
                         Roanoke Times
                 Copyright (c) 1995, Landmark Communications, Inc.

DATE: THURSDAY, March 29, 1990                   TAG: 9003290364
SECTION: NATIONAL/INTERNATIONAL                    PAGE: A7   EDITION: METRO 
SOURCE: Los Angeles Times
DATELINE:                                 LENGTH: Short

CALIF. CITY PUTS BRAKES ON CRUISING

Teen-agers and car club members vowed Wednesday to keep cruising in Modesto, Calif., the city that inspired the movie "American Graffiti," even though they may soon be in violation of city laws designed to limit the weekend ritual.

"They'll never be able to eliminate cruising in Modesto . . . it's something special here; it's part of our heritage," said Dennis Lema, president of the Modesto-based Central California Coalition of Car Clubs.

The Modesto City Council Tuesday night unanimously approved an ordinance to curb cruising on McHenry Avenue, one of the city's main thoroughfares. Some fear the police may use the ordinance to outlaw cruising completely.

The ordinance requires a final hearing next Tuesday.

Cruising has been accorded near-sacred status in Modesto since the 1973 movie immortalized the rites of cruising on "the strip," a street similar to McHenry Avenue. But cruising has become too popular, officials say. As many as 6,000 teen-agers descend upon McHenry Avenue on weekend nights.

Those supporting the ordinance said the activity is ruining their neighborhood. Residents said cruisers keep them awake and vandalize property, while merchants contended they hurt business.

by CNB