In an effort to deter illegal street takeovers from happening in Long Beach, the city council on Tuesday gave preliminary approval to an ordinance that would penalize spectators at the events.
Violation of the ordinance would be punishable as a misdemeanor or infraction at the discretion of the City prosecutor.
The ordinance states a person would be considered “present” at a street race or “reckless driving exhibition” if they are within 200 feet of the location of the event or the site of preparations for either event.
Councilmember Cindy Allen noted that in order to prevent bystanders from being caught in the crosshairs of the ordinance, the “extent of involvement” of a spectator who is found in violation should be considered.
A person’s previous participation or attendance at street takeover within three years can be used as evidence in court if they are found in violation of the ordinance.
Councilmember Daryl Supernaw, who requested the item in July 2021, noted that the ordinance is modeled after similar directives in Anaheim and San Jose.
Read more: Long Beach will draft ordinance that could penalize participants and spectators of street takeovers
Vice Mayor Rex Richardson supported the ordinance but echoed concerns raised in July 2021 about negative impacts the ordinance could have on local youth.
“I don’t believe that attending the street takeover should leave a black mark that ultimately can keep [youth] from getting a job or connected to things that you’re supposed to be doing,” Richardson said.
Councilmember Suely Saro noted that while street takeovers “can be dangerous” and the council had to “figure out how to address it,” how the ordinance potentially affects youth of color, immigrants and those who are undocumented was a concern.
“I certainly wouldn’t want them being at an event and getting caught and not just only going through the proceedings, but also being deported,” Saro said.
Richardson and Saro suggested using City programs such as Promising Adults, Tomorrow’s Hope (PATH), which offers youth ages 16 to 24 the choice to complete occupational training or mentoring instead of criminal prosecution. City Prosecutor Doug Haubert noted PATH could be engaged as an option.
“We need to make sure that we’re being developmentally sensitive, particularly with young people,” Richardson said.
Councilmember Allen called the focus on spectators a “good start” noting that they are a “big part of the issue,” and called for a focus on drivers.
“These events would never even happen without the driver,” Allen said.
The ordinance will come back to council for a final vote on March 8 and if adopted it will go into effect 31 days later.
“We have to make sure that we do let everyone [who participates] know that this is not allowed in Long Beach,” Councilmember Mary Zendejas said. “At the same time we have to be sensitive to some of the people that might be doing this. We’re not going to allow people to come in and put innocent lives at danger.”
