Local car enthusiasts react to police canceling “Park and Chill” events
Local car clubs were planning a late night “Park and Chill” event last weekend at the Sam’s Club parking lot in Indio. Police announced via social media they had canceled the event.
Car enthusiasts say they plan these gatherings to socialize and enjoy each other’s cars. However, in some cases, the events have gotten out of hand and involved underage drinking or street racing.
“We just don’t want meetings at 12 o’clock at night on a Friday with ten cars out there that have illegal exhaust, modified exhaust systems, they have nitrous oxide, they’re doing burnouts, they’re doing donuts in the parking lot…that kind of activity is dangerous and there is no tolerance for that,” said Sgt. Dan Marshall of the Indio Police Department.
After Indio Police canceled the event, the car clubs relocated to the Sonic parking lot in Cathedral City. Sonic employees tell us they did not cause a disturbance. Representatives from three involved car clubs met with News Channel 3’s and CBS Local 2’s Madison Weil on Tuesday at that same Sonic to discuss hosting safe, future events.
“My club in particular, even my members, they already know as soon as we start seeing somebody burning tires, doing donuts or probably trying to go somewhere else, we pretty much try to just pull ourselves out,” said Dolores, Owner and President of Mesmerize Car Club.
“We show up we hang out…a lot of people bring their kids out. Our number one thing has always been safety…always being careful,” said Toro, Vice President of Cali Street Demons Car Club.
All three car clubs expressing a willingness to compromise in order to continue hosting successful car events. Police also telling us they’re open to the idea, as long as the clubs work within the perimeter of the law.
“These car clubs that want to reach out to us — we’re here. We’re on Facebook. We’re on Instagram. We have a non-emergency number that’s manned 24 hours a day. We’ll gladly talk to anybody who wants to hold a car meet,” said Marshall.
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