Celebrating the 4th

When going to a car show, bring another car guy. And so it was that 90-plus-year-old neighbor and friend Jim Weiks got a knock on his door. “What are you doing, want to go to a car show downtown?” With no hesitation he said,“I’ll get my keys.”

The timing was perfect and so was the location, right at the corner where the Wilshire Theater had been. No, not the car show just yet, the FPD escort directed us through the roundabout so we ended up facing the parade with a perfect and comfortable view. We would take in the entire parade, not impeding traffic because no cars were allowed to enter West Wilshire until the end. The car show would wait.

Check out the trio sporting Zoot Suits from El Pachuco, located just south of the festivities on Harbor. Don’t recall the last time Harbor was closed, but with so little traffic on the 4th, it seemed easy to pull off.

Things got so calm after the parade that the only people downtown were those setting up the food and vendor booths, the Plaza Stage, and the Beer Garden.

Downtown residential streets were lined with jump houses, e-z ups, wading pools, chairs and tables, barbecues and games. Most restaurants and virtually all retail shops gave their employees the day off and were closed.

We attempted to name the make, year, model and power plant of every vehicle, and we came close. Today, one would be hard pressed to tell one SUV from another, but no mistaking the row of Lincoln Continentals with suicide doors, or the Buick Riviera, or the marked differences between Fords and Chevys. An exception, Stephen’s Mustang, pictured above.

Later in the day, the crowd returned for more fun and fireworks.

July 3, 2025 – Big Bang on the Bay Fireworks Show, hosted by Boathouse on the Bay in Long Beach, CA. Photo Shoot with Kristina M., and Mario Duque.

New Downtown

Nice progress at the new Pho/Vietnamese Coffee place going up next to Allison’s Goods on North Harbor (where McClain’s Coffeehouse was). Interesting shade structure, nice glass partition across the front, looks like a facelift and no doubt some interesting work going on inside too. We are looking forward to the opening and, of course, will keep you informed. Also, a new gym dubbed nudegym is in the works in SoCo.

Concert Series

Friday nights at the Fullerton Sports Complex are hoppin’, with Tabu Band on August 1. No Duh, a tribute to No Doubt and Fullerton-born Gwen Stefani, is up next on August 8. FREE FREE FREE.

Charity Group Ride

It was 77 degrees at the North Pole when Santa hitched up the sleigh and headed south for Christmas In July. Half of the South 48 was on high heat alert, but lo and behold, it was the same 77 in Fullerton when he arrived, so as you can see, Santa was already dressed for the occasion. He was not the only one bringing gifts.

Gravity Bicycles recently opened at 109 S. Harbor, and they are already teaming up with sponsors to help those in need.

The Charity Group Ride was held on Saturday, July 26, and donations of food, clothing, infant supplies, kids’ snacks, senior meals, and a lot more rolled into the Courthouse parking lot near the start of the Fullerton Loop.

Pictured above are Pathways of Hope Executive Director David Gillanders with Salvador Hernandez, who also worked their booth, where the items listed on the sandwich board were stacked high, soon to be headed to grateful recipients.

Photo Quiz

Send answer to Mike at AllMedia@sbcglobal.net

Last time: Sure, it was a swallowtail, but the exact answer was the giant swallowtail, rare in these parts.

This time: Big trucks like fire engines and this bad boy were kid magnets at the Charity Ride. Name this vehicle.