LAPD and City Attorney back special‑event permits after AB 436; DOT to lead outreach

The City Attorney's Office and Los Angeles Police Department urged the Transportation Committee to use a special‑event permit process and coordinated outreach to address large cruising gatherings after a change in state law governing anti‑cruising enforcement.

Deputy Chief Don Graham, commanding officer of LAPD's Transit Services Bureau, said a permit process would let city agencies bring resources — including signage and staffing — to an area before an anticipated cruising event and set expectations for organizers, businesses and residents. "A special event permit will allow us to bring resources into an area prior to an event like a cruising event," Graham said, adding that permits can reduce misunderstandings that lead to escalation.

A City Attorney representative said the city recognizes the cultural importance of lowrider and car‑club cruising but noted large gatherings can strain city resources, produce excessive noise, generate property damage and create public safety risks when participants perform stunts or drive off road. The representative said AB 436's legislative history calls for balancing cultural events with public safety and encouraged a collaborative permitting approach involving car clubs, local officials and law enforcement.

LAPD and the City Attorney said they would support DOT's community engagement and messaging around the change in state law. Committee members asked about which bureau would administer any permit; staff said the Bureau of Street Services currently handles special‑event permits and that a follow‑up briefing from that bureau would be helpful. DOT staff said they have begun removing some anti‑cruising signs in response to the state law change and will report back on progress.

The committee voted to note and file the City Attorney and DOT reports, 2–0.