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From left, Debbie Moran and Dave "Bingo" Quiel are pushing to have a motorcycle rally in Galt in June. The Galt City Council will vote on the issue today. (Brian Feulner/News-Sentinel)

Gallister awaits vote

Motorcycle rally idea running into criticism from Galt police

By Matt Brown
News-Sentinel Staff Writer
Tuesday, April 3, 2007 6:42 AM PDT

Comments (40 comment(s))

The Galt Police Department has a recommendation for a local motorcycle club: Take your wild hogs elsewhere.

The Modified Motorcycle Association of California is seeking to add a motorcycle rally to the traditional Galt Festival. The rally would feature a barbecue, live music and a mechanical bull riding contest. The event would be called Gallister, an homage of sorts to an annual biker gathering in Hollister.

The police department has met with the organizers of Gallister and is recommending that the City Council not approve the event because of security concerns. The council will vote on the issue today.

According to a city staff report, Police Chief Loren Cattolico is recommending against the rally because, "some of the attendees would likely be members of motorcycle clubs known to have criminal associations."

The event, planned for June 30, would raise money for various Galt charities, according to organizers. Galt resident and MMA business manager Dave Quiel said half the rally's $5 entry fee would go to the Galt Festival, which raises money for local organizations such as the Boys and Girls Club. He said he expects 250 to 300 participants at the event and alcohol would be banned.

Galt Festival Chairperson Sharon Gillies said she does not expect any problems from the group of bikers, many of whom are local residents.

"What we are pushing is allAmerican fun," she said. "It's another way of getting the community to be a part of the Galt Festival. I think (the police department) overreacted."

Quiel said his club has raised $7,000 for the Galt Fire Department and has also raised money for Adopt-A-Child in Lodi. He said past rallies have been very peaceful.

"Everyone has a stigma that motorcycle clubs are a bunch of thugs," he said. "We have doctors, lawyers; all walks of life. We are family people too. We just like to ride motorcycles."

Hollister Independence Rally at a glance

Hollister has held a motorcycle rally the weekend before the Fourth of July every year since 1947. The 1953 Marlon Brando movie "The Wild One" is based partly on the original rally, dubbed the Hollister riot.
The city of Hollister lost $250,000 in the 2005 event, which was attended by about 100,000 bikers, and the City Council decided to cancel the event for the first time in 2006.
Bikers decided to stage an impromptu rally anyway and 5,000 participants showed up last year. Police arrested at least 69 people.
The Hollister City Council is considering hosting the event again this year if the rally committee can raise $385,000 to cover security costs.
Source: City of Hollister.

There does not seem to be much support for the rally from council members. Mayor Tim Raboy said the event doesn't mesh with the 50-year-old festival.

"It's pretty much a no-brainer," he said. "The Galt Festival is a family event. I don't consider this a family event."

Councilwoman Barbara Payne said she hasn't made up her mind, but she supports Chief Cattolico.

"I'm going to wait to hear what they have to say," she said. "It's going to be up to them to convince me. We'll see what they have to say, but my first inclination is to support our police chief."

According to the staff report, Cattolico contacted Captain Bob Brooks of the Hollister Police Department, who said the city's Fourth of July rally draws 100,000 participants.

The Central California city spends more than $300,000 in police overtime during the three-day event and there are numerous fights and alcoholrelated arrests, the report said.

Vice Mayor Andrew Meredith said he is worried the rally could turn into another Hollister.

"Hollister has seen many problems with crime," he said. "If you are talking about a Hollister-type event, that is not good for the city."

The proposed rally would include biker events not covered by the city's insurance carrier.

Contact reporter Matt Brown at mattb@lodinews.com.

Reader Feedback

Observer wrote on Apr 6, 2007 7:36 AM:

" Keep it up doctor. It's good to see that someone can really get to T&C. Hope you can help him. "

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T & C wrote on Apr 5, 2007 8:07 PM:

" I'm not one who has to use different names to be outspoken. If it syas T & C, it's me. Otherwise, I'm not a chickensh** and post under many other names like some of you. Maybe you're the ones that need the psychoanalyst. "

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proud wife of a sons of california biker wrote on Apr 5, 2007 12:53 PM:

" All you backwoods hermits. Who do you think will be the first in line to help if you or your baby needs money or food? galt police oh maybe the city council maybe our new closed minded chief of police ! No it will be a BIKER. "

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Good Grief and To T&C are one in the same wrote on Apr 5, 2007 11:00 AM:

" I was addressing one issue, thereby using the moniker Good Grief, and then addressed a different issue altogether, thereby addressing to you, T&C, personally. Hence, To T&C. I don't have to have a blog name. I blog on occasion as the article directs. In this case, the Gallister Bike issue. Which, I feel, is so totally rediculous. About as rediculous as your paranoia responses. I just happen to agree with the psych doc and others who disagree with you. Great minds think alike! "

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Psychologist wrote on Apr 5, 2007 7:22 AM:

" There you go again T&C. Try and not let yourself to get so upset. You are not following your medical instructions. How are you going to get any better if you aren't trying. I can only do so much to help you. You have got to help as well. Now lay down and start repeating to yourself, "the good ol boysz like me, the good ol boysz like me,....". That's it....relax. "

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T & C wrote on Apr 4, 2007 6:09 PM:

" GHood grief, to T & C and psychologist, please decide which bl;og name it is you want to use. I'm stating it like it is and if you're ofended either don't read or hire a detective and find out who I am and sue me! You're about as hypocritical as they come. "

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galtluver wrote on Apr 4, 2007 3:10 PM:

" I think it's great that the Galt City Council stood as "one" behind the new Police Chief in Galt on his report and recommendation to "nix" the "Gallister Rally" for the Galt Festival. There is nothing wrong with the MMA and it should have been presented as an MMA function. As a parent the "Gallister" would have kept me away, as a senior citizen, I would have stayed away. Everey town across America has a negative element and we would not want to send the message it is welcomed and "Gallister" could. "

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Good Grief wrote on Apr 4, 2007 9:59 AM:

" To T&C, thanks for answering what a good ol boy is. You must be one of them! It's your way or no way and if somebody doesn't agree with you, you lash out by name calling. As you did to my second blog addressed to you, "To T&C" No, I am not a split personality with the psychologist. As I mentioned before, either be a solution to the problems, run for city council, or just shut up. "

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Psychologist wrote on Apr 4, 2007 7:52 AM:

" Settle down T&C, settle down. Good, now we're communicating. I'd like you to lay down, close your eyes and start thinking good thoughts. Think about all the good things that have happened in your life. That's it, breath slowly and let all of the bad vibes leave your body. Keep repeating to yourself, "the good ol boyz like me". I'd like you to do this at least three times per day. I'd also like for you to start limiting your blogging to no more than ten blogs a day and work downward. "

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Thank You wrote on Apr 4, 2007 6:18 AM:

" Thank you Psychologist. I've always wondered what was wrong with T&C. I've just attributed it to "old grouchy syndrome". Feel sorry for the guy. "

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sam wrote on Apr 3, 2007 7:09 PM:

" Nylodian, Nice! "

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to to T&C and psychologist wrote on Apr 3, 2007 4:48 PM:

" Are you split personalities? You complain about my truthful blogs and say they're all lies, yet you don't refute me. You are the ignoramuses that are stupid enough to read them, although you continue to complain you don't like me or my blogs. Just don't read them and you'll stay calm and med free. "

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T & C wrote on Apr 3, 2007 4:45 PM:

" "Good ole' boyz" don't know what respect is. Or honor and honesty, only money and greed. The "good ole boyz" in Galt have been in control too long, and will only accept "their way". Patterned right after livable, lovable Lodi. "

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Longtime Local wrote on Apr 3, 2007 4:05 PM:

" Also if you notice, they are having it this year because of all the money that is brought into town. You must give respect to get respect! "

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Longtime Local wrote on Apr 3, 2007 4:03 PM:

" The only problems were with the Law Enforcement people, they had signs at Hollister stating if your are inside a store you are a customer, if you are on your bike you are an outlaw. Most of the tickets were issue'd to Police and Fire motorcycle clubs. "

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Longtime Local wrote on Apr 3, 2007 4:02 PM:

" Weezer, I had the pleasure of attending Hollister this past year and was in the company of individuals who were there for the first rally. They are now in their 80's doing BBQ's, telling stories and riding vintage bikes. "

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Drudge wrote on Apr 3, 2007 3:39 PM:

" I still say beware. Drinking, mixed with hogs, tattoos, knives and scantily-clad women, will create an inflammatory situation. "

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Roger wrote on Apr 3, 2007 3:24 PM:

" Since Galt doesn't want the motor-rats, they should be welcomed in Lodi. This would be good for businesses throughout the city. Motorcyles... come on over to Lodi, we'll welcome you with open arms and loads of homemade beer! "

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stop being so paranoid!!! wrote on Apr 3, 2007 3:10 PM:

" man i swear people are too scared for anything new to happen in their "little town" even if its for a good reason.....Kids...just because they hear bikers are running the event everyone goes crazy for some reason.Maybe the police should be more concerned about all the other crime going on in the same area with the gangs and the graffiti i see around the city. "

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Motorcycle Mama wrote on Apr 3, 2007 2:37 PM:

" Drudge...take your blinders off and look around you. We 'undersirable elements are your dentists, your accountants, your plumbers and your teachers. We pay our taxes, raise our kids to be scholar athletes, contribute to the economy and raise a ton of cash for worthy causes. We are kindhearted and generous with our time and money. Druge=norrowmindedness. "

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To T&C wrote on Apr 3, 2007 2:07 PM:

" I don't know what a "good ol' boy" is, nor do I know what a "raboy" is. Truly, I don't. What I do know is this, T&C, you blame the "good ol' boyz" for so many things - what's the point? I don't get it. If you are not contributing to a solution for any problem that you see, then how can you justify making complaints? Quit ur bellyachin' and do something positive. Run for city counsel or shut up. This reader is tired of your nonsensical rants. "

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Good grief! wrote on Apr 3, 2007 1:59 PM:

" Some of the nincompooiest comments are made on these blogs. Look at Walt Gray from KCRA News. He heads up a biker event every year. He's a family man. A professional. Jay Leno attends rides. As do so many others. I know so many bikers who are Christians, attend church, go on rides. To categorize every biker as a bad person who drinks and raises "cain" is so erroneous. Get a clue. There are bad apples in every group no matter what you do or where you go. Give me a break! "

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nylodian wrote on Apr 3, 2007 1:38 PM:

" Yep. Beware of motorcyclists. Bad news. My brother (who has a top level job at a school district) is one and rides with others who wreak havoc by participating in Toys for Tots, raising money for domestic abuse victims, etc. "

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Dan wrote on Apr 3, 2007 1:36 PM:

" What is this "69 arrested out of 5,000"? If that is how many were arrested- how many more were not arrested but should have been? It sounds like many of these folks will bring their own alcohol or drink it before they enter the festival. How many of these riders will bring their children to the "family" strawberry festival on their motorcycles? I think the Galt police have got it right. "

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Drudge wrote on Apr 3, 2007 1:21 PM:

" Motorcyclists = bad news. This event would bring only undesirable elements into our area. "

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Noni wrote on Apr 3, 2007 12:27 PM:

" "The Shill" Weezer's Geezer remark about Policing problems is quite funny. Galt PD does enough constant policing of the roudy locals and their offspring. They should be ready for a Motorcycle Rally. No doubt they'll cause less trouble. "

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wake up raboy wrote on Apr 3, 2007 11:34 AM:

" "alcohol would be banned" it says it all right there. bikers will raise money for your town they will ride in on very expensive motorcycles and will wave at your children as they ride by causing no problems for you . im sure they will leave town whith there wallets a little lighter. ps. way to go keeping up whith gang graffiti all over the brand new walls on the eastside we should wrap some shoes around our power lines for the full affect of livin in "the hood" "

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Weezer wrote on Apr 3, 2007 11:09 AM:

" Right to ride, I stand corrected. I definitely but not purposely overlooked "alcohol would be banned." It's a welcome development that ensures bikers police their own. "

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Pissed wrote on Apr 3, 2007 11:02 AM:

" Modified Motorcycle Association. Show me a modified bike that isn't breaking the law with illegal pipes and I'll show you a bike that won't be attending the proposed rally. When are the police going to act on this ridiculous and growing problem. Ask the next cop how many noise tickets he has written in the last month or five years for that matter. Bike or other??? "

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Daily Reader wrote on Apr 3, 2007 10:50 AM:

" Thank You, Psychologist! I strongly agree. "

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OneMustWonder wrote on Apr 3, 2007 10:43 AM:

" One must wonder why some of you refer to Galt as a "town". Last I checked, it's a "CITY" as in it's corporated. You Galt people MUST realize you live in a CITY not a town; you have a city council. Maybe you people have been smoking some of that funny stuff you get from the GHS students! Hahaha! "

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Psychologist wrote on Apr 3, 2007 10:26 AM:

" You must understand that T&C has a fixation and obsession with the "good ol boyz". He wants so badly to be one of them but has been rejected earlier in life. The obsession still exists but now has turned into hate and jealousy. T&C refuses treatment and now experiences delusional moments. Facts are invented and venomous comments are made. It's a way of maintaining some sense of sanity. The sickness is progressing and without treatment will only get worse. Just trying to help. "

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tax payer / biker wrote on Apr 3, 2007 10:12 AM:

" "its ridiculous to expect trouble because a bunch of motorcyclists get together for a fund raising event the majority are just hard working tax payers just like your next door neighbors the "outlawbiker" are days mostly a thing of the past wake up its 2007 the hells angeles just celebrated 50yrs in there oakland chapter over the weekend whithout any bad incidents to make news give me a break ra boy "

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ALL FOR IT IN GALT wrote on Apr 3, 2007 9:07 AM:

" A SESPOOL OF GANG BANGERS TRYING TO MAKE NAME FOR THEMSELVES AND THE COPS DO NOTHING TO PREVENT THIS PROBLEM BUT DECIDE THAT THE BIKE CLUB WHO PUTS INTO TEH COMMUNITY CAN NOT HAVE THE HOLISTER. LETS JUST PUT THE GANG BANGERS BBQ INSTEAD AND SEE WHERE IT TAKES US. I FOR ONE WILL NOT BE ATTENDING AS THINGS ARE TOO VIOLENT IN OUR ONCE LITTLE TOWN "

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ALL FOR IT IN GALT wrote on Apr 3, 2007 9:07 AM:

" OK LETS LOOK AT THIS. LAST YEAR AT THE FESTIVAL GANG MEMBERS CAME INTO THE FAIR (FAMILY EVENT)STARTED AN ALL OUT WAR THAT LANDED SOMEONE IN THE HOSPITAL WITH SWELLING ON THE BRAIN. I KNOW ALOT OF THE MEMBERS OF THIS BIKE CLUB AND I AM ALL FOR IT JUST BECAUSE THEY RIDE A "HOG" AS OUR NEW CHEIF OF REJECTS FROM SAN JOANQUIN AND SACRAMENTO COUNTY SHERIFFS DEPT PUTS IT DON'T MAKE THEM FELONS. OUR ONCE LITTLE TOWN HAS BECOME "

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right to ride wrote on Apr 3, 2007 9:05 AM:

" Weezer; did you read the whole article or just pick out what you wanted?? The group clearly stated 'no alcohol' would be allowed. As for the $300,000 in police OT, research and see how much money was brought into the community, as opposed to spent. "Policing themselves", exactly what does that mean? Are you implying that we riders are careless, thoughtless, booze drinking, obnoxious, rowdy crowd?? You couldn't be more wrong!! Not all riders are like that, we are hard working professionals, white & blue collar workers, own our homes, have children, make an average of $75,000 a year "

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Motorcycle Mama wrote on Apr 3, 2007 8:58 AM:

" Being from Hollister. I've seen both sides of this event. Hollister's problems are years in the making. I'm a good citizen w/kids, job and family. Most 'bikers' are just like me. We are the majority now. Weekend Warriors who like to get away and hit the road. Banning alcohol is a great idea. Riders would show up for the fun, not expecting a party. Give it a year. If it doesn't work, don't do it again. I would charge more than $5. We're used to paying $35+. "

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Weezer wrote on Apr 3, 2007 8:55 AM:

" T&C, if you can't contribute anything sensible on the LNS blog, don't blame the "good ole' boys." It's so predictable that if your neighbor farts in front of your house, it's the good ole' boys fault. "

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Weezer wrote on Apr 3, 2007 8:14 AM:

" The fact is the bikers canNOT police themselves. Hollister's report says it all. The "city spends more than $300,000 in police overtime during the three-day event and there are numerous fights and alcohol-related arrests." Do you want those in a family event? A no-brainer indeed. "

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T & C wrote on Apr 3, 2007 7:29 AM:

" It's OK to have that flea market with all those con men and ilegals running around selling their contraband chinese junk without any control but not for a motorcycle group to put on a fundraiser? Oh, I forgot, most aren't "good ole' boyz" they're just many Galt citizens. You're little "government group" is as corrupt as is Lodi and their DLBP. It's always your way, the developers' way or no way! "

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