The Ruelas brothers are famous names in automotive circles: “They started Dukes Car Club in 1962,” said Alma, now with chapters all over the state, including Ventura.Classic Chevrolets, heavy on the 1939 model, were everywhere at the celebration. “Desiree loves that model; if she could ever afford one she would buy one. There were 23 cars all together,” from various Duke’s chapters. “They are close friends who saw her grow up and said one day they would be part of the celebration for her. When we announced the party they said they would do the chauffeuring - rain or shine - and bring the best cars; they did,” said Alma. “I was very touched and moved, but it didn’t hit me until church. When we started to enter the church Desiree started shaking and said, ‘Mother, they came for me. . .’ ”Indeed, everyone did: the 14 member Court of Honor including Desiree’s escort, Miguel Rico of Santa Paula, the hundreds of friends, relatives and all six godparents, including Gilbert Chavez and George Arteaga, owners of Street Low magazine, based in San Jose, who were on hand to cover the event and the historic gathering of classic Chevy owners. The three-page magazine spread later this year on the Quincenera is “their gift to Desiree,” said Alma. Mementos at the party were, of course, miniature 39 Chevy’s with tiny Duke plaques.“Desiree cried a lot, gave a beautiful speech; her love poured out for me and her father. Duke’s Car Club is family, unity. . .we’re all related in one way or another or godparents to each other’s children. Everyone told her when she gets married they’ll bring 50 of the best cars; we were so blessed to celebrate this with family and close friends. I want to thank them from the bottom of my heart for their help; we couldn’t have done it without them.”Alma laughed when asked how she’s doing in the wake of the party: “I’m still recuperating. . .but it’s an event we’ll remember the rest of our lives.”
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Left to right are Escort Miguel Rico, Desiree Lino, father and mother Aurelio and Alma Lino |
Quincenera: Lino celebration mixes tradition and classic cars
October 13, 2000
Santa Paula News
By Peggy Kelly
Santa Paula TimesIt took two years of planning, plenty of hard work and more than a touch of worry, but the Quincenera for Desiree Lino turned out to be the party of a lifetime, including a dazzling array of classic cars from around the state driven by those who for years promised they would be there for the celebration.Quincenera is the traditional party for girls who turn 15 years old, said Desiree’s mother, Alma. “Quincenera is 15 in Spanish. Girls usually have a Sweet Sixteen but most girls really look forward to their Quincenera.”Planning for the event started in October 1998 when the family was able to secure the Poinsettia Pavilion: “They had only one Saturday open in 2000, September 23,” said Alma. “I said, ‘My God, it was meant to be!’ It’s Desiree’s actual birthday!”The date had even more meaning than the day of this only child’s birth: it was the 30th wedding anniversary for Alma and Aurelio Jr., his birthday, and his father’s - Aurelio Sr. - birthday.There were 350 guests for the all-day affair that started with Mass at St. Francis of Assisi Church in Fillmore featuring harp and guitar music by “Lencho Morza” who had played at Desiree’s 1st birthday party.The celebration at the Poinsettia Pavilion lasted until midnight, an event coordinated by Desiree’s godparents, Fernando and Gloria Ruelas of La Habra, and Julio and Caroline Ruelas of Los Angeles.
