Police Chief Blasts Fiesta Cruiser Ride

An estimated 1,200-1,400 bicyclists took part in this year’s Fiesta Cruiser Ride, according to Police Chief Cam Sanchez, which — if those numbers are accurate — would mean the 30-something-year-old annual event nearly doubled its attendance from last year. Riders gathered at the dolphin fountain at noon on Sunday, pedaled their way up State Street on the way to Ellwood, then headed back downtown. While there were no injuries, no arrests, and no major problems during the two-hour ride, Sanchez admitted, he said the event is dangerous and disruptive and that organizers “refuse to play by the rules” by not securing permits.