Quattro de Mayo 2024

It was just like the ol’ days when Jose & Vicki Gutierrez put on the FOC Cinco de Mayo events. This time their attention to detail by family members Fabrizo and Martha Aldrette (Joses’ nephew) was unsurpassed. The ride and drive was challenging, the luncheon at Ernie’s Mexican Restaurant in North Hollywood was tasty, and the flower table center arrangements made by Jose Gutierrez’ daughter-in-law Monica, at the family’s Fantasy Flowers and Gifts store in Lynwood, were gorgeous. And just to top it off, they provided Mexican candy in small bags logoed with a Ferrari emblem from Snackers. House1, and created a beautiful detailed Ferrari themed sign that she posted in the center of the arrangement.

The camaraderie began instantly at the ride and drive gathering spot. Everyone arrived on time and got out of their cars. The member introductions, handshakes, and hugs began immediately, and conversations immediately ensued. We were having such a good time that it became difficult just gathering everybody to get a group picture.

When the drive began, most all of us were not aware of how long, difficult and challenging the drive would be. There were plenty of 25, 35 and 40 mph corner warning signs observed as we carved through the Placerita Canyon and Sand Canyon Roads, all of which were ignored. During lunch there were many conversations about the challenges, including several surprising ones where a little dirt and a few stones were kicked up exiting the corners. And then there was one dip in the road filled with runoff water resulting in a little hydroplaning and slippery exits.

There was a great variety of Ferraris and one Maserati on the ride and drive including Martha and Fabrizio’s Azzuro Chiro 348 TS; Jose Gutierrez’s yellow 355 GT Spider driven by his youngest son, Marcus; Al Ortiz’s Grigio Scaglietti 612; Don Culver’s Rosso hybrid SF 90 a supercar indeed; John Windt’s Rosso 430 GTB; Olga Baker’s spectacular yellow Maserati MC 20; Irwin and Sharon Wexler’s unique Grigio FF GT AWD; Rich and Jackie Adams’ rare Giallo Testarossa; and Chris & Christina Aber’s Rosso 360 GTB.

The Ernie’s Restaurant crew was ready for us when we arrived and their service throughout the luncheon was impeccable. The hors d’ oeuvres were scrumpdillyicious and the three entrée selections were delectable. Johanna, the restaurant’s event coordinator, went above and beyond working out the event details with Martha, and Luis stood and protected our Ferrari steeds from danger in the parking lot for three hours. We also give thanks to our photographers Julian and Jeorge for capturing the event on film.