the suburban development of east san jose after wwII was influenced by car culture: drive-in theaters, bowling alleys, drive-in diners, shopping centers and super markets – all designed around the use of cars – represented modern living and generated the urban layout of the city.

today, car culture is still an important part of east san jose’s identity. it is especially visible in the lowrider culture. the first low rider club in san jose was founded in 1974. within five years there were more than 40 car clubs on the east side of san jose. story road and king road became the epicenter of the local low rider culture. kandy-colored paint schemes (colorful paint over metallic backgrounds) on cars dating back to the 50s, 60s and 70s along with lowered suspension systems are elaborate expressions of this culture. annual boulevard nights in san jose continue to be the biggest cruise night in northern california. lowriders from all over meet up at a parking lot at story rd and white rd to share their passion.

the patterns at this shelter mimic classic detailed car paint designs. the ceiling pattern was executed by raul delgado, a local artist who has made his name as painter of lowrider cars. pavers depict automotive engine and suspension parts as would be seen under the hood of a low-rider car.

information provided by abraham ortega

alum rock park, also dubbed “little yosemite”, is located in the foothills of san jose at the end of alum rock avenue.

founded in 1872, it is california’s oldest municipal park. from 1890 to 1932 it was a nationally known health spa with 27 mineral springs, an indoor swimming pool, tea garden, restaurant, and dance pavilion.

the alum rock railroad once ran from downtown san jose (starting at santa clara street and mclaughlin avenue) along alum rock avenue and ultimately to alum rock park. a round trip cost 25 cents. starting operation in 1896 as a steam railroad, the railroad was upgraded to an electric system in 1901 and ceased operation in 1931 due to increased car ownership in the area. a portion of today’s brt line follows the alignment of the original railroad.

the patterns at this shelter are inspired by vintage postcards of the alum rock park, the alum rock railroad, and of the thenardite crystals found at the park – the crystals were originally mistaken for alum and gave the park the name. all elements are arranged in a pattern similar to a victorian era wallpaper, referencing the time of the park’s heyday. a topographic map of alum rock park provided the inspiration for the paving pattern.

information provided by the california history center foundation, history san jose, and the california room of the san jose public library;

the mexican tradition of charreada is a competition similar to rodeo. the tradition is still alive in the neighborhood and adjoining foothills, as evidenced by the “el rodeo” store at alum rock & white that sells clothing and paraphernalia related to the sport. we also interviewed a former mexican bullfighter turned writer residing in the area (rudy tenes, “hand to hand”).

norteño music is often performed at charreada events. this type of music is related to polka and corridos, with the accordion and bajo sexto six-string bass guitar among its characteristic instruments. the band “los tigres del norte” is one of the most acclaimed norteño bands nationally. its band members reside in the east san jose foothills. the band has won five latin grammy awards and sold 32 million records.

the patterns at this station evoke the topic of charreada with a charro’s silhouette and coiled lassoes on the pavers, while the patterns on ceiling and windscreen are laid out in the shape of wide brimmed sombreros, featuring norteño instruments and items related to the charro tradition.

information provided by darlene, rudy and lily tenes