San Jose resident David Polanco doesn't own regular cars - he has lowriders dating back to the 1950's.
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"A lot of our cars are sentimental to us in one way or another. Just like the Chevelle over there, I've had that since I was 19 - that was my wife's family car," Polanco said.
Ahead of Cinco de Mayo, he's thinking back on how the Mexican holiday was celebrated when he was growing up in San Jose.
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"Running around the streets in downtown San Jose and seeing the cars and the music and the entertainment. The Folklorico dancing- you name it. The Aztec dancing you know. It was just a big celebration with San Jose it's a prideful thing and unfortunately we don't have that anymore," Polanco said.
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The annual celebration has been scaled back over the years.
But there is hope for change.
"I always say, the city has already proven they've embraced the lowrider community," Polanco said.
In September of last year, San Jose's decades old ban on cruising was lifted. The 'no cruising zone' sign posted along east Santa Clara Street was removed.
MORE: Last 'No Cruising Zone' sign comes down in San Jose, lowrider community celebrates historic change
Last 'No Cruising Zone' sign comes down in San Jose, lowrider community celebrates historic change
Now the United Lowrider Council of San Jose is organizing to help other cities get their ban repealed.
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"We all want the same thing to make it better for everybody and put a positive look on lowriding," Polanco said.
Polanco says the history of lowriding is not on their side but that's what they're trying to change.
MORE: 'We are one': Mexican pride on full display as Cinco de Mayo draws large crowds to SJ
Mexican pride on full display as Cinco de Mayo draws crowds to SJ
"All we can do is focus on what we do. That's one of the reason's we've organized the group to show the positive side of lowriding," Polanco said.
The next event United Lowrider Council of San Jose is organizing is scheduled for Sunday May 21 called Raza Unida Fest. It will be a famil- friendly event with live music and vendors between San Salvador and Market Street.
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