“We try to do as much as we can,” said Neri.Dowling, the creator of the Santa Barbara Street mural that highlights classic transportation, said he tries to attend every Cruise Nite to enjoy the “nice community atmosphere out there.”“You see people at Cruise Nite you haven’t seen for years,” said Anderson.Founded by the Santa Paula Police Officers Association and Chamber of Commerce, the first Cruise Nite was held on Main between 8th and Davis streets. “We had about 60 cars,” noted Anderson, “and last year our biggest night was about 150 cars, plus all the motorcycles,” that stretched along Main from 8th to 10th streets.“Everybody is looking forward to the start of Cruise Nite season,” said Sgt. Juarez.Others help Cruise Nite, including the bands that play in front of Brownie’s Basement, he added. “For Friday’s Cruise Nite we’ll have Angela Skeels and Eastwind. . .Cruise Nite always has a good band.”Anderson said Friday’s Cruise Nite would close Main Street from 8th to Mill streets. “If we have something really special we go all the way to 10th Street. . .”Cruise Nite hours are 6 to 9 p.m. and will take place every first Friday of the month (except July 4th) through October.
Fifth season of Cruise Nite rolling into town Friday
April 08, 2003
Santa Paula News
On Friday Cruise Nite will be rolling into town for the start of its fifth season, proving a success far beyond what was envisioned when the first event stretched along just one block of Main Street.
By Peggy KellySanta Paula TimesOn Friday Cruise Nite will be rolling into town for the start of its fifth season, proving a success far beyond what was envisioned when the first event stretched along just one block of Main Street.Since that first night the line of pre-1975 classic, antique and collector cars has expanded and the event has become a must attend for lovers of anything on wheels. Music livens up the Cruise Nite crowd, Main Street eateries stay open for dinner and Fillmore & Western Railway provides a dining car.Also available at Cruise Nite are custom t-shirts, a different one for each Cruise Nite, designed by noted artist Wendell Dowling.Dowling donates his talents and Portosan the use of their equipment for Cruise Nite, garnering official thanks from Cruise Nite officials.Retired SPPD Officer Dave Anderson and Sgt. Carlos Juarez said that Dowling takes his pick of Cruise Nite participant photos to create the t-shirt design.The shirts “Gets Cruise Nite exposure and people downtown,” noted Anderson.Portosan is used to helping out: the company has loaned equipment for numerous city, community and school events, said Santa Paula branch manager Ray Neri and Anna Lopez, a customer service sales representative.
