McOsker Aims to Strengthen City Response to Illegal Street Takeovers in Harbor Gateway

LOS ANGELES  — Councilmember Tim McOsker introduced a motion Aug. 19 directing city departments to identify all existing and additional tools to combat recurring illegal street takeovers in Harbor Gateway, with a particular focus on Figueroa Street and Alondra Boulevard.

Residents in the area have experienced repeated street takeovers involving reckless driving, burnouts, excessive speeding, blocked intersections and large crowds. In addition to creating dangerous conditions for residents, motorists, pedestrians and first responders, these events can damage streets, roadway markings, curbs, signs and other public infrastructure.

“We need to use every existing tool available and establish more, if needed, to prevent these takeovers and hold those involved accountable,” said Councilmember Tim McOsker. “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. We need stronger enforcement, better coordination and effective tools to deter this activity before someone gets seriously hurt.”

McOsker’s motion directs the LA Police Department, Department of Transportation, 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 further directs the city to examine how individuals responsible for damaging public infrastructure can be held financially accountable. The city attorney 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.

McOsker added when someone damages public property during an illegal takeover, the residents of Los Angeles should not be left paying the bill.

“We should pursue every lawful avenue to recover those costs from the people responsible,” said Councilmember McOsker.

In addition, 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.