It’s that time of year again and the question I’m asked repeatedly is, “What’s happening with the rally this year?” This will be the forth year without a rally. You’d think I’d be used to it and get over it by now but my blood still boils over the loss. People draw me into a discussion on the subject and before I know it my hairs standing on end and my voice is three octaves louder than it ought to be. I don’t even realize it until I see their faces change and they step back a couple of paces as if they think I might start swinging. As soon as that happens I apologize and explain that the city governments stupidity concerning an event that brought more than 100,000 people to our town for years is something that always gets my dander up.
This year marks the 65th anniversary of the 1947 supposed Hollister biker riots and I’m very disappointed that with a couple of rally advocates on board our city council still failed to bring back the event. They failed to replace our police chief; it’s biggest nemesis and I’m a little concerned about the men in line for his job. If they think like Miller doe’s and let fear and speculation overshadow a history of 12 rallies without incident we are still in trouble. Law enforcement would argue with my assessment of an incident free rally but if they would examine track records of gatherings of over 100,000 people anywhere in the United States they’d see just how uneventful our rally was for many years.
There is talk that the rally will be revived next year and I’m trying to stay hopeful. With the economy in the awful shape that it is; despite what the Obama Administration and the media who are in bed with him would have you believe, we could really use the economic boost in San Benito county. The entire state of California would get a much needed boost with a bona fide, well promoted and well run rally and I’m still praying that the powers that be will wake the heck up.
In the meantime I’m thankful for Mike Corbin and Corbin Seats for keeping the spirit alive with his open house, held this year on June 30th. Last years attendance was estimated at 5500 and they are hoping for even more this year. It would be great if more attendees make their way downtown. Johnny’s is setting up shop at Corbin’s this year to sell our t-shirts, shot glasses and other collectables and we’re hoping to steer more people into town from the event. I’m looking forward to spending a little time at our booth myself where the roar of Harley engines, the smell of exhaust and leather and visits from many Hollister faithfuls will temporarily bring me back to the good old days.
I was doing a little research and came across this LA Times article from 1997. I think you will find it entertaining. http://articles.latimes.com/1997/jul/01/news/mn-8695
E-Book is now available at http://bit.ly/miracles-grace.
Paperback is available at http://bit.ly/miracles_grace.
As you may or may not know, my sister Charisse acquired the original “Johnny’s Bar and Grill”, (“where it all began”- as the slogan goes), in Hollister, California in 1995. It’s the bar made famous by the 1953 movie “The Wild Ones” starring Marlon Brando which depicted the beginning of the M/C movement in America, although in a bad light. The cover story and photo on the 1947 issue of Life Magazine forever immortalized her bar. In fact, “Wino Willie’s” ashes, (president of the “Booze fighters” and widely regarded as the president of the first organized M/C in America), are interned in her bar. Charisse’s annual 4Th of July Rally has been regarded as a mini-sturgess and attended by crowds in excess of 100,000, all wanting, (at some point), into her bar… “Johnny’s”. The size of this annual rally has been a local political football benefiting local businesses as well as the entire community, but has also ruffled other feathers. As of this date, official city of Hollister sanctioning of this annual event has not been restored. But the 5’2″ read-headed ‘lil fire cracker that is my kid sister isn’t taking it lying down. “Johnny’s” is a hystorical landmark and national treasure for the M/C community!
I am forwarding to you an email that she sent to me. Please take a moment to read it, it’s not that long. If you have the time or interest, please lend your voice and support. My personal and eternal gratitude goes without saying!
Jake “Popeye” Jacobus
For reference;
http://iconicphotos.wordpress.com/2009/10/09/hollister-riots/
http://theselvedgeyard.wordpress.com/2009/06/10/13-rebels-mc-wild-motorcycle-gang/
http://www.johnnysbarandgrill.com/
*** Remember our troops and vets in any way you can, ’cause all of them paid some, and some of them paid all !!
[your forwarded email is here]
I sent this State wide!