Long Beach City Council Cracks Down on Illegal Car Sideshows and Street Races with New Ordinance
Long Beach City Council has taken a stand against illegal car sideshows and street races by passing a new ordinance that prohibits promoting or advertising these dangerous events. Those found encouraging or advertising street takeovers could face fines of up to $1,000 and six months in jail. The ordinance aims to address the public safety risks and neighborhood disturbances caused by these exhibitions, which often involve cars performing stunts like donuts and burnouts in public intersections surrounded by crowds.
The ordinance, which will be drafted by the city's attorney's office and voted into law, will empower the police to penalize individuals who promote or encourage attendance at illegal street takeovers. Similar promotion bans are already in place in other cities like San Jose and Alameda County. The new law complements an existing ordinance that makes it a misdemeanor for individuals within 200 feet of a street takeover, with an exemption for accredited news reporters.
The 9th City Council District in Long Beach, where the proposal originated, has seen the highest number of reported street races compared to other parts of the city. Councilmember Joni Ricks-Oddie, representing the 9th District, emphasized that the law was a response to the ongoing public safety challenges posed by illegal street racing and sideshows. The police received 349 calls related to street racing between 2022 and 2023, with a significant portion originating from Ricks-Oddie's district.
Councilmember Tunua Thrash-Ntuk, whose district borders the 9th District, highlighted the prevalence of sideshows in the Longwood neighborhood, particularly on Susana Road near an elementary school. She stressed the dangers of reckless driving in areas frequented by children and emphasized the need to restore normalcy to the streets and neighborhoods. The city's Vision Zero initiative aims to eliminate all vehicular deaths by 2026, with traffic enforcement identified as a top priority by survey respondents.
As part of the city's efforts to enhance public safety, Long Beach plans to install three automated speeding ticket cameras in the 9th District along key roadways. The city's commitment to reducing traffic-related fatalities is underscored by the goal of fewer than 50 traffic deaths this year. By cracking down on illegal car sideshows and street races, Long Beach is taking proactive steps to protect its residents and create safer streets for all.
In conclusion, the new ordinance passed by the Long Beach City Council sends a clear message that promoting illegal car sideshows and street races will not be tolerated. With penalties of up to $1,000 and six months in jail for offenders, the city is prioritizing public safety and cracking down on activities that pose risks to the community. By working to eliminate these dangerous exhibitions, Long Beach is striving to create a safer environment for its residents and reduce the incidence of traffic-related fatalities.