Hoping to end street takeovers, often resulting in damage to vehicles and injuries, Los Angeles County officials have taken the first step toward a huge punishment for anyone participating in illegal events, including those including spectators.
Street takeover, also known as the side, usually takes place at night, when large crowds gather at a closed intersection to watch “doughnuts” on cars, burning tires, drifting and other stunts.
Although participants say the acquisition is part of Southern California’s urban automotive culture, the activities have led to many deadly crashes and shootings in 2022. Recently, the acquisition has resulted in vandalism and burning of vehicles.
To combat activity in her community and other parts of the county, Los Angeles County Supervisor Holly J. Mitchell proposed a measure to increase the misdemeanor fine from $500 to $1,000 to double those participating in street takeovers.
The motion states that fines can be issued to those who organize, attend and watch events.
In addition to fines, the county plans to urge social media platforms to enforce their own terms and conditions that have prohibited promoting illegal activities by deleting and canceling posts on street acquisitions.
Previous reports have almost doubled in the city of Los Angeles from 2019 to 2020.
These gatherings have decreased in some parts of the county, a coalition of representatives from law enforcement, city, county and community groups, according to a report conducted by the Street Acquisition Reduction Task Force.
Latest data from the Los Angeles County Sheriff’s Office also found that the number of reported takeovers in nearly every watchdog in the county has dropped, except for the area represented by Mitchell.
In Mitchell, including Marina Del Rey, Culver City, Inglewood, Compton and Carson, the number of illegal activities jumped from July to September 191 to October to December 297.
She told KTLA News that Mitchell heard news from older people and young families, who said they were hearing the sound of street takeovers getting closer.
Lili Trujillo Puckett, founder and executive director of Street Racing Kills, a member of the county’s street acquisition team, thanks Mitchell for introducing the motion.
“I know it's one thing – my daughter was killed in a street competition. This tragic and unnecessary loss fueled my mission to end these deadly events and prevent other families from suffering the same heartbreak,” she said.
On Tuesday, the Supervisory Board supported the amendment. Members must vote before the new fines take effect to pass the updated ordinance.
The county move comes a year after the Los Angeles City Council launched a pilot program for 20 intersections with prolific street takeover activities, and installed a hardened centerline to stop motorists from doing stunts.
