on having fun at the annual Goodtimes street show.

By Nathan Trujillo

The annual Goodtimes C.C. car show in the city of Highland Park, California, is one show that's entirely different than any other car event that we're used to. Most car shows are organized either at high schools or fairgrounds, or even big-time multi-million dollar venues. However, when our Lowrider Magazine staff member arrived at the Sixth Annual Goodtimes Car Show one sunny Sunday this past June, he was indeed surprised by the five-block street show running on Figueroa Street between Avenue 57 and Avenue 5. This photographer was thrilled to see something different because it allows for a slightly different train of thought regarding photo opportunities. Besides, the show was a lot of fun.

The flyer promised the attendance of more than 500 of LA's sweetest lowrider cars, trucks, bombs, bikes and today's ultra-sleek imports at this free-to-the-public show. And boosting the parties' interest level was the amount of commercial booths that sold everything from food and drinks to trendsetting automotive accessories. More than 400 showed up displaying every piece and part that could be modified and that was more than enough for any Southern California car culture enthusiast.

After speaking with Goodtimes club president Paul Sanchez, we discovered that the show is in its 13th year of existence. However, the club has professionally organized it for the last six years during which time it has become more of a success. Long-time presidente Paul receives a tremendous amount of help from vice president Ismael Flores, who assists him with his knowledge of lowriding promotional skills. Paul went on to explain that 50-percent of the money made goes to the club, while the other half is earmarked for the Jesse Rosas Toys for Tots organization in the city.

What was different about this summertime blow-out? Well, beyond all of the high quality and high shine, there was also an impressive hydraulics hopping contest that was excellent entertainment for video cameras and Internet action. About 13 competitors tried their luck at the hop sponsored by O.G. Hopper, which performed mechanical inspections and required cars to hop on wire rims... with standard issue lowrider tires, of course.

The walk along the main boulevard was all too thrilling as we met with old friends and made new ones in every club. More than 35 car clubs--including Night Crowd, One Bad Creation, Dynasty, Latin Rollerz, Kings of Kings and many more--enjoyed the event and with what little space we have we'll give you a few of the day's top players. Frank Silva won three Best Of awards, Eddie Reese claimed Best Bike, Richard Gomez earned Best Mural, Wayne Dickey won Best Multicolor Paint and Lupe Reese took home the Most Use of Chrome award. With 37 cars showing on the boulevard that day, Night Crowd C.C. claimed the Most Members award, and Temptations C.C. won for Longest Distance.

By day's end, nearly 4,000 people had crammed the sidewalks and got a peek at the outstanding examples of the lowrider sport that were filling Figueroa Street. It was appropriate that the cars and trucks were actually on the boulevard where they belong, and as long as the car clubs and dedicated individuals have anything to say about it, the sport is expected to cruise the streets for years to come.