Over 220 people showed up and showed out in Lot 71 for the 2nd Annual Cafecito con Caritos, which translates to (Coffee with Cars) on Saturday morning.
The event was set to begin at 10 a.m., but a line of more than 30 people was already forming around 9:30 a.m. for their free Mi Barrio Cafecito con Caritos Cal State Monterey Bay screen printed shirt by @orgullo.831 before they ran out.
This was a lowrider car show with over 30 cars and trucks, which competed for awards and plaques for best of show, student choice, best class, and other categories. The event was intended to display the Hispanic heritage and more or less celebrate Mexican independence day for this month.
“I was actually part of the first one, it was really fun the first time around,” said car owner and CSUMB staff member Brian Shaw. “I was pleasantly surprised that I won second place (for best looking car), then the person who won first place was generous enough to give me their prize.”
His 2022 C8 Torch Red Stingray 3LT Corvette “is kind of …not the same thing as the rest of these, there’s a lot of effort, time, years and passion built into them. Mine is kind of drive and buy, there’s a little customization with mine but my appreciation is more for the work that goes into the vehicles I’m looking at,” said Shaw. (Describing his 2022 C8 Torch Red Stingray 3LT Corvette)
Old school funk was being played on the speakers, and the area was decorated with colorful decor and different Hispanic flags hung up around the area.
Entertainment was provided by a younger banda named Actividados and guitar player/singer Phillip Retamoza (@retamozamusic) playing cover songs to oldies/old school style songs from popular artists and bands like War, Curtis Mayfield, and many others.
“I feel like this event turned out to be really good. Brings out the people, you know the culture, I just like to see that more…That’s what it was all about, back home. The car shows, the coffee and just everyone getting together”, said fourth-year Marine Science student Sebastian Gonzalez.
Five large circular tables were spread out for people to enjoy their free pastries (donuts and Mexican pastries such as conchas) and freshly brewed regular style coffee/hot chocolate or partake in activities such as a game of mini corn hole, coloring books with markers or color pencils.
“This year we had more cars, more community members attending, more students attending, we had live bands this year, six different awards that were given out and really good food”, said Kenny Garcia, research and instruction librarian, and volunteer for the event.
“…Last year was the inaugural one. This year was a success, the community showed out, students showed out, and I think it was a really great event…And we are excited to start planning already for the 3rd Annual Cafecito con Caritos event“, said Garcia.
Many local clubs had tables set up such as: Project Rebound, El Centro, Personal growth and Counseling to name a few. Car clubs included: Watsonville Riders, Aztec Legacy Car Club Salinas, Sabor Kustoms, and Central Coast RCS.
A local food truck from Gilroy called Vero’s Little Kitchen was also there for people that wanted to purchase food.
At the very end, awards were given out to the best cars that were voted by the people in attendance. There was also a raffle for Jivelo Kustoms shirts, a CSUMB water bottle, pillow and license plate cover.
