injuries to registrants

By Karin Driesen/Staff Writer

A recent announcement that Pismo Beach switched promoters for the annual June car show caused a stir in the community, raising fears of lost business and causing some longtime show registrants confusion about where they would participate.

The city terminated its contract with Joe Rivera's Central Coast Car Shows in November, claiming he did not pay thousands of dollars he owed the city. In December, the city signed a contract with a new promoter, Just Cruzin Productions, to organize the event.

But Rivera decided to move his "Fun in the Sun" Car Show to Avila Beach, scheduled for the same weekend it's always been and the same weekend as Just Cruzin's show, the Pismo Beach Classic.

However, some participants who had already registered with Central Coast Car Shows were confused about what that meant for them.

Rick Jackson said he was planning to show a 1965 Chevelle at the Pismo Beach show after attending the event for years. He learned the show was moving to Avila Beach when he read about it in the newspaper two weeks ago.

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"I have not been notified yet," Jackson said. "In fact, they are still advertising it as being in Pismo Beach."

Rivera did not return calls seeking comment.

Jackson said he was unhappy about paying another $80 in registration and other fees to join the Just Cruzin show in Pismo Beach but was willing to do it to remain in that venue.

"We registered for the Pismo show; we don't really care who the promoter is," he said.

But for Jackson and others who want to remain at the Pismo venue and have already paid their money to Rivera, there is good news.

The new contract between the city and Just Cruzin requires the promoter to accept registrants without additional charge if they can prove they've already paid their fees to Rivera.

That's one of two changes to the new contract, explained City Manager Kevin Rice.

"If 'Joe Smith' can show the new promoter a canceled check or receipt from Mr. Rivera that he paid, then he doesn't have to pay again," Rice said. "For the first year, the city will give (Just Cruzin) credit for that toward city expenses that they would owe us."

The credit would be good toward such reimbursable expenses as additional police, fire and public works employees' wages during the Father's Day weekend event. Those expenses were the major dispute between the city and Rivera, who thought the charges were excessive, and are the focus of the second contract modification.

"In previous contracts, there was no cap," said Rice. "Although it varied from year to year, generally it was $12,000 to $15,000. Last year, it was $15,105.86. This time, we capped it at $15,000."

Rice said that part of the contract was added to keep more people at the Pismo Beach venue and increase business in the city.

The promoters of Just Cruzin, Les Davidson and Mike Madden, have big plans for the show this year and in years to come. Their contract expires in five years.

"To those folks that have been supporting Pismo Beach for the last years, we're going to do everything we can as far as growth," Davidson said. "But we're trying to go above and beyond that. Our plans are to bring in some entertainment, a '60s band, barbecue, games, eventually maybe even a golf tournament to help increase local business."

Other ideas include a sand buggy show by the pier, a poker run -- where cars navigate through a course picking up cards on the way -- and bigger stars to boost entertainment.

"What needs to happen in Pismo Beach is get some real excitement," Davidson said. "What's happened in the past, guys come with their cars, they show the cars; what else is there to do?"

He also suggested coordinating special events and excursions for family members of car enthusiasts who might prefer seeing something other than cars. Because many people are visiting from Bakersfield, Fresno and other areas, they might enjoy taking a tour up the coast or into the local wine country, he added.

Davidson said the company will mail 14,000 brochures about the event next week. They will include details on the changes from the previous promoter and explain the payment procedure for those who have paid their money to Rivera's company.

"I think it will be a great deal if the new promoter honors those who have already paid," said Jackson.

Davidson said other advertising will be in the works to clear up any confusion and attract visitors to Pismo.

The annual October car show, Woodies & Rods, is still under contract with Rivera. So far, there is no word on whether that will continue as planned.

* Staff writer Karin Driesen can be reached at 489-4206, Ext. 5015, or by e-mail at kdriesen@pulitzer.net.

Jan. 6, 2005