IT APPEARS THAT CRUISE NIGHT has run out of gas on Stockton’s Miracle Mile. An event that had been scheduled for June 19 was canceled amid security concerns.

The event could get going again, but it will need additional police officers and security guards, Board President Jeff Gamboni of the Miracle Mile Community Improvement District told Stocktonia.

Cruise Night was intended to be a nostalgic showcase of automotive joy along the Miracle Mile, the city’s shopping and restaurant district along Pacific Avenue between Alpine Avenue and Harding Way.

But last month’s event got rowdy.

“Families, car enthusiasts, and community members came together to celebrate our city’s culture and love of classic cars,” the district said in a statement last week. “Unfortunately, as the evening progressed and after the event’s official time had passed, fights and violence disrupted the generally positive spirit of the event.”

As a result, the Stockton Police Department increased requirements for the presence of law enforcement personnel and security guards. In order to restart the event, the district said it “must carefully consider the increased costs as well as the risk involved with unruly behavior and potential violence.”

“We know some people are disappointed. We are disappointed, too.” Jeff Gamboni, Miracle Mile Community Improvement District

Gamboni said he understands how Cruise Night fans must feel about the cancellation.

“We know some people are disappointed,” he said. “We are disappointed, too.”

A maintenance crew that had been expected at last month’s Cruise Night didn’t show up, so Gamboni and others pitched in to clean up after the event. He said it gave him an up-close look at some of the issues.

In his view, the event became “a little too casual.” For instance, he said, alcoholic beverages shouldn’t be allowed on the street.

“People are not comfortable with open containers,” Gamboni said. “We want an event where rules are followed and laws obeyed.”

He urged anyone wishing to express their views about the event to get in touch with the district’s Cruise Night Committee.

“We just want to make sure it’s safe and family friendly,” Gamboni said.

This story originally appeared in Stocktonia.