Street takeovers — illegal gatherings that draw large crowds and dozens of vehicles speeding recklessly, closing down intersections and sometimes leading to store looting — have become such a nuisance in Harbor Gateway that Los Angeles Councilmember Tim McOsker has introduced a motion aimed strengthening the city’s response to the gatherings.
The motion, which McOsker introduced on Wednesday, Aug. 19, directs L.A. departments to identify all existing and additional tools to combat the practice in the Harbor Gateway area, especially focusing on the intersection of Figueroa Street and Alondra Boulevard.
“We need to use every existing tool available and establish more, if needed, to prevent these takeovers and hold those involved accountable,” McOsker said. “These events put nearby residents, motorists, pedestrians, first responders and the participants themselves at risk.
“Residents should not have to deal with dangerous driving, blocked streets and damage to their neighborhood because individuals decide to take over a public intersection for their own entertainment,” he added in a written statement. “We need stronger enforcement, better coordination and effective tools to deter this activity before someone gets seriously hurt.”
The gatherings, especially popular during the summer months, and occurring in many Southern California cities and neighborhoods, threaten the safety of residents, motorists, pedestrians and first responders, McOsker said, and also can damage streets roadway markings, curbs, signs, and other public infrastructure.
The motion directs the Los Angeles Police Department, Department of Transportation, the city attorney and other city departments to evaluate additional enforcement and prevention strategies, including the feasibility of impounding vehicles involved in street takeovers for up to 30 days where legally permissible.
It also calls for examining stronger administrative citations and penalties for participants and organizers, and expanding the use of investigative technology where appropriate and legally permissible.
The motion also directs the city to examine how individuals responsible for damaging public infrastructure can be held financially accountable. The city attorney’s office and relevant departments would report on criminal and civil enforcement options, as well as ways to recover the costs of repairing damaged streets, crosswalks, roadway striping, signage, curbs and other city property.
“When you destroy a crosswalk, tear up a street or damage other public property during an illegal takeover, the residents of Los Angeles should not be left paying the bill,” McOsker said. “We should pursue every lawful avenue to recover those costs from the people responsible.”
In addition to enforcement, McOsker’s motion calls for an evaluation of roadway and traffic improvements that could help deter or disrupt recurring takeovers at Figueroa Street and Alondra Boulevard and elsewhere in the Harbor Gateway.
The motion will next go to the Public Safety and Public Works committees, then back to council for final vote, according to McOsker’s office.