We are going to take you back in time for a few moments.  Salinas California in the Mid 1980's, Ronald Reagen was  just sworn in for a second term and in the Mediterranean half way around the world, PLO terrorists hijacked the luxury cruise liner Achille Lauro.  Here in Salinas we are facing the eminent closure of the South Main Street  Friday and Saturday night cruises by our elected officials.  Alvarado and Calle P streets in Monterey have been designated as one way streets to discourage cruising in downtown Monterey.  Ocean View Boulevard was being patrolled and  anything resembling a Hot Rod was pulled over and told to leave or get ticketed. (?)  It was during this time that a young man by the name of Ron Holland decided that something needed to be done.  He talked with a close friend at work, Gene Garland and together they came up with the idea of approaching Roger Patterson the owner of Roy's  Drive - In about hosting get togethers  of the local car enthusiasts.

This was the humble beginnings of what was to become the Salinas Valley Street Rodders.  The club was formed in 1985 by Ron and Florence Holland, Gene Garland, Roger and Beverly Paterson.  Additional founding members were Delton and Pam Taylor, David Fox and Jimmy and Heidi (?), Alice Giottinini, Leonard and Carolyn Sims, William (Charlie Brown) Tincher, Joe Sigala, Ron and Barbara Strong, and Sonny and Joann Kinzer.

The first car show sponsored by the Salinas Valley Street Rodders was held at the Salinas Elks Lodge on Airport Boulevard, which was a learning experience for the founding members.  Arranging for a band, a full  truckload of raffle prizes with all the members pitching in to make the first show a success.  Following the initial show at the Elk's Lodge the club started holding their shows in what is now known as Old Town Salinas.  Streets were shut down from Market to John and Monterey to Salinas  with the City's approval.  The only requirement was that fire lanes needed to be maintained, however, the shows were such a success that eventually everyone gave up trying to maintain the fire lanes as there were just too many cars arriving for the shows.

In 1991 Ron and Gene traveled to San Francisco to initiate the incorporation of the Salinas Valley Street Rodders.  The papers for incorporation as a 501 (c) (3) Non-Profit Organization were finalized on September 10th, 1991..

We would Like to thank Ron Holland for the interview granted at the 2011 St. Patrick’s Day Car Show, without whom this club may never have been formed. :) 

We are looking for more information, names, photo’s, maybe even video to enhance this page.  Anyone with information and or corrections are encouraged to attend the monthly meeting.